Merlin Minworth II heated glove review | Once you get a taste of heated luxury it’s hard to go back!

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The Minworth II heated gloves are produced by UK based outfitters Merlin. Dedicated, they say, to bringing you the best in authentic British design. Much of Merlin’s range was heavily revamped in 2024 and these are the second generation of the Minworth.

Are the Merlin Minworth II gloves comfortable?

As the mercury starts to drop the call for thicker insulation and more layers comes. However, the Minworth gloves are cleverly tailored to maximise on insulation in the areas you need it (plus, they’re heated). A plush cushioned interior, with 280g of Thinsulate on the back of the hand and 180g in the palm the coverage allows for great protection against the cold but also ensuring enough feel, grip and movement through the palm and wrist.

Are they practical?

The Minworths are incredibly easy to operate and fit well thanks to their adjustable cuff and Velcro wrist strap. The heated elements and batteries go unnoticed when wearing them and the battery compartment is cleverly tucked in the underside of the cuff in its own internal waterproof pocket. The pocket is sealed with a YKK zip and doesn’t leak.

They may lack the warming power of a hard-wired pair, but batteries are an easier alternative if you don’t want to add any more heated gear to the chain. Once charged, the batteries are easy to take in and out and the connections from the glove to the battery are secure.

Do the Merlin Minworth II gloves look good?

Timeless, a black classic cuffed glove, there is nothing about the design that would be out of place on a lot of different types of bikes. Tested in black, perhaps the brown would be more suited for a retro ride, but overall looks are sleek and neutral. With subtle styling incorporating the Merlin logo as the on/off button for the heated elements, with a small heat level indicator for reference.

What’s the quality like?

You can feel the quality quite literally when you slip on the gloves. They have held up well to several downpours and cold mornings showing very little signs of wear, and are a quality winter glove in their own right, without the added heated elements.

You could easily expect the glove to last several seasons. Whether the battery life will last, is hard to say, using the gloves on many long commutes the batteries drain to empty, so you end up cycling the charge several times. However, replacement batteries and charge cables are available for £30.00 so you could add to your set up and increase the life with a few sets if required.

Do the Merlin Minworth II gloves give good protection?

CE EN13594 KP Level 1 rated with D30 knuckle and scaphoid protection, along with goat leather on the upper parts. It sits well and doesn’t intrude when flexing your hand or carrying out operations wearing the gloves.

Additionally, you can operate your phone whilst wearing them as the thumb and fore finger are conductive. This combination makes for a reassuring combination ensuring you are both protected and warm. Do the protect you against the cold? You bet! Nice and toasty.

Even with a naked handlebar and the wind directly hitting the gloves, the highest heat setting wards off the cold for a good few hour. However, once the temperature drops down into single figures you will need to handguards or muffs to feel the difference. Of course, effectiveness is subject to the individual’s tolerances to the cold, but for optimum performance pair them with other protection.

Are they good value?

There is no way around it, it’s a decent chunk to spend on a pair of gloves, £230 (RRP) all in. However, you do get a lot of glove for the money. Arguably the gloves are great even without the heated element, which is a decent feature and well executed at that. View it as an investment for many winters to come, which without a doubt, they will last, and you can recognise the value.

The verdict

Once you get a taste of heated garment luxury it’s hard to go back and you find yourself looking at other items. If you think that might be you, it’s worth looking at other manufacturers as well before you buy if you want to start linking all your heated garments together. Which is one downside to the Minworth pair. Nonetheless, for a standalone heated item they do work exceptionally well and are a great premium product investment.

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