From: Dave Dal Farra <gpz750@bnr.ca>
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles
Subject: Elecric Vests Reviewed
Date: 24 Aug 1994 18:44:18 GMT


Due to the heightened interest expressed in keeping one's ju-jubes warm, 
I pulled out the April'92 Rider electric vest test and gave it a wirl. 
Here are the major findings (what the $#@!##:-0*$$#!! are we doing 
talking about electric vests in August? Oh! Living in Ottawa!):

Vest          Price (US)  Rating (of 5)  Wattage Draw  Max Temp Increase
(o F)
====          ==========  =============  ============ =======================
Eclipse        $130             4              40               20.2
Gerbing         $79             4              59               31.2
Saingear        $99             4              47               13.5
Widder II      $100             4              43               12.3

Vest          Temp @ 2 mins  Temp @ 4 mins  Temp @ 6 mins  Temp @ 8 mins
====          =============  =============  =============  =============  
Eclipse           77.5            88              89.5          94.5
Gerbing           85              90              98.5         107.5 (!!)
Saingear          77.5            83.5            91.5          89
Widder II         76              82              85            87.5

Notes:

* Ambient (starting) temp was 75 deg F.
* I suspect the Saingear drop in temp at 8 mins is a test issue glitch

Options: 

Eclipse: none
Gerbing: thermostat $44.50
Saingear: custom colours $5; pockets $7, sleeve epaulets $12.50, 
          BMW accessory plug $7
Widder: thermostat $20.

Comments:

Eclipse: 
* most attractive in test with Western cut.
* High corduroy lined collar with Thinsulate.  
* gathered with elastic at back so lower portion flares away like someone
  left the back door open.
* has pockets
* no hot spots
* 5 yr warranty

Gerbing:
* sells 50 Jacket Vests (same as Vest but with heated sleeves, costs
$125, 
  draws 89 watts) for every Vest
* least stylish (industrial look), but least expensive.
* melt-your-socks heat (thermostat recommended or its WAY too hot).  
  "Perfoms like a prom date: delivering serious heat all over"
* battery connector wires are stiff and obtrusive, thermostat box 
  unconfortable bulky.
* lifetime warranty

Saingear:
* High corduroy lined collar with Thinsulate.  
* most flexible product in test which adds to comfort
* quite warm even without heat
* cut longer in front and back than other products which adds to comfort
* sleeve epaulets help keep shouldres warmer
* good midrange product
* lifetime warranty

Widder Mark II
* basic rather than stylish
* cut low in back, high over the hips and nicely tapered to hug the body
* delivers oozing heat, free of hot spots
* puts out a bit more heat than Saingear and Eclipse, but they place
their heat more strategically
* recommend thermostat as best in bunch.  It comes with adapters for
Saingear and Eclipse
* one year warranty

Final Recommendations:

If you need all the heat you can get and don't care about style: Gerbing

If you want a nice looking vest that heats well and is easy on the bikes 
charging system: Eclipse

If you want a vest thats extremely packable, handy and does 
everything well: Saingear.

Looking to keep toasty,

Dave Dal Farra (gpz750@bnr.ca)