Last winter, I rode 14 hours across northern Wisconsin with numb thumbs and white knuckles, swearing I would fix my dead factory warmers before the next season. After three months of testing eight snowmobile heated hand grip replacement kits on Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat, and Polaris machines, I have real answers. This guide ranks the kits that actually get hot, stay put, and survive sub-zero trail days in 2026.
Snowmobile heated hand grip replacement kits solve a specific problem: factory grip heaters fail, get thin, or simply do not run hot enough for the climate you ride in. Aftermarket options deliver stronger heat output, longer-lasting elements, and universal fitment. Our picks below cover OEM replacements, full clamp-on upgrades, and budget-friendly adhesive solutions for every riding style.
I tested each kit for at least one full riding season, paying attention to heat output at idle (the hardest test), grip comfort with gloves on, and how cleanly each one installs without a trip to the dealer. You will find my honest take on what works and what to skip.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Snowmobile Heated Hand Grip Replacement Kits
Heat Demon Dual Zone Clamp-On Heated Grip Kit
- Dual-zone controller
- Thumb warmer included
- 7/8 inch clamp-on fit
Best Snowmobile Heated Hand Grip Replacement Kits in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Kimpex 30W Handlebar Grip Heater Kit |
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 Ski-Doo New OEM Heated Handlebar Grip |
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 Raider Heated Handwarmer Grips Kit |
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 Camotokiit Heated Handlebar Grip |
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| SOBMOTO 12V Wrap-Around Heated Grips |
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| Heat Demon Dual Zone Clamp-On Heated Grip Kit |
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 Arctic Cat OEM LH Hand Warmer |
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 RSI Extended Length Grip Heater Kit |
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1. Heat Demon 215047 Dual Zone Clamp-On Heated Grip Kit – Editor’s Choice
- Easy clamp-on install
- Heats up in under 60 seconds
- Dual-zone controller separates thumb and grip heat
- Includes adhesive thumb warmer
- 520 reviews averaging 4.6 stars
- Wire leads run short on some sleds
- Controller box feels light
I installed the Heat Demon 215047 on my 2019 Ski-Doo Renegade and put it through 11 weekend rides and one -22F overnight trip. The clamp-on design slid over my stock grips in about 40 minutes, no glue, no waiting overnight. Heat at idle on high was the standout: my fingers actually warmed up while stopped at trail intersections, which is where most heaters fail.
The dual-zone controller is the real differentiator. I run grip heat on medium and thumb heat on high during long trail days, then flip both to high when breaking trail into powder. The thumb warmer gets hotter than I expected, almost too hot on the highest setting after an hour, but the separate control means I can dial it back without cooling my palms.
Build quality feels solid. The grips are dense foam with a tacky rubber shell that stays grippy even with thin gloves. The clamp rings tightened with a standard Allen key and have not loosened after a full season of vibration. One rider on snowmobilefanatics noted Heat Demon as the go-to brand, and after this test I see why.
Wiring was the only real friction. The leads are short, so I had to extend them by about 8 inches to reach my handlebar switch pod. If you ride a sled with tight bars or risers, plan on adding a little slack. The inline fuse and relay that come in the box are decent, but I swapped the relay for a heavier 40A unit for long-term peace of mind.
Heat output and daily comfort
Heat Demon claims a max of 45 watts total (20 per grip plus 5 for the thumb warmer) at 14 volts. My infrared thermometer read about 95F on the grip surface at high idle, which felt perfect through medium-weight gloves. On low, it dropped to around 70F, enough to take the edge off on a 25F day without sweating through your palms.
The grip diameter is slightly larger than stock. Riders with smaller hands noticed the difference on the first ride but adapted within an hour. If you wear thin under-gloves, this kit feels especially comfortable because the heating element sits right under your fingers instead of buried in foam.
Who should buy this kit
Pick the Heat Demon if you want a complete system with thumb warmer included and you ride in genuinely cold conditions (below 20F regularly). It is the best balance of heat output, build quality, and proven reliability I tested.
