Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Softshell Lobster Glove
Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Softshell Lobster Gloves
MSRP: $75
- P.R.O. Softshell provides optimal wind and water protection
- Fleece lined
- Pittards® WR 100X Natural Carbon Leather palm provides superior softness and durability
- Hook and loop closure
- Anatomic fit maximizes finger dexterity for shifting and braking
- Reflective elements for low-light visibility
- Soft fleece wiping surface on thumb
- Waterproof insert provides an extra degree of warmth and weather protection
- Primaloft® insulation provides optimal warmth without bulk
Attempting to ride your bicycle through out the year can be a daunting task, especially as the winter month's bring the temperatures way down and leave us with a brutal case of the Screaming Barfies. For the uninitiated this most debilitating condition can bring any enthusiast to their most humble of moments and literally leave them writhing on the ground in agonizing pain, desperately needed to warm up, but ultimately unable to do anything other than whimper and try not to vomit in pain. Ahh the joy!
Now to be honest I have not found anything that can truly defend your extremities other than true arctic gear and utilizing such gear makes it damn near impossible to ride a bike. The issue is not your core, rather it is your fingers and toes, as they are blasted by the friged wind as well as the positional circulation issues cyclists often encounter. However, the folks over at Pearl Izumi do not frown upon us for our questionable judgment, rather they have embraced us and have designed gear made to prolong our foolhearty winter escapades.
Over the past month I have ridden 20 days, with 15 of those being in temperatures below 20°F (not including wind chill). And I must say aside from one time the Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Softshell Lobster Gloves have kept me warm and cozy. Utilizing Primaloft insulation these gloves have ample heat retention with out the bulk making manipulation of the shifters and brakes almost as easy as a normal riding glove. The P.R.O. Softshell is an excellent wind and water barrier and I really dig the nice fleece snot/sweat patch across the back of the thumb, which, although gross to think about is a super nice addition when you need it. Though the fit seems to be spot on I had issues with the stitching on the fabric underneath the velcro wrist closure that actually tore on one of the gloves, although it has not impacted the warmth or functionality of the gloves. Another thing that needs to be addressed is perhaps adding a bit of a tab on the velcro closure so that while wearing the gloves you can actually grab it to remove the glove.
This glove's job is to keep your hands warm and to do their job correctly you have to sacrifice a few things; I noticed that when my core temperature rose with exertion my hand would actually sweat even in those sub freezing temps, fortunately the gloves work well to move that moisture away from my palms and I really do not think that this in anyway impacted the ride. In addition they dried really quickly so the next day I had no residual moisture. One thing that did impact my ride is a bit of movement with in the layers on the palm of the glove. This is a result of the gloves being insulated and that bit of movement when you grip the handle bars is just enough to make you think about it, but not enough to be a real concern, even on screaming single track descents.
For a cyclist that is not willing to give up the days of riding even when the temperatures plummet this would be a good glove to think about. If you are planning a ride longer than 4 hours in temperatures below 30, or a ride when you expect a ton of wind I would consider a larger pair of gloves so you can utilize a liner as well, or add a pair of bar mitts.
I am thankful that PI understands the addiction that I have to cycling and producing a product that allows me to not only continue year 'round, but to do so in relative comfort.
