EXO2 StormRider Heated Body Warmer review

[Kwikasfuki]

Unless the temperature is near freezing, I generally don't have an issue keeping warm in the winter. As long as there are enough layers with a wind stopper I can pretty much get by. However, I do sometimes get caught out by below freezing temperatures, especially if I need to go into work early or leave late. My friend recommended the EXO2 StormRider Heated Body Warmer and it landed on my doorstep last week alongside the Heat Controller.

Firstly the bad. The jacket has one cable to the power, and another two that seem to connect to each other. As there wasn't a manual included I have no idea as to their purpose.



The installation of the controller is relatively straight forward. It mounts on the right handlebar above the clutch reservoir. Connect the positive to the battery, and negative to a good earth (or the negative of the battery if you like). The line to the body warmer can be routed under the tank and halfway up the seat where it pops out just before the rear pannier. It's important that this wire is on the same side as the mount as the body warmer connector protrudes from the right side pocket. There's no need to switch the controller to the ignition as the LED won't burn out the battery should it be left on accidently (the jacket stays with the rider, not the bike!). As soon as the controller is switched on, the default setting of 9 appears which is the maximum to heat up the body warmer quickly.



Normally I would order the large size in any garmet, but with the body warmer I checked the sizes and ended up measuring and ordering the medium which fits snug. Within a couple of minutes of plugging in, the sensation of heat surrounds your body. Initially I felt the lower back warming up, before spreading to the rest of the body. After riding for a few minutes it was too hot. Bear in mind today was near freezing (1c) with a cold wind, I had to lower the temp. I then decided to see how it would behave on the motorway as that is where the majority of my riding is.

As its a body warmer (i.e. no sleeves) it became apparent that the arms would suffer the most on the motorway. Even with the heat there was that slight tinge in the arms to suggest they were slightly cold. As I only had one layer of clothing on underneath, this shouldn't be a problem if a wind stopper was worn on top for extreme temperatures. The rest of the body warmer was fine - once again the temp had to be dropped to something more comfortable as it just got too hot.

Overall extremely happy with my purchase. A tad expensive but does the job.

[Lonewolf]

NB, at the end of the day I know you use your bike more often than not for commuting to and from work, rather than using the car. Its important then that you are comfortable while travelling. Its never pleasant riding in freezing conditions unless you have supplementry heat from something. It slows your reactions down considerably. I'm just grateful I have heated grips, but my rides are more for pleasure than necessity so I'll have to make do with just the heated grips and maybe put another jumper on.  ;D

[Nygie]

Cool, or Warm as the case may be.
The 2 wires?? is it possible these are for gloves to connect to?

[Kwikasfuki]

It could be possible. I've yet to phone them and find out. Just been too busy

[Mr Blek]

Mr Bates, I see these come with battery packs. Do you know if they heat the entire jacket or is it just a subset? This isn't for motorbike riding but hiking.

[Kwikasfuki]

I think with the batteries its only the lower back (kidney area)

[Rusty]

NB ... 2 wires ??? Yes i am sure that will be for the gloves .. I have a similar vest made by KLAN which like you I find is TOO hot unless its absolutely freezing out there... the wires are a bit fiddly but otherwise a decent bit of kit ... you will have to get the gloves too you know !