What To Look For
When the weather is truly frigid, you need something warmer than your standard winter gloves. The best electric heated gloves ensure that your hands are warm before you hit the slopes or trail. Most of these gloves plug into 12-volt electrical outlets such as those found in most cars, ATVs and snowmobiles. As with all gloves, you need to look for a pair that fits well without a lot of excess space for cold air and snow to invade around your hands.
Common Pitfalls
If you're not going to be near a 12-volt outlet, make sure the gloves you choose also offer a wall charging option. If you know you're going to be away from electricity for an extended period of time, you should select a pair of gloves that also offer a battery backup. Most of the gloves simply rely on your body heat to keep them warm after they're unplugged.
Where To Buy
As of 2010, most sporting goods and ski stores do not carry electric heated gloves. Instead, they are found in specialty stores. CozyWinters is an online store that carries a variety of electric heated gloves for men and women. Gerbings also carries a range of 12-volt, 7-volt and hybrid power electric heated gloves.
Cost
The cost of the best electric heated gloves varies with their features. As of September 2010, CozyWinters offers gloves from $130 to $140 depending on their exterior material. At Gerbings, they range from $140 to $200 for 12-volt models that are typically the best fit for general recreational use.
Accessories
If you already have a pair of regular gloves you like or know you're going to be doing something that could damage your gloves, you can purchase electric heated glove liners instead. These function in the same way as the gloves themselves, but are slim enough to go under regular gloves. Glove liners can be found in 2010 for about $80, making them cheaper than most electric heated gloves.
Insider Tips
Periodically check on the safety of your gloves. Some earlier models of electric heated gloves were recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and nicks to the electrical line in the course of regular use can pose a safety hazard.
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