FXR Recon Heated Gloves Review: The Real Deal for Snowmobilers
Get excited, because I am! If you are, like me, endlessly searching for your perfect pair of snowmobiling gloves, this text is for you! For over 40 years, and 140,000+ miles, I’ve tried all types of gloves, mittens, and claws with and without liners, as well as several heated models. I’ve tried almost every brand there is: KLIM, FXR, 509, TOBE, Cabela’s, Motofist, CKX, Choko, Vortex, Auclair, OEM… and more! In short, I have a lot of experience with a lot of gloves.
When it was time for new gloves, it was always the same process. I observed what others were using, researched the opinions of other snowmobilers, and read about the features. I was looking for gloves that would be durable, functional, comfortable, and warm.
Unfortunately, most of the time, I was less than satisfied with what I bought or tried. At any point in time, I probably own at least five pairs of quality, brand-name gloves. All of them failed to be the pinnacle of my wants, needs or expectations. My most rejected gloves (not necessarily shown in the above photo) go on a shelf in the garage, in the trunk of a car, or under the seat of my truck. I use them only for walking the dog, shoveling snow, stacking wood, or (hopefully NOT) changing a tire.
Whenever I did find the right combination of warmth and features, my satisfaction only lasted until my new favorite pair wore out and my search began again. Maybe it’s just me… or maybe all snowmobilers are just difficult to totally satisfy.
As the years have passed, warm hands have become of increasing importance and challenge. The reduced circulation that comes with age, the effects of medications, or just getting less tough in older age, all play factors in needing warmer hands. I’m certain that I am not alone in this struggle.
A few years ago, when I began my search for the season’s new gloves, I considered several heated gloves. Alternatively, I also tried heated liners wired to a larger battery. Unfortunately, the fit, bulk, and extra cords routed through my jacket were not for me. I found that the challenges of the more logical “battery in the glove” format were battery life limitations and the underlying quality of the base glove.
When I ride, I typically go all day. So, realistically, the battery will not last for the entire day, especially if overused. If the quality and insulation of the base glove were not great, I’d have to rely heavily on the heated function. Consequently, I would deplete my batteries, which would leave me with inferior gloves and very uncomfortable fingers.
What I truly desired was an exceptional pair of gloves that excelled in terms of warmth, grip, fit, and breathability, all while providing an occasional burst of additional warmth. I envisioned these gloves being perfect on their own, yet offering a welcome respite during specific moments. First cold tracks in the morning, just after trail stops, after a trail side adjustment or the final miles at the end of a long ride. These are the times when my fingers would appreciate a little more warm love than just the handle bar heat.
That year’s search led me to the selection of FXR Recon heated gloves. I could not have been more impressed or satisfied. They did absolutely everything I described above and performed without issue.
The early and continued frigid temperatures we experienced that winter were the perfect testing grounds for all of the hopes I held for my new FXR Recon gloves. Cold and colder rides, outside all day during the filming of upcoming episodes of Motoneiges.TV, or at Le Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt, the Recons were flawless.
Features of the FXR Recon heated gloves
Here is a rundown of the features that were included in my new perfect glove:
- A warm 300 g of Thinsulate insulation on the top and 200 g 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
- Wrist cinch straps
- Full leather palm and thumb
- Waterproof/breathable Hipora membrane liner
- Comfortable Polar fleece lining
Heating Capabilities of the FXR Recon Heated Gloves
- 7.4V rechargeable lithium polymer batteries for each glove
- Heating elements that track around each finger on the backside of glove
- 3 heat levels with red, green, and yellow setting indicator
- Up to 5 hours of heat (depending on the heat setting selected)
- Dual-battery port wall charger
- Additional batteries are available
Real-World Observations After Thousands of Miles
- The FXR Recon heated gloves had a great grip and feel within the first hundred kilometers!
- The batteries are easily installed into zippered pouches in the gauntlet area below your wrist, which keeps their presence and additional weight undetectable.
- The rubberized gauntlet top activation button is easy and convenient, only becoming slightly stiffer to operate in very cold temperatures.
- 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. Most days, never turning the heating function on at all.
- I like to be prepared and purchased an additional set of batteries to carry with me as ready to go as spares that I hopefully never have the emergency need for.
Final Verdict on the FXR Recon Heated Gloves
Now, why am I telling you all about my perfect glove from a few years ago? It’s simple, because when the inevitable wear out of all great snowmobile apparel happens, you need the start the search again.
After riding nearly 10,000 km, my FXR Recon heated gloves had worn and reached the end of their peak performance life. But, unlike searches in the past, my choice this year was easy to make.
I even bought a second pair of gloves… they are that good. There is nowhere else that I needed to look. Sign me up and send me another set of the best gloves I have ever had!
In my “now repeated” experience and opinion, the features and materials of the FXR Recon heated gloves are exceptional. They just happen to include the incredible bonus of additional warmth, whenever it may be needed. If you are looking for your next great pair of gloves, get excited!
FXR Heated Recon gloves are the real deal, and I’m very excited… again!
