Gerbings or new Zumo GPS??

[Bob E.]

So....I got some Christmas $$ to spend and I'm trying to decide between getting Gerbings heated gloves/jacket liner/controller combo or a new Zumo GPS (probably a 660).  I'm leaning towards the Gerbings for a couple of reasons.  First, I already have a Garmin Quest GPS that is "adequate" for most trips.  And second, I already have my bike wired for my ipod.  The only reason I'm considering dropping coin on a Zumo is to basically upgrade the GPS system for a larger screen, preloaded maps, and the MP3 capability to eliminate the ipod....basically combine 2 units into one.

So, would you upgrade current gear that gets used all the time or add new gear that would improve comfort and extend the riding season?  Like I said, I'm leaning towards the Gerbings...but man, I've been wanting to upgrade my GPS for awhile now. 

[Stanley Steamer]

So....I got some Christmas $$ to spend and I'm trying to decide between getting Gerbings heated gloves/jacket liner/controller combo or a new Zumo GPS (probably a 660).  I'm leaning towards the Gerbings for a couple of reasons.  First, I already have a Garmin Quest GPS that is "adequate" for most trips.  And second, I already have my bike wired for my ipod.  The only reason I'm considering dropping coin on a Zumo is to basically upgrade the GPS system for a larger screen, preloaded maps, and the MP3 capability to eliminate the ipod....basically combine 2 units into one.

So, would you upgrade current gear that gets used all the time or add new gear that would improve comfort and extend the riding season?  Like I said, I'm leaning towards the Gerbings...but man, I've been wanting to upgrade my GPS for awhile now. 

I already have the Gerbings....I know that my Gerbings have earned their keep and proven their worth several times...especially after a leaving a ride of Britman's one Fall....I left Asheville, NC one morning at 17 degrees...what's the windchill at 17 degs and 80mph??..

 ...and Santa brought my a Garmin Nuvi 550...my RAM mount for it came in today, so now I get to see how it compares to the Garmin 2610 I already have....I'm going to have to think about what I will do with that one now.....hope the Nuvi 550 is as good to me as the 2610 has been....

[Joe Hummer]

I lucked out and my wife brought a gerbing suit (jacket, gloves, pants, and socks) into the marriage that will also fit me.  I love it too!!!  sure makes those rides to work in 20 deg temps even more enjoyable.  

I got a Tom Tom Rider 2 for Christmas.  Got it mostly because it is waterproof.  

Joe

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I've got ( 2 ) GPS units and would'nt give you 10 cents for another one. I would'nt have took $1,500.00 for my Gerbings on the trip I just got back from it was bitter cold Monday and I rode 270 miles in total comfort .Round trip miles on the trip right at 700 and the Gerbings was on the entire trip.

[ISP7562]

I have the Zumo 550 and love it!!!  I use it all the time in my car and on the bike!!!!   i just got the Gerbing gloves and power cords and such from Santa.  Have not been able to use them yet due to working and bad weather.   i am sure you have this ste but just in case.  

http://www.heatedclothingoutlet.com/index.shtml

So you have a hard decision to make, wish you all the best.

[Bob E.]

OK...so it looks like I'm going to order me up some gerbings gloves and jacket liner.  Where do you guys buy your stuff?  Gerbing.com??  Or are there better deals out there.

I looked at the line that ISP7562 posted and it looks like they have great prices.  But I'm a little leary of their disclaimer that says their stuff may have some defects or be slightly used and sold AS-IS...ALL SALES FINAL.  If I'm spending that kind of cash and something doesn't work or is screwed up somehow (seams/stitching/tears,etc.)...I want to know that the seller/vendor will stand behind it and make it right.  I don't get that feeling from that link.  Same thing from various sources on ebay.  I want to know that the warranty will be good.

Also, I see the newest gerbings have "microwire" technology.  If I were to buy from another discount vendor, is it worth the extra $$ for the microwire?  Or is the older stuff just as good?

Which gloves are recommended?  They have 2 different pairs with about a $40 price difference.  I'm leaning towards the $179 gloves because they appear to have longer gauntlets...but if the others work just as well...I'd get them to save a little cash.

And finally, what all do I need to buy to hook it up to the bike?  Do I just need the dual controller for jacket and gloves?  Or do I need some other connector wires, etc.?  I don't want to get it and go to hook it up and use it only to find out that I need some other piece.

Thanks for the advice!

[eric in md]

gerbings.

[Karen]

ditto

[MP]

I like my Warm and Safe gear, but Gerbings good too.

MP

[Gryphon Rider]

Just looking at the Gerbing's web sight, of the gloves they offer, I would probably go for the T5 gloves.  Sturdy construction with extra padding on the knuckles, Hypora membrane, Thinsulate insulation, appears to have reflective piping, wrist strap.  All these features are plusses in my book.  Gloves and boot insoles are where the microwire have the biggest advantage over the older style copper resistance wire.  It's basically high strand count stainless steel wire, which is stronger, more flexible, and smaller than the copper wire.  Because it's smaller and lighter, more of it can be used in a given heating area, thus providing more even heat without adding extra bulk.  I used high strand count stainless steel to make my own electric glove liners which I plug into my old Gerbing's jacket liner.  My gloves heat up way faster than my jacket, so I believe Gerbing's claim that the Microwire heats faster than their old copper wire products.  I suspect the Microwire will also be more reliable than copper because it's stronger and more flexible.

[fudgie]

Long underware and a fold up map!  Use the cash for trips or chrome! 

[Black Dog]

Just another idea for the heated clothing, take a look at the Tourmaster 'Synergy' series...

http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/catalog/Heated-Apparel-p-1-c-59.html

Their products come with the controllers, so ya don't need to spend the extra $$.  I've got the gloves and the jacket liner, and love the 'warm hug' ya get when ya turn 'em on.  Look around, and you can find some good deals on the web (Motorcycle Super Store is where I got mine).

My .02

Black Dog

[Joe Hummer]

I would DEFINITELY get the Gerbing (or other heated gear).  Rode to work this morning...5 F above zero...I actually got too hot.  Awesome!!! 

Joe