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Iron Butt
Posts: 612
| Has anyone tried the Powerlet brand RapidFire heated line of clothing? I'm specifically interested in the jacket liner, glove liner, and remote heat controller. That last one really intrigues me, seems like it would greatly simplify connectivity. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | The Powerlet and FirstGear brands of heated gear used to be made by Warm-N-Safe, and as far as I know, they still are. That said, I have been using Warm-N-Safe heated gear for a few years now, and it's good stuff. Mine is the Generation 2 stuff with the wire heating elements. It has been very reliable and provides good heat. I think the Powerlet RapidFire is the same as the Warm-N-Safe Generation 4. Warm-N-Safe invented the digital Heat-troller that everybody, including Gerbing, uses now. Gerbing took the design to China and had it reverse-engineered and produced there. My Warm-N-safe controllers were made in the USA. I've had them awhile, so I don't know what the current situation is today with them.
The remote heat controller is another Warm-N-Safe invention that they came out with a couple of years back.
You still have to power the gear from the bike, ultimately. I suppose the remote controller would help ease wiring on sport bikes and such, but there's plenty of room on a Vision for the mounted controllers too. Choices are good.
If you go to the Warm-N-Safe site and register an account as a club member, they will sell to you factory direct at a 20% to 25% discount. I'm registered as a member of the Victory Motorcycle Club on the W/S site. They also recognize a lot of other organizations/bike clubs, fire departments, etc. The jacket liner you asked about lists for $234.95 on both Powerlet's and Warm-N-Safe's sites. As a registered account holder (in effect, a group buyer) with W/S, you can buy that item for $187.95. Check them out. http://www.warmnsafe.com/
Ronnie | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 162
Northern NJ | +1 on the Warm N Safe products. | |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 612
| I knew that WarmnSafe made garmnets for both Firstgear and Powerlet, however, I have read in some places that they may make them somewhat differently.... for example, Powerlet advertises their liner as generating infrared based heat, whereas WarmNsafe makes no such claim. Also, the Powerlet liners claim to be switchable between 105 and 60 watts, whereas with the WnS liner, you must pick one or the other, it's not switchable at the jacket. There are some other subtle differences that can be inferred from the respective websites.
The biggest issue I have is going to be how to best setup power and control on my Vision. I like the idea of the dual controllers, and would prefer to hard mount the dials, as well as the powerlet connector, but I don't see how to accomplish this with the dual controller, since the controller must be fed power, and power is then distributed from the controller along two separate circuits. Makes sense when the distribution unit is in the jacket, but won't work with the remote (wired) install (and the single powerlet connector)... as far as I can tell anyway.
Edited by Turk 2011-10-04 8:01 AM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 6
| For clarification, the Powerlet line of heated apparel at one time was made in the same factory as that of the WNS and FG brands. Although the looks were similar, there were distinct differences in certain features, output and final construction. That was a couple years back, now with the advancements in technology, coupled with the need to improve the quality of the gear, we focused to improve design and material composition that was not available through the previous channels. With that, we developed the new RapidFIRe line of gear that we have now. They are not a re-branded or re-crafted WNS Gen 4 as rdbudd mentions.
For verification, merely look at the garments, check the technology and see for yourself, that is absolutely not the case. Powerlet's new line of RapidFIRe gear is using a technology that does away with the traditional heated wires that are still being used by the likes of WNS and Gerbin**. This new technology is lighter in weight, faster to heat and provides immediate relief to cold riding conditions. Our exterior fabric compositions, multi wattage settings, oversized storage compartments, integrated storage sack and finish detail is a clear sign that we are on the right track, That coupled with a lifetime warranty signifies we believe in our product long after the purchase and our customer support staff and reputation outshines the others mentioned in this posting.
As for the controllers, WNS are not made in the USA, never have been. They are made overseas, shipped to Portland to be packaged with other parts for sale to the general public.
If any questions exist, please feel free to look up the items on the website www.powerlet.com. If there are technical questions of any nature, feel free to email our support desk for a quick response.
