The first thing that gets cold on a motorcycle in winter are the hands. No matter how good gloves and grip heaters you use, it is hard to resist the coldness of the riding wind, which directly takes away the heat from your fingertips. However, a "handlebar cover" is a reliable piece of equipment that can be relied on in such situations! In recent years, the design and ease of installation have evolved greatly, and the traditional image of "mousy and difficult to use" is fading. In the case of the author, it is not only for protection from the cold, but also because he wants to use thin gloves even in the middle of winter to improve operability... In this issue, we compare four representative brands, ZETA, Rough & Road, Comine, and OSS, by application. Based on ease of availability and the latest stock status, why not find one that fits your needs?

ZETA Hand Warmer] Fixed and highly stable. Product in early movement with this season's renewal.

ZETA's hand warmers have been renewed for this season and have been on the market since the hot season

ZETA's hand warmers have a structure that allows them to be placed on top of handlebar guards even on vehicles equipped with handlebar guards, and the "fix and use" concept, which can be said to be European, is a distinctive feature. The "fixed use" concept is characteristic of ZETA hand warmers. Thanks to the belt fastening that prevents slippage, there is very little shaking when riding, which is convenient for sports driving and touring. Although the price is a little high, the operability, windproofing, and appearance are very good, and the high level of perfection that allows comfortable use throughout the season is appealing. On the other hand, it is a bit of a hassle for delivery users who get in and out of the car a lot, so it may be more for "those who want to use it properly".

Originally, it had the origins of a handlebar cover that was also easy to sport

Following its renewal this season, the release was announced early on, but it was already sold out in the online store before it went on sale. However, the release date has been extended and it looks like it will still be available for purchase, so those who want to get their hands on it should do so as soon as possible... MSRP: ¥11,000 (tax included)

MSRP: ¥10,837 (tax included)

Rough & Road HOT Hand Warmer] "Japanese long seller" that has been loved for many years.

The product is a stable product with an appearance that has remained unchanged over the years

Rough & Road's HOT hand warmer is a long-selling product that has been sold in Japan for many years. The HOT hand warmers are characterized by their history and practicality, such as the "pocket for coins and highway tickets" that remains as a remnant from before the ETC system was popularized.

Many users nowadays install ETC, but it used to be common to put away highway tickets like this and have cash ready...

The hand-insertion area is purposely made larger, which has the advantage of facilitating smooth hand insertion and removal

It is not a fixed system like the ZETA, but it is sized for use with the handlebar guard attached. However, it is easy to match with any type of vehicle, and the fact that it is windproof and well secured may be appreciated.

The Cross Cub can be attached like this even with the size of the Cross Cub body

The price range is relatively affordable, and it may be one of the most popular choices for a "first real handlebar cover." Manufacturer's suggested retail price: ¥6,999 (including tax)

Comine Neoprene Series] The most "just right" from city riding to delivery!

It is a product that has become such a staple that you are sure to see it somewhere

Komine's neoprene handlebar covers have a good balance of lightness, flexibility, and ease of use, and are seen around town at a very high rate. Because of its compatibility with scooters, it is a "modern standard" widely used by commuters and food delivery companies. AK-021 Neoprene Handle Warmer (Standard) ⇒The easiest to use and the least quirky

Also available with designs

MSRP: ¥2,790~ (including tax)

AK-348 Neoprene Handle Warmer Plus ⇒ A plastic core is built into the side of the cover to prevent it from losing its shape in the driving wind

It provides a sense of security in situations where it might be pushed by driving winds, such as on highways

MSRP: ¥3,643 (including tax)

AK-049 Neoprene Handle Warmer Long ⇒ Covers up to the cuffs to keep you warm even in cold weather

Longer wrist cuffs help reduce wind entrapment of the driving wind

MSRP: ¥3,770~ (tax included)

This product is reasonably priced and easy to obtain, so it can be introduced as a "first try" product. The durability of neoprene is modest, but it is practical enough to be renewed for one or two seasons. It is likely to be renewed more frequently for those in the delivery industry, but the good thing is that it is also very easy to obtain.

OSS Cold-resistant waterproof steering wheel cover: A "hidden popular product" that focuses on operability.

It looks similar to Comine's product, but it is made to prioritize operability

Although it looks similar to Comine's neoprene type, OSS's handlebar cover has a unique "thin material for the operating part" that is attractive. The finger movement during blinker and switch operation is light, making it easy to use in daily life. On the other hand, the durability of the thin fabric part is a little modest, and it is likely to deteriorate quickly after long-term use. However, from the perspective of an "easy-to-operate handlebar cover," I think it is very excellent.

To make it easier to feel the handle switches, the fabric is thinner only in the area where they hit

Also, the entrance to put your hand in is not so-called "ribbed" but can be opened or closed as you wish.

With ribs, it can sometimes get caught when putting your hand in and out, but the fact that you can arbitrarily decide the opening size is also a major point

Since there are times when stock is low at Webic, the ease of purchase may easily change depending on sales conditions... this season. is also moving fast, so if you are interested in this product, please check it out as soon as possible. Manufacturer's suggested retail price: ¥2,550 (including tax)

Which one to choose? The "best solution" for each application

ZETA Hand Warmer

Recommended use: Touring, long distance, general daily use. Designed to be used with handlebar guards, the ZETA hand warmers are the most stable of the products introduced here. It has an excellent balance of operability and wind resistance, and is suitable for high-speed riding and early morning and late night riding in winter. Although the price is high, considering its durability and usability, this is a product you can rely on throughout the season.

Rough and Road HOT Hand Warmer

Recommended use: Touring in general, city riding, and for those who want to use a real handlebar cover with a low price. Although there is no fixing mechanism, the ease of handling and price balance remain attractive. The remnants of the outer pocket are appreciated as a kind of "good old" Japanese-style handlebar cover, and are in stable demand.

Comine Neoprene Series (Normal, Long, Plus)

Recommended use: Riding around town, in the rain, short-distance travel, and for cost-effective use. Plus type: Plastic core is inserted in the side of the handlebar cover to prevent it from being crushed by the wind Long type: Covers up to the wrists for enhanced cold protection.

OSS Cold-proof and waterproof handlebar cover

Recommended use: Riding in the city, in the rain, when you want to focus on cost-effectiveness but also want operability. On the other hand, the thin part deteriorates quickly. This is a type that was often seen for a while, but Webic has a little less stock, so please be quick...

In summary, handlebar covers are "equipment that greatly raises the level of comfort in any category of winter riding.

ZETA and Rough & Road are the serious touring-oriented brands, with designs that emphasize the use of handlebar guards and high maneuverability. On the other hand, neoprene-based companies such as Comine and OSS focus on city riding and delivery demand, with ease of use and cost performance as their strengths. In addition, ZETA, perhaps because of its renewal this season, has been active from the early stage. It may have originally been a product with many nominated buyers... Every model has clear characteristics, and the best solution depends on the points you focus on, such as "cold resistance," "operability," "price," and "ease of installation. Please use this season's equipment selection as a reference to find the one that best suits your needs.

This is the model before the aforementioned one made by ZETA, but it's a lot easier to use than conventional steering wheel covers

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