Never owned a vest but I love the liner. Have ridden over mountain passes at below twenty and stayed toasty. Did have heated gloves also for that one. I just decided if I was making the outlay for the vest I may as well spend a little more for the sleeves. No regrets.
I got the liner and like it. It keeps you pretty toasty. A good place to by it is gerbings outlet at www.heatedclothingoutlet.com. You can pick up the liner for $99 which is less than half the price. I also have the heated outerpants, wearing both you won't notice the cold.
Should have mentioned there are options besides HD, wome of which come with the thermostatic control rather than just the switch. This is a necessity. Most are also cheaper than HD.
I have had both the vest (BMW) and liner (Gerbings). My experience is that generally if it's cold enough to need the vest, your arms will get cold, too. I use the liner regularly and never use the vest anymore.
if you are considering the vest, i'd say go with the jacket liner instead. With the connection for gloves at the end of the sleeves, and the fact it will keep your arms warm too, i have found them a much better option.
doesn't matter which brand you pick...my opinion is to go with the full liner and dual thermostat so you can add gloves.... trust me, you will want them too after feeling the warmth of the liner.
I'd go with Gerbing over the Widder Products. I've had the Widder Vest for a few years, and it never really got super warm. In fact it barely takes the edge off when it's really cold. Gerbing however seems to have more wires running through it, and it much, much warmer on those really cold days. When I say really cold, I'm talking about 0 to around 25 degrees.
if you are considering the vest, i'd say go with the jacket liner instead. With the connection for gloves at the end of the sleeves, and the fact it will keep your arms warm too, i have found them a much better option.
+1 Wish I had bought it a long time ago, Didn't know what I was missing.