Riding a motorcycle with cold hands can be an uncomfortable experience, especially during the winter months. Many riders use heated grips or heated gloves to stay warm and comfortable on the road. But which one is better: heated grips or heated gloves?
This article explores the benefits and drawbacks of heated grips and heated gloves to help you decide which option is best for you.
- Table of Contents
- 1. Heated Grips
- 2. Heated Gloves
- 3. Heated Grips vs Heated Gloves
- 3.1 Time to Warm Up
- 3.2 Lifespan
- 3.3 Coverage
- 3.4 Price
- 3.5 Compatibility
- 3.6 Versatility
- 3.7 Convenience
- 4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Heated Grips
- 5. Advantages and Disadvantages of Heated Gloves
- 6. Heated Grips or Heated Gloves: Which One is Better?
- 7. Last Words
1. Heated Grips
Heated grips work by having a heating system gradually warm up the handles. To use heated grips, your motorcycle must have at least a 6Ah battery and a 12-volt electrical system. They prevent fatigue and numbness in the hands, ensuring better control over your motorcycle.
2. Heated Gloves
Heated gloves have internal heating that gradually warms up the entire gloves, keeping every part of your hands warm. Motorcycle-heated gloves are connected to and powered by a battery.
3. Heated Grips vs Heated Gloves
3.1 Time to Warm Up
The time it takes for heated grips and gloves to warm up depends on their design. Heated grips take about five minutes to warm up to 50 °C, while heated gloves take about 30 seconds to 2 minutes to warm up to 50 °C.
Heating gloves take less time to warm up than heated grips.
3.2 Lifespan
The life span of heated grips and gloves depends on the batteries. The heated grips are directly connected to the motorcycle battery, a constant power source that ensures they last longer. The heated grips will keep providing heat as long as your motorcycle keeps running. Meanwhile, heated gloves must be recharged every 3-5 hours. Heated grips and gloves will eventually need to be replaced after longtime use.
Heated grips tend to outlast heated gloves.
3.3 Coverage
Heated grips only provide heat to the front side of your hand. Only your palms in contact with the grips get heat while the rest of your hands, including your fingers and back, remain exposed to the cold. Meanwhile, heated gloves cover the hands completely and evenly distribute heat to the front and back sides of your hands.
Heated gloves have better coverage than heated grips.
3.4 Price
The price of heated grips and heated gloves varies between brands. You can usually find heated grips at cheaper prices than heated gloves. Price varies the quality and the brand, heated grips have a base price ranging from $30 to $150. Meanwhile, heated gloves have a base price ranging from $50 to $500.
Heated grips are more cost-friendly than heated gloves.
3.5 Compatibility
When figuring out whether heated grips or gloves are more compatible with your motorcycle, consider the following two factors:
- Do they restrict your movement?
- Are they heavy?
Neither the heated grips nor gloves restrict the movement or are heavy. This is especially true in the case of heated grips, as they are connected to your motorcycle, and you need to carry them.
Heated gloves tend to restrict what riding gear you can bring. When wearing them, you benefit from their generated heat, but they only provide limited protection. But with heated grips, you can wear normal gloves on top that are more durable and offer better protection.
Heated grips have better compatibility than heated gloves.
3.6 Versatility
The heated grips are attached to the motorcycle and are limited to only warming your hands when riding. However, heated gloves are more versatile since they have adjustable temperature settings, can be used for outdoor activities, and are suited for riding during the winter.
Heated gloves are more versatile than heated grips.
3.7 Convenience
Heated grips and gloves provide different levels of comfort. Heated grips are attached to the motorcycle and are connected to a steady power supply to ensure it is always being charged. It is also easier to access the buttons on the heated grips without getting distracted.
Meanwhile, heated gloves must be connected to a battery that takes around five to six hours to become fully charged. Most heated gloves contain a lithium-ion battery that you’ll need to avoid overcharging. Overcharging the battery can reduce its lifespan.
Heated gloves are less convenient than heated grips.
4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Heated Grips
4.1 Advantages of Heated Grips
Connected to Motorcycles
Heated grips can be permanently attached to your motorcycle. Once installed, you don't have to worry about installing or removing them every time you ride. They are more convenient for riders who frequently ride in colder temperatures.
Less Expensive
Heated grips are more affordable than heated gloves, especially if you already have a motorcycle with a compatible electrical system that can support heated grips. In many cases, you can install heated grips yourself without the need for professional help.
Better Control
Heated grips also ensure better control while riding. Heated grips make sure you maintain your hold on the handlebars while steering.
4.2 Disadvantages of Heated Grips
Cover Only the Front of the Hands
Heated grips only warm up the parts of your hands touching the grips, not all of your hands. This may result in your hands still feeling cold due to not being fully insulated.
Less Effective
Heated grips are not as effective at keeping your hands warm in extremely cold temperatures.
5. Advantages and Disadvantages of Heated Gloves
5.1 Advantages of Heated Gloves
Cover the Entire Hands
Heated gloves to provide more warmth for the entirety of your hands. The entire glove being heated ensures your fingers and palms stay warm even in extreme temperatures.
Portable
Heated gloves can be put on and taken off as needed, making it easier to carry them when riding your motorbike or on foot. This makes them a good option for riders who occasionally ride in cold temperatures.
More Versatile
Heated gloves have more versatility, as they can be used for other activities, such as skiing or snowboarding.
5.2 Disadvantages of Heated Gloves
Expensive
Many heated gloves are expensive, especially high-end models with advanced features. Since heated gloves require a power source, you must make sure they can connect to your motorcycle's electrical system.
Less Control
Heated gloves may make it harder to control your motorcycle. Since the gloves are thicker and bulkier than regular gloves, you may find it harder to operate your motorcycle's controls.
6. Heated Grips or Heated Gloves: Which One is Better?
Ultimately, the choice between heated grips or heated gloves will depend on riding habits and personal preferences.
If you frequently ride in cold temperatures and want a permanent attachment to help keep your hands warm, heated grips are the best option. However, if you only ride in cold temperatures occasionally or want portable heating, heated gloves are the better choice.
Also, consider the climate and temperature ranges in your area. If you live in an area with extremely cold temperatures, heated gloves may be the better option since they provide full coverage for your hands.
Additionally, consider what type of motorcycle you have and how easy it is to install heated grips. If you have a newer motorcycle with an electrical system compatible with heated grips, installation may be relatively easy. However, if you have an older motorcycle, it may be more difficult or require professional help to install heated grips.
7. Last Words
Heated grips and heated gloves are effective ways to keep your hands warm while riding in cold temperatures. Riders should consider their needs, preferences, and weather conditions when choosing between heated grips and heated gloves. Heated grips are a permanent solution that ensures better control, while heated gloves offer more coverage and can be carried. By considering these factors, you can determine which option is best for you and enjoy a comfortable ride no matter how cold it gets.
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