The promise of extending the riding season is the siren song for any dedicated motorcyclist. As temperatures plummet, the interface between rider and machine becomes a critical battleground against the cold. REV’IT!, a brand synonymous with engineered protection, enters this fight with the Liberty H2O Heated Gloves. This isn’t merely a winter glove with a heating element tacked on; it’s a multi-layered, technologically integrated system designed to defy the harshest conditions. But beyond the impressive spec sheet, does the Liberty H2O deliver the functional warmth and robust protection demanded by the discerning year-round rider? We deconstruct this purpose-built tool to find out.
Engineering the Microclimate: Materials and Construction
At its core, the Liberty H2O is a testament to a multi-faceted approach to thermal regulation. The chassis is a strategic blend of materials chosen for their specific properties. A flexible softshell material comprises the back of the hand, offering crucial mobility without compromising wind resistance. The palm, the primary point of contact with the motorcycle, is crafted from drum-dyed goatskin, renowned for its balance of suppleness and abrasion resistance. An additional goatskin grip patch ensures that the tactile connection to the controls remains precise, even with the glove’s substantial construction.
The defense against the elements is a two-pronged attack. For weatherproofing, REV’IT! employs its proprietary Hydratex|Z-liner membrane. This layer is positioned between the outer shell and the inner liner, creating a reliable barrier against wind and water. While perhaps not as breathable as top-tier laminated Gore-Tex constructions, the Z-liner approach provides excellent waterproofing and is a proven performer in sustained downpours, confirmed by both submersion tests and real-world rider feedback.
The passive insulation system is equally robust. The primary thermal barrier is a generous 200g layer of PrimaLoft® Gold, a benchmark synthetic insulation that provides exceptional warmth-to-weight and maintains a significant portion of its insulating properties even when damp. This is complemented by Exkin® Platinum, a lightweight material that reflects radiant body heat back towards the hand, and a high-loft fur liner that creates a comfortable, moisture-wicking next-to-skin layer. This combination of materials creates a formidable thermal shield even before the electronic heating is engaged.
Protection is not an afterthought. The Liberty H2O is CE EN 13594:2015 Level 1 KP certified. This is achieved through a hard-shell knuckle protector, a substantial TPU hard-shell palm slider to mitigate impact and abrasion in a slide, and Temperfoam® panels on the thumb and palm for additional energy absorption.
The Power Plant: THERMOTRONIC Heating System
The active heating component is the REV’IT! THERMOTRONIC system, powered by two 7.4V, 4000mAh lithium-ion batteries that tuck into integrated pockets within the long cuffs. The system offers four distinct heating levels, easily cycled via a large, glove-friendly button on the back of the hand. A color-coded LED ring provides clear visual feedback on the current setting: White (25%), Yellow (50%), Orange (75%), and Red (100% Boost).
REV’IT! provides estimated run times ranging from approximately 2.5 hours on the highest setting to over 6 hours on the lowest. These figures, as with any battery-powered gear, are subject to the variables of ambient temperature and wind chill. The batteries are charged via an included dual micro-USB cable, requiring 4-5 hours for a full charge.
Real-World Performance: Where Technology Meets Tarmac
On paper, the Liberty H2O presents a comprehensive solution. In practice, its performance reveals specific strengths and notable limitations.
The non-heated performance is excellent. The multi-layer insulation and windproof shell provide significant warmth on their own, making the gloves suitable for cool days without activating the heating elements. The fit is generally true to size, though some users report a snugger fit, particularly in the fingers, which is worth noting for those between sizes.
When the THERMOTRONIC system is activated, the heat is palpable, primarily across the back of the hand and the top of the fingers where the elements are located. This is a critical area for combating wind chill. However, a consistent point of feedback from users is that the heat output, even on the highest “Boost” setting, can feel insufficient for sustained highway speeds in near-freezing temperatures. Riders report that while the gloves prevent fingers from becoming painfully numb, they don’t always create the “toasty” warmth some might expect from a premium heated product. The palms and the tips of the fingers, in particular, can remain susceptible to the cold, a scenario where heated grips would serve as an essential complement.
Usability presents a mixed experience. The large control button is a design success—easy to locate and operate mid-ride. The inclusion of a visor wiper on the left index finger and touchscreen-compatible fingertips are functional, well-executed features. However, the process of activating the gloves is a frequently cited point of frustration. It requires pressing and holding a small button on the battery pack itself before stowing it in its cuff pocket and connecting it. This makes turning the system on a cumbersome, two-handed operation that must be done before the gloves are fully on. Furthermore, the absence of a battery level indicator on the glove’s main control button is a significant oversight, forcing the user to remove the battery from its pocket to check remaining power.
The Nexus Verdict
The REV’IT! Liberty H2O Heated Gloves are a meticulously constructed piece of riding equipment that excels in passive insulation, weather protection, and safety. The quality of materials and the thoughtfulness of the protective features are undeniable. It is a premium winter glove that also happens to be heated.
The critical analysis, however, pivots on the performance of the heating system itself. For the urban commuter or the touring rider venturing out in moderately cold conditions (above 5°C or 40°F), the THERMOTRONIC system provides a welcome and effective boost of warmth that takes the edge off the cold.
For the hardcore, all-weather rider battling deep winter conditions and significant wind chill, the heat output may prove to be more of a survival tool than a comfort provider. It will keep your hands functional, but may not deliver the enveloping warmth of more powerful, vehicle-wired competitors. The ergonomic quirks of the battery activation process and the lack of an external power indicator are notable design flaws in an otherwise premium package.
The Liberty H2O is a highly capable, protective, and well-insulated winter glove. Its integrated heating is a valuable feature, but potential buyers must align their expectations with its performance envelope. It is a shield against the cold, but not an impenetrable fortress of fire.