Heated (electric) jacket liner.

Ok, after putting it off for the past couple years, before it start's getting cold, I'm going to get a electric liner. Question - which one? Gerbing, Widder's or something else.

Who has what, what would you buy again, what would you stay away from?

Thanks!!

 

I had the Widders vest. It was nice. At first I was quite pleased with it however it was the vest only. In the colder part of the winter, the arms were very cool, almost cold to ride the highways. It came with the on off switch. But it failed after one year of use.

I have replaced it with the Gerbing's Sleeved vest. I love this jacket. However it did not come with the on off switch and I found that this is a must. So this was extra. So you put these two together and the Gerbing's is a more expensive but this also is reflected in the quality. They do have a thermostatically controlled switch that really would be a nice luxury. But to turn the available regular switch on and off when needed while driving is very easily accomplished. And this jacket comes wired ready to accept Gerbing's electric pants and gloves.

If I were to do it all over again, I would get the Gerbing's with the thermostatic switch.

Hope this helps.

BTW. I ride year round, rain or shine. Often below freezing and sometimes caught in the snow when I park it where I can. This is mostly commuting at or above freeway speeds.

PS.

For you presently employed LEO's out there this is not an admission of any quilt under any statute in any jurisdiction.:hangme:

 

hey randy where can u find one of them jackets at heated

 

I have the Eclipse heated vest. I love it!!! What size are you? Mine is a M and I am now a XL (got married and wife is a good cook). I need to get a larger one. So, I could let this one go for a bargain if it would fit you. It is like new and comes with the thermostat and a straight wire which I made for it. Both work fine. I use the straight wire for the coldest rides and the thermostat when I might not need full power all the time. It seems to get hotter with the straight wire. Heated clothing is a must for cold weather riding!!!

 

If Eddie can't help you out, go to Gerbing.com - gerbings Resources and Information.. This is their home page and you should be able to find a place from there. In Canada anyways, they are readily available from just about any motorcycle dealer but the specific jacket you want, may have to be ordered in. I had to order mine in and it took less that two weeks to get. But remember, the gerbings came with a plug in and no on-off switch. That I had to order separate from Gerbings. You can also order their thermostatically controlled switch too.

Good luck.

 

exo² The Heat Inside I just orderd the jacket and accessories. I havent tried them yet as its still warm here in the south and I am a huge wuss when it comes to the cold. I ordered this because it can be ran off a portable/rechargeable battery. Hope this helps

 

I have a Gerbing jacket and Tour master gloves. I was out all weekend in 5 - 7 deg C weather and was completely warm and comfortable. Great addition to the wardrobe!
Don't get the jacket too big, it should seem a bit small on you when you first put it on, you want it to cling so there are no air pockets, and not have the sleeves too long either.

John

 

Thanks!!

Randy - thanks for the advice, I picked up one of the Gerbing's jacket liners last week, and it's since around 38 deg. in the morning. With the jacket liner my 30 mile commute has been nice and warm. Thanks again.:cheersaf:

 

thanks randy and every body

 

Eddie i was wondering if you would still like to sell that heated vest.

 

Direct plug in's and on/off switches just barley do the job. Thermostats are the way to go IMO. Keep in mind that they function best when reading ambient.

 

Just to add something here. I've been using Gerbing's heated gear for 5 seasons now. I had to sent my jacket liner and gloves in for repairs back in September. 5 years of abuse and they fixed them without question or cost. The customer service on the phone was great and my results have been great. I asked them to put more wiring in my gloves to increase the heat levels which they did...again free of charge. My hands bake now! Woohoo! I had the opportunity to test them for the first time this past weekend.

They have a lifelong customer at this point.

 

Thanks for the info on Gerbing's after sale service. This is rare but great. No better advertising than a report from a satisfied customer. Poor after sale service is why I have changed from being a total Sony client to being anything but.

 

Gerbings gear is all US designed and fabricated. The business is family owned.

Gerbings has sponsored an event put on by Soundrider Magazine for years.

One of he better stories about Gerbings is the one about the guy who had a couple of missing fingers and Gerbings modified his heated gloves for him.

True story. I heard it from Jim Gerbing about 7-8 years ago.

 

I've been very happy with the Aerostich Kanetsu heated fleece vest, with optional zip-in sleeves (the sleeves are not heated, however.) I plug the Kanetsu (which draws ~3 amps) into the VFR's Battery Tender plug, and it gets very warm underneath my FirstGear TPG Rainier jacket. )The Kanetsu fleece also has a high neck collar that's very well heated.)

The Kanetsu, along with a pair of Hot Grips (Model Ergo2-520-760 - kit - for 7/8" Handlebars) have allowed me to continue to ride with great comfort and warmth here in Ohio while most other riders have parked their bikes until next season.

 

Are the labels on all this gear on the inside or the outside?

 

Warm & Safe. Check out his site. First Gear is now selling his stuff, so you can get it discounted at places like Tonkers. I've had his liner for years and just added the gloves.

 

I bought the exo2 vest off of eBay for around 140$. I really like it so far.I bought this one because it wires into the bike and has the option for adding a battery pack(60$). I liked this option because I could also use it hunting and whatever else in the cold. Altogether with battery option wasn't much more than some of the battery only vests i looked at.
It does not have the thermostat but I have not found this to be a problem at all. It never got too hot to where I thought I needed to turn it off. I have worn it in the mid 40's down to 28 one day without windchill. Im originally from florida and am a baby when it comes to being cold, this vest kept comfortable in my early morning 40 min commutes.
Most vests I looked at only have heat in the back, but this one has heated pockets which actually heat the front a bit. The material was nice and stretchy and doesn't seem to attract fibers like a fleece might.
The collar around the neck has not been too much of a problem. I wear t shirt with long sleeve under, put the vest on then a Hooded sweatshirt with my leather jacket on top. Leather jacket is a little tight but still snaps around the neck. The high neck on the vest helps keep out some wind. Overall I thought the neck was as beneficial as it was uncomfortable.
Thought I might share this as I did quite a bit of research before I chose one. Feel free to repost as I do not get on forums much.

 

I agree with getting one with a thermostat controle, im not sure what brand mine is but it is just a plug in so either on or off but you have to be stopped to disconnect the cord. I love the heat but as the temp goes up it get's to hot. Do not get one that is to lose. It should fit fairly snug over a T-shirt. Mine is a vest but comes up nicely around my neck. Works great when it's cold but adjustable temp is a must if I ever replace it.

 

I've got Gebring jacket liner & gloves +1 on customer service, the first gloves I ordered were Large (my normal size) but turned out a slightly large. After I'd used them a couple of months I saw the company at a show and said I really rated the gloves but wish I'd gone medium ... they just swapped them for brand new ones there and then. I'd not actually suggested it they just volunteered. Anyone got the heated trouser liners & socks ????