FXR Heated Recon Gloves…Get excited!
Get excited, I am!
If you are like me in the endless search for your perfect pair of snowmobiling gloves, read on!
For over 35+ years and 120,000+ miles, I’ve tried all types and brands. Gloves, Mittens, Claws with and without liners by Klim, FXR, Cabela’s, Motofist, CKX, Choko, Vortex, AuCair, OEMs and more.
When it’s time for new gloves, it’s always a process. I research the opinions of other snowmobilers, read about the features of expensive Brand name gloves and purchase what I hope will be functional, comfortable and warm. Most of the time, I am less than satisfied with what I buy or try. At any point in time, I probably own 5+ pairs of quality brand name gloves, all of which failed to meet my wants, needs or expectation.
Really, I have a lot of gloves
My reject gloves (not necessarily shown) go on a shelf in the garage, in the trunk of a car or get used only for walking the dog, shoveling snow or stacking wood.
When I do find the right combination of warmth and features, my satisfaction only last until my new favorite pair wears out and my search begins again. Maybe it’s just me, or maybe snowmobilers are just difficult people to satisfy.
As the years have passed warm hands have become an increasing challenge. Age related reduced circulation, the effects of medications or just getting soft in my older age, I’m certain that I am not alone.
Last year I became particularly intrigued by the promises of heated gloves and had an opportunity to experience a set of high-quality battery powered glove liners by ConforTeck.
The Conforteck liners worked very well, but to be honest “for me” the logistics of liners and wires to the “deck of cards size” battery in my pocket became cumbersome and were just not the perfect set up for me.
As I began my search for this season’s new gloves, I considered several batteries in the glove models. I found that the challenge of this more convenient format is typically battery life limitations and the underlying quality of the base glove. I usually ride all day, so realistically (if over used) the battery life will not last for the entire day. If the Quality and insulation of the base glove are not great, you would be left with dead battery gloves and freezing fingers.
What I really wanted was a great glove with the warmth and breathability to be a formidable standalone glove with the added bonus of offering an occasional extra shot of warmth during those times when your fingers need a little boost in maintaining warmth. First cold tracks in the morning, just after trail side stops or the final miles at the end of a long ride. These are the times when my fingers would appreciate a little warm love.
With a great glove, I would not need extra heat all the time, and that’s where my excitement for FXR’s Recon Heated gloves kicked into high gear.
Our early season frigid temperatures have been the perfect testing grounds for all of the hopes I held for my new FXR Recon gloves. Cold and colder, outside all day riding or hanging around during the filming of upcoming episodes of Motoneiges.TV
Here is a rundown of the features that are included in my new perfect glove :
- A warm 300gs of Thinsulate® insulation on the top and 200gs in the palm and fingers
- Pre-curved finger design for a great fit and feel
- Tough nylon shell construction
- Extra large storm gauntlet with wind tight shock cord adjustment
- Full leather palm and thumb
- Waterproof/breathable Hipora® membrane liner
- Comfortable Polar fleece lining
As far as the extra heat capabilities :
- Rechargeable 7.4V lithium polymer batteries that go in each glove
- Heating elements that track around each finger on the backside of the glove
- 3 heat choices with red, green and yellow setting indicator
- Up to 5 Hours of heat (obviously battery life depends on power setting selected)
- Dual port wall charger
- Additional batteries are available
Here are a few of my observations :
- The Recon gloves had a great grip and feel, immediately!
- The batteries are easily installed into zippered pouches in the gantlet area below your wrist, which keeps their presence and additional weight undetectable.
- The rubberized gauntlet top activation button is easy and convenient, but can become stiff and more difficult to operate with a gloved hand when it is very cold.
- I prefer a looser fitting glove and selected the XL which was perfect.
- I found that the added warmth was not something that I needed on a continuing basis, so I could easily manage battery life throughout the whole day.
- I like to be prepared and purchased an additional set of batteries to carry with me as charged ready to go spares.
In my opinion, the features and materials of the FXR Recons were perfect in making them a great glove and the bonus of additional warmth boosts was an awesome and welcome option. If you are looking for your next great glove, get excited!
FXR Heated Recon gloves are the real deal and I’m very excited!
