Product Reviews
Read about some of the great things that are being said about FabRoc™ Heated Products EXO2.
EXO2 Heated Motorcycle Gear Makes Winter Riding Enjoyable
December 17, 2011 by: Dan Evon
Article Highlights
Winter Schminter. Most riders in the northern hemisphere decide to put their motorcycles away when the first snowflakes start to fall. But why? A little cold never hurt anyone...
Tested: EXO2 Heated Jacket
December 22, 2011 by: Andy Stevens
Article Highlights
It still amazes me how few people know about heated clothing. The cold is a major factor in why people put their bikes away for the winter but if you wear the right kit, you can comfortably ride all year 'round. One way to stay warm this winter...
EXO2 Product Comparison Review by MCN
April 2010 - MCN Magazine - April 2010 Edition - Product Review Results
Article Highlights
- "The Bodywarmer clearly had the advantage…"
- "...the EXO2 StormShields holding a slight lead in achieving peak temps in the shortest amount of time - quite impressive, considering they draw only half the wattage of other gloves."
- "The EXO2 StormRider Bodywarmer is a much more luxurious, softer to the touch and of an overall higher build quality."
- "EXO2's FabRoc™ material proved that heat can be generated much more efficiently than before allowing riders of small or classic motorcycles without much excess alternator capacity to consider heated gear anew."
Shooting USA Features FabRoc™ Heated Clothing by EXO2
Click below to read the feedback Mike Irving, Producer for Shooting USA, following a recent filmed hunt where EXO2 products were supplied to members of the Smith & Wesson team. The show referenced in his testimonial aired on the Outdoor Channel several times in spring 2011. The referenced EXO2 products were referenced athroughout and displayed at the end of the show by the show's host.
EXO2 and My Busan, Republic of Korea Mountain Ride
During the weekend of 20-22 November 2009, I was finally able to conduct an extensive test of the EXO2 products I had recently purchased. Truth be told, these products keep you warm; exactly as advertised. These included the StormRider vest, StormShield gloves, StormRider controller, and HeatSole heated insoles. My trip involved riding my KTM 990 Adventure from the city of Uijeongbu, north of the South Korean capital city of Seoul, to the South Korean port city of Busan; a trip of approximately 300 miles.
I was going to meet a couple of other riders for a day of off road riding in the mountains north of Busan for a little relaxation. With the StormRider vest and StormShield gloves hooked up and the StormRider controller dialed to “level 5”, and the HeatSole heated insoles added to my riding boots I was ready to go. I departed Uijeongbu around 8 am on the 20th at a temperature of 28 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature that would only increase to 33 degrees by day's end. That means that taking the wind chill factor into account, I spent the day in temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Being a Minnesota native, I am accustomed to the cold, and only recently have decided to try and increase my winter activity pleasure through the addition of heated clothing. It could be the 14 + years of active military service, much of it spent in colder climes. So when I initially began my search for potential heated clothing products I spent a lot of time looking for something that wouldn't be like my old heated blanket. For me personally, I wasn't interested in a "wired" product. I have never been happy with the hot and cold spots that this style produces. So when I came across the exo² line, I thought it might be the answer. The FabRoc™ technology peaked my interest enough to give it a try.
The StormRider vest is a solid standalone product. Perhaps it is a bit on the bulky side, or certainly more bulky than the StormWalker, but not so much so that it won't fit underneath a riding jacket. I wore it for my ride to Busan under a Klim jacket and over a compression armor suit with no problem. I have used the StormRider now both on the bike and off and like the flexibility it offers. Of course, while hooked up to the 990 Adventure via the StormRider controller I can be sure to find that perfect temperature, on both my back and chest. Utilizing the battery alone, only allows the heat to reach the kidneys, which can be perfectly adequate for a variety of activities. Riding at temperatures of 10 degrees Fahrenheit, however, virtually requires utilizing a power source beyond the optional battery pack. The ability to dial-in a “perfect” temperature makes the additional expense of the controller a good buy.
The StormShield gloves are built with the motorcycle rider in mind. They offer full protection and claim to also be waterproof, windproof & breathable. I cannot vouch for the waterproofness of the gloves as I have managed to stay out of the rain while wearing these particular gloves thus far. I might take slight issue with the windproofness of the glove, since unfortunately one of the gloves stopped working on an equally cold return trip. They are fantastic, however, when heated. I was able to keep my hands perfectly happy when hooked up to the StormRider vest and the controller. I am unsure whether it was the breathability of the material or the controller, but I managed to keep my hands from sweating, which has been an issue for me previously when spending all day on the bike.
