Heated Gear: Canada/North America

[Fantastic Mrs Fox]

Can anyone recommend any reasonably priced heated gear that we can get in Canada/North America? Have heard great things about Gerbing from several sources but unfortuantely don't think our budget can stretch that far

[Gipper]

Hey Guys,

Unfortunately you tend to get what you pay for with heated clothing, Gerbing gear is very good - my wife got a Gerbing jacket (77 Watts) for South America - the only problem was the stock stator on the DR650 doesn't put out enough power to keep up with her clothing and my heated grips (riding 2up) at the same time. When I turned my grips off she was nice and toasty however - I thought it was better for me to be cold, than to be nagged!!!

I know you guys are on 2 bikes, what is the power out put from the stators on the CCM's ? the stock DRZ 400 stator is 200 watts- same as the DR650 - not sure if the CCM's are rated higher.

Firstgear are probably the best value around and have good reviews:

Firstgear 65 Watt Heated Jacket Liner - Motorcycle Superstore

I wouldn't go higher than the 65 Watt jackets with a 200 Watt stator - it will be easier on the bikes charging system and battery.

When you kids come through Banff give us a shout for a few 's

[leftfield123]

Hi, I have a pair of Gerbing gloves matched with a Firstgear heated jacket and love them. As mentioned above, make sure your bike has enough electrical juice to keep them going. As you stated, they do tend to be pricy. One way to get around that is to look on cites like Ebay or Craigslist and pick up used gear. I'm not sure about Canada, but there is a large used market in the US. Good luck.

[sportsguy]

Warm n safe. Love mine.

[peter griffin]

TourMaster has held up well over the years for me. The jacket is around $200.00

[Jamie Z]

I'm not entirely certain about your situation. You appear to be from the UK but you're asking where you can get good heated gear in North America, so I'm assuming you're coming here for holiday and plan to buy at the start of your trip.

So...

I'm not sure my advice would be all that helpful, but all my heated gear is from Widder. They stopped manufacturing heated gear a couple years ago, but there's plenty still available online (ebay). I've got three vests and wiring/controllers for all three and have probably a bit more than US$100 into all of it. So far, no troubles.

But, it's not something you can buy at a moment's notice. I've been perusing the auction site for a year or more.

That said, used gear of all brands are widely available second-hand on the 800 lb gorilla auction site. If you're on a limited budget, I'd have a look around.

Jamie

[sparks07]

Originally Posted by peter griffin

TourMaster has held up well over the years for me. The jacket is around $200.00

Agree, I have a Tour Master and it's really been a solid purchase! Great value for money

[boulevard beck]

I've had a great experience with First Gear heated gear. I have their 65W jacket with sleeves and it's lasted for 8 years and still works great. I really like this jacket as a liner to whatever other jacket I'm wearing.

I also have some gloves of theirs, however the left one stopped working shortly after I got them (attached pic). I waited a couple years and decided to see if First Gear would do anything for me - they replaced them for free. Then the second pair arrived and the left one stopped working, too. Again, they were placed for free. Great service, but the quality on these gloves in particular might not be 100%.

[rjhendricks]

Just finished an hour's ride at -3C (26F) around south Georgia (USA). I HAD to try my new heated socks from Warm Gear, in combination with my HD full jacket liner, pants liner and gloves. Very warm and toasty. Had to fiddle with the dual controller to keep the heat under control...got too warm initially. Excellent way to start the day. Happy New Year.

[mollydog]

I did not realize HD (Harley-Davidson) made heated gear. :confused1:

Back to Mrs. Fox and her query .... (she's probably in Alaska by now ...

First Gear and Tourmaster (USA companies) are "new kids on the block" regards heated gear. Around a few years now. First reports are pretty good.

Is it as good as industry leader Gerbing? Dunno? Do research and find back to back comparo tests. I'm sure they're out there.

Warm & Safe make the gear for First Gear (used to be made in Pakistan, now?), Tourmaster are made in China, afaik. Gerbing: made in USA (or used to be).

Mrs. Fox ... no doubt you are aware Gerbing gear is for sale in the UK?
You can see their ads in major Brit magazines. Prices are (no doubt) HIGHER in the UK than USA ... so you may save a few bucks buying in US. (not Canada ... import duty)

You may find good deals on USED heated gear on various forums.

Widder! Haven't heard that name in 10 years. Far as I know they've been out of business for ages.

I've tested Warm & Safe vs. Gerbing. Gerbing was warmer, Warm & Safe was better made ...early ones sucked 90 watts!
Just 77 watts on the Gerbing. All are better now and draw less current.

The latest Gerbing uses some sort of micro-weave Kevlar fabric. Reviews are good, not tried one. More expensive of course.
Also, the new Gerbing's draw less current. .. big plus on low output systems.

IMHO, both First Gear and Tourmaster will soon catch up to and over run Gerbing. They can build the product cheaper and sell it cheaper ... and still offer a better product .... ONCE THEY LEARN HOW.

The original owner of Warm & Safe (supplies First Gear) is sharp and knows how to construct elec. gear. (I've met him) He had years of technical problems but has figured it all out at this point. Very good product.

As of now, my 10 year old Gerbing elec. jacket is still hangin' in there.

Chapter Two: How to wear an Elec. Jacket properly for MAX effectiveness.