While you are snowboarding, hands are particularly easy to freeze. That’s why having the right gloves can make a significant difference in your overall snowboarding experience. Subpar quality gloves can quickly diminish your enjoyment of the sport. Ill-fitting gloves can lead to freezing fingers in cold weather and sweaty palms when it’s hot. Regular wool or knit gloves won’t suffice as they get soaked and freeze quickly in the snow. This guide will help you choose the best snowboard gloves 2023 that suit your needs perfectly.
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Here are some key aspects we will cover:
1. Gloves, Mittens or 3-Finger Gloves
2. Materials
3. Additional Features
4. Snowboard Glove Liner
Gloves, Mittens or 3-Finger Gloves?
The first question you’ll encounter when selecting gloves is whether to have divided fingers or not. There are three common glove styles to consider: five-finger gloves, undivided mittens, and 3-finger gloves.
Gloves
Gloves provide excellent grip and dexterity, making them ideal for activities that require precision or easy access to snowboard poles and devices like sports cameras.
Mittens
Mittens keep all fingers (except the thumb) in the same chamber, maximizing warmth.
3-Finger Gloves
Also known as “lobster gloves,” combine the features of mittens and gloves, offering a balance between warmth and flexibility. The thumb and index finger remain separate for easy adjustments of snow goggles and clothing, ensuring a secure grip on ski poles.
Materials
When considering glove materials, Warmth, waterproof and wear resistance, grip should be the top priority.
Warmth
We recommend having two pairs of gloves in your bag—one thin and one thick—to adapt to varying temperatures and ski resort conditions.
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The warmth of gloves depends not only on their thickness but also on the insulation material. Palms often come into contact with snow and perspire during exercise, potentially making the gloves damp. Different insulation materials have varying thermal insulation performances. Common insulation materials include polyester, 3M™ Thinsulate™, and down.
Polyester is a common material known for its water-repellency. Even when wet, polyester-filled gloves can quickly regain their fluffiness and retain most of their warmth, unlike down. This means that gloves filled with polyester maintain their warmth even if the entire pair gets wet.
3M™ Thinsulate™ is a lightweight and warm synthetic microfiber. Its water absorption remains below 1% of its weight, allowing it to effectively retain warmth even in humid environments. It offers lighter and softer insulation compared to other materials.
Waterproof
Gloves can become wet from snow intake after a fall or from perspiration during intense activity. Breathability plays a vital role in maintaining dryness. Specialized waterproof and breathable materials are commonly used for the outer shell of gloves, providing excellent water resistance and warmth.
A waterproof breathable film serves as a three-dimensional layer between the glove’s interior and the insulation material. This seamless hot-pressing process creates countless tiny holes that prevent water droplets from passing through while allowing heat and moisture to dissipate, keeping your hands dry and comfortable during prolonged snowboarding.
Wear resistance and anti-slip
Wear resistance and anti-slip properties are important considerations for carving and snowboarding enthusiasts. Gloves may rub against the snow or endure repeated fastening and gripping actions, leading to significant wear. To extend the lifespan of your gloves, look for those with Dupont™ Kevlar® material in the palm. Kevlar® offers exceptional wear and cut resistance, with five times the strength of steel. Its flexibility strikes the perfect balance between hardness and softness, making it an ideal protective layer for gloves.
Additional Features
Here are some additional features which can provide added comfort and convenience:
Articulated Fingers: Certain gloves have pre-curved fingers, allowing for easier gripping of poles or chairlift bars.
Zippered Pockets: Some gloves feature a pocket on the back of the hand, providing a convenient storage option for lift tickets. This allows for quick access when entering or exiting the snowfield, saving time spent waiting for the cable car.
Wrist Loops: Often known as “idiot straps,” these are strings attached to the gloves that can be secured around your wrists or coat. They ensure that your gloves stay close by if you happen to drop them.
Wrist Guard: Certain gloves come with additional protective pads or built-in wrist protectors. These can help reduce the impact force on your wrists in the event of a fall, which is particularly beneficial for beginners in snowboarding.
Thumb Lens Cloth: Some gloves feature a velvet or rubber lens cloth sewn onto the thumb. This convenient addition allows you to easily wipe your goggles clean and maintain clear vision on the slopes.
Snowboard Glove Liner
Glove liners are highly suitable for adding an extra thermal layer underneath gloves or mittens. These liners are specifically designed to minimize the risk of exposed snowboarding while providing a lightweight and barely noticeable feel. They can be used on their own in warmer temperatures or during high-intensity activities. Additionally, some snowboard gloves feature a palm zipper that allows you to open it and extend your fingers to pick up objects without fully removing the gloves.
Many lined gloves are also touchscreen-compatible, making it more convenient to use your mobile phone without having to take off your gloves. These gloves maintain the sensitivity needed for finger tapping on screens, enabling comfortable use of your mobile device even in less cold weather conditions.
Summary
When choosing gloves, it’s important to consider different climates and riding styles, while also taking into account the performance of the gloves. Keeping warm is the top priority, and it’s even better if the gloves are waterproof, breathable, and resistant to wear and tear.
Mittens provide the best warmth retention, while gloves offer more flexibility and a solid grip, making them ideal for snowboarding enthusiasts.
If you frequently come into contact with the snow track, grab the board edge, or handle the buckle, it’s advisable to choose gloves with Kevlar® palm material. This material enhances the durability of the gloves, extending their lifespan and improving the overall snowboarding experience.
FAQ:
Q: How to wash snowboard gloves?
A: To clean your gloves, use lukewarm water and a mild neutral detergent. Place the gloves inside a laundry bag and wash them using the gentle cycle of your washing machine. Handwashing is also a good option but be gentle when rubbing and scrubbing stains. When drying, hang the gloves by the fingertip end on a clothesline to prevent water from pooling in the fingers.
Q: How do I know my snowboard glove size?
A: To measure your glove size, start by laying your dominant hand flat with fingers together and palm facing upwards. Take a measuring tape and wrap it around your palm, right below the knuckles, excluding the thumb. Measure in inches and round up to the nearest half inch to determine your glove size.
Q: Why do snowboarders usually wear mittens instead of gloves?
A: Because they don’t require as much dexterity to grip poles and offer enhanced warmth. However, wearing gloves is also common among some snowboarders as they make it easier to take off and put on bindings at the beginning and end of each run.
Related Guides:
How Do I Choose a Snowboard Jacket
How to Choose Snowboard and Snowboard Goggles
How to Choose Snowboard Pants & Bibs
How to Dress for Snowboarding and Snowboarding
What is the Best Snowboard for a Beginner?
References:
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/snow-gloves-and-mittens-how-to-choose.html
https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/thinsulate-us/
https://www.dupont.com/brands/kevlar.html
https://newtosnowboard.com/warm-hands-while-snowboarding/
https://www.salomon.com/en-us/nordic/nordic-advice/how-choose-your-snowboard-gloves-and-mittens
Source: https://t-tees.com
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