The HeatSole heated insoles were the final piece of heat gear added and they worked flawlessly. I was happily surprised that the batteries attached to the HeatSoles continued working throughout the entirety of an eight hour ride. I have also had the misfortune to use the HeatSole with my exposed right foot, currently living in a walking cast; the misfortune being the fact that I have to use the cast. The beauty of my predicament has been that now my foot stays warm even while spending the day outside in below freezing temperatures.
Without a doubt, I received more enjoyment on my motorcycle trip to Busan, due to the addition of the exo² products, than I would have without. During the entire weekend, both on and off road, I was able to stay warm. More importantly, I was able to control the warmth, or the cold, and thus remain more relaxed. I ride for the peace of mind, and with exo² I am certain that the number of days during the year I am able to achieve “peace of mind” has now been extended. Regarding costs, I think the product well worth the expense. Of course, I was able to utilize the very generous military and law enforcement discount. Overall, exo² is a great product with great service.
B.J. Herman
MAJ, AD - US Army
Executive Officer, DSTB, 2ID
EXO2 Heated Electric Riding Gear
Ken Bingenheimer, the National Motorcycle Examiner, asked me about three weeks ago if I was interested in reviewing a set of electric gloves and heated vest from EXO2 The Heat Inside. At the time, I'd just completed repairs on my 1996 Ural Sportsman due to a failed alternator (see link at end of article) and was looking at some cold riding ahead since the Ural did not come with heated grips. So, the timing of the review was great and I readily agreed. I've always been a heated grips guy since both my Beemers had come with them. They're nice to have on those cold riding days and coupled with a cheap ATV-type grip cover, can extend one's riding in the cold greatly.
Domingo Chang for Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner, November 2009 www.examiner.com
EXO2 Heated Motorcycle Gear
Winter is a bit early in Colorado this year and that makes the testing I've been doing of heated motorcycle gear all the more timely. The gear I've been testing is made by EXO2 The Heat Inside (yeah, that's the company name) and consists of their StormShield gloves and a vest, or the StormRider bodywarmer as they call it. EXO2 does make other products, but these are the ones I've been trying out. A side note here: I'm sold on electrics for warmth in the winter time. On the other hand, Tom Bachur, the Baltimore Motorcycle Travel Examiner, says of himself, "I'm a traditionalist: I rely on layers for warmth." Tom and I have joined forces to present two perspectives on winter riding, and his article is called "Motorcycle 101: Winter Riding." Additionally, Harley-Davidson Examiner T Jaussaud recently published an article dedicated to Harley heated gear, "Time to Get Outfitted for Fall Weather."
Ken Bingenheimer for Motorcycle Examiner, October 2009 www.examiner.com
EXO2 StormShield Gloves
I've never used heated gloves before, finding heated grips easier to get on with – no threading of loose wires down your arms. But these certainly do the business, keeping my fingers toasty-warm on the coldest days (so far). Unlike other gloves, they have an optional control unit, so you can vary the heat over nine settings, from slightly chilly to why-am-Idoing- this? Buy the controller as well, and they add up to nearly £165 ($283.98 USD) which isn't cheap, but they are adaptable. The gloves draw 1.2 amps, and have a Porelle waterproof/breathable lining. EXO2 also makes the StormRider heated waistcoat. I've been using one of these for almost a year, and it's brilliant. Setting five out of nine is plenty on a freezing day, and keeping your core warm really does keep warm blood pumping through your extremities. Good stuff.
Peter Henshaw for Motorcycle Sport & Leisure Magazine, February 2008 www.mslmagazine.co.uk
EXO2 The Heat Inside StormRider Bodywarmer
He Said/She Said, By: Fred Mathews & Cindy Knower Ultimate Plus, LLC
He Said:
Tense shoulders, tight neck, shivering... All things we want to avoid while riding our motorcycle. I have found the secret to making this a thing of the past. Studies have shown if your core is warm it will radiate heat out to your extremities, keeping them warm. To keep your core warm grab some EXO2 heated gear, like the StormRider Bodywarmer. We hooked up the thermostat to my bike and wired Cindy's vest direct with the quick connection. Recently there were many days I rode when the temperatures dropped down to 33 degrees. On those days I left the controller temp all the way up. A couple of days it was only in the mid 40's and I ended up turning the controller down to about level 5 of 10. Even on the cold days my whole body managed to stay much warmer. I was wearing insulated chaps from Fox Creek Leather which helped keep the lower half warm. One day we both rode on my cycle and went 100 miles in about 40 degree weather. The 1st half we rode with no heated vest. I could feel my shoulders getting tense and a bit of shiver coming on. For the 2nd half we put on the vests and turned the heat up about ½ way. With that we could have kept riding all day in comfort. Besides being totally functional it looks good as a basic black vest.
