Those who want to feel as comfortable as possible in cold weather should consider purchasing an accessory such as heated gloves. Reviews about this new product are currently mixed. In any case, mainly users are advised to purchase only expensive products from manufacturers with a good reputation. Chinese models are often substandard and do not even justify their low cost.
Varieties of heated gloves
There are two main types of such an accessory:
- gloves intended for outdoor use in winter;
- USB models that warm your hands while working at the computer.
Both may be useful in different situations.
Option for the street
Heated gloves can be very useful both to residents of the northern regions of Russia, and to those who like to spend time outdoors in winter, that is, hunters, fishermen, climbers, tourists, skiers, etc. The principle of operation of such gloves is quite simple. The heating elements are usually inserted between the outer warm layer coated on top with a moisture-proof compound and the lining. They are inserts of carbon conductive fiber. As a power source, you can use either batteries (most often three finger-type), or small light (weighing several grams) batteries.
Heating elements usually begin to function after pressing a button located at the wrist. The work takes place automatically. That is, until the programmed temperature (35-50 degrees) is reached, the heating stops. After cooling to a certain value, the elements begin to work again. Carbon fiber inserts can be placed in different places on the gloves. However, in the area of the fingers and the back of the hand, they are available in almost all models.
Heated gloves are also available, the package of which includes, among other things, lower thin thermo-sleeves made of a material that absorbs moisture well. This is actually a very convenient option. Very good such models are suitable for those who have to remove gloves from time to time. For example, for fishermen when changing nozzles, for lovers to photograph winter landscapes , etc.
What to consider when buying
It is worth paying attention to:
- The material of manufacture. In fact, the gloves themselves should warm their hands well and be waterproof.
- The location of the heating element. It should be located between two layers of gloves - external and internal. If the elements are located outside, there will not be much effect from them. In some low-quality models, heaters are located inside without a gasket. In this case, the hands during use will simply burn.
- If you plan to wear gloves in extreme cold or when moving on some open equipment (motorcycle, hang glider, etc.), get a model with heating elements located on the entire surface of the product, and not just on the back of your hand.
- If you are not supposed to perform particularly complex periodic actions with your hands in the cold, you can think about purchasing a heated coupling. Such models are more efficient.
- Switching on / off should be done automatically. If you warm the elements constantly, in not too cold weather your hands will begin to burn.
Reviews on models that meet all these requirements, consumers are mostly positive. Of course, when buying such gloves should pay attention to size. When worn, the products should not hang or tighten the brush too much.
USB heated gloves
This is another variety, currently no less popular than street models. These gloves are used mainly when working with a computer or laptop in cold rooms. Most often, these are products with “cut off” fingers, additionally equipped with mittens.
The power source in this case is the computer or laptop itself. Connection is made through any free USB port. The cable comes with these gloves included. If your fingers freeze during operation, you can warm them by putting on your upper mitt.
Pekatherm Heated Glove Reviews
As already mentioned, the opinions of customers about such accessories are very different. In general, this idea is recognized as useful and necessary. However, since the modern domestic market is filled with low-quality Chinese-made products, one can often hear not too flattering remarks about such products.
For example, Pekatherm heated gloves are being actively advertised. Customer reviews about this model are not too enthusiastic. Of the shortcomings noted:
- very ill-conceived unaesthetic design;
- poor qualities of the fabric itself, which completely does not heat and passes moisture;
- inefficiency of the heating elements;
- inconvenience to use.
Pekatherm gloves are heated (GU920 - the most common model) inexpensively - less than 3000 rubles. However, their quality, apparently, leaves much to be desired.
Other models
Blazewear gloves are somewhat more popular with consumers, they have a rather attractive design and warming hands are much more effective. There are models of this manufacturer in the region of 5000 rubles.
As for the USB gloves, they are often used as an additional heating accessory, because they are not designed for too severe cold. In general, these are quite popular heated gloves. Reviews from most consumers about them are just wonderful. Some even occasionally use them as a heating pad for different parts of the body.
How to choose the size
You can determine which gloves are best for you as follows:
- measured the distance from the tip of the middle finger to the place on the wrist where you wear the watch;
- the result is selected size.
So, if the distance was 17 cm, Model S is suitable, if 18 cm is M, 19 cm is L. For people with very big hands, an accessory of size XL is provided .
Do it yourself
Some people are interested in how to make heated gloves with their own hands. This procedure is not too complicated if you can get heating pads. Finding them is quite simple, for example, you can buy on the Internet. These pads are sewn to any gloves from the wrong side in the right places.
Wearing such a homemade accessory is better with extra thin bottom gloves. In this case, during operation, you will not burn your hands. However, it’s easier not to bother and buy ready-made heated gloves. You can make a more convenient model with your own hands, but you will have to spend a lot of time on its manufacture.
Operational Features
The power source for such accessories can be AA batteries (three for each). Heated gloves are also available with a battery of approximately 3.7 V and 2200 mA. You can also purchase models that are recharged from a cigarette lighter motorcycle, car or snowmobile. In order to extend the life of the batteries, manufacturers recommend that the switch be turned off periodically.
Usually heated gloves are designed for several hours of continuous heating. However, such prolonged use in this mode is often unnecessary. In most cases, a few minutes are enough to achieve a comfortable temperature. After that, the gloves only support the necessary degrees.
So, the conclusion from all of the above can be done as follows: buy expensive high-quality gloves with heating. Consumers have good reviews about models by well-known manufacturers. The acquisition of Chinese cheap products is in most cases a waste of money.