Winter Cycling - Mini-review: Sealskinz Chillblocker Gloves

http://www.atkenco.com/istarimages/mp/1701!SEALS-302663_d.jpg

Temp when riding today: 40 degrees F.

I have huge paws, and consistently wear XL gloves no matter what brand. Customer reviews of these gloves indicated they run very, very large so, against my better judgment I bought Large instead of Extra Large, and man am I glad I did. These gloves fit perfectly except for one small (in my opinion) flaw, they are too wide across the first joint of the metacarpals (first row of knuckles?), resulting in some nonfunctional wrinkling making its way to the palm when curling fingers. Very slight and not a problem when gripping the bars, however.

The interior is brushed fleece and seamless, very comfortable and snug without feeling like surgeons' gloves. The wrist area is generous in length and travels up the arm a respectable distance. Should one don the gloves first and then long sleeve base layers, the resultant arrangement would be quite toasty.

A nice feature are the 'gripper dots' on the palms of the gloves, definitely make for a sure grasp, most noticeably when grabbing the water bottle.

These gloves are marketed as windproof and waterproof-- I can attest to the windproof part, nothing got through whatsoever. At the 30 mile mark I stopped to buy a powerbar and took the gloves off briefly. There was a very light sheen of sweat on my hands which quickly dried and my hands of course began to cool quickly. The interior fleece was slightly damp but of course still insulated. Once the ride was over I just turned them inside out to dry more rapidly.

In the future I will probably only wear them in temps below 35 degrees F. or so. These gloves look good, almost like neoprene and advertising on them is minimal.

More (non-cycling) reviews here (http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Clothing/Gloves/SealSkinz%20ChillBlocker%20Gloves/).

Thanks for the review. I've been looking at these gloves for some time--didnt know anyone who had them--I believe I'll get a pair now.

How cold you would guess they could be worn? I know it's a matter of personal preference but I am looking for a pair of waterproof/windproof gloves or mittens that can be used well in the single digits? I tried the REI Headwind gloves that said they were for colder temps. I think their idea of cold temps and mine are 2 different things!

Single digits would be pushing it, even though they're windproof there is only so much insulation a thin layer of brushed fleece can provide, especially when you consider you're compressing a portion of that material the entire time (against the handlebars) and you are grasping something which conducts heat loss.

When we get a real cold snap here I'm going to try them out with silk glove liners.

Check out these 'Musher Mitts (http://www.akgear.com/hats-mitts.html)' from Apocalypse Design (http://www.akgear.com)s in Fairbanks:

http://www.akgear.com/mushermitts2.jpg

"You want warm? These mitts are favored by dog mushers, snowmachiners, and anyone else who needs toasty hands in severe temperatures. Two layers of Polartec 300 fleece are sandwiched between a durable and water-resistant outer shell and a soft taffeta lining. Toughtek palms provide extra gripping power. An extra roomy gauntlet cuff fits over the sleeves of even the loftiest parka and adjusts with a Velcro flap. Nose warmer pads sewn onto the back of each mitt are an essential feature for cold weather activities."

Give us a review when it gets cold. :rolleyes:

I bought the same pair [ebay about $40]. I found them warm at 45F- 55F, ok at 40F - 50F with poly glove liner, and a bit too cold at 35F. As the OP says, they are a little large.
The construction is a litte odd. If you look your palm curves slightly at the base of the fingers - the pinky starts a inch or so lower than the middle finger. The palms on my gloves are squred off. This makes most of the fingers too long and the pinky much too long.