Thank you for this opportunity to address this matter, we pride ourselves in supporting the Victory and Polaris owners out there. As a OEM supplier to Polaris and Victory, we take pride in our line of products and look to constantly make improvements in order to better serve the riding community. Stay warm while riding and most of all, ride safe.
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Iron Butt
Posts: 612
| I submitted a question through your website yesterday regarding the differences between the two listed liner/controller bundles.... their descriptions are identical, yet there are two separate part numbers?
PHG-102 vs. PHG-901 ?? What is the difference?
powerlet - 2011-10-04 8:11 AM
For clarification, the Powerlet line of heated apparel at one time was made in the same factory as that of the WNS and FG brands. Although the looks were similar, there were distinct differences in certain features, output and final construction. That was a couple years back, now with the advancements in technology, coupled with the need to improve the quality of the gear, we focused to improve design and material composition that was not available through the previous channels. With that, we developed the new RapidFIRe line of gear that we have now. They are not a re-branded or re-crafted WNS Gen 4 as rdbudd mentions.
For verification, merely look at the garments, check the technology and see for yourself, that is absolutely not the case. Powerlet's new line of RapidFIRe gear is using a technology that does away with the traditional heated wires that are still being used by the likes of WNS and Gerbin**. This new technology is lighter in weight, faster to heat and provides immediate relief to cold riding conditions. Our exterior fabric compositions,? multi wattage settings, oversized storage compartments, integrated storage sack and finish detail is a clear sign that we are on the right track, That coupled with a lifetime warranty signifies we believe in our product long after the purchase and our customer support staff and reputation outshines the others mentioned in this posting.
As for the controllers, WNS are not made in the USA, never have been. They are made overseas, shipped to Portland to be packaged with other parts for sale to the general public.
If any questions exist, please feel free to look up the items on the website www.powerlet.com. If there are technical questions of any nature, feel free to email our support desk for a quick response.
Thank you for this opportunity to address this matter, we pride ourselves in supporting the Victory and Polaris owners out there. As a OEM supplier to Polaris and Victory, we take pride in our line of products and look to constantly make improvements in order to better serve the riding community. Stay warm while riding and most of all, ride safe.
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 6
| If you want to discuss the features further, call us here at Powerlet, happy to give you answers to whatever questions you have. | |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 6
| In the 901, we incorporate the controller, it is a package. The 101 is the liner itself.
We did away with the 102 part number and replaced it with the 901 part number. | |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 612
| I called and spoke to Adam at Powerlet.... He was exceedingly accommodating, and answered all my questions. I took the plunge, as I was VERY happy with the purchase process..... I will post a review once everything arrives. | |
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Tourer
Posts: 337
san antonio, tx | Wish I could afford their gear but it just doesn't get cold enough, often enough here in South Texas to justify it.
Regardless, I wish more of the manufacturers and vendors where good at monitoring and responding to this and other forums.
Extra point goes to Powerlet! | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 162
Northern NJ | Glad to see Powerlet posting here. They make some excellent products for motorcycles and have great customer service. | |
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New user
Posts: 1
| powerlet - 2011-10-04 8:11 AM
For clarification, the Powerlet line of heated apparel at one time was made in the same factory as that of the WNS and FG brands. Although the looks were similar, there were distinct differences in certain features, output and final construction. That was a couple years back, now with the advancements in technology, coupled with the need to improve the quality of the gear, we focused to improve design and material composition that was not available through the previous channels. With that, we developed the new RapidFIRe line of gear that we have now. They are not a re-branded or re-crafted WNS Gen 4 as rdbudd mentions.
For verification, merely look at the garments, check the technology and see for yourself, that is absolutely not the case. Powerlet's new line of RapidFIRe gear is using a technology that does away with the traditional heated wires that are still being used by the likes of WNS and Gerbin**. This new technology is lighter in weight, faster to heat and provides immediate relief to cold riding conditions. Our exterior fabric compositions,? multi wattage settings, oversized storage compartments, integrated storage sack and finish detail is a clear sign that we are on the right track, That coupled with a lifetime warranty signifies we believe in our product long after the purchase and our customer support staff and reputation outshines the others mentioned in this posting.
As for the controllers, WNS are not made in the USA, never have been. They are made overseas, shipped to Portland to be packaged with other parts for sale to the general public.
