SealSkinz Ultra Grip Gauntlets

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Sealskinz products are renowned for their water proofing qualities. The Ultra Grip Gauntlets provide great grip thanks to the dotted palms and finger tips and the mix of materials on the outside allows the sweat to slip through but prevents the rain from coming in. The merino based liner keeps the heat in and stops your hands from feeling the cold. Overall this is a pretty good package for wet weather riding although you will feel a bit hot and sweaty if the temperature climbs to high.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

SealSkinz says:

The original, totally waterproof, windproof and breathable, close-fitting stretch knit gloves, incorporating our patented StretchDry technology. These gloves give excellent grip control and dexterity for a range of activities.

Totally waterproof, breathable and windproof

Dotted palm and fingers for excellent grip, even when wet

Merino wool lining for warmth and moisture control

NEW Gauntlet cuff offers additional waterproof protection for when the going gets just that little bit tougher

Material composition:

Outer Shell: 96.5% Nylon, 3.5% Elastane

Hydrophilic Membrane

Inner: 84% Merino Wool, 14% Nylon, 2% Elastane

The Gauntlets are very well made, retaining their shape and performance after being used many times and washes. There are no obvious seams on the outside and you don't feel any intrusions once you put them on. They still feel as snug as the first time they were used.

The gloves provide plenty of protection against the rain whilst ensuring your hands are warm on the inside. The mix of materials used combine well to achieve this.

As mentioned above the Gauntlets have retained their shape and performance after many uses. They are still a tight fit as if it is the first time they have been used but not overly so. There are no signs of any pull or excess bagginess in the gloves.

At 116g they are not heavy and offering water proofing you would expect a glove that isn't flimsy.

The gloves are comfortable most of the time the only exception is if it is wet and the temperature rises. The combination of the materials used in the liner make it warm so if you suffer from hot hands then the Gauntlets are probably best for wet, cold days.

Some might baulk at the price, £40 for a set of gloves may be too high for some but the old adage of you get what you pay for rings true with Sealskinz.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Dry on the inside despite whatever is happening on the outside. Also warm on the inside but pick your temperatures, too high and you'll have hot hands which will feel as if the rain has crept in.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The fit, feel and performance are what you would expect from a brand that specializes in wet weather protection gear. Not just the first wear either, time after time.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

I'm still not convinced by the extended cuff. I understand the principle but if the weather is that inclement you'd wear a jacket so therefore negating the need to have such long cuffs. Do you need to keep your forearms warm and dry, would a jacket no provide the same protection?

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Warm and dry with oodles of grip only slightly let down by an unnecessarily long cuff but it's an individual matter.