exo2 StormRider Bodywarmer Product Evaluation- Motorcycle Gear

exo2 StormRider Bodywarmer – Product Evaluation Hot tip for cool-weather riding.

Evaluating electric riding gear in Southern California would, on the surface, seem to be as fruitful as working on a tan in Seattle. While some of the beach-bred locals may think that black ice is a rap artist, our year-round riding season does present its fair share of chilly two-wheeling.

During the cooler months of the year, the exo² StormRider Bodywarmer has proven to be an ideal supplement to everything from lightweight mesh jackets to full-on winter riding gear. This comfortable, non-bulky electric vest keeps the wearer’s torso toasty-warm, even when temperatures dip into the 40s.

The attractive shell is made of high-tech AirXtream—a breathable, durable, stretchy, waterproof and windproof textile. While the StormRider is an effective underlayer even when powered off, FabRoc heating elements located in the chest, abdominal and kidney areas make it the hot ticket within the genre. Unlike traditional heated gear, whose spaghetti-like mess of wire strewn under fabric creates hot and cold spots, the pliable, paper-thin FabRoc panels provide uniform heat dispersion.

Once the supplied fused wiring harness is connected to a motorcycle battery, the vest reaches its self-regulating 122-degree peak temperature within a couple of minutes. Going beyond this basic hookup and adding the accessory on/off switch ($15.99) or, better yet, the nine-level, handlebar-mounted control unit ($59.99), guarantees maximum convenience and comfort.

Just look out for black ice.