Here's the initial findings of my heated gear comparison:
GERBING GLOVES
Nice fit. Get "moist" too quick. Gotta have the dual controller to control heat to the gloves properly. MUST use an over glove in wet weather - these are all leather and will really get water logged. That happened to me last November. But note that the heat kept going into the glove so I had "warm water" all around my hands.
WIDDER GLOVES
Fantastic. They are also mostly covered with a weather proof material. The palms are leather. However, Widder does not make a dual controller so the heat control feeds both jacket and gloves. But Widder has something right because not only do my hands stay warm, they never get "moist".
WIDDER CONTROLLER
Difficult to use. It is not easy to attach so that the control readings are easily seen. I've tried strapping it to my leg which helps a bit. No LED like on the Gerbing.
GERBING CONTROLLER
Really nice. You can get a holder with a strong clip that goes right onto my jacket. It has 2 indicator lights telling you about feed to either the jacket or gloves. Very easy to change temps without looking.
WIDDER JACKET
Fantastic. Nice and warm with a great fit. It is actually a vest. If you want sleeves you buy Widder "Arm Chaps". They fit nice and snug with easy straps that allow for keeping that heat close to your body.
GERBING JACKET
Fantastic. Good warmth coverage. Fit is critical.
BIGGEST WIDDER DRAWBACK
Each connection is dependent on proper alignment - it is easy to reverse polarity. Bad thing.
BIGEST GERBING DRAWBACK
Mine has consistently blown fuses. This current jacket is only 600 miles old and so far is OK. We'll see how further testing goes.
SO FAR ---
I'd go with Widder because it is more reliable and better waterproofing on the gloves.
CLOTHING LAYERS
Layering. I still like to use a light pile liner or a nice Windblocker pull over ON TOP of the electric gear. Why? It keeps it close to your body.
So here are my layers:
1. VERY THIN T Shirt - I like the new mil spec thin udershirts
2. T NECK OR LONG SLEEVE T SHIRT
3. ELECTRIC JACKET
4. LIGHT PILE LINER
5. GORE TEX DARIEN OR ROADCRAFTER
This allows me maximum flexibility for the wide range we encounter here in this screwed up weather area. No. My flexibility is not affected at all. And remember, you can always get cooler -- YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET WARMER UNLESS YOU GOT THE GEAR WITH YOU!!
MORE TO COME