Gerbing's Classic Heated Gloves

There is a light dusting of snow on the ground. It is 8:00 a.m. on a beautiful twenty-eight degree Colorado day. A quick check confirms the sun has melted the snow from the roads, and it is safe to ride the Santa Sleigh Run today. It seems like a great day to try out my new Gerbing Classic Heated Gloves and Heated Motorcycle Jacket Liner (see Gerbing’s Heated Motorcycle Jacket Liner product review).

 

As a female who has logged thousand of miles on the back of my husband’s motorcycles, I struggled to find ways to stay warm until I discovered heated clothing. I used to think that sitting on my leather-gloved hands was the answer to keeping them warm, until I tried Gerbing’s Classic Heated Gloves. Now, heated motorcycle clothing seems like essential equipment to me. It is lightweight, easy to pack, and ensures a more comfortable ride regardless of weather. 

 

Gerbing was started in 1976 by Gordon Gerbing near Seattle Washington. Heated clothing was the hobby that became his full-time passion in the 1980s. As more and more people learned of the benefits of heated clothing, Gerbing’s business continued to grow. In 1999 Harley-Davidson selected Gerbing to be the sole supplier of the Harley-Davidson label heated clothing. Gerbing’s goal is to maintain Gordon’s original vision of making a quality product at a fair price that genuinely improves the lives of their customers.

 

 

Gerbing’s Classic Heated Gloves are made of quality black leather. The breathable lining is 100% polyester with Thermolite insulation. The result is a light, strong and flexible glove that provides protection from water and wind. The lining is attached to the inside of the glove to prevent it from pulling out of the glove when you remove your hand. Gloves are elasticized at the wrists and extend 4” (10cm) higher on the arm. A gusseted opening and 4” (10cm) leather tab with Velcro strips permit the wearer to create a snug fit over their jacket sleeve to prevent wind from entering sleeve openings. 

 

The gloves heat the entire length of each finger as well as the back of the hand. Additional padding and non-skid strips for better gripping are provided on the palms. A 7” (18cm) connector cable is located on the top glove edge of each glove. All Gerbing heated clothing interconnects, so heated gloves plug into the sleeve plug of a Gerbing’s heated jacket or heated jacket liner. Gloves can also be worn by themselves with the glove/sock harness provided with the gloves at no extra cost. 

 

 

 

Gerbing’s unique heated clothing feature is their high-density heat pads sown into special fabric pads. Each pad is designed and engineered to produce a specific amount of heat. The design of the pads makes them extremely durable and almost unnoticeable. Pads are then strategically located throughout the garment to provide natural, balanced heat output. And, they do keep you warm. Just moments after plugging gloves into a 12-volt power source or by starting your motorcycle, you feel the warmth on your fingers and hands. 

 

Gerbing’s heated clothing line includes not only gloves, but also outer jackets, vests, jacket liners, pants, and socks. All their heated clothing forms an interconnected system in which every item connects to everything else with a single connection to your motorcycle battery. 

The temp-controller, purchased separately in either single or dual control models, connects to the battery harness and allows the user to control the garment heat output. Controllers have either a single or double knob to regulate the heat and also serves as an on/off switch. Leather clip cases are also available for your temp controller. Clip cases help protect your controller and include a belt clip on the back. Consider the temp-controller to be a good investment. It allows you to control the heat, and these garments put out the heat! With the temp-controller, you select how warm you want to be. 

 

Connecting the battery harness to your motorcycle battery is not difficult. The harness can then be attached to your motorcycle frame or pulled up under your seat in a location convenient for access. Because power outputs can vary from motorcycle to motorcycle, Gerbing recommends checking your motorcycle owner’s manual or with your dealer regarding questions about your alternator peak power output. Gerbing’s Classic Heated Gloves require about 22 watts per pair. We have successfully used our heated gear on both a touring bike and a sport bike.

 

Some of you may be wondering how well the heating elements will wear over time. According to Gerbing, no matter how often you crumple or fold your heated clothing or how many years you own your heated clothing, they are confident their heating system will continue to function flawlessly. How confident you ask? Their answer is a lifetime warranty on the heating elements. To quote their warranty card: “when you purchase a Gerbing’s heated garment within the United States, the electrical components of the garment are warranted to be free from factory defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the garment.” Non-electrical components of their clothing are warranted for one year after purchase.

 

Care of your Gerbing’s Classic Heated Gloves is simple. Gerbing recommends using Nikwax products to care for you leather gloves. No need to worry about voiding your lifetime warranty or breaking wires or connections. Gerbing believes their clothing is so durable that if a problem ever develops with the electrical features, they will fix it for free forever.

 

Hesitant to purchase clothing over the phone or online? Gerbing has that covered, too. You can return any product purchased from them for a full refund within 30 days of the purchase. Temp-controllers are warranted from factory defect for two years from the initial purchase.

 

 

The price of Gerbing’s Classic Heated Gloves is $139. The Classic Heated Gloves are worth the price for riding in cold weather. The gloves are well constructed, durable, and will keep you warm. Risk factors are increased when traveling by motorcycle. Wind chill and humidity all cause discomfort and additional danger as reaction times are slowed while decreasing hand and body movement.

 

In addition to the jacket liner, you will need a battery harness ($8) to connect the gloves to your motorcycle battery. Again, I recommend the Temp-Controller (Single control $69; Dual control $99) and the Control Cover ($10). Having the option to control the heat output of the gloves as opposed to an off/on switch is worth the money.

 

 

I like Gerbing’s Classic Heated Gloves and they do keep my hands toasty warm. Women may need to consider selecting a smaller than recommended size. My hands measure 7.5” or a small when measured per Gerbing’s instructions. I found small to be too large for my hands and that an extra small fit better and was less bulky. Heated gloves do require additional time to connect before you ride and tend to be a little bulky. I find the size and material tags on the glove opening to be a nuisance. They tend to flip out and get in the way. That said, I believe Gerbing’s Classic Heated Gloves are worth the investment and contribute to a much more enjoyable cold weather ride.

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