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What is your favorite season of the year? Garden enthusiasts would go and say Spring, I would bet. Ice melts and flowers bloom, and people can once again take off their plants and their backyards. Surfers would name Summer. They can hit the waves long day after a long day, and enjoy the sun while they do.
What would poets and other nostalgic folks appreciate the most?, I ask. Probably staying at home while the rain hits on their window, reading by the fireplace and enjoying a warm homemade pie.
But you and I know that there is nothing like Winter, cold white Winter. We like to dust off our skis or —better!— our snowmobile and go for a ride towards the snowy horizon.
The only problem is that we need protection. Otherwise, subzero temperatures can hurt us pretty badly. And hands are one of the most vulnerable parts because we are not used to minding them.
Well, don’t worry! We are here to guide you through the 10 best snowmobile handlebar gauntlets. Put on the rest of your gear and get ready to hit the white slopes!
Here is the List of 10 Best Snowmobile Handlebar Gauntlets:
- Kolpin Geartector Mitts
- PowerMadd Handguard Gauntlet
- Kimpex Snowmobile Muffs
- Bar Mitts Snowmobile Mitts
- Katahdin Gear Gauntlets
- Raider BCS-HB Gauntlet Gloves
- Ski-Doo Handlebar Muffs
- Polaris Snowmobile Gauntlets
- Audew Handlebar Muffs
- TUSK Hand Mitts
10 Best Snowmobile Handlebar Gauntlets
We, snowmobile owners, know that frostbite isn’t something to joke about. How many of us went out in our vehicle only to come back after a few minutes because of the lack of proper coverage hurt like crazy?
Take a look at these snowmobile handlebar muffs and handguards so it never happens to you again!
1. Kolpin Geartector Mitts
Let’s start like we should: with what would probably be the best choice for beginners.
You bought your first ATV or snowmobile and didn’t realize you needed a last piece of equipment: protection for your hands! You rush back to the computer and start looking through all the models. What should you get?
Well, Kolpin Geartector Mitts are a go-to solution when in a hurry. They are not expensive at all but provide as many of the perks you would in other models.
This product is easy to install: just slide onto the handlebar and secure with the locking drawcord. It fits most kinds of ATVs and snowmobiles.
Hands slip just as easy into the plush velvet and fleece coating. The rigid opening helps the gauntlet maintain its shape and makes for a roomy interior. In the exterior, you get water-resistant, black cover.
Moreover, for extra protection, Kolpin’s item comes with a Rhino plate front panel. Don’t worry about getting scratches or bruises from wild branches!
Pros
- Easy to install on handlebars and easy to slide hands into
- Plate protection
- Great price
Cons
- No see-through plastic opening
Why Should You Buy This Product?
If you are trying to save some money, these are right for you: great value for a great price.
2. PowerMadd Handguard Gauntlet
Let’s go now with a gauntlet from PowerMadd, where you will see slightly different features.
For starters, it has superb protection for your hands. Whether you are driving a motorbike, an ATV, or a snowmobile, you know they can get hit with rocks or branches and you won’t feel a thing.
Like most handlebar gauntlets, it features easy to install and removal, so you don’t waste a lot of time and effort prepping your vehicle. It does require a set of PowerMadd handguards to keep its shape, though. You should take that into account.
One thing I like? PowerMadd’s item is completely open on one side, so it allows you to see the vehicle’s controls.
But don’t worry about getting cold hands, because the company made up for it by adding little pockets for extra warmth possibilities, e. g. hand warmers! Crack some in there and you are good to go!
Pros
- Features an opening to see the controls
- Little pockets for extra warmth possibilities
- Extra tough protection
Cons
- Requires PowerMadd handguards, bought separately
Why Should You Buy This Product?
You should consider this item if you are still getting used to the controls on your bike, ATV, or snowmobile.