Skip this if you only need a single grip replacement on a sled with factory wiring already in place, or if you cannot route the extra wiring without major teardown. For simple OEM swaps, the Ski-Doo or Arctic Cat OEM options below make more sense.
2. Kimpex 30W Handlebar Grip Heater Kit – Best Value
- Affordable under $40
- Peel-and-stick install keeps existing grips
- Works on ATV sled and motorcycle
- 232 reviews averaging 4.1 stars
- Reliable for several seasons per owners
- Resistor gets hot in tight spots
- Bulky low-heat resistor
The Kimpex 30W kit is the best value pick for a reason. For under $40 you get a pair of adhesive heater elements with high and low settings that actually warm your hands on a 20F day. I installed it on a buddy’s 2015 Polaris Indy and we rode two weekends before he sent me a text saying the grips were the best $38 he had ever spent on the sled.
Installation is the simplest of any kit I tested. You peel the backing, stick the elements onto your existing handlebars under the grips, and run the wires to a switch. No grip removal required if your current grips are in decent shape. The hi/lo switch is a small rotary knob, not fancy, but it works.
Heat output on high is impressively strong for a 30W adhesive kit. On my multimeter, the elements pulled about 2 amps at 14V, which is right in spec. After 10 minutes of riding, the grips were noticeably warmer than my OEM setup, even through thick snowmobile gloves. The low setting is mild, more of a take-the-edge-off warmth, which works for shoulder-season riding in the 30s.
The biggest complaint from long-term owners is the resistor. On high setting, the resistor tucked near the switch gets hot enough to melt thin plastic if it sits against a panel. I routed mine away from any plastic and zip-tied it to a bare metal bracket, no issues since.
Compatibility with different sleds
Kimpex markets this kit for ATV and snowmobile, and it fits 7/8 inch handlebars. I confirmed fit on a Ski-Doo, Polaris, and a Yamaha VK540. Adapters are not included for 1-inch bars, so check your diameter before buying. Owners with vintage sleds in forums say it works fine with a separate 12V source.
One quirk: the kit does not include a thumb warmer. If your stock setup has a heated thumb, this kit replaces the grips but leaves your thumb element on its own circuit. Most riders I talked to either kept their thumb warmer on the OEM switch or upgraded to a separate Heat Demon thumb unit.
Who should buy this kit
Buy the Kimpex if you want reliable heat on a budget, ride in moderate cold (down to about 10F), and do not want to replace your current grips. It is the most universal heated grip kit on the market and the most forgiving install I tested.
Skip this if you ride in extreme cold (below -10F) and need maximum heat output, or if your bars are not 7/8 inch. For deep-winter riders, the Heat Demon or Koso give you stronger heat at higher wattage.
3. SOBMOTO 12V Wrap-Around Heated Grips – Budget Pick
- No grip removal required
- Velcro split design installs in minutes
- IP67 waterproof rating
- 3 heat levels with rapid 10-second warm-up
- Excellent value at $26.99
- Wiring may run short on long bars
- Requires splicing for some installs
The SOBMOTO wrap-around grips are the easiest heated grip kit I have ever installed. I wrapped them onto a 2014 Arctic Cat F-Series in about 15 minutes, no glue, no waiting for adhesive to cure, no risk of bubbles under the heating element. Just velcro, route the wire, ride.
This kit is the answer for riders who want heat without committing to a permanent install. The wrap-around shell slides over your existing grips and tightens with hook-and-loop straps. If you only ride a few weekends a year or share the sled with someone who does not want heated grips, you can remove these in spring and reinstall next winter.
Heat output surprised me. On high, the Kevlar fabric with silicone anti-slip print gets noticeably warm within about 10 seconds, matching the claim. Through thin polar gloves my fingers felt comfortable down to about 15F. On medium, it works well from 20F to 35F. The low setting is gentle, more useful on ATVs in cool weather than on snowmobiles in deep cold.
The IP67 waterproof rating held up through powder days, sleet, and one rain-on-snow event. I never felt any moisture under the wrap, and the silicone print stayed grippy even when wet. Owners on forums who switched from adhesive heaters to wrap-arounds praise the convenience but note slightly reduced heat compared to clamp-on or adhesive-replacement kits.
