How do you wear your's? (Heated Vest)

[Les Wassall]

After looking at the three heated vests on the market, Chilli, Gialli and Gerbing, I'm not sure which to go for.

What I require is a heated Jacket/Waistcoat that does not restrict around the neck, does not bulk up under the jacket too much and you can control the heat.

Is it best to take the liner out of your jacket, if so must you opt for the heated jacket over the waistcoat or are waistcoats the better option for fit.

Any input will be appreciated.

 

[Bryn]

Les, I've got a Chilli waistcoat.... Fits nicely under jacket without lining in (depends how much room you've got)

I've mounted control under the instrument console (1150) looks neat and fairly easy to get to...

I think you get more benefit if the heat source is nearer to the skin ( long sleeved top under the waistcoat is often enough)

Bryn

 

[Les Wassall]

Fits nicely under jacket without lining in (depends how much room you've got)

Do your arms get cold with no liner in ?

 

[SilverFish]

Ive got a Chilli heated waistcoat, which for most winter days is fine.

It doesnt have any kind of collar, so no bulking there.
It is quite bulky, but is warm enough to be worn on its own under the jacket outer shell.
The Chilli also comes with a controller.

Things to bear in mind with the Chilli waistcoat though are

Your neck is cold in comparison.
Your arms are also cold, because youve only got a shirt or thin jumper underneath.
It needs to be worn snugly for you to feel the heat.
The controller is usually set to max anyway.

After two years of use, Im thinking of going for a Gerbing jacket and gloves combo. Its a whole heap more expensive, but it does keep your arms, hands and neck warm as well.

HTH,

Mike

 

[pragmatix]

I have the Klan heated jacket liner, normally worn over a long sleeved cycling top (has some kevlar on the elbows) and thats it under a Belstaff explorer jacket without its liner, plenty warm enough to about -3, however yesterday I did put the belstaff jacket liner in as it was abour -6 at the house when I set off for Inverness did about 185miles in very minus temp and was a warm as toast.
As stated best near the skin as possible, make sure your base layer is self wicking.
I have no problems with the bulk and the heated collar is a godsend as is the bit of heat in the arms, the great advantake of the Klan jacket is that the heated gloves and socks plug straight in.

Pete A

 

[Clive]

Today I've been trying out my Gerbing Jacket Liner I got from the show last weekend. It looks quite bulky, but when wearing it under my gortex jacket, it isn't - the neck is higher than the outer jacket, but hopefully that won't be a problem in the wet.
I wish I'd gone for the thermostat now though - it's too warm

 

[Tobers]

I have a BMW heated waistcoat. I wear it over a Hein Gericke windstopper jumper, and under a Frank Thomas gore-text jacket with liner.

The HG jumper is superb - I really recommend getting one. It has a windproof membrane on the front of the body and arms which is amazingly effective.

The BMW waistcoat is excellent as well, can be very warm if required, and has very even heat distribution. Bad points - the long coiled cable dangles all over the place and the switch doesn't always work reliably.

That lot keeps me quite cosy.

 

[Bryn]

Do your arms get cold with no liner in ?

Theory is that a higher core temp is supposed to keep the extremities warm.... but i must admit my arms could be warmer at times... Secret is not to go too far!

 

[pragmatix]

but i must admit my arms could be warmer at times...

Hence I went for the jacket liner with heat in the arms.

Pete A

 

[Les Wassall]

Today I've been trying out my Gerbing Jacket Liner I got from the show last weekend. It looks quite bulky, but when wearing it under my gortex jacket, it isn't - the neck is higher than the outer jacket, but hopefully that won't be a problem in the wet.
I wish I'd gone for the thermostat now though - it's too warm

Clive, can I ask what price they were at the show.

 

[Clive]

The price was the same as from here http://www.gerbing.co.uk/page/en/clothing/jacketliner.html
i.e. £149

 

[Jon]

You didn't get the UKGSer discount then?

 

[Jon]

You really hate me now, don't you.....................

 

[StooL]

I've recently purchased the Klan heated waistcoat from http://www.motorcycle-uk.com/giali/Gialiheatedclothing.html

I'm well impressed so far. Collar isn't too high or tight and provides a fair heat. I don't have the adjustable thermostat but it's easy enough to switch on and off when needed. At the moment while commuting into Edinburgh I tend to have it switched on all the way up the road and then switch it off when travelling slowly through the city. It works best with just one thin layer underneath and I still have room for my back protector and quilted lining in my winter jacket on top. Warm as toast!

I bought the waistcoat instead of the jacket as I think it may be a bit more versatile and easy to carry while touring etc. I'm sure it'll come in handy in our Scottish Summer.

Well worth the money, it's well made and not bulky. I only wish I had bought one years ago.

 

[Clive]

You didn't get the UKGSer discount then?

That will be worth knowing when I ring them to order a thermostat.