3. Kimpex Snowmobile Muffs
If you want to see your winter vehicle’s controls, what is better than a huge opening? Well, certainly a small, covered window that also keeps your hands safe from the freezing wind.
Please meet Kimpex Snowmobile Mitts. Just what you were looking for, and then more! Its no-sagging plastic windows are the cherry on the cake, but not this item’s only perks.
We already said that not having a huge opening provides more warmth. Also in that direction work its neoprene lining, which adjusts your mittens or to your coat’s sleeves
Its waterproof, ultra-resistant cover comes with a strap so you can install the product on snowmobiles with rigid handguards. Also, it features a reflecting stripe that allows others to see you even at night, for extra safety.
This deal brings a small disadvantage: Kimpex thought this item specifically for snowmobiles. If you own an ATV it will work on it, but it just won’t feel right.
Pros
- Its neoprene easily adjusts to your mitts
- No-sagging plastic windows
- Features a reflecting stripe for safety
Cons
- Not perfectly suited for ATVs
Why Should You Buy This Product?
Its plastic windows make it the perfect product for those into precision riding.
4. Bar Mitts Snowmobile Mitts
Who said Winter had to be cold?
We are joking. It is cold, obviously, but you shouldn’t be. There are all sorts of protection to keep you warm and safe even in the craziest of weather.
Bar Mitts’ item comes to help you move in that direction, even when you are out cruising the snow in your ATV, dirt bike, or snowmobile.
Its neoprene cover provides a cozy haven for your upper extremities. Sewn with a nylon fabric, it is designed to make it comfortable and easy for your hands to slip into it. It won’t bother you even if you wear thin gloves for better control of your machine.
Besides, this item’s water- and windproof capabilities are top-of-the-art, and it comes with an inside cinch that keeps mitts in place at all times.
Bar Mitts’ gauntlet also features a 4-inch reflective strip and fist most vehicle models.
Pros
- Super cool looking!
- Wind and water-resistant
- Fits most models
Cons
- Not easy to use if you are not used to your vehicle yet
Why Should You Buy This Product?
If you move around areas with heavy rain, this may be the right product for you, because of its hard-to-beat resistance to the elements.
5. Katahdin Gear Gauntlets
We keep adding to our list of amazing snowmobile gauntlets with our next item!
Katahdin’s gear features a fully waterproof shell that never, ever gets saturated with water, no matter how much rain it pours. Plus, to keep you even warmer and drier, its interior is lined with the coziest of fleece.
Just slip its 2-way stretch spandex body over the handlebar and adjust it with its Velcro strap. Very simple indeed!
Do you want more? You can cruise safely at night due to its piping reflective strips that make you visible to other vehicles.
But there is a perk that separates this product from the rest, and it is its memory frame wire. This design characteristic allows you to perfectly fit your hands on the way in and on the way out. When you have used the gauntlet for a while, it takes seconds to get prepped!
One thing Katahdin’s item lacks is protection. It would need a plate to keep your hands extra safe, but it can’t be coupled with a handguard.
Pros
- Memory frame wire for easy entry and exit
- Fully waterproof
- The super cozy inner lining
Cons
- Needs a bit of protection
Why Should You Buy This Product?
This item is perfect for people who get on and off their vehicle a lot (e. g., a delivery boy wandering out in the snow).
6. Raider BCS-HB Gauntlet Gloves
Another great product comes from the Raider company. This is maybe the largest handlebar gauntlet we will see: 17 inches by 16 inches, with an 11 inch opening for the handlebar. It is so big it fits almost every single model of a snowmobile.
Also, it has got an inner pocket for extra storage. Since the best fit comes when you’re not using hand gloves, you can fit hand warmers in there to help you with frostbite.
On the outside, Raider’s gauntlet features a strong polyester fabric construction to deal with the elements. On the inside, it is lined with soft nylon to provide coziness.
A downside is that it doesn’t feature windows to see your machine’s controls. Another one is that you need your vehicle to have its handguards since it doesn’t offer any other protection.
