Basalt vs Tempest Heated Motorcycle Gloves: Key Differences

Arcfomor Basalt and Tempest are both 7.4V battery-heated motorcycle gloves, but they are designed around noticeably different outer constructions. Basalt combines goatskin with technical textile panels for a less substantial, more flexible feel, while Tempest uses a heavier full-goatskin shell with additional structure around the palm heel and thumb base.

The right choice depends less on which glove is “better” and more on how much insulation, leather coverage and structure you want around the controls. This comparison explains the practical differences between Basalt vs. Tempest heated motorcycle gloves, including grip feel, cuff design, heating performance, weather use and sizing.

For broader guidance covering protection, liners, heated grips and power systems, start with our heated motorcycle gloves and e-bike riding guide.

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Quick Answer: Basalt or Tempest?

Choose Basalt if you want a hybrid goatskin-and-textile motorcycle glove with a somewhat more flexible feel, an extended cuff and an integrated index-finger visor wiper.

Choose Tempest if you prefer a more substantial full-goatskin glove with pre-curved fingers, additional structure around the palm heel and thumb base, and a long hook-and-loop gauntlet.

Both models use rechargeable 7.4V batteries and provide three adjustable heat settings across the backs of the hands and fingers. Both are thicker standalone motorcycle gloves rather than thin liners, so neither should be expected to feel like an uninsulated summer riding glove.

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Basalt vs. Tempest Heated Motorcycle Gloves: Comparison

Construction features should be evaluated together with fit, control feel and the conditions in which you ride. Neither model is intended for professional racing or track competition.

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Arcfomor Basalt: Hybrid Construction and Visor Wiper

The Arcfomor Basalt Heated Motorcycle Gloves use a hybrid shell that combines goatskin in selected high-wear areas with technical textile panels. This makes Basalt the less substantial-feeling option of the two, although it remains a thick standalone winter motorcycle glove.

The goatskin palm provides the main handlebar contact surface, while the carbon-fiber knuckle shell and reinforced palm areas add structure around selected riding zones. These features do not remove the need to check fit, lever reach and wrist movement before riding.

Basalt’s most distinctive feature is its index-finger visor wiper. The flexible strip can help clear light rain, mist or road spray from a helmet visor without removing the glove. Actual performance depends on the visor, precipitation and condition of the wiper.

Basalt may be the better choice when:

• You prefer a hybrid leather-and-textile shell rather than a full-leather glove.
• You want a somewhat more flexible feel for commuting or touring.
• An integrated visor wiper is useful for your usual riding conditions.
• You want a dedicated heated motorcycle glove without moving to the most substantial construction in the range.

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Arcfomor Tempest: Substantial Full-Goatskin Construction

The Arcfomor Tempest Heated Motorcycle Gloves use goatskin across the main exterior, including the palm, back of the hand, fingers and extended gauntlet. This creates a firmer and more substantial feel than Basalt’s mixed-material shell.

Tempest includes a carbon-fiber knuckle shell, fixed reinforcement around the palm heel and thumb base, and padded areas around the fingers and extended cuff. Its pre-curved fingers follow a partially closed riding position, although the leather and insulation may still require some familiarization around the throttle, levers and switches.

The long gauntlet uses a hook-and-loop closure and is designed to overlap a riding-jacket sleeve. Riders should confirm that the cuff, battery compartment and jacket do not restrict wrist movement or interfere with the controls.

Tempest may be the better choice when:

• You prefer full-goatskin construction around the hand and gauntlet.
• You want a firmer, more substantial cold-weather riding glove.
• Palm-heel and thumb-base reinforcement are priorities.
• You are comfortable with more material around the controls than Basalt provides.

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Heating Coverage and Battery Runtime

Both Basalt and Tempest use independent rechargeable 7.4V batteries stored inside the cuffs. Their active heating elements cover the backs of the hands and the backs of the fingers, while insulation provides passive warmth across the rest of the glove.

Each glove has its own control button with Low, Medium and High settings. Approximate runtime with the included 7.4V 3000mAh batteries is:

• High: approximately 2.5–4 hours
• Medium: approximately 4–8 hours
• Low: about 10 hours

Actual runtime varies with outside temperature, wind, battery condition, charge level and how often the setting is changed. High is useful for initial warm-up or colder periods, but reducing the setting once comfortable can extend practical riding time.

Basalt and Tempest are standalone battery-powered models. They should only be used with compatible batteries and charging equipment specified for the glove system, not connected directly to a motorcycle or heated jacket.

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Which Glove Provides Better Handlebar Feel?

Basalt is likely to feel less substantial because its shell combines leather and technical textile. Tempest’s full-goatskin construction, insulation and additional fixed reinforcement create a firmer glove with more material around the controls.

