Right: EKOI Perf HEAT CONCEPT | Weight: 690 g | Price: € 262.28 | Manufacturer’s Website
Cold is one of winter’s nastiest opponents for mountain bikers. As soon as your fingers stiffen up, you lose precision, tense up or grip the handlebars more loosely than you’d like. Heated gloves solve this problem elegantly: instead of stacking layer upon layer or improvising with disposable warmers, the heat goes exactly where it’s needed – on the back of the hand and into the fingers.
In theory, this means more control, more safety and, above all, more fun. The only question is how practical the technology really is in everyday riding – and how much extra weight you’re willing to accept.
Heated Gloves Review: EKOI Perf HEAT CONCEPT
When you unbox the EKOI Perf HEAT CONCEPT, they feel like small tank gloves: lots of tech, lots of material, lots of warmth potential. Their standout feature is a four-battery setup that heats the back of the hand and fingers independently. Plenty of power – but you feel the weight.
Weight and Handling
In size L, the gloves weigh around 285 g. Add four batteries totaling 405 g and you end up with 690 g – not exactly light for sporty riding. The gloves feel solid and high-quality when you put them on, but also bulky. For very technical riding, they’re simply too clumsy, but on long tours and commutes they work just fine.
Batteries, Operation and Runtime
Operation is simple, though each glove needs to be controlled separately. One short press, three heat levels, noticeably fast warmth. Depending on the setting, they run for between two and a half and five hours – solid, but not exceptional. The heat spreads evenly all the way to the fingertips. Slightly impractical: the standard charger can only charge two batteries at a time. If you forget to switch them over, you might end up starting your ride with one warm and one cold hand.
Fit, Comfort and On-bike Performance
The fit is cozy and winter-ready, but not performance-oriented. The bulky construction compromises handlebar grip, but the long cuffs sit securely over your jacket, keeping icy drafts at bay. Riders who want precision will notice quickly: these gloves are built for comfort, not finesse.
Heated Gloves Review: RACER E-GLOVE 4
The RACER E-GLOVE 4 takes a much slimmer approach. It looks more modern, less like a thick winter mitten and more like a well-designed bike glove – just with incorporated heating. And it brings significantly less weight.
Weight and Handling
In size M/8, the glove weighs around 191 g, plus two batteries with 153 g. That totals 344 g – almost exactly half the EKOI’s overall weight. And you feel that immediately: the RACER is more agile, direct and sporty.
Batteries, Operation and Runtime
The RACER relies on two rather than four batteries. Operation is even simpler: three heat levels, quick response – and both gloves can be controlled via a single button. When switched on, they briefly pair with each other. Runtimes are similar to the EKOI, around three to five hours depending on the level.
Fit, Comfort and On-bike Performance
The RACER fits like a slightly thicker traditional bike glove – just warmer. Handlebar feel is more direct, allowing for more precise movements. Active, sporty and technical riders will likely be much happier with this model. It doesn’t warm quite as strongly as the EKOI but is more than sufficient for dynamic riding.
EKOI Perf HEAT CONCEPT vs RACER E-GLOVE 4 – Who Performs Better in Winter?
Both gloves do their job well, but they target different riders: the EKOI is a heating powerhouse with four batteries – but also a small dumbbell in glove form. The RACER weighs almost half as much and is far more pleasant on longer or more technical rides.
The EKOI provides stronger, more even heat – ideal for very sensitive fingers, extremely cold days or relaxed rides. The RACER offers focused but adequate warmth and much better bike feel – a big plus for sporty riders.
Conclusions to Our Heated Gloves Review: Which One is Right for You?
If warmth matters more to you than weight, if you ride at a leisurely pace and are extremely sensitive to the cold, the EKOI Perf HEAT CONCEPT is the more reliable choice. If you ride actively, don’t accept winter as an excuse and want warm fingers without sacrificing grip on the bars, go for the RACER E-GLOVE 4: lighter, sportier, grippier – and warm enough for nearly all winter days.
If you’re interested in classic winter gloves, we recommend checking out our comparison test of eight models for different needs: Winter Cycling Gloves.
Words: Jonny Grapentin Photos: Robin Ulbrich
