Designing motorcycle clothing is series of compromises, and when it comes to heated gloves you have a couple of options – do you make a lavishly insulated version that allows a rider to keep going in sub-zero temperatures, or a slightly thinner heated glove that gives better feel and control while still allowing rides in the winter? With its HG3 Evo, French manufacturer Five has plumped for the former, creating a winter glove that works well down into single-digit temperatures, and then has the benefit of heating to keep going when the mercury falls even further.
The HG3 is the lowest-priced model in Five’s four-strong range of heated gloves, but it shares the heating and insulation technologies of its pricier brethren, compromising on a simplified outer shell to keep the price down to a more manageable level. Outer construction is nylon across the back of the hand and fingers, and synthetic leather with a suede feel on the palms and lower side of the fingers. This means that the gloves are technically vegan, in case that is an important consideration. KP1 knuckle armour and an Ergo Protech palm slider provide some impact protection, but there is no armour or sliders on the back of the fingers. Inside there is a 170gsm layer of Primaloft Gold insulation across the back of the hand, with a 60gsm layer of Primaloft Grip Control on the palm where windchill is less of a factor. A Drytech waterproof and breathable membrane keeps the weather at bay and stops the gloves getting damp and sweaty during use.
The recent low temperatures, with ice and snow sweeping the country, have meant that the Evos have been called into action for most of my road trips. Putting them on, they don’t feel much bulkier than “normal” winter gloves, and the plush lining material means your hands feel cosseted from the off. The cuff opening is large, making it relatively easy to fit over a sleeve before cinching it down with the Velcro adjuster, and the batteries slip easily into zipped waterproof pockets on the cuffs. The batteries are 2200mAh lithium polymer units, with my rudimentary bench testing showing they each last just under three hours on full 60oC power, which would suggest much longer than that on the two lower-output (45oC and 50oC) settings available. Recharging from flat took around four hours and can be done with the batteries still installed, thanks to a separate charging plug that can also be used to connect to the bike’s battery via an optional loom for longer rides. Weirdly, the charging plug is a round-pin Europlug, so you need to source an adaptor for UK use.
The most obvious difference from competitor gloves is the controls, which are only on the right hand, with the left glove receiving signals via “electromagnetic waves”. This makes turning them on or altering the heat output much easier while on the move. The heating elements give a nice even spread of gentle warmth, with no discernible hot spots, and the heat extends right down to the fingertips.
Given that the HG3 Evo uses the same heating elements, has the same insulation and includes the same features (touch screen fingers and thumbs, reflective print, etc) as its more expensive stablemates, the £250 SRP looks appealing. It would be nice if they were a little less bulky, but you have to expect them to have less feel than wafer-thin summer weight gloves. They have kept my fingers comfortably warm even at sub-zero temperatures and the battery life is fine for commuting trips, but for touring use I’d definitely be looking at fitting the £49.99 SRP hard-wiring kit.
Overall, the HG3 Evos are a well-made and comfortable glove that could keep bikers on the road through the depths of winter.
Tran Am
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