Merlin Curborough Heated Gloves | If you’re going to ride through the winter be safe and comfortable

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The Merlin Curborough Heated gloves can be used as both warm and protective winter gloves without the heating element, and as toasty heated gloves when the temperature drops way down low.

Is the Merlin Curborough a quality glove?

You’d expect a top quality glove from Merlin, since they are one of the premium brands in motorcycle gear. The different sections that make up the design are specifically included for the work that a glove does, whether it’s operating the machine, defending against the elements, or protecting in the event of a fall.

Though the Curborough is waterproof, I particularly like the elasticated cuff gaiter that extends above the wrist and prevents water from leaking down into your glove from your jacket. Just remember to tighten the drawcord after you pull it up over your jacket sleeve.

The finger and thumb are both touchscreen compatible, which is essential in these days when smartphone navigation is supplementing dedicated sat navs, and intercom communication is increasingly popular in group rides.

What protection do these gloves offer?

I’ve had a tumble or two myself, and my first instinct was to put my hand out to break the fall, as many bikers do. The folks at Merlin know this so they’ve put a chunk of D3O foam protection in the palm of the glove in exactly the spot I’d probably hit the tarmac with. Good to know.

As far a protection from the cold (without help from the heating element) the back of the hand is insulated with Thinsulate 280g, and this is especially welcome on ‘nakeds’ with no handguards to break the wind chill. The palm benefits from Thinsulate 180g.

From a certification point of view, the Curborough is tested up to CE EN13594 KP Level 1.

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How comfortable are the Merlin Curboroughs?

As soon as you slip your hand into the glove, the snug inner lining gives a sense of comfort against the cold. Because I also have heated grips on my BMW 850 GSA, I don’t always need to activate the heating in the gloves when I’m riding around town.

Once I leave urban areas and the wind chill amplifies the freezing cold temperatures, I can easily activate the heated elements by pressing the button on the back of the glove. I usually do it before I head out of town so it’s not a distraction when I’m riding, but it’s an easy press if you had to do it on the move.

The battery pouch is cleverly situated in a zipped pocket on the underside of the glove which means you don’t feel the bulk of the battery pack as you twist the throttle. There’s a little zip garage to prevent water leaking onto the battery.

With some heated winter gloves, the fingers become unbendable as if they were armour from the knights of old, but not the Merlin Curboroughs. The fingers are pre-curved and bend nicely around the throttle. And they don’t make you fumble about opening the visor to scratch that annoying itch.

Are these good looking gloves?

For sure. They’d look a bit out of place on a hot, sunny day when you’re sporting your latest mesh jacket, but when you’re all bundled up in layers of winter gear they look the part. Each region of the glove is thoughtfully designed – from the waterproof cuff gaiter to the reflective strips on the fingers. 

The styling of the gloves is described as a “hybrid of heritage and touring”. I would see this appealing to commuters, working riders, weekend warriors, and the adventure/touring demographic who ride in all seasons. They only come in black, which would suit most motorcyclists in this segment.

Are the Merlin Curborough’s good value for money?

If you don’t like the discomfort of freezing fingers, and you’re after a winter riding glove that does more than just keep your pinkies warm, I’d say yes, they are good value for money. After pulling your hands out at the end of a ride you don’t have to frantically look for somewhere to thaw them out.

And if our lovely British weather decides an hour of sunshine is enough and proceeds to open the heavens to rain, sleet or snow,  at least you know your hands are covered. 

My verdict

I’ve been reviewing the Merlin Curborough Heated gloves through a particularly wet and drearily cold winter season in the UK, and I am now reprimanding myself for not investing in good quality heated gloves for so many years of riding in the cold.

I always told myself they were too expensive and I experimented with different cheaper solutions, but I now understand the value of spending a few extra quid for the benefit of continuing to enjoy myself on my motorbike through all seasons. We can’t do away with winter, but we can ride safely and comfortably through it.

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