Gerbing's Heated Jacket Liner
When I first started looking at heated clothing several years ago, I thought
a heated vest should provide suitable warmth. I figured that providing heat to
my abdomen would allow my body to produce more heat for my arms and legs.
Good theory, but my first purchase of a 1st Heat heated vest didn't support it.
That model uses heated wires sewn into the garment and I found that the design
made for lots of cold spots, especially under my arms.
So next season I decided to get a heated jacket liner. I looked at a few and
finally decided on Gerbing's heated jacket liner. I already owned a pair of
Gerbing's heated gloves, and I knew that the gloves could be connected directly
to the jacket liner so that I could use a single power source.
Good choice! Gerbing's heated jacket liner uses a system of heating panels
that distributes the warmth much better than the heated wires on the 1st Heat. No more
cold spots!
The Gerbing's heated jacket latter provides a very comfortable heat. It is
not necessary to wear it directly against the skin - a slightly loose that
allows the heat to distribute evenly inside the liner. This is because the
windproof shell and Thinsulate lining are effective in keeping the cold out
and the heat in.
The warm air is also held in by the snugly fitting collar and sleeve
cuffs. The collar is heated (a very nice touch) but even when the jacket
liner is not powered it provides extra warmth on cool days.
I've worn the liner in really cold weather and it's amazing how much comfort
it provides. It is really well made and I'm sure it will give me years of
service. Gerbing's has obviously given a lot of thought to the design and there
are several nice features such as hand warmer pockets, a deep inner chest
pocket, and connectors for Gerbing's heated gloves and pants or pant liners. The
glove connectors have their own zippered pockets so they can be tucked out of
the way when not in use.
There are heating pads in the sleeves, chest, back and collar. The heating elements are parallel wired so that even if one fails the others
will keep on going. This is a big improvement over other brands with
conventional wiring that stop working if the there is a break anywhere in the
connection.
And you can be pretty sure that the heating elements will not fail. Gerbing's
has a 30 year reputation of making quality products and give a lifetime warranty
on the heating elements.
When I bought my jacket liner I also sprang for the Permanent Dual
Temp-Controller. This has controls two articles of heated clothing, so I can set
by gloves and jacket liner separately. This turned out to be a good choice
because my gloves need a higher setting than the jacket liner. If there was just
one control I might be fiddling with it to find the right level of comfort, but
the dual temp controller lets me set it and forget it.
I can't find any negatives about this jacket liner. Just make sure your
battery is powerful enough - the jacket liner draws a fairly substantial 77
watts.
I am really happy with Gerbing's jacket liner. After experiencing the luxury of
heated clothing I will never again ride in cold weather without it!
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