However, this item is interesting because of its price. It costs about half of the most gauntlets we have seen!
Pros
- Inner pocket to fit hand warmers
- Great size to work on most snowmobiles
- Excellent value for its price
Cons
- Too big to use on motorcycles
- Not waterproof
Why Should You Buy This Product?
If you own not one but several snow vehicles for which you need handlebar gauntlets, this product is definitely for you. It fits all!
7. Ski-Doo Handlebar Muffs
We will be moving a bit up the ladder with our next item: Ski-Doo Handlebar Muffs.
First of all, we must say they look amazing, whether your own a Ski-Doo snowmobile or not. If you don’t, don’t worry! They have a great range and can fit all kinds of handlebars, even if they have handguards and mirrors.
Forget about shaky fingers because of their super warm fleece lining. Their wide interior also allows for ample hand movement.
There are two characteristics that we love the most, though: the product’s inner skeleton and transparent window.
The former allows the muffs to keep their shape no matter what. The latter provides visibility and easy manipulation of the machine’s handlebar buttons.
Another perk to adding to the item’s convenience: it is very easy to install and remove it when temperature cuts you a break and it gets warmer.
Pros
- Super warm
- Fits handlebars with handguards and mirrors
- Inner skeleton to keep its shape
Cons
- Not use on motorcycle with finger throttle lever
Why Should You Buy This Product?
Ski-Doo Handlebar Muffs are a bit pricy, but they would be a perfect addition to your Ski-Doo snowmobile, no doubt.
8. Polaris Snowmobile Gauntlets
If you are the proud owner of a Polaris snowmobile, you can’t miss on this spectacular item, which will fit right into your vehicle.
These gauntlets are very easy to attach to the handlebar. Moreover, once they are set, they fasten strongly due to their hook and loop system.
Their heavy polyfoam insulator covers your hands and keeps them safe from wind, rain, and snow. Temperature doesn’t matter, nor does the speed at which you travel: your hands will feel cozy and warm.
Users of this item especially praise its sturdy skeleton, which keeps open and waiting once you park the vehicle. You don’t have to fight with the gauntlets to get your hands out or in.
One huge disadvantage, though, is that Polaris’ mitts are designed to work with the same brand’s snowmobiles. If your vehicle is from a different company, you should keep looking. We’ve got two more items for you!
Pros
- Heavy polyfoam insulator
- A sturdy skeleton that keeps open
- Super protective of hands
Cons
- Specifically designed for Polaris snowmobiles
Why Should You Buy This Product?
You should buy this item if you own a Polaris snowmobile. They will add to the super cool look!
9. Audew Handlebar Muffs
Do you want a gauntlet that is easy on the pocket but has all the advantages of other items on the market? Take a look at these muffs.
Let’s talk first about its design and materials because there resides most of this product’s advantages.
The interior of the muffs is lined with really soft wool and thermal fleece. That is suitable even for the harshest of winters!
On the other hand, the cover is made from polyurethane leather, which is completely waterproof and ultra-resistant to wear and tear. And, on top of it all, it is easy to clean, so it is always looking good!
Furthermore, the muffs’ double stitching is there to make sure nothing gets into the gloves, be it water, dirt, or another annoying and possible freezing element.
The item’s Velcro mounting straps make it fairly simple to attach it to your vehicle’s handlebar.
If you add that the price of these gauntlets is as good as it gets, you have an excellent product waiting for you.
Pros
- Easy to mount with their Velcro straps
- You won’t believe its price
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May be too small for some snowmobiles
Why Should You Buy This Product?
This item is perfect for you if what you are looking for is something good looking but not expensive at all.
10. TUSK Hand Mitts
Last but not least on our search for the best snowmobile handlebar gauntlets, we have TUSK Hand Mitts, a product right on the bargain alley.
First off, its universal fit makes it available and usable on the most snowmobile, AMV, and dirt bike handlebars.
