Merlin Minworth Heated Gloves Review: Winter Warriors or Hot Messes?
As the weather gets colder, every rider needs a reliable pair of winter motorcycle gloves to keep their hands warm and protected.
But what if regular gloves just aren’t enough once the deep freeze sets in? This is where heated gloves come into play. I recently tested out the new Merlin Minworth Heritage Heated Gloves to see if they live up to the hype.
But, the main question I will answer in this review is: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for cold weather for you? Let’s find out!
Merlin Minworth Heated Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Toasty hand comfort
- Durable winter protection
- Powered warming elements
Introduction
I’ll start by covering the Merlin motorcycle gloves’ merits as regular winter riding gloves before getting into the heated features.
Made from soft, supple cowhide leather with a waterproof hypoallergenic membrane, they check the boxes for keeping wind and moisture at bay.
I appreciate the accordion stretch panels over the knuckles, allowing flexibility, while segments of D3O armor over the fingers and knuckles supply impact protection.
The fleece liner and 200g Thinsulate insulation on the back of the hand and 100g on the palm provide warmth without making them overly bulky.
So, how much heat do the batteries add? The 22,000mAh power bank fits nicely into a zippered wrist pouch without adding pressure.
On the highest setting, the gloves emit a comfortable radiant warmth across the back of the hand and fingers after just a few minutes.
The heating elements won’t burn you, but at over 40mph, the wind chill diminishes their effect. Even so, they continue blocking cold air to keep your hands from freezing.
For most commuting rides under an hour, the three and a half hours of battery life on medium should suffice.
While the Merlin heated motorcycle gloves may not fully substitute for heavy-duty winter gauntlets on frigid multi-day touring trips, their weatherproofing, armor, and powered heating make them an ideal compromise for practical winter commuting. Just remember to charge them after each use.
Key Details
- CE Approved armored winter riding gloves with battery-powered heating elements
- Waterproof, insulated leather and textile construction
- 22,000mAh removable battery lasts ~3.5 hours on medium heat
Heated Winter Gloves: Blessing or Burden?
Riding with heated gear seems excellent in theory, but some products fail to deliver on their promises. Do battery-powered heating elements really improve cold weather rides enough to justify their higher costs and added inconvenience? Here are some key factors to weigh:
Convenience: Heated gloves require periodically recharging batteries. For short commutes, this may work fine, but longer winter touring trips pose challenges. Carrying extra batteries adds more pieces to keep track of and manage.
Durability: With more electronic components, heated gloves often cost over $200. Riders need confidence they’ll last multiple seasons before needing replacement, especially considering their premium price.
Warmth Boost: Above freezing, standard winter riding gloves can suffice for brief rides. But when temps really plummet, heated versions provide that extra level of comfort. Just don’t expect them to instantly thaw ice-cold hands.
Safety: Bulky battery packs may negatively impact glove fit, feel, and flexibility. Ensure your heated winter gloves don’t compromise protection or bike control before hitting the road.
Comparison to Similar Winter Gloves
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Revit Cassini H2O Gloves | Fully waterproof winter touring gloves with Primaloft insulation and wrist cinch |
| Joe Rocket Burner Gloves | Armored sport riding gloves with dual-density foam and Sure Grip palms |
| Klim Inversion Insulated Gloves | Heavy-duty snowmobile gloves feature Gore-Tex insulation and visor squeegee. |
| Klim Vanguard GTX Long Gloves | Maximum weather protection with Gore-Tex, PrimaLoft, and TPU knuckles |
The Merlin Minworth Heated Gloves stand out from comparable winter riding gloves thanks to their built-in heating elements powered by removable lithium-ion batteries.
While most winter gloves rely solely on insulation for warmth, the Merlin gloves provide an extra boost of radiant heat to keep hands comfortable in frigid temperatures.
The long gauntlet cuff, waterproof membrane, and 200g/100g Thinsulate insulation also give the Merlin heated gloves an advantage over lighter cold weather gloves when temperatures drop below freezing.
Riders in extreme northern climates or with poor circulation may benefit most from the Merlin’s battery-powered heating capabilities.
For adventurers requiring maximum flexibility and tactile feel, the Merlin gloves trade off some ruggedness compared to hardcore snowmobile gloves like the Klim Inversion or Vanguard.
But commuters and touring riders needing daily winter hand protection will appreciate the Merlin gloves’ blend of warmth, weatherproofing, and heated comfort.
Tips for Choosing Heated Riding Gloves
Match Your Climate
If you live in a warmer area that only sees a handful of freezing days annually, shelling out big bucks for battery-powered heat may not prove worthwhile. But for riders facing consistent sub-zero temps through winter, the investment pays dividends in comfort.
Don’t Skimp on Base Features
Focus on finding winter gloves that check all the boxes before factoring in heating elements. Things like insulation, weather seals, articulated fingers, and abrasion protection take priority. Battery-powered heating should complement those core features rather than act as a substitute.
Consider Battery Life Realistically
Heated gear makers tend to put a positive spin on battery duration, but real-world results may vary. If your average ride lasts over an hour, carrying backup batteries seems prudent. Also, accounts for deteriorating capacity over years of recharging cycles.
Safety First
Ensure heated glove batteries sit securely in non-obtrusive pockets or pouches. Bulky power banks that shift around or apply uncomfortable pressure can distract you from controlling your motorcycle properly.
While heated gloves solve some challenges of cold weather riding, they come with their own compromises. Determine your specific needs and riding environment before investing. With reasonable expectations and vigilance, heated gloves can extend the winter riding season.
Stay tuned for more perspectives on the latest motorcycle gear innovations. In the meantime, share your own heated gear experiences below! Do the benefits justify the extra cost and hassle?
Heated Winter Riding Gear: Beyond Gloves
Heated gloves serve a specific purpose, but other winter riding gear options also incorporate battery-powered heating elements:
Heated Vests
Heated vests feature wiring threaded throughout the lining or built into robust external panels. Riders layer them underneath jackets for core warmth. Most connect via a port inside the vest rather than relying on external battery packs.
Heated Jacket Liners
Thinner heated liners slip into existing motorcycle jackets, powered by a battery stored in a concealed pocket. This saves buying a separate specialty heated jacket.
Heated Insole Inserts
Electric insoles slip into winter riding boots, utilizing rechargeable batteries stashed in pockets. These help keep feet and toes warmer in the bitter cold.
Heated Grips
Wired grip heaters connect to a bike’s electrical system rather than external batteries. Twist grips offer more coverage and consistent heating compared to standard grips.
While these heated gear options cost more, they can mean the difference between riding and staying home on extremely cold days.
What winter riding comfort gear keeps you hitting the road through the worst weather? Let me know your personal favorites in the comments!
And Finally…
Merlin’s Heritage Heated Gloves exceeded my expectations for maintaining hand warmth through my frigid Chicago commutes this winter.
The supple leather withstands wind and precipitation while supplying impact defenses, too. Are they overkill for areas where winter temps hover above freezing?
Perhaps. But here in the northern extremes, where single-digit days are common, I’ll take any extra heat I can get!
My only gripe lies with the minuscule battery cap popping off, destined to get lost forever. Otherwise, the Merlin heated winter gloves would earn top marks, keeping my fingers primed to control my trusty BMW GS1200 through the iciest months.
So, do you absolutely need battery-assisted heating to survive winter riding where you live? Not necessarily. But they sure make bitter cold days much more bearable.
I’d recommend the Merlin heated gloves or similar battery-powered options to any riders regularly facing below-freezing temps. Don’t let cold fingers stop you from logging precious two-wheeled miles this season!
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