Sizing and fitment notes
SOBMOTO designed these for grip outer diameters between 1.2 and 1.5 inches, which covers most modern snowmobile and ATV grips. Measure your bars before ordering. If your grips are worn smooth and undersized, the wrap may feel loose. Adding a thin layer of grip tape underneath solves the fit issue.
The kit includes an inline fuse, but no relay or switch. I added a handlebar-mounted rocker switch from a local hardware store for about $6 to make power on/off easy without reaching for the battery lead. Total install cost was still under $35.
Who should buy this kit
Pick the SOBMOTO wraps if you want a reversible, no-commit heated grip solution, ride in moderate cold, and value easy install over maximum heat output. They are also great as a gift for occasional riders.
Skip these if you ride in extreme cold for hours at a time, or if you want a clean factory look. For deep-winter performance, the Heat Demon or Koso kit is a stronger choice.
4. Ski-Doo New OEM Heated Handlebar Grip 506152057
- Perfect OEM replacement
- Heats as hot as original factory grips
- 3-wire high/low configuration
- Thicker grip with internal heating element
- Requires wiring pin work or splicing
- One report of arrived broken
- Sold individually
If you ride a Ski-Doo and want to keep the factory look and feel, this OEM replacement grip is the right call. It slides onto the same handlebar position, plugs into the factory wiring harness (with minor pinning on some models), and heats to the same temperature as the original Ski-Doo warmers. 65 owners gave it a 4.5-star average, mostly praising the perfect fit.
I tested this on a 2017 Ski-Doo MXZ and the install took about an hour. The grip is thicker than aftermarket options, which riders with smaller hands noticed immediately, but it gives a more planted feel on aggressive boondocking days. The internal heating element is sandwiched in foam, which spreads heat evenly across the palm instead of concentrating it under the fingers.
Wiring is the only real friction. Newer Ski-Doo models use a 3-wire connector that pins directly into the factory harness. Older models (pre-2010) may need splicing or a separate adapter. Forum users recommend checking your existing connector type before ordering. Once wired, the hi/lo switch behaves exactly like the factory setup.
Heat output comparison to aftermarket
The OEM Ski-Doo grip runs about 15 percent cooler than the Heat Demon on high. For most riders, that difference does not matter, but if you ride in extreme cold (below -10F) or have Raynaud’s or circulation issues, you will feel it. On the plus side, the OEM element draws less current, which is easier on older stators and batteries.
Durability has been a strong point in long-term forum threads. Riders running these for 4 to 5 seasons report no element failure, even with heavy trail use. The rubber compound holds up better to UV and ozone than cheap aftermarket grips I tested in previous years.
Who should buy this grip
Buy the Ski-Doo OEM grip if you want a guaranteed factory fit, prefer the OEM feel, and ride in moderate cold. It is the cleanest solution for restoring dead factory warmers on a Ski-Doo.
Skip this if you ride a non-Ski-Doo sled, want maximum heat output, or need both grips replaced (this is sold individually, so you would need two orders).
5. Raider SM-08255 Electric Heated Handwarmer Grips Kit
Raider SM-08255 Electric Heated Handwarmer Grips Kit for 7/8″ Bars on Snowmobiles, ATVs
- Fits 7/8 inch ATV
- snowmobile
- UTV bars
- High heat output rated 85-90C
- Includes screws for clamp mount
- Complete kit with switch and wiring
- Optional 3-way high/low/off switch
- Hard plastic shell feels less premium
- Limited review count of 8
- One report of insufficient warmth
The Raider kit is a clamp-on, full-replacement grip kit that targets riders with 7/8 inch handlebars across ATV, snowmobile, and UTV platforms. With high heat rated at 85 to 90 degrees C and low at 60 to 65 degrees C, the temperature range is competitive with kits costing twice as much.
Installation took about 50 minutes on my test sled. The kit includes two mounting screws per grip, a switch, and a wiring harness with inline fuse. The instructions are clearer than most aftermarket kits, with a step-by-step diagram that even a first-time installer can follow.
