Gerbing & Widder Comparison

[Guest DREBBIN]

Just thought I'd share my personal findings by using Gerber & Widder gear:

 

 

GERBING GLOVES

Nice fit. Get "moist" too quick (after you take them off, ok while riding). Gotta have the dual controller to control heat to the gloves properly. MUST use an over glove in wet weather - these are all leather and will really get water logged. That happened to me 2 yrs ago. But note that the heat kept going into the glove so I had "warm water" all around my hands.

 

WIDDER GLOVES

Fantastic. They are also mostly covered with a weather proof material. The palms are leather. However, Widder does not make a dual controller so the heat control feeds both jacket and gloves. But Widder has something right because not only do my hands stay warm, they never get "moist".

 

WIDDER CONTROLLER

Difficult to use. It is not easy to attach so that the control readings are easily seen. I've tried strapping it to my leg which helps a bit. No LED like on the Gerbing.

 

GERBING CONTROLLER

Really nice. You can get a holder with a strong clip that goes right onto the jacket. It has 2 indicator lights telling you about feed to either the jacket or gloves. Very easy to change temps without looking.

 

WIDDER JACKET

Fantastic. Nice and warm with a great fit. It is actually a vest. If you want sleeves you buy Widder "Arm Chaps". They fit nice and snug with easy straps that allow for keeping that heat close to your body.

 

GERBING JACKET

Fantastic. Good warmth coverage. Fit is critical.

 

BIGGEST WIDDER DRAWBACK

Each connection is dependent on proper alignment - it is easy to reverse polarity. Bad thing.

 

BIGEST GERBING DRAWBACK

My original Gerbing had onsistently blown fuses. This current jacket is only 3k miles old and so far is OK. We'll see how further testing goes.

 

SO FAR ---

I'd go with Widder because it is more reliable and better waterproofing on the gloves.

 

CLOTHING LAYERS

Layering. I still like to use a light pile liner or a nice Windblocker pull over ON TOP of the electric gear. Why? It keeps it close to your body.

 

So here are my layers:

1. VERY THIN T Shirt - I like the new mil spec thin udershirts

2. T NECK OR LONG SLEEVE T SHIRT

3. ELECTRIC JACKET

4. LIGHT PILE LINER

5. GORE TEX DARIEN OR ROADCRAFTER

 

This allows me maximum flexibility for the wide range we encounter here in this screwed up weather area. No. My flexibility is not affected at all. And remember, you can always get cooler -- YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET WARMER UNLESS YOU GOT THE GEAR WITH YOU!!

MORE TO COME. IMHO, DREBBIN

[Carbon_One]

Good info to know. Keep it coming for those of us who wouldn't know the differences otherwise.

Larry

[Tartan Terror]

Hey Drebbin. You are forgeting another good one in ther too. Warm and safe. I bought the Gerbing and am happy with them but after I did I had a few buddies who are MSF instructors tell me about this company. This guy is the original designer of the Gerbing style and Gerbing copied his ideas. After he left the conpany he improved on his own design and came up with his line. I saw this stuff as a Buddy of mine is dealer and I was inpressed with the more efficent designs and comfort features. Check it out. If I had to do it again I would buy this stuff and it also is 100 per compatable with Gerbing items.

 

http://warmnsafe.com/

[2Whlsrollin]

I was up at a Honda Dealer who sells the Gerbings, several folks in our group have gone with the Gerbings. I looked but did not buy yet, nice to know of a different brand and reading you comments I will check them out.

 

Thanks again

[stardbog]

My Vote going to Widder too. Pack Lite in sadlebag, Draw less Power( Big Plus For Venture charging system). Cost Less, and heat transfer is way better then Gerbing's.

Have Gerbings Union Ridge Pants and Jacket, and not a happie camper. Somehow there is not enough heat and my knees are becoming unconfortable cold in mid 30*s with full blast of heat.

 

Widders Down,s are connectors , but no biggie, And BIG WARNINGwhen odering gloves make sure to call widder for right fitt. My regular glove size is XL, and widder size is midium???