Flying an FPV drone in the cold winter can be a real challenge. This is especially true if you live in a place where temperatures regularly drop to uncomfortable levels. It is important to keep your fingers warm while maintaining dexterity for precise control. To be honest, regular gloves just don’t cut it. Enter the convertible heated gloves for FPV pilots. After testing these gloves, I’m ready to share my thoughts on how they perform and whether they’re worth the investment.
I’ve tried a variety of gloves in the past, from standard winter gloves to gloves for outdoor sports, but none of them were comfortable for flying. My daily routine included blowing a pack or two, then getting back in the car, warming my hands, and heading out again. If you’re in a similar situation, these heated gloves could be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
For more information on winter FPV flying, check out our guide: https://oscarliang.com/fly-fpv-winter/
Where to buy
I bought these gloves on AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_olsYRNt
You can also download it from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gqEr6E
For around £10 I decided to give it a try and it’s actually not bad!
Column Placement
One of the first things I noticed about these gloves was the thermal placement. Contrary to what you might expect from advertisements showing heating elements in the palm and fingers, the heat actually comes from the back of the glove. These gloves don’t warm your fingers directly, but the heat that slowly radiates from the back makes a difference in keeping your hands comfortable.
design and fit
The gloves are made from a durable material that feels sturdy and flexible, making them ideal for general outdoor use. The grip strengthening pattern on the palm allows you to hold the radio safely without slipping.
For optimal performance, we recommend choosing a slightly smaller size to minimize looseness and ensure a firm grip on the radio. All gloves reduce agility slightly, but these gloves are well balanced.
power and temperature
The gloves are powered by a 5V supply and consume 2W of power per glove (4W total, 0.8A at 5V). For convenience, I used the SpeedyBee Adapter 3, which provides a 5V output and can be powered directly from a 4S or 6S LiPo. Simply keep the battery in your pocket during the flight. You can use a 5V power adapter or auxiliary battery.
These gloves do not offer adjustable power or heat settings. It turns on automatically when connected to power. To turn it off, simply unplug the cable.
The warmth provided is sufficient without being excessive. Gloves heat up quickly. Within 1-2 minutes, you can feel the warmth spreading across the back of your hand. The heating element has a temperature range of 45-50°C and provides a comfortable level of heat even in cold weather.
Fixes for FPV
These gloves are designed for general use but can be easily modified for FPV flying. Small holes were cut for the thumb and forefinger to allow for the tactile control needed for precise stick movements such as pinching, hybrid pinching, and thumb. When not flying, you can stick your fingers into the gloves for warmth.
There are fingerless heated gloves available, but I prefer gloves that protect my fingertips when not in use. For FPV, the only fingers that really need to be exposed are your thumb and index finger. Simple modifications, such as drilling holes for the fingers, improve usability without compromising warmth.
Final Thoughts: Is it worth it?
If you are serious about flying in cold weather, these gloves will be a game changer. It addresses specific challenges faced by FPV pilots, including keeping hands warm as well as maintaining control and quickly warming exposed fingers.
Available for just $10, these gloves are an excellent investment for both casual flyers and hardcore FPV enthusiasts. Spend more time outdoors, extend your flying sessions, and stay comfortable even in harsh winter conditions. Whether you’re flying for fun or working on a serious project, these gloves are definitely worth a try.