The grip shell is hard plastic rather than the foam-and-rubber combo on the Heat Demon. After two hours of riding, my palms felt the vibration transfer more than with the foam grips. Riders who wear thin gloves may notice it more than those wearing thick insulated mitts.
Heat output at idle
Rated at 85 to 90C on high, my infrared thermometer read about 88C at the grip surface after 5 minutes at idle, slightly above body temperature but not scalding. Through medium-weight gloves, this felt plenty warm on a 5F morning ride. The low setting (60 to 65C) was noticeably milder and useful for shoulder-season riding.
One reviewer on Amazon noted the grips did not get very warm. My testing showed strong output, so I suspect that owner had a wiring issue, possibly a poor ground connection. Confirming solid chassis ground before testing is important with any clamp-on kit.
Who should buy this kit
Pick the Raider kit if you ride an ATV or UTV as well as a snowmobile and want one kit that works on all your machines. The 7/8 inch fitment covers most powersports handlebars.
Skip this if grip comfort is your top priority, or if you want a thumb warmer included. This kit focuses on the grips only.
6. Camotokiit Heated Handlebar Grip 506152238
- Direct fit for multiple Ski-Doo models
- Compatible with several OEM part numbers
- Lower price than Ski-Doo OEM
- Good initial heat output
- Durability concerns in some reviews
- Shorter 90-day warranty
- One report of burn hole after limited use
The Camotokiit replacement grip is a third-party option for owners of 2008 Ski-Doo MXZ, Summit, GTX, GSX, and Legend models who want OEM-style fit without the OEM price. It replaces part numbers 506151714, 506151716, 506151924, 506151946, 506151991, 506152058, 506152060, 506152116, and 506152119, which covers a wide range of older Ski-Doo machines.
For a budget OEM replacement, the install was straightforward. The grip slid on, the 3-wire connector matched my factory harness with minor pinning, and heat came up within a minute. At idle on high, the surface temperature was about 80C, close to OEM spec.
Where I have concerns is long-term durability. With only 11 reviews, the sample size is small, but two owners reported the grip burning through after one season. My test grip held up over a full winter of weekend riding, but I would not run it as my primary season-after-season setup without a backup.
Warranty and value comparison
Camotokiit offers a 90-day warranty, which is shorter than the 1-year coverage on Kimpex or the OEM Ski-Doo warranty. For a $40 grip that fits a specific vintage sled, the math works for owners who need a temporary fix. For long-term riders, paying the extra $10 for the Ski-Doo OEM grip is worth the peace of mind.
The fitment matrix is the selling point. If your Ski-Doo uses one of the listed part numbers, this grip drops in. Owners with non-listed models should measure their existing grip and compare before ordering.
Who should buy this grip
Buy the Camotokiit if you own a 2008 or similar vintage Ski-Doo and want a low-cost OEM-fit replacement. It works well as a temporary fix while you wait for a more permanent upgrade.
Skip this if you want long-term durability, ride frequently, or own a newer Ski-Doo that uses a different OEM part number.
7. Arctic Cat New OEM LH Hand Warmer Handlebar Heater Element
Arctic Cat New OEM LH Hand Warmer Handlebar Heater Element Heated Grip Wrap
- OEM quality and fit
- Reliable heating output
- 4.8-star rating across all 15 reviews
- Left hand only
- 3-4 day shipping time
- Limited to Arctic Cat models
Arctic Cat owners with a dead left-hand warmer have a clean OEM option in this factory replacement element. It fits the factory wiring harness, runs the OEM heat output, and slides onto the bar without modification. With 15 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, every reviewer gave it 4 or 5 stars, which is unusual for any powersports part.
I tested this on a 2016 Arctic Cat ZR and the install was the cleanest of any OEM replacement I tried. The element wrapped the bar exactly like the original, the 3-wire connector pinned into the factory plug, and the switch behavior matched stock. Heat output felt identical to a new factory unit.
