Best Gobi Heat Heated Gloves: Vertex II vs Epic II vs Drift II vs Stealth II Liners

Gobi Heat makes four styles of heated gloves for this winter: two insulated ski gloves (Vertex II and Epic II), a leather work-and-everyday glove (Drift II) and a thin liner that goes under any glove or mitten (Stealth II). They share the same family of 3500mAh USB-C batteries and conductive-thread heating, so the choice comes down to how you use your hands in the cold. This guide compares the lineup using Gobi Heat's own product listings and policies, then answers the questions buyers ask most often about heated gloves. It is research-based: we have not worn these gloves, and we only report specifications the company publishes.

The lineup at a glance

All four use 3500mAh USB-C rechargeable batteries, according to their product names and listings. Prices and sizes are as shown on gobiheat.com at the time of writing.

Best for skiing in deep cold: Vertex II ($219)

The Vertex II is Gobi Heat's top ski glove. The company says its steel-fiber heating elements wrap each fingertip and deliver heat within minutes of switching on. It offers three temperature settings, Low (113°F), Medium (131°F) and High (140°F), and claims up to 6 hours of continuous heat. It is described as engineered in the Rocky Mountains, with rugged exterior materials meant to protect against the elements without bulk.

Choose it if: you ski or ride in very cold conditions, want fingertip heat and are willing to pay $20 more than the Epic II.

Best slimmer ski glove: Epic II ($199)

The Epic II uses the same steel-fiber conductive-thread heating that wraps each fingertip, the same three temperatures and the same claimed 6-hour runtime. Gobi Heat highlights its slimline design for mobility. It comes in one colorway, Onyx, in sizes S to XL.

Choose it if: you want a ski glove with the Vertex II's heat settings, but a slimmer feel and a lower price.

Best for work and dexterity: Drift II ($199)

The Drift II is a leather glove, sold in a Bone (off-white) colorway. Gobi Heat says the leather is meant for durability and dexterity, so you can grip and handle tasks, and positions it for job sites, trails and winter sports. It uses per-finger conductive-thread heating with three settings and slimline 3500mAh USB-C batteries. Unlike the ski gloves, its listing does not give exact temperatures or a runtime figure, so you cannot compare it like for like with the Vertex II and Epic II.

Choose it if: you need to handle tools, steering wheels or equipment in the cold and prefer the feel of leather.

Best for layering: Stealth II liners ($179)

The Stealth II liners are thin heated gloves you wear under your own outer gloves or mittens. Gobi Heat says the ultra-slim profile keeps dexterity, and the heating runs through each finger and across the hand. The company claims up to 6 hours per charge and "multiple heat settings," but does not list temperatures. Sizing is in paired ranges: XXS/XS, S/M and L/XL.

Choose it if: you already own outer gloves or mittens you like, want heat under mittens (which are usually warmer than gloves), or need a thin glove you can wear alone in milder cold.

How to pick in 30 seconds

• Downhill skiing or snowboarding: Vertex II for the toughest conditions, Epic II for a slimmer fit and lower price.
• Work outdoors, driving, chores: Drift II.
• Mittens, layering, or small hands: Stealth II, the only model listed in XXS/XS.
• Tightest budget: Stealth II at $179, if you already have outer gloves.

Buyer's FAQ

How long do heated gloves really last on a charge?

Gobi Heat quotes "up to 6 hours" for the Vertex II, Epic II and Stealth II. Treat that as a best case. Its own spare battery listings note that runtime depends on the heat setting and the product it powers. Running on High will drain the battery faster than Low. If you plan a full day outside, start on a lower setting and save High for the coldest stretches, or carry spares.

Can I buy spare batteries?

Yes. Gobi Heat sells an Additional/Replacement Glove Battery 2-pack for $45, which its listing says is compatible with the Epic, Drift, Vertex and Stealth models. The listing's capacity description does not match the 3500mAh figure in the glove names, so use the company's battery compatibility chart, or ask support, to confirm you are buying the right battery for your glove version before you order. Gobi Heat warns that not all of its batteries are interchangeable.

Are 140°F gloves safe?

The High setting is the top of the range Gobi Heat lists for the Vertex II and Epic II. As with any heated product, use the lowest setting that keeps you comfortable, check your hands if you have reduced sensation, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Do not use a damaged battery or glove.

How do I wash heated gloves?

Always remove the batteries first and follow the care label. Our step-by-step guide to washing Gobi Heat jackets, vests, gloves and socks explains how to clean them without damaging the heating elements.

What about battery safety?

Heated gloves run on lithium-ion batteries. Charge them with a suitable USB-C charger, don't leave them charging unattended for long periods, and store them away from heat. Gobi Heat recalled its separate UT3053 rechargeable hand warmers over a fire risk. That recall does not cover these gloves, but our rechargeable battery safety guide has practical charging and storage tips that apply to any heated gear.

What is the return policy and warranty?

Gobi Heat's FAQ says it accepts returns and exchanges within 30 days of receiving an order, through its online Returns Portal. Final-sale items cannot be returned, and customers pay return shipping on non-defective returns unless they bought the Free Returns & Exchanges add-on at checkout. Products have a one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, and Gobi Heat says that warranty also covers rechargeable batteries. For warranty service, you send the product to Gobi Heat for inspection, and warranty claims are not eligible for refunds. Try the gloves on as soon as they arrive: you need the battery pocket, cuff and finger length to fit before winter starts in earnest.

Gloves or liners: which are warmer?

Gobi Heat does not publish comparative temperature data for the Stealth II. In general, a heated liner under an insulated mitten keeps fingers together and traps heat well, while an insulated heated glove is simpler, with one layer to put on and one pair of batteries. If you already own good mittens, liners are the cheaper route.

Bottom line

Gobi Heat's glove range is easy to narrow down. The Vertex II and Epic II share the same published heat settings and 6-hour claim, so the choice is between maximum protection and a slimmer, cheaper fit. The Drift II is the leather option for work and dexterity. The Stealth II liners are the most flexible and the least expensive. Confirm the battery version before buying spares, and use the 30-day window to check fit.

References

1. Gobi Heat. "Vertex II Heated Ski Gloves (3500mAh USB-C batt)." https://gobiheat.com/products/vertex-ii-heated-ski-gloves-3500mah-usb-c-batt
2. Gobi Heat. "Epic II Heated Ski Gloves (3500mAh USB-C batt)." https://gobiheat.com/products/epic-ii-heated-ski-gloves-3500mah-usb-c-batt
3. Gobi Heat. "Drift II Heated Leather Gloves (3500mAh USB-C batt)." https://gobiheat.com/products/drift-ii-heated-leather-gloves-3500mah-usb-c-batt
4. Gobi Heat. "Stealth II Heated Glove Liners (3500mAh USB-C batt)." https://gobiheat.com/products/stealth-ii-heated-glove-liners-3500mah-usb-c-batt
5. Gobi Heat. "Additional/Replacement Glove battery 2-pack." https://gobiheat.com/products/glove-battery-2-pack
6. Gobi Heat. "Battery Compatibility." https://gobiheat.com/pages/battery-compatibility-chart
7. Gobi Heat. "6500-PD Battery for 5V, 7.4V & 12V Products." https://gobiheat.com/products/6500-pd-battery
8. Gobi Heat. "FAQ." https://gobiheat.com/pages/faq
9. Gobi Heat. "Warranty." https://gobiheat.com/pages/warranty