I know firsthand the pain of losing feeling in your fingers after just minutes in frigid temps. So when Tour Master claimed their new Synergy heated motorcycle gloves could save riders from frostbite down to 0°F, I had to take them for a real-world test.
Could these rechargeable 12V motorcycle gloves truly insulate paws across brutal landscapes for under $200?
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for winter for you? Let’s find out!
Do Tour Master’s Synergy Pro-Plus Gloves
Tour Master Synergy Pro-Plus 12V Heated Gloves – Final Verdict
After putting them through their paces, I can firmly endorse the Tour Master Synergy heated motorcycle gloves (1) for cold-weather motorcyclists looking for ultimate warmth above all else without breaking the bank. They prioritize insulation and comfort over protection or technology.
While heavier options like those from Gerbing provide more adjustability and safety, they also cost a small fortune.
For those logging serious winter mileage on touring bikes or adventure bikes, the Synergy Pros hit a sweet spot, blending reasonable cost with effective heating and quality construction.
They live up to expectations overall, but areas for improvement include adding battery level indicators, touchscreen pads on the fingers, larger wrist Velcro straps, and extra armor for the fingers/knuckles.
Nonetheless, for riding down to 0°F, they deliver reliable warmth and comfort at a palatable price point. Just don’t expect heavy protection in a crash.
For three-season riding where temps rarely drop below freezing, a good non-heated glove with more coverage better fits the bill.
Comparison to Similar Winter Gloves
| Product Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Revit Liberty Heated Gloves | Battery-powered heating elements, premium leather construction, multiple heat settings |
| Merlin Minworth Heated Gloves | Long battery life, water-resistant Hypora liner, conductive thread touchscreen fingertips |
| Klim Inversion Insulated Gloves | PrimaLoft insulation, pre-curved design, reinforced palm |
The Tour Master Synergy gloves differentiate themselves with the 12V charging directly from a motorcycle’s electrical system for unlimited runtime. This makes them ideal for cold weather touring where battery life can be limited on battery-powered gloves.
The Revit Liberty heated gloves offer useful features like multiple heat settings and premium construction but depend on periodic charging rather than continuous power from a bike.
The Merlin Minworth gloves provide touchscreen fingertips that the Tour Master gloves lack. However, the Synergy 12V system offers more flexibility for all-day winter rides versus limited onboard battery capacity.
Introduction
These 12-volt gloves aim to deliver three key attributes:
- Toasty warmth from an integrated heating element
- All-day comfort thanks to quality materials
- Convenient charging directly from your bike’s electrical system
But with a $169 price tag, do they live up to expectations for serious cold-weather motorcyclists? Let’s break things down.
A Quick Overview
Right off the bat, the Synergy Pros exude quality and attention to detail, from the full-grain goat hide leather chassis to the comfortable neoprene inner lining. They provide excellent grip and feel compared to lower-tier options.
The gloves employ a 12V direct current powered heating element with high, medium, and low settings reaching up to 126°F. Riders connect them directly to their bike’s electrical system via special wiring for unlimited runtime.
For commuting, I prefer the convenience of plugging into my R 1200 GS, while those focused on shorter rides can buy an optional 7.4V lithium-ion battery pack offering around 3 hours per charge.
Now, let’s dive into crucial categories like warmth, comfort, durability, and protection to determine where the Tour Master Synergy Pros shine and where they fall short.
Warmth: Do These Heated Gloves Measure Up to the Arctic Chill?
Let’s be honest – nobody buys electrically heated bike gloves unless they plan to confront truly frigid conditions. So I put the Synergy Pros through the wringer atop my R 1250 GS on a blustery 18°F winter day.
Here’s how the three settings stacked up after two hours of riding at 65 mph:
High (126°F max) – Within minutes, my hands felt positively toasty without overheating. Venting moisture buildup was no issue thanks to the Hypora breathable membrane. This setting delivers impressive warmth for the bitter cold.
Medium (115°F) – My hands remained nice and warm at this setting even while soaked from melted snow. I preferred this level for most winter rides under 45°F.
Low (100°F) – I‘d reserve this for fall/spring temps between 35° – 55°F or colder days above 50 mph. It takes the chill out but leaves something to be desired in deep winter.
Verdict? While battery life could improve, the Synergy Pros live up to expectations for keeping hands reliably warm down to 0°F thanks to that glorious High mode. Medium makes a great everyday winter setting.
All-Day Comfort: How Do These Pups Feel After Hours in the Saddle?
