| Author | Message | ||
     Dr_greg |
I figured Ulysses' riders would be of an "all-weather" mindset, so... what electric vests have you all been pleased with? My old Eclipse vest has always had a "hot spot" (actually gave me a blister before the wife sewed an insulating patch on it). So it's time for a new one. Any recommendations? As usual, another great day (300 mi through NW New Mexico Navajo Country) on the Uly. A little cool at 9:00 a.m. in October at 7,000 ft elevation. That's why the question! | ||
| Mrvvrroomm |
Widder | ||
| Jim_sb |
Dr_Greg, I've had my Gerbing jacket liner and electric gloves for almost a year. I've been very pleased with them. I wear the liner in lieu of whatever liner came with the jacket. Good stuff! Turn the dial on the thermostat to get whatever heat level you desire. Enjoy, Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Henrik |
I'll second the Widder recommendation. IMHO the Gerbing stuff, while surely nice gear, is kinda goofy looking  In contrast the Widder System II Vest, while not entirely stylish, is less goofy (back away from the keyboard - I'm kidding)  . I like that the outer layer is a bit heavier fabric, and the snap-on arm chaps are a great idea - I'm currently saving up for them. Get an electronic controller as well. Makes a difference in comfort if you're going for longer trips. Henrik | ||
| Chainsaw |
I have the Aerostich Kanetsu Electric Vest I chose the Aerostich primary for the short collar design. I've had it about a year, shoulda bought one sooner. I have no complaints about hot/cold spots or the operation of the vest. I didn't spring for the electronic controller, if it gets too warm, I unplug it or turn it off. (I'm kinda old-fashioned that way  ) | ||
| Spoof |
Doctah! Being in exactly the same weather as yourself and knowing that I'm going to have more free time between now and April than afterward, I've been thinking the same thing. In addition to the two sterling recommendations you've been given, I'be been looking at the Kanetsu line that Aerostich sells but leaning toward these guys: http://www.warmnsafe.com/ I just like the homey, small business/handcraft feel and I've heard nothing but rave reviews about product and communication. | ||
| Jim_sb |
HENRIK!!!! ROTFLMAO!!!  Snap on your chaps, DUDE! You shouldn't drink beer before posting! Gawd I'm still laughing.... Where's my beer? And I'm warm and comfy in my Gerbing jacket liner! They showed up at the LA Motorcycle show last year. Had jacket liners in every size available. I put one on and it fit perfectly. Got some gloves that fit perfectly. All hooks up clean and sano. Toasty warm. Tested and verified over the Grapevine at roughly 6000+ msl last April in an absolute downpour. OAT was 38 degrees F. Yeah, I was riding my S2. At speeds that, er, uh, kept us ahead of traffic (don't ask, you don't want to know, and Court would be angry if I told the truth, but I'll just say that an S2 is SOLID at high speed in a near freezing downpour - please don't try this at home...). Just dial in some HEAT! Go for it. Gerbing, Widder, Kanetsu. It all sounds good to me. Once you get one you'll love it. Regards, Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Henrik |
Thanks Jim ... I think  When I first started shopping for a heated vest I really wanted to like/buy the 'Stitch version, but I couldn't get over the color - black was (and still is I believe) not available. But I'm sure you'll be ok with whatever you choose, just not as stylish as me Henrik | ||
| Fullpower |
i have two vests, ride in ALASKA, so i always wear one, or have it packed for when the sun goes down. the WIDDER is 6 years old, a bit threadbare around the collar, and has served me very well, still in daily use. I also have an aerostich, worn 5 or 6 times and ridden 4500 miles. the aerostich is bulkier, not as hot, has a funky cord and has been intermittant at 2 AM in 36 degree rain. i have had 2 separate one thousand mile days (on the XB12S) with the Aerostich heated vest, and i can NOT recommend the brand, sorry, it is just inferior. | ||
| Dck996 |
Add my vote for the Widder System II vest and arm chaps. The arm chaps add insulation where you need it, and are much less bulky than an insulated shirt. | ||
| Dr_greg |
Dck996, I'm intrigued by the Widder System II arm chaps (as well as the vest, of course...I'll probably get one). I've got a custom two-piece full leather suit that's "fairly" snug (but able to accommodate a thin vest); how would you rate the thickness of the Widder arm chaps? |