If any questions exist, please feel free to look up the items on the website www.powerlet.com. If there are technical questions of any nature, feel free to email our support desk for a quick response.
Thank you for this opportunity to address this matter, we pride ourselves in supporting the Victory and Polaris owners out there. As a OEM supplier to Polaris and Victory, we take pride in our line of products and look to constantly make improvements in order to better serve the riding community. Stay warm while riding and most of all, ride safe.
this is the biggest load of crap i have read in a long time. email me off forum and i will give you the facts on the differance between the warm & safe, the first gear and the powerlet. also it does say the Gen 4 uses the far inferred on our home page. we just don't make a big deal about it. | |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 6
| Gtwmike, Thanks for offering feedback, but rather than being critical, let's try to be informative. We merely stated the features of the new line of garments we produced and never made any harsh or incorrect comments regarding your gear. We all know you worked hard in developing a nice set of gear, as well, you've built a good name and reputation with the heattroller line.
Although you contest what was written, we invite you to put the rebuttal out here rather than encouraging people to take time having to email you one on one. I am sure the other forum members, including ourselves would be interested.
In closing, and in review of the comments posted, the only area that we see may need to be clarified is the controllers and their assembly here in the states. Although pieces are brought in to the USA, there is some final assembly. So with that said, you are permitted to say Made in the USA.
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Tourer
Posts: 599
New Mexico | Classy, adult response, Powerlet. Thanks for the information and positive comments. I'll be sure to check out your gear first!
Hey, how about a discount for Vision-Riders forum members?
Edited by Boots 2011-10-05 10:31 AM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 612
| Boots - 2011-10-05 10:28 AM
Classy, adult response, Powerlet. Thanks for the information and positive comments. I'll be sure to check out your gear first!
Hey, how about a discount for Vision-Riders forum members?
I will reiterate that when I called and spoke with Adam at Powerlet, he was very accommodating during the purchase process..... 
They were shipped the same day too....
I have nothing against WNS, as I have no experience with them directly. However, I like trying new things, and Powerlet is a reputable company, as is WNS, so I figured WTF, I'll give them a try. I'm sure I'll be equally impressed with the clothing when it arrives as I was with the customer service. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 162
Northern NJ | FWIW I've also dealt with Mike at WNS, and found WNS to be an excellent company with a first rate product.
FYI... when I buy stuff, I always look for Made in USA first. If I can't get Made in USA, I'll settle for Assembled in USA. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | I live in South Texas so it would be very rare that I would powered heated gear to wear but it is good to know that there are many companies available that make quality gear. By reading the posts above it looks like both have customers that are passionate about the equipment they sell.
Ride Safe
Edited by radioteacher 2011-10-05 1:28 PM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 6
| gtsmike is a good guy as I am sure many riders will claim and he does run a good company, no doubt.
He has decades of experience in designing this gear and aside from riding a GTS  is a devout motorcyclist that has traveled the world, just check out his website.
For the record, we too believe that Assembled in the USA is as good as made in the USA. As long as it keeps American workers employed, it is a good thing.
These days, there appears to be an even greater selection of heated gear products to chose from. That we believe is a good thing. We also believe that one needs to take into consideration not only the products but the company that stands behind them. Customer support as well as a reputation for quality is what we here at Powerlet take seriously. If you are not satisfied with any purchase, you let us know.
As for a break to Vision Riders, I am sure you can all understand that we try not to compete with our brick and mortar dealers in your market area. They work hard to supply local customers quality gear at competitive pricing. Most of the time they are family owned businesses that suffer the economic conditions that we all suffer. We believe in sending consumers to our dealer base, it just makes for good business.
If for some reason you do not have a stocking dealer in your market area of our products, by all means get with us. We will and always want to work with riders or groups so aside from this forum to mention any promotions, we trust that you can notify us when the need arises and we will be happy to work with you, just like TURK in this forum mentioned.
Happy to serve all and yes, we are all passionate about the industry.
The season is coming to a close for some of you. Stop reading these forum postings and get out and ride before it starts to snow!
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Powerlet RapidFire Heated gear