That does not mean Basalt will fit every rider better. Handlebar feel depends on hand shape, glove size, palm construction, finger length, lever position and how the gauntlet fits with the jacket sleeve.

Before riding with either model:

1. Close your hand fully around the grip and check for material bunching across the palm.
2. Rotate and release the throttle while the motorcycle is stationary.
3. Confirm that you can reach the front brake and clutch levers without stretching.
4. Operate the turn signals, horn, starter and other switches.
5. Turn the handlebars fully in both directions and check the cuff and jacket sleeve.
6. Complete a short, familiar ride before relying on the gloves for highway travel.

For a more detailed stationary control test, read Do Motorcycle Heated Gloves Affect Grip and Control?

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Weather Protection and Leather Care

Both gloves include layers intended to help manage wind, normal rain, snow and road spray. Weather resistance should not be treated as permission to immerse the gloves or expose the batteries and connectors to prolonged moisture.

Basalt’s technical textile areas and Tempest’s internal membrane help manage wet riding conditions, but goatskin sections require appropriate care and should not be assumed to have the same water-repellent treatment as polyester panels. Performance also depends on seams, closures, maintenance and the duration of exposure.

After wet use, remove the batteries and allow the gloves to air-dry naturally away from direct heat and sunlight. Clean the exterior with a soft damp cloth and mild soap when needed. Avoid soaking, machine washing, tumble drying, ironing or dry cleaning.

Review the heated glove cleaning and drying guide for the care sequence and precautions before reconnecting batteries.

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How to Choose the Correct Size

Basalt and Tempest are available in unisex S–XL and generally fit smaller than many standard North American winter gloves. Do not choose solely from the size printed inside another brand of glove.

Measure the circumference and length of both hands, then use the larger measurements when selecting a size. The fingertips should reach the ends of the glove without pressing hard against them, and the palm should remain secure without excessive compression.

If your measurements fall near the upper limit of a size or indicate different sizes for circumference and length, use the larger size as the starting point. Confirm your measurements with the Arcfomor glove size guide and calculator.

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Basalt vs. Tempest: Final Selection Guide

Basalt is the more practical starting point for riders who want a dedicated 7.4V heated motorcycle glove with a hybrid shell, reinforced riding areas and an integrated visor wiper. Its mixed-material construction generally provides a less substantial feel than Tempest.

Tempest is the more substantial option for riders who prioritize full-goatskin coverage, a firmer structure, pre-curved fingers and additional reinforcement around the palm heel and thumb base.

Neither model should be selected from construction alone. The correct glove must allow normal throttle return, lever reach, switch operation and wrist movement when worn with your actual riding jacket.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tempest warmer than Basalt?

Tempest has a more substantial full-goatskin and insulated construction, while Basalt uses a lighter hybrid shell. However, perceived warmth also depends on fit, wind, moisture, heat setting, riding speed and individual cold sensitivity. Neither model can guarantee the same warmth for every rider or condition.

Which model is better for daily commuting?

Basalt may suit riders who prefer a less substantial hybrid shell and value the index-finger visor wiper. Tempest may suit commuters who prefer heavier full-goatskin coverage and a firmer glove. Control feel should be tested before regular traffic use.

Do Basalt and Tempest use the same battery system?

Both use compatible standalone 7.4V glove batteries and include two rechargeable 3000mAh batteries with a compatible charger. Always confirm the current included components on the individual product page before ordering.

Are Basalt and Tempest fully waterproof?

They include weather-managing layers intended for normal rain, snow and road spray, but they should not be treated as immersion-proof. Weather performance depends on the complete construction, seams, closures, condition and duration of exposure.

Can these gloves be used for professional racing?

Basalt and Tempest are intended for ordinary cold-weather commuting, touring and recreational riding. They are not designed for professional racing or track competition.

Which model offers better grip and control?

Basalt generally has a less substantial feel, while Tempest uses a firmer full-goatskin construction. Actual control depends on sizing, hand shape, lever position and jacket-cuff compatibility. A correctly fitted glove should allow the throttle, brake, clutch and switches to operate normally.

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Compare the Current Motorcycle Glove Range

Choose Basalt for its hybrid construction and visor wiper, or Tempest for a more substantial full-goatskin setup. Review current specifications and availability in the Arcfomor heated motorcycle gloves collection.

Whichever model you select, measure both hands, test every control while stationary and make sure the gauntlet works comfortably with your riding jacket before beginning a cold-weather trip.

Related guides for motorcycle and e-bike riding

• Motorcycle and e-bike heated glove guide

  Match hand protection, controls, weather coverage and power options to the ride.

• Motorcycle glove grip and control

  Check lever reach, throttle movement and wrist clearance before riding.

• How to wash and dry heated gloves

  Follow cleaning and drying precautions while keeping batteries and connectors protected.