GripGrab Optimus Waterproof Winter Glove Review
I saw these in a sale at a really good price and decided it was worth a punt to not only have a second pair of winter gloves but also some that were of a more traditional type, instead of the lobster styled GribGrab Nordic Gloves that I reviewed recently. Much of this review will be somewhat copied from the first as much of the construction is quite similar but there are a number of details that differ.
They are billed as ‘high-end winter cycling gloves’, highly insulated, windproof, waterproof and highly breathable. They have a 4mm gel insert that sits on the heel of the hand, conveniently placed for when riding on the hoods and silicone grips on the index and middle fingers, thumb and palm. The cuff is only elasticated around the inside of the wrist, which seems like an odd omission to me. There is also a velcro enclosure to pull the cuff tight. They too have a ‘sweet wiper’… and are apparently touch screen compatible. There are also some reflective logos on the back of the hand.
Like the Nordic Glove, I would suggest that the measurements given on the size guide are maximums not “to fit” type size guidance. If your fingers are the exact length as described then they will touch the ends of the gloves, so if in doubt you almost certainly want to size up. I found them snug and stiff, but now I have been wearing them all winter for commuting they are broken in. However, it did take considerably longer to get there than the Nordics. In terms of manoeuvrability generally, they are fine but since softening up they are much better.
I wouldn’t have said that they are the most breathable. Quite often I get to work and the cuff area particularly is damp with sweat. They are however very warm so in the very changeable British weather, it’s very easy for them to go from cosy warm to sweaty warm. I guess that consistent cold conditions are what they have really been designed for. I have found the cuff on these gloves to be a bit problematic elsewhere too. Firstly the cuff is fairly substantial and thick and so I’m never quite sure how I should be layering it with the cuffs on my jacket. Should I pull them over it or tuck them in. They feel too tight to tuck windproof sleeves underneath but also just a bit bulkier than I would like to tuck it inside. Additionally, another problem I have had is that when the glove gets saturated, water will soak up the glove through the cuff and then transfer to whatever long sleeve top you have on under your waterproof. The bulk of the glove cuff is the problem here as it is not a problem I have experienced with the GripGrab Nordic Gloves.
This leads me to my next point. I would really take issue with these being advertised as waterproof. In my experience, they really haven’t done so well in that department. Sure in light showers they don’t wet out, but there is quite a lot of insulation in the glove and in my view that is what is stopping the water getting to your hands. In heavier or sustained rain the water does soak through. Similar to the Nordic gloves they do still insulate very well even when wet so how much of a problem this is, is up to you, but ultimately they aren’t doing what they are advertised to.
One of the curious things about the waterproofing is that under the velcro strap there is the “Outdry” logo, which I believe is the Columbia Outdry waterproofing system. This is the same logo used on my Columbia OutDry Ex Reign Jacket which I will be reviewing soon. Oddly I can’t find any reference to Outdry in the technical specification for the gloves, only a reference to something called “HDry” which Gripgrab seem to be suggesting is their own system.
As a pair of warm winter gloves, I think most people would be very happy with them. They keep your hands warm, wet or dry, are comfortable and still allow for enough hand dexterity to ride a bike comfortably. The trouble is that when a product starts making promises that it doesn’t keep it grates a little and that is why I have some reservation in an unreserved recommendation. I will keep using them and they will be a great pair of commuting gloves and as a spare on long rides where bad weather is expected. I’m sure that long term I will get value for money from them, but if specifically being waterproof is really important to you then I think you need to look elsewhere.