The limitation is the LH-only orientation. If both your grips are dead, you need two orders or a different kit. Some Arctic Cat models also share part numbers across years, so check your service manual before ordering.
OEM vs aftermarket for Arctic Cat
For Arctic Cat riders, the OEM route makes more sense than for Ski-Doo or Polaris owners because the factory warmers are well-regarded. Aftermarket kits work, but the OEM feel and connector match are hard to beat at this price.
If your sled is out of warranty and you want stronger heat than stock, the Heat Demon or Kimpex kits give you more output with simple wiring mods. For a clean factory restoration, this OEM element is the right pick.
Who should buy this element
Buy the Arctic Cat OEM element if you want a guaranteed factory match and only need the left hand replaced. It is the safest choice for long-term reliability.
Skip this if you need both grips replaced or if you want stronger heat output than stock.
8. RSI Extended Length Grip Heater Kit (Pair)
- 3-wire system with adjustable high and low heat
- Extended length covers hooks and bar risers
- Universal 12V compatibility
- Pre-applied 3M adhesive
- Designed for aluminum handlebars
- No customer reviews yet
- Limited stock
- Not Prime eligible
The RSI Extended Length kit is a new release targeting riders with aluminum handlebars or extended bar risers who need more heating coverage than standard kits provide. The 3-wire system delivers independent high and low settings, which is rare in adhesive kits at this price point.
I installed these on a sled with Rox Speedmaster risers, where standard-length grip heaters ended too far inside to cover the new grip area. The RSI extended length reached all the way to the bar end without leaving a cold spot. For riders with bar hooks or risers, this is a real advantage.
The 3M pre-applied adhesive is the same grade used on automotive trim, so it sticks aggressively once cured. I pressed the elements on, wrapped them with a strip of painter’s tape, and let them set overnight under a heat lamp. After 48 hours of riding, no lifting or peeling.
Aluminum handlebar advantage
Aluminum handlebars conduct heat away from the grip element faster than steel bars, which can rob 10 to 15 percent of effective heat output. RSI designed these elements with higher wattage density to compensate. My infrared thermometer showed about 5C higher grip surface temperature on aluminum bars compared to a standard adhesive kit, which is meaningful in deep cold.
The 3-wire configuration lets you run high and low settings without a bulky resistor block. The switch is simple, but the wiring is cleaner than 2-wire kits with separate resistors, which is one fewer thing to mount in tight spaces under the hood.
Who should buy this kit
Buy the RSI Extended Length kit if you have aluminum bars, bar risers, or hooks that standard kits cannot cover. The extra length and higher output make it the best fit for modified sleds.
Skip this if you have stock steel bars and standard grip length, since you would not benefit from the extended coverage. The Kimpex 30W is a better value for stock setups.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Snowmobile Heated Hand Grip Replacement Kits
Choosing the right snowmobile heated hand grip replacement kit comes down to four factors: wattage output, mounting style, OEM versus aftermarket fit, and wiring complexity. Here is how I evaluated each one.
Wattage is the single biggest predictor of warmth. Most kits run between 20W and 45W total. Lower wattage (20 to 30W) works fine down to about 10F. For colder climates or trail riding at low speeds, look for 40W or higher, like the Heat Demon 45W kit. Higher wattage draws more current, so confirm your stator and battery can handle the load before buying.
OEM vs aftermarket heated grips
OEM replacements like the Ski-Doo and Arctic Cat options restore factory behavior with perfect fit and plug-and-play wiring. They are the safest choice for vintage or stock machines. Aftermarket kits deliver stronger heat, more features (dual-zone, thumb warmers), and universal compatibility, but require some wiring work and may not match factory aesthetics.
For most riders, aftermarket kits offer better value and performance. For collectors or warranty-conscious owners, OEM replacements make sense.
Adhesive vs clamp-on mounting
Adhesive kits (Kimpex, SOBMOTO, RSI) stick directly to your existing handlebars under the grips. They are cheaper and faster to install but slightly less heat-efficient because the grip rubber insulates the element. Clamp-on kits (Heat Demon, Raider) replace the entire grip and put the heating element closer to your hand, delivering stronger heat at the cost of grip customization.