Its water-resistant polyester shell can hold off water for a while, but if you live in an area with heavy rain, you can use another product —a water repellent, for example— for extra security. If so, the fleece-lined interior will keep your hands warm and dry.
TUSK’s item holds its shape so you get easier handlebar access. Get ready to roll in just a few seconds! Plus, its poly web straps make mounting the gauntlets easy and secure.
The only downside we can see is that, unlike other products on the market, it doesn’t feature a window to watch your machine’s buttons.
Pros
- Universal fit
- Under 20 bucks!
- Easy handlebar access
Cons
- No plastic window to watch controls
Why Should You Buy This Product?
If you are looking for great value over the price you pay, this product may just be what you are looking for.
How to Choose the Perfect Snowmobile Gauntlets
1. Universal Fit
One of the more frustrating situations a person can go through is buying an accessory only to find out it doesn’t fit the product you own.
We guided you through the best snowmobile handlebar gauntlets available in the market today, but only you can tell which one or ones will work on your vehicle.
If you are purchasing the accessory in a store, it is always a good idea to take your snowmobile with you to try it on live, on the ground. On the other hand, if you are purchasing online, make sure you know your vehicle specifications or that you receive personalized attention.
It is always better to be safe than sorry.
2. Easy Installation and Attachment
We recommend that you don’t settle for anything too fancy or hard to mount. The process of setting up your handlebar gauntlets should be fairly simple: slide in and adjust.
Both Velcro and drawcords are elegant solutions because they are easy to use and very resistant through time. However, every once in a while, you should check that the cords and straps are still OK.
The last thing you want is any of them breaking when you are on the road. If that is the case, you will be facing a very difficult choice: to uncomfortably hang to your semi-broken gauntlet, or to feel the freezing wind in your uncovered hand or hands.
3. Materials
The materials that both cover the exterior and line the interior of your gauntlet make all the difference in the world. Think of it as a coat for your hands.
Would you go out, in the middle of the Winter, with a coat not lined with fleece or wool? Unless you are Mr. Freeze, you are going a suffer a great deal of pain.
Well, the same goes for your hands. Always look for mitts with a warm and cozy interior, while at the same time enough maneuvering space to feel comfortable.
The gauntlet’s cover should be strong enough to protect you from the wind and the rain, at least for a while —we will speak about that in a second.
You may also like: Best Neck Gaiter for Skiing
4. Water Resistant vs. Waterproof
Read every product’s characteristics very carefully for this one. This may come as a shock to you, as it did to me, but “water-resistant” and “waterproof” are not the same things.
Something is “water-resistant” when it can fend off water for an unspecified period. It can take minutes or hours, but water will eventually seep in.
Water-resistant materials are dense, but not water repellent. You don’t feel wet all of a sudden because it takes a while for the water to soak up the fabric.
A “waterproof”, “water repellant” or “hydrophobic” item, on the other hand, refers to a product that has been chemically or physically treated to fend off water. That’s what you should be looking for, if the price allows it. The last thing you want is your hands soaking wet in the middle of a ride.
If you are not sure about this respect about the item you want to purchase, look for the IP code in it.
Do You Need Control Visibility?
This last aspect to consider is really up to you. Are you certain that you can drive your ATV, bike or snowmobile without watching the controls on the handlebar?
If the answer is “I’m not sure”, we would recommend you purchase gauntlets with plastic windows. We don’t want to have an accident because you couldn’t distinguish the buttons on your command panel.
Safety first!
To Wrap It Up
Through this article you have learned what you needed to know about the best snowmobile handlebar gauntlets available and waiting for you out there.
It can be hard for us, Winter lovers, to find the best accessories for our adventures, but we hope to have provided you with the answers you needed.
Warmth and coziness are a given with any of the items we have reviewed. It is your responsibility to drive safely now that you are better equipped!
Go hit the white slopes and ride into a snowy sunset!