Review of the Maliansun Heated Gloves
Coping With Winter
I live in Nova Scotia, where global warming has produced just enough of a temperature rise to create an abundance of snow. More often than I like, I’m forced to pull on winter boots, gloves, a parka, and my Cossack hat before trudging outside to shovel the driveway.
My gloves are the weak point. While warm enough to use when walking downtown, the padding is quickly overcome by the coldness radiating from a shovel’s wooden handle. Within 10 minutes, my fingers are stiffening with pain.
This year, I took advantage of the Amazon Black Friday sale and picked up a pair of heated gloves.
Description
I needed a set of large gloves. And that was a shame because the medium-sized sale price was far better. These 8.67-ounce gloves are soft, not overly bulky, and colored gray with a subdued camo design. They are designed for men and women.
The outer shell is composed of 70% polyester and 30% leather. The inner layer is a combination of 60% cotton and 40% polyester. These gloves protect against splashes but are not entirely waterproof. According to the manufacturer, seven layers of protection are provided, but I could not determine the insulating material used.
Additional padding covers the palm area, and a small ridge of rubber protects the outer edge of each thumb. Straps and drawstrings tighten the glove around your wrist and the glove’s cuff.
A zippered compartment holding the device’s 3200mAh lithium battery is located at the cuff. It powers a graphene heating element that extends over the back of your hand, fingers, and thumb. Depending on the element setting, the operating time ranges from two to six hours.
The tiny touchscreen on the back of each glove allows you to turn the heating element on and select one of five temperature settings between 113°F and 158°F.
Specifications
- Brand: Maliansun
- Type: Heated gloves
- Size: Medium, large, and extra-large
- Weight: Each glove weighs 8.67 ounces
- Color: Gray with subdued camo design
- Water resistance rating: IPX4 (splash resistant)
- Outer shell: 70% polyester and 30% leather
- Inner shell: 60% cotton and 40% polyester
- Power Supply: One 3200mAh rechargeable battery per glove (7.4V)
- Operating time: 2–6 hours
- Charging: 2.5 hours using the provided charger (8.4V/1500mA)
- Heating Element: Graphene
- Heat coverage: Back of hand, thumb, and fingers
- Straps: Wrist and cuff
- Accessories: Storage bag and laundry bag
The Graphene Heating Element
Graphene heating elements are composed of a layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice. Heat is generated when electricity passes through, offering faster, more efficient, and more evenly distributed warmth than heating systems that rely on wires.
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Devices such as electric blankets and gloves incorporate this technology because they require extremely flexible heating elements.
Comfort and Fit
The large-sized gloves fit perfectly. The inner layer was soft and, while a little bulky — winter gloves always are — proved to be reasonably flexible. However, I would have preferred wider cuffs as it was challenging to pull them over the sleeves of my thick parka.
The Comparative Test
Heated gloves must not only incorporate a high-quality heating element but also use insulating materials that retain warmth and keep out cold air. In this evaluation, I conducted a 30-minute walk on a calm night with an ambient temperature of 12°F, using one glove set to its fourth heat setting while the other glove’s heating element was deactivated.
The right glove provided rapid, noticeable warmth to the back of my hand, thumb, and fingers, while other regions of the hand remained at a neutral temperature. The left hand experienced gradual cooling but did not reach an uncomfortable level. Although the Maliansun gloves do not offer the same degree of insulation as traditional bulky snowmobile mittens, they strike a balanced compromise between dexterity and thermal protection.
Shovel-Ready
The following morning, I watched with disappointment as a snowplough passed by, piling snow at the end of my driveway. After bundling up and turning my new heated gloves to their third setting, I began shoveling out the fresh mound. Despite the 23°F temperature, biting wind, and a slight but noticeable chill from the shovel’s handle, the gloves kept my hands reasonably comfortable.
Once I’d finished, I turned the glove temperature up to maximum and walked down to the post office. My hands became so warm that on my way back, I lowered the heating level from five to three.
Later that afternoon, the temperature dropped to 17°F with strong winds. I cleared the driveway again, this time with the gloves set to four. While there was a slight chill from the shovel, my hands stayed comfortable overall, with gentle warmth spreading across the backs of my hands, fingers, and thumbs.
Temperature Range
The coldest temperature experienced during this test was 12°F. Since my hands were extremely warm in the fifth setting, I’m sure I could stroll around town comfortably at temperatures below zero.
When handling a shovel at sub-zero temperatures, the heat transferred between my hands and the tool will produce additional discomfort. The heating element would work, but I would probably need to take regular breaks to warm the fingers gripping the handle. I will know more as winter progresses.
Time and Usage
These gloves are great for someone like me who uses them when walking or shoveling snow.
However, if you live in the Arctic or work outside for extended hours, you need to consider the gloves’ output wattage, battery capacity, and outer-layer construction.
These gloves are fitted with 3200mAh batteries that can output, depending on the setting, between 3.95 watts and 11.85 watts. If you were to purchase the more expensive version with 6400mAh batteries, the operating time would double. Another option would be to buy a set of gloves that could be connected to a large-capacity power bank.
While the outer covering of the Maliansun gloves is reasonably sturdy, those who work with heavy machinery will require thick leather gloves that can handle plenty of abuse. The best option might be to purchase a lightweight set of heated gloves that can be shoved inside a pair of work gloves.
Overall Impression
Heated gloves are designed to compensate for heat loss due to exposure to cold air and contact with tools such as shovels. The warmth must extend to the fingers and thumbs, while the exterior should be both water-resistant and durable.
Based on experience, these gloves perform effectively. They enable comfortable outdoor activity for several hours and, at the highest setting, can keep hands warm for up to 2 hours during tasks like snow shoveling. The Maliansun heated gloves are highly recommended.
