Topic: HEATED GEAR TESTING- WIDDER & GERBING (Read 8716 times)

DREBBIN · « **on:** January 15, 2006, 08:01:22 PM »

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

Twolanerider · « **Reply #1 on:** January 15, 2006, 08:18:14 PM »

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Here's the initial findings of my heated gear comparison:

Drebbin, which Gerbing glove did you use. Their old standard or the new G3 that began to come available just before Christmas?

JCZ · « **Reply #2 on:** January 15, 2006, 08:21:42 PM »

Great review Drebbin! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

It's interesting that you keep blowing fuses with the Gerbing......I can only think that you have a short somewhere. I have the Gerbing jacket liner, gloves, pants liner and sox but usually only use the gloves and jacket liner. I've got several thousand miles on mine and have not blown a fuse yet. But thanks for the objective review.

For others, there are several threads in here that relate to heated clothing if this is something that may be of interest......you can do a search.

DREBBIN · « **Reply #3 on:** January 17, 2006, 06:34:26 AM »

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Great review Drebbin! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

It's interesting that you keep blowing fuses with the Gerbing......I can only think that you have a short somewhere.

DREBBIN · « **Reply #4 on:** January 17, 2006, 06:36:23 AM »

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Drebbin, which Gerbing glove did you use.

JCZ · « **Reply #5 on:** January 17, 2006, 10:09:50 AM »

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Short somewhere? Nope. Here's why.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #6 on:** January 17, 2006, 11:57:38 AM »

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Don, did you ever get those new gloves?

greglyon · « **Reply #7 on:** January 17, 2006, 01:03:56 PM »

Are the Gerbing dual controllers worth the extra $. That is, how important is it to seperately regulate your liner when the gloves are plugged in. Also, should I order their new G3 glove or the older thicker one that appears to have a better gauntlett to keep wind off my arm?
Even in Arizona it gets cold!

Twolanerider · « **Reply #8 on:** January 17, 2006, 01:38:12 PM »

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Are the Gerbing dual controllers worth the extra $.

JCZ · « **Reply #9 on:** January 17, 2006, 02:13:05 PM »

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The limited experience I've had so far makes it plain to me that the dual controller is a must.

greglyon · « **Reply #10 on:** January 17, 2006, 02:45:29 PM »

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The limited experience I've had so far makes it plain to me that the dual controller is a must. I've never had a day where the jacket and gloves were turned up he same amount. I ordered the "Harley version" of the controller from Chicago HD online though. It's the same part. But a little cheaper. Then the 20% discount on top of that. And the Harley version included the little pouch.

Thanks for your input. That is the way I will go.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #11 on:** January 17, 2006, 03:46:29 PM »

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Don, I believe that you have Gerbing also, have you had any problems with blowing fuses as Drebbin mentions above?

JCZ · « **Reply #12 on:** January 17, 2006, 06:54:46 PM »

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None at all JC.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #13 on:** January 17, 2006, 07:10:48 PM »

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Sounds like you have the same plug (large BMW type) hard mounted under the seat frame like I do.

JR · « **Reply #14 on:** January 17, 2006, 08:36:26 PM »

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JC, found the hardware I used from an outfit called Powerlet.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #15 on:** January 18, 2006, 12:13:54 AM »

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[smiley=worthless.gif]

MYCVO · « **Reply #16 on:** January 18, 2006, 07:34:30 AM »

I just have recently got the Gerbing heated gloves ( the older ones) right after I got them did I start hearing about the G3 to come out, Figures.. But I've found that the older ones work great as far as warmth, they do feel bulky, and tends to make control of the bike a little odd for several miles until you get the feel. (everytime).
I haven't had them long enough to give much more info on them but the wiring through the jacket (I don't have the Gerbing jacket liner yet) can be a real pain in the ass. Almost need to sew in securing points.
I did get the HD dual controller knowing that the liner would be forthcoming, but found that the Gerbing on/off switch was easier, without all the extra wires to deal with. The temps out were to cold (20) to not have them on at max anyways.
My brother Scott has ordered the G3 gloves and I'll compare his then. If much better I'll donate mine to my wife, she's on the back so no control issues there.

Mark

MYCVO · « **Reply #17 on:** January 18, 2006, 07:50:54 AM »

I set-up my connection with the plug that came with the gloves as shown in this pic. Easy to get to, doesnt move around at all, and whatever wires are in front of you and in your lap if needed to connect or pull while one the bike or off. Seems to be a good spot.