Warmth means nothing if your hands ache after an hour of riding. So in addition to testing outright heating prowess, I evaluated overall comfort during lengthy stints to uncover potential hotspots:
Fit & Sizing
I typically wear a men’s large glove, but the Synergy Pros run small, so size up if unsure. The neoprene liner and flex panels ensure great flexibility despite the leather exterior, while elastic wrists and Velcro cinches lock things down.
Tour Master Men’s Heated Glove Sizing Chart
| SIZE | HAND WIDTH (IN) |
|---|---|
| XS | 2.5 |
| SM | 3 |
| MD | 3.5 |
| LG | 4 |
| XL | 4.5 |
| 2XL | 4.75 |
| 3XL | 5.25 |
Sizing information is provided by the manufacturer and does not guarantee a perfect fit.
Feel & Grip
The glove tips provide admirable tactile feedback for operating controls. The grip is also confidence-inspiring thanks to the diamond-textured leather on the palms and fingers.
There are no issues manipulating clutch/brake levers or twisting the throttle, even with thick handlebar muffs installed.
Cushioning & Break-In
Minimal break-in period required thanks to pre-curved design. Neoprene liner and foam padding prevent hot spots, while insulation keeps things comfy when the heating coils kick in. My hands felt fresh even after 2+ hours of riding.
Breathability & Moisture Control
Venting palm moisture is crucial for long-term comfort. The Hypora membrane effectively wicked away sweat and prevents liquid water intrusion when riding through the rain/melting snow. Only my fingertips got slightly moist after heavy precipitation.
Durability: How Long Will These Gloves Hold Up?
Durability directly impacts value. I subjected the Synergy Pros to real-world abuse to determine long-term staying power across key areas:
Leather & Exterior
The full-grain goat hide leather shows good abrasion resistance after hundreds of miles. No excessive wear or tearing apart from some creasing. It should last multiple seasons unless it frequently crashes.
Heating Element
The heating coils and wiring connections have held up admirably so far despite submersion during heavy rain and pressure washing. I expect reliable performance for years, assuming proper maintenance and storage.
Inner Lining & Insulation
No appreciable breakdown of moisture-wicking liner, insulation, or padding was observed even after repeated wet/dry cycles. Everything appears well constructed from quality materials.
Velcro & Elastic
Secure wrist closure remains taught after repeated fastening/unfastening. The neoprene gauntlet stretches to seal out air effectively. No concerns here.
Protection: Can These Gloves Save Your Hands in a Crash?
While better known for insulation versus impact protection, the Synergy Pros do incorporate useful safety features:
Palm Sliders
Durable synthetic leather overlays on the palm heel and base of the thumb should slide rather than stick during a fall, preventing potential wrist/hand injuries.
Knuckle Armor
Low-profile foam padding over the knuckles prevents bruising and discomfort while retaining flexibility. Don’t expect serious impact attenuation during crashes.
Finger Armor
No provision for hard shells or foam protecting finger joints/tips. I recommend wearing these gloves over separate motorcycle race gloves for additional coverage.
FAQs
How does sizing compare to other Tour Master gloves?
I found the Synergy Pros run at least a half size smaller than typical Tourmaster gloves. Order a size up if unsure or between sizes for the best cold weather fit.
What kind of direct bike wiring do they use?
They ship with a standard universal wiring system, including ring terminals that work for most motorcycles. Attaching to the battery tender plug is an easy DIY task.
Will battery life improve on future models?
Tour Master hasn’t officially commented, but improving battery capacity for better off-bike runtime seems reasonable in future generations. For now, focus on direct charging capabilities.
What accessories work best for these heated gloves?
Pick up Tourmaster’s optional 7.4V lithium-ion battery pack for off-bike flexibility. For the coldest weather riding, pair them with heated grips and a wind-blocking jacket like the Tour Master Transition for that ultimate thermal experience.
Do they have a touchscreen-compatible fingertip?
Unfortunately, no, you’ll have to remove the gloves briefly to use touchscreen devices. Adding touch capability in future versions could further aid convenience and versatility.
And finally,
While the tourmaster heated gloves aren’t perfect, their proven heating tech and quality build should provide reliable warmth for most riders down to near zero temps.
Just don’t expect heavy impact attenuation in crashes. If supreme safety is needed, wear them over a dedicated race glove.
Let me know your experiences with winter riding gear below! Do you rely on heated options once the mercury dips? Share your thoughts on what else works to keep hands warm and protected during frigid months.
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