If you’re an avid biker, you’ve ridden with a chill in the air before and felt the sting. Cutting winds streamline their way across your fingers while driving rain feels like needles against your skin. Without insulation, warmth, and protection, a winter ride can feel less like freedom on the open road and more like an unwelcome stint in a Siberian cold chamber. This is precisely why proper gloves for motorcyclists—an essential piece of kit—are so crucial to any rider’s arsenal.

Now, this leads to the question: which type of motorcycle gloves are best for you? As it happens, there are a number of different gloves out there that winter riders opt for, including heated motorcycle gloves. And, although, at first glance, this might seem like the best pick, they might not actually be as prudent as you’d think. 

In this guide, we’ll break down what heated motorcycle gloves are and why they’re not necessarily the right choice for winter rides. Plus, we’ll throw in some other options for winter motorcycle gloves to look at instead.

How Heated Motorcycle Gloves Work

If you’re unfamiliar, you might be wondering exactly how heated motorcycle gloves generate their warmth. The mechanism is surprisingly simple yet effective. Within these gloves are thin heating elements that are powered by a battery, often rechargeable. These elements deliver heat that circulates throughout the gloves, providing warmth to your hands.

As you ride, you’ll get an intense heat in your hands, which is designed to help you navigate extremely cold conditions. The mechanism within them is difficult to craft, requiring special knowledge to give you gloves that are of good quality and still get the job done. 

Like other motorcycle gloves, heated gloves can be made of leather, such as deerskin, or textiles like polyester. They can also be constructed from a mix of both materials. Either way, the common thread between them is that they have a heating mechanism in them layered under the lining.

Are Heated Motorcycle Gloves Worth It?

Now that you know what heated motorcycle gloves are, let’s take a second to talk about whether they’re actually worth the money. In terms of benefits, these gloves have the advantage of providing more warmth to your hands than traditional winter gloves could provide. 

Unfortunately, that’s about where the benefits end. 

Although they can certainly produce more heat than standard gloves, they have direct downsides. For starters, the warmth generated relies on a power source. While some plug into the motorcycle, others are battery-operated. This means that you have to remember to recharge your gloves, and they could potentially run out of juice in the middle of a ride.

Additionally, they have the issue of providing too much heat. The result is that you could wind up with hands that are sweaty and uncomfortable rather than toasty warm on your ride. Although some gloves have adjustable heat settings, not all do, which can cause discomfort, especially on longer hauls. 

Price can also be a deciding factor, as these gloves come with a higher price tag than their non-powered counterparts due to the technology involved. Unless you’re willing to spend a pretty penny, they might not be the right move. 

Why Traditional Winter Motorcycle Gloves Work Best

Although heated motorcycle gloves might not be the answer for winter riders, that’s not to say that there aren’t other options out there. Traditional winter motorcycle gloves can still provide numerous benefits for the average cyclist. 

For one thing, traditional gloves are reliable, offering consistency of warmth without the reliance on batteries, wires, or heating elements. They offer the true essence of simplicity and ruggedness. All you need is a well-insulated pair, and you’re sorted for the entire winter season. 

A good pair of winter motorcycle gloves to check out is the Olympia 4270 Gore-Tex® Wolf Gloves. This pair of gloves comes with a Thinsulate lining as well as a Softinside comfort lining. Plus, it’s made of Gore-Tex material to protect against wind, rain, snow, and cold.

In addition, there’s cost-efficiency. On average, traditional winter gloves are quite affordable compared to their heated counterparts. Take, for instance, the Olympia 6000 Men’s Mustang I Gloves, which have a Thinsulate lining and are made with a gauntlet to protect a larger part of your hand. Plus, they’re highly affordable, working out to around $30 per pair!

How to Choose a Pair of Winter Motorcycle Gloves

Choosing traditional gloves over heated motorcycle gloves can come down to several factors such as: 

• Material
• Fit
• Features

Let’s take a look at these considerations in more detail. 

Material

What material should one opt for when selecting these gloves? Well, nothing beats the combination of leather and synthetic materials. Leather, owing to its wind-resistant and durable nature, forms the ideal outer layer. For the inner layer, synthetic materials such as Thinsulate are perfect. These materials offer excellent insulation and water resistance.

A good example of a glove with a Thinsulate lining and leather exterior is the Olympia 4370 Men’s Cold Throttle Gloves. 

Features

Let’s not forget the features to consider while selecting the perfect pair. High-quality insulation such as Thinsulate or Primaloft is crucial to keep your fingers warm and cozy. Waterproofing, ideally through a breathable membrane like Gore-Tex, is essential to prevent wet and cold fingers. 

One handy glove packed with features is the Olympia 4352 Men’s All Season II Touch Gloves. This glove has an anti-shock skid pad, a Wind-Tex comfort liner, and touchscreen abilities.

Fit

Fit is equally important; a glove too tight could limit your hand movements while too loose could reduce grip and control. Adjustable wrist straps and gauntlet closures are perfect for ensuring a close, comfortable fit.

One pair of adjustable gloves to check out is the Olympia 4295 Ladies Aventador Gloves, which also feature a gauntlet for added warmth.

Additional Tips to Keep Hands Warm

In addition to choosing the right winter motorcycle gloves, there are other steps you can take to ensure your hands stay warm during those chilly rides. As an avid motorcyclist myself, these tips have meant the difference between an uncomfortable ride and an enjoyable adventure, even in the coldest weather.

Layer Up

Just as you add an extra layer of clothing to keep your body warm, you can do the same for your hands. Thin-liner gloves can be an excellent addition beneath your usual motorcycle gloves. They not only provide an extra layer of warmth but can also wick away moisture from your skin, keeping your hands dry and comfortable. Silk or merino wool liners are known for their balance of warmth, moisture control, and minimal bulk.

Handguards

Handguards, or wind guards, can dramatically cut down on the wind chill factor that can so often turn your fingers numb. For example, handguards can be a game-changer in colder weather by protecting your hands from the direct line of wind.

Take Breaks to Warm Up During Your Ride

After an hour or so on the bike, pull over at a rest stop or a roadside cafe to give your hands (and the rest of you) a bit of a reprieve from the cold. It’s a great way to shake out the stiffness, get the blood circulating again, and enjoy a hot drink.

Get the Right Gloves for Your Winter Ride

Heated motorcycle gloves may seem like a good pick at first glance, but the reality is that traditional winter gloves can get the job done just as well or better. You don’t have to worry about recharging them or getting sweaty hands. And, they tend to be more affordable.

Remember, the choice between heated and traditional winter motorcycle gloves ultimately comes down to your personal needs and preferences. Whichever type you choose, make sure they meet all your requirements for warmth, comfort, and safety on the road. 

Ready to pick up a pair of winter motorcycle gloves? Browse our options at Olympia Gloves. Or, if you’re not quite ready to buy, sign up for our email newsletter today and you’ll not only get the most recent news and updates about motorcycle gloves but also exclusive access to deals you won’t find anywhere else.