JR · « **Reply #18 on:** January 18, 2006, 05:09:38 PM »

Thanks for the pictures guys! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

JR [smiley=banana.gif]

JCZ · « **Reply #19 on:** January 20, 2006, 10:53:45 PM »

I used the BMW style recepticle sockets for a rigid mount on my heated clothes, also. I put two on (for me and her) a piece that I had made and powdercoated to match the frame.

JCZ · « **Reply #20 on:** January 20, 2006, 10:54:43 PM »

and the same photo with the recepticles open..........

Twolanerider · « **Reply #21 on:** January 20, 2006, 11:04:55 PM »

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and the same photo with the recepticles open..........

Doors opened or closed, just doesn't matter. All that chit looks better on a red bike

[smiley=banana.gif] [smiley=jalapeno.gif]

[smiley=cherry.gif] [smiley=cherry.gif] [smiley=cherry.gif]

DREBBIN · « **Reply #22 on:** January 21, 2006, 11:48:50 AM »

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Are the Gerbing dual controllers worth the extra $.

erniezap · « **Reply #23 on:** January 21, 2006, 12:24:31 PM »

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Like I said, that's interesting.......I've had mine with several thousand miles on them and my lady's too and not a problem with any of it.

Magoo, have you had any problem with yours?

greglyon · « **Reply #24 on:** February 10, 2006, 09:04:44 AM »

I exchanged the older style Gerbing gloves for the new G3. More comfortable and does provide better dexterity. If it weren't so blasted warm around here, I could see if they work.

mr_magoo · « **Reply #25 on:** February 10, 2006, 09:24:55 AM »

Have been using the Gerbing gear for about 2 years now. Have never blow a fuse. The wise thing to do is resetable circuit breakers, what size fuses are you running? I have the ultimate riding suit and use a heat troller dual control. Have gloves seperate from the pants and jacket. I wear silk glove liner (help with hands sweating) over leather gerbing gloves and have never hard wet hands, have you ever treated the gloves? Gerbing customer service is great to deal with wife exchanged heated pants 4 or 5 times no questions asked. Sorry to hear about your misfortion with Gerbing.

GHaz · « **Reply #26 on:** February 10, 2006, 05:12:03 PM »

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Doors opened or closed, just doesn't matter.

mr_magoo · « **Reply #27 on:** February 10, 2006, 09:34:19 PM »

I use Nix wax for gloves on mine.

JCZ · « **Reply #28 on:** April 21, 2008, 08:57:29 PM »

Well, it's been more than two years since I had the BMW style recepticles installed and I've really enjoyed this feature.

But our ride to Lake Tahoe and Death Valley weekend before last......seeing others messing with their plugs and recepticles made me appreciate them just that much more.

Copper/Black Cvo · « **Reply #29 on:** April 21, 2008, 10:03:52 PM »

Gerbing makes a great product...

I also have the dual controls and enjoy powering out the liner jacket some and increasing the heat in the gloves when riding against the wind in the winter months...

Jock · « **Reply #30 on:** April 22, 2008, 09:43:45 PM »

Quote from: Copper/Black Cvo on April 21, 2008, 10:03:52 PM

I also have the dual controls and enjoy powering out the liner jacket some and increasing the heat in the gloves when riding against the wind in the winter months...

Ditto

Jock · « **Reply #31 on:** September 05, 2008, 10:25:32 PM »

I know it seems strange to post this now...but I utilized my vest and dual controls on my ride to Alaska this summer for a few days...thank GOD I had 'em.

JCZ · « **Reply #32 on:** September 06, 2008, 10:23:44 AM »

Quote from: JCZ on January 20, 2006, 10:53:45 PM

I used the BMW style recepticle sockets for a rigid mount on my heated clothes, also. I put two on (for me and her) a piece that I had made and powdercoated to match the frame.

Just had the same thing made for Terrie's dyna last weekend. The BMW style plug and recepticle is definately worth it!

Buy early · « **Reply #33 on:** January 10, 2009, 11:06:33 AM »

Based on this thread, I added the BMW socket to my bike as well. Mounted in an existing location used for ignition key on other dynas. Turned out well. Found a hot topper and dremeled the body off and rounded the under side so it could act as a cover. Will be using this as the outlet for the battery charger as well. Thanks to those on this forum for providing info needed to get this done!

Shameless plug for other stuff I've done to my scoot, much of it inspired by others on this site:

http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=27725.0;all

Author Topic: HEATED GEAR TESTING- WIDDER & GERBING (Read 8716 times)