When I was learning about this technology I was told the great benefit was that you do not have to worry about breaking any fiber optics that power most all the other heated gear. This vest has no fiber optics. I have been cramming it into my saddlebag when not in use. I was even told if you end up putting a hole in it the heat will still work. If you have seen what I put in my saddlebags you would know this is a test.
As far as connections; there are many ways to get it hooked up. You can use the included battery connection with a quick plug. We tried that and the thermostat with 10 levels of comfort. It wires to your battery and runs up to your clutch perch. With a “Y” connector you can hook up many heated items. There are numerous ways to connect or you can even get a rechargeable battery. Make sure to check out their web site for more options.
She Said:
This time of year with the temperature outside down in the 40's and 50's, many riders just decide to stay home because of the chilly weather. I know I think twice about getting out in the wind when it's 45 degrees outside! In order for me to be warm enough to ride in the colder temperatures, I have to wear my thermal underwear and stuff as many layers of sweatshirts inside my coat as I can. And no matter what I do, my fingers and toes get cold. By the time I get dressed and ready, I am so stiff from all those layers that I can hardly get on my bike! Then I think, is all that hassle really worth it just to go for a ride? I want to ride as much as possible before there is snow on the ground, because the winters here in the Midwest are ridiculously long. So, imagine how excited I was when I found the line of heated gear made by EXO2 The Heat Inside. I decided to try the EXO2 StormRider Bodywarmer vest, knowing that if you keep your core warm, your whole body will stay warm. The first day that we tested these vests out, it was about 45 degrees outside, windy, and rainy. We set out without wearing the vests, wearing our jackets and a sweatshirt. I was freezing. We stopped and put the vests on, cranked the heat up as high as it goes, and were comfy for the rest of the ride. As the vest warmed up, I could actually feel my fingers and toes warming up! Then, another time when I used it on a 50 degree day, I noticed that it only took about 3 minutes for the vest to get warm. I wore the vest for the whole day out riding and eventually had to turn the temperature down because it was cooking me out! I wasn't chilly at all on that ride. Check out www.exo2.com to see what other awesome heated motorcycle gear they have available.
Conclusion:
Staying comfortable will help you enjoy your riding season and get more time on the seat. Not having to put on 15 layers of clothing to stay warm just to have to find room to pack it when it gets warm outside makes this heated vest worth it's weight in gold.
EXO2 Kidney Belt
ON TEST FOR: 12 months
COSTS: £49.99, £59.99 battery ($79.99 USD, $89.99 Power Package)
Being cold is truly rubbish. You probably know this. You know that the cold saps your cerebral power as blood is diverted to organs perceived more vital than your brain. I tried doing some basis adding-up on the bike the other day in the cold and I couldn't do it. I got off he bike and still couldn't, but the point is, it's better being warm than cold. SO that's why this kidney belt is perfect for me. Powered by a rechargeable battery, it's so easy to use. Simply power it up, wrap it round my girth , turn her on and she's good for around three hours of cuddly warmth – so in and out of work every day. And because it is not connected to my bike's battery, I can walk around with it on too. It's like my own little hot water bottle. I say it's nigh-on perfect: not unreasonably priced, effective in its job and a cinch to use. Ten out of ten, I say.
Simon Roots for SuperBike Magazine, March 2008 www.superbike.co.uk
EXO2 Heated Gloves
EXO2 are developing a great range of heated gear, and the latest piece in the puzzle are these hot new gloves, powered by beautiful, beautiful electricity from your machine. But these gloves are not just about heat as they incorporate lots of regular features you see in normal mits. So they're waterproof, have PVC knuckle protectors, are made with quality cowhide leather so does everything a normal gloves does, but at twice the temperature. If you've not got heated grips then they'll be a godsend over winter. £124.99 ($229.99 USD)
Staff Writer for SuperBike Magazine, March 2008 www.superbike.co.uk
EXO2 StormRider Review and Article in July 2008 Yankee Beemers Magazine
The big feature of the EXO2 vest is that it uses a wireless fabric, which the company calls FabRoc™. There are no wires in the fabric; the heat panel itself gets warm. The heating layer is sandwiched between a breeze-proof outer layer and a soft liner. It‟s all very clothing-like, with the big advantage of uniform heat, and no worry about balling the thing up and stuffing it wherever. exo² also makes heated gloves, inner soles, and other gear [...] My belly, back, and chest stayed operational through some prolonged cold. Sometimes I felt like I was standing next to a wood stove. Other times I simply had a pronounced lack of misery, considering the buffeting that other parts of me were enduring. There were times when the unplugged vest did the trick, but if I got too cold, I got toasty quickly when I plugged the thing back in.
www.yankeebeemers.org
