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Heated Vests - which one? Heated Vests - which one?
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  #1  
Old 19 Aug 2006
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Heated Vests - which one?
I'm off to Alaska within the next 2 weeks.

I want to buy a heated vest, but don't know which one to buy. I'm looking at Widder, Gerbings, and http://www.exo2.co.uk/exo2motorcycle.html which looks interesting, not actually having any wires.

Anyone able to recommend one? The Evo2 seems particularly interesting, but I guess there must be some drawbacks, otherwise they'd have cleaned up!

Also, not sure how beneficial the sleeves and collar options are, or if a waistcoat creates enough heat at your "core" to keep the rest of you warm?
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Old 19 Aug 2006
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Thumbs up
Try http://www.heat4jackets.com/ for the budget option!
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  #3  
Old 19 Aug 2006
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Hi Ian,

I can recommend Widder's stuff. Mine's now over ten years old yet still works perfectly.

Could I suggest that you select one without a collar, as you'll never get the top button on your bike jacket fastened if it has one!

Regards

Reggie AKA The Cameraman
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  #4  
Old 19 Aug 2006
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My wife and I both had vests for years and they were OK, not great.
We bought the Gerbing heated jacket liners and they are so much better than the vests.
They are a thin material and do not add the bulk under you jacket as much as a vest does. They are much easier to pack when not in use.
The best is that the sleeves are heated. That makes a big difference.
When your arms are cold your hands will be cold.
We both have the Gerbings jacket liners with the collar and we both like a warm neck.
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  #5  
Old 19 Aug 2006
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I've had my Gerbing jacket for nearly ten years. I realize you lot in the UK have been a bit slow on the uptake on heated gear. When I was in Oxford in
2001 I let my buddy try the Gerbing. He was astounded on his 20 mile commute to work. He ordered one immediatley.

Widder is a cruel joke by comparison and so are most of the Euro units who
are new to the heated clothing game. Go with Gerbing. Get the thin jacket
liner. As stated above, heated sleeves are the Dogs Bollocks.

You can ride in below freezing temps in relative comfort.

Also see a new US company called Warm & Safe. Very nice jacket that
I'm testing at the moment for the magazine.

BTW mate, you are WAY too late for Alaska. You'll not get far, trust me.
Talk to any locals. August 15th is the absolute cut off. You may see some of the Southern bits and Canada but further north, Alaska will be weathered in.

Cheers,

Patrick
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Old 20 Aug 2006
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Heated vest
I have been using widder heated gear since 1980. Works great and draws very little current (really look at current draw and bike output). I have run sidecars in temps that were below freezing with all the snow and ice etc. My latest in the year trip to alaska was in the first two weeks of sept. On that trip I rode up from wash. state and back in two weeks, the gravel started 100 miles out of dawson creek. In 2004 I left montana in june with my widder electrics on because of the rain and cold and ended up in inuvik NWT in 85 degree weather. By all means have some kind of electric gear. It makes the trip much more enjoyable and can keep the hypothermia and resulting stupid moves from causing trouble.
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Old 21 Aug 2006
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Another vote for Gerbing ; good quality, the optional "heat troller" thermostat works well for warmth regulation.

I wouldn't underestimate the benefit of keeping your neck, and therefore all the blood that flows through it warm !

By far the best motorcycling accessory I've ever bought (and I've bought a few ... ).

Phil
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  #8  
Old 23 May 2007
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Lightbulb Make Your Own
I know this is a rather old thread but I didn't want to start a new one. My dad sent me some info on making your own heated vest a day or two ago - I get cold easy, lol.

Here are the links:

Home Made Electric Motorcycle Clothing

DIY Heated Vest

http://www.klr650.marknet.us/diy-Electric_Vest.pdf

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Old 23 May 2007
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Also for those with a bit of time on their hands

Heat4Jackets.com - Heated Jacket Kits for Motorbikes

I made my own (not one of the above kits) and it makes a big difference, mine pulls about 65w

Trophymick
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Old 23 May 2007
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Hey SwampFox,
I think I know your Dad from the Yahoo Vstrom list. Didn't he used to ride a BMW, now has a DL? There was a guy there that worked the Oil Rigs and used to post from out in the Gulf. I think he mentioned his son too? (You?) Maybe the same family? Sorry if I've got this wrong.

If so, I really like your Dad. He is a Hell of a machinist if I recall.

Welcome to HU!

Patrick
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  #11  
Old 24 May 2007
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Talking Yeah - thats my Dad
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Hey SwampFox,
I think I know your Dad from the Yahoo Vstrom list. Didn't he used to ride a BMW, now has a DL? There was a guy there that worked the Oil Rigs and used to post from out in the Gulf. I think he mentioned his son too? (You?) Maybe the same family? Sorry if I've got this wrong.

If so, I really like your Dad. He is a Hell of a machinist if I recall.

Welcome to HU!

Patrick

LOL, yeah, thats my Dad, yeah he was probably referencing me, lol. although I have a little brother and a twin. My twin doesn't ride and my little brother is dangerous with less than a year of riding.

He's not a machinist, but is pretty d@mn close. My dad's little brother is a however a machinist. So my Dad will often times just get his lil'bro to make what he has trouble with.

Thanks for the welcome
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