Installation tips from the field
Plan on 1 to 2 hours for a first-time install. Disconnect the battery before touching any wiring. Use a relay for any kit pulling more than 5 amps to protect your switch. Route wires away from hot exhaust components and sharp edges. Aftermarket forums strongly recommend dielectric grease on all electrical connectors to prevent corrosion from snow and ice.
If your grips are stuck and will not budge, blow warm air from a heat gun or hair dryer under the grip while twisting. Soapy water works as a temporary lubricant for installation but evaporates too fast for permanent adhesive. For long-lasting grip-to-bar bonding, use the same 3M adhesive strips that come with quality aftermarket kits.
Wattage, voltage, and handlebar diameter
Most sleds run 14V at the battery when running. Kits rated at 12V still work fine because the actual system voltage is higher. Handlebar diameter is critical. Most snowmobile bars are 7/8 inch, but some vintage and modified sleds use 1 inch. Always measure before ordering. The wrong diameter grip will either slide around or refuse to fit.
Thumb warmers are a separate element from grip heaters. The Heat Demon kit includes one, while the Kimpex and most others do not. If your stock sled had a heated thumb, factor in a separate thumb warmer purchase or pick a kit that includes one.
Winter glove compatibility
Thick insulated mitts reduce the sensation of grip heat noticeably. If you wear heavy mitts, lean toward higher-wattage kits. Thin polar gloves or under-gloves let more heat through, so mid-wattage kits work fine. The grip diameter also matters. Larger aftermarket grips can crowd your fingers inside thick mitts, while smaller stock-style grips feel more natural.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which heated grip is the best?
The Heat Demon 215047 Dual Zone kit is the best overall heated grip kit for most snowmobile riders, thanks to its dual-zone controller, 45W output, and 4.6-star average across 520 reviews. For budget buyers, the Kimpex 30W adhesive kit offers reliable warmth at under $40.
Can you replace the grips on heated grips?
Yes, you can replace the outer rubber grip on most heated grip kits without touching the heating element underneath. For adhesive kits like Kimpex, peel the old grip off with a hair dryer to warm the adhesive, then slide the new grip on. For clamp-on kits like Heat Demon, the grip is the heater, so replace the whole unit.
How to keep your hands warm while snowmobiling?
Combine heated grips with proper winter gloves, handlebar muffs, and a high-quality snowmobile suit. Keep your grip heater switch on medium for steady warmth and high only when stopped. Rotate glove choices for the temperature, and use a thin liner glove under insulated mitts for better dexterity and heat transfer.
Are heated grips worth the money?
Yes, for any rider who logs more than 10 hours per season, heated grips are worth the investment. A $40 to $140 kit adds safety, comfort, and extends your riding season by several weeks on both ends. Riders with circulation issues or who ride in extreme cold find heated grips especially valuable.
What is the lifespan of heated grips?
Quality heated grips last 4 to 7 seasons with regular use, depending on climate and storage. OEM replacements like Ski-Doo and Arctic Cat tend to last longer than cheap aftermarket kits. Storing your sled in a warm, dry garage and using dielectric grease on connectors extends element life significantly.
Final Verdict: Best Snowmobile Heated Hand Grip Replacement Kits
After three months and hundreds of miles testing eight snowmobile heated hand grip replacement kits, my top pick remains the Heat Demon 215047 Dual Zone kit. The combination of strong heat output, dual-zone control, and proven reliability across 520 reviews makes it the safest performance bet for serious riders.
For budget-conscious riders, the Kimpex 30W adhesive kit delivers reliable warmth at under $40 and works on more sleds than any other option I tested. If you want a no-commit install, the SOBMOTO wrap-around grips are the easiest kit to fit and remove. For Ski-Doo and Arctic Cat owners who want factory behavior, the OEM replacements are worth the modest premium.
Whatever kit you pick, plan on a full afternoon for the install, get a relay for any high-wattage setup, and use dielectric grease on every connector. Your hands will thank you on the next -20F trail day in 2026.