The decision is how much insulation you need and whether adding electric heat is worthwhile. Gore-Tex and heating can coexist: one provides weather protection, while the other supplies heat as long as power is available. Journey length, hand exposure and how well you can use the controls matter more than choosing a label.
Updated on 16 October 2026 using manufacturer documentation, without our own physical tests. We do not set a universal temperature at which either system stops working: we have not measured that limit, and riding conditions vary.
Separate three different functions
Gore's glove documentation describes waterproof, windproof and breathable protection. Insulation is another part of the glove. Membrane-equipped gloves can target different uses and seasons; the brand's plus warm family, for example, adds insulation.
Heating supplies energy. It does not automatically make a glove waterproof or establish its motorcycle protection certification. Check insulation, rain protection and riding protection separately.
Checked models and current prices
| Model | Waterproofing | Electric heat | Official reference price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIVE WFX Prime Evo GTX | Gore-Tex | No | €189.90 |
| FIVE HG Prime GTX | Gore-Tex | HG Dual Control | €359.90 |
| Alpinestars HT-7 Heat Tech Drystar | Drystar | Three levels | €419.95 |
European prices checked on 16/10/2026; they do not guarantee a discount or stock in every size. All three listings declare level 1 KP. Check the label, exact reference and power accessories supplied with the unit you buy.
FIVE WFX Prime Evo GTX: insulation without charging
The WFX Prime Evo GTX is a winter glove with PrimaLoft insulation and Thermo+ construction. We would consider it for cold and rain when you want to avoid battery management.
Whether it works for you depends on fit and your journey. Close your hand and check finger room and your ability to use brake and clutch. We do not assume a glove without electronics is always thinner or offers better control feel.
FIVE HG Prime GTX: a membrane and active heat together
The HG Prime GTX combines Gore-Tex, PrimaLoft insulation and heating. It directly demonstrates that membrane and electric heat are compatible. At the checked prices, it costs €170 more than the WFX.
We would consider it if adjustable heat is useful and you accept managing its power supply. Ask exactly what the package contains: batteries, charger and any motorcycle connection cable. Compatibility with an accessory does not mean that accessory is included.
Alpinestars HT-7: Drystar and app control
The HT-7 Heat Tech Drystar remains listed at €419.95. Alpinestars describes button or Heat Tech app control, a 7.4 V battery and 80 g PrimaLoft insulation on the backhand.
The public listing checked does not give hours at each heat setting. We therefore do not assign it a runtime or rank it above FIVE. Check the controls and obtain the current instructions for the heating system and power package.
Battery runtime: check the setting you will use
FIVE publishes up to 6 hours in Eco and about 2 hours in Boost for its HG system. These are manufacturer figures for the system, not our own HG Prime road-test results. The brand notes that charge and conditions affect runtime, and describes an optional motorcycle connection kit.
Compare the length of your riding stage with the highest-consumption setting you expect to use, leaving a margin. Check charging time and replacement battery cost. If you want motorcycle power, confirm electrical compatibility, connectors and installation using the manual. Do not connect a 7.4 V battery directly to 12 V or mix cables from different systems without manufacturer approval.
Choose for your actual journeys
- Commuting and shorter rides: start by trying a well-fitting insulated waterproof glove, then assess whether you need additional heat.
- Long stages in persistent cold: compare a heated glove, its insulation and the complete power-system cost. Plan runtime around your intended heat level.
- Wet-weather travel: check the exact model's membrane and how the cuff works with your jacket. Heat does not replace rain protection.
- Heated grips: try the glove on your motorcycle. Another source of heat does not establish the complete setup's feel or comfort without trying it.
If you lose sensation or precision at the controls, stop and address the problem before continuing. A temperature mentioned in a buying guide is not a guarantee that you can safely keep riding.
Can touring gloves work for winter?
Check the exact model's insulation. Klim Badlands GTX Long, for example, include backhand insulation: a touring label does not establish that insulation is absent. That detail still does not determine a minimum comfortable temperature for your ride. Verify the European reference, its certification and its price before comparing variants.
Our choice
First compare a non-heated winter glove with one adding active heat, wearing your own jacket. WFX starts with insulation and no charging; HG adds heating while retaining Gore-Tex; HT-7 uses a different combination with Drystar. The right purchase matches your ride, fit and willingness to manage power.
For the rest of your outfit, including cuffs and layers, see our winter jacket comparison.
