Flying FPV drones in cold winter months can be a real challenge, especially if you live in places where temperatures regularly drop to uncomfortable levels. Keeping your fingers warm while maintaining dexterity for precise control is critical—and let’s face it, typical gloves just don’t cut it. Enter heated gloves that can be modified 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 various gloves in the past, from standard winter gloves to those designed for outdoor sports, but none allowed me to fly comfortably. My usual routine involved flying a pack or two, then rushing back to my car to warm my hands before heading out again. If you’re in a similar situation, these heated gloves might be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
For more tips on flying FPV in the winter, check out our guide: https://oscarliang.com/fly-fpv-winter/
Where to Buy
I bought these gloves from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_olsYRNt
You may also get them from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gqEr6E
At just around £10, I decided to give them a try—and they’re actually not bad!
Heat Placement
One of the first things I noticed about these gloves was the heat placement. Unlike what you might expect from advertisements showing heating elements in the palm and fingers, the heat actually comes from the back of the gloves. While these gloves don’t warm your fingers directly, the heat slowly radiating from the back still makes a difference in keeping your hands comfortable.
Design and Fit
The gloves are made from durable materials that feel both robust and flexible, making them ideal for general outdoor use. A grip-enhancing pattern on the palms ensures you can hold your radio securely without slipping.
For optimal performance, I recommend choosing a slightly smaller size to minimize slack and ensure a firm grip on your radio. While any glove will slightly reduce dexterity, these gloves strike a good balance.
Power and Temperature
The gloves are powered by a 5V power source, consuming 2W of power per glove (4W total at 5V, 0.8A). For convenience, I used a SpeedyBee Adapter 3, which provides a 5V output and can be powered directly from a 4S or 6S LiPo. I simply keep the battery in my pocket during flights. You may use any 5V power adapter or power bank.
These gloves do not offer adjustable power or heat settings. Once connected to the power source, they turn on automatically. To turn them off, you simply unplug the cable.
The warmth provided is sufficient without being excessive. The gloves heat up quickly—within a minute or two, you’ll feel the warmth radiating across the back of your hands. The temperature of the heat element ranges between 45–50°C, offering a comfortable level of heat for cold weather conditions.
Modifications for FPV
While these gloves are designed for general use, they can be easily modified for FPV flying. I cut small openings for the thumbs and index fingers, allowing for tactile control necessary for precise stick movements, whether you’re pinching, hybrid pinching, or thumbing. When not flying, you can tuck your fingers back into the gloves for warmth.
While fingerless heated gloves also exist, I prefer the ones that protect your fingertips when not in use. For FPV, the only fingers you really need exposed are your thumbs and index fingers. A simple modification, like cutting holes for those fingers, enhances usability without compromising warmth.
Final Thoughts: Are They Worth It?
If you’re serious about flying in cold weather, these gloves are a game-changer. They’re not just about keeping your hands warm—they solve specific challenges FPV pilots face, such as maintaining control and quickly warming exposed fingers.
For just $10, these gloves are an excellent investment for both casual flyers and hardcore FPV enthusiasts. They allow you to spend more time outdoors, extend your flying sessions, and stay comfortable in even the harsh winter conditions. Whether you’re flying for fun or working on serious projects, these gloves are definitely worth a try.
