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review
Gloves - full finger
Polaris Vortex Windgrip GlovesPolaris Vortex Windgrip Gloves

Polaris Vortex Windgrip Gloves

8
by David Arthur @davearthur
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Feb 3, 2013

0
£22.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Very good thin and flexible glove with windproof fabric for a range of conditions
Weight: 
40g
Contact: 
www.polaris-apparel.co.uk
How we test

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The Vortex Windgrip gloves are slim fitting and windproof gloves that are reasonably comfortable on the bike.

I prefer my gloves thin - I like a good feel of the bars and controls when I'm riding - but that does often mean a compromise in the amount of insulation a glove can offer, especially at this time of year. The Vortex gloves use a windproof fabric over the back of the hand and fingers that stops icy cold air in its tracks.

Turning the gloves over reveals a very stretchy material that is liberally covered with silicone details. There are a couple of bigger prints on the two index fingers. This contributes to an incredibly high level of grip on the bars; your hands really feel like they're glued to the drops. This security makes them good for racing and fast training in horrible weather.

Fit of the size mediums tested was excellent, especially around the fingers where there's a generous shape without being restrictive. My main gripe is the stitching at the base of the thumb. It sits in just the wrong place and the ridge it creates is noticeable at all times on the handlebars. It never really caused any major discomfort, even on longer rides, but was just annoying. It's a shame because this seam aside, they're an excellent pair of gloves. I'd like to see Polaris amend this, because they would be excellent if this seam was relocated, or removed entirely.

Polaris are well known for their affordable cycle clothing ranges, and at £22.99 these are very attractively priced. They lack the level of insulation to make them my first choice in the current temperature, but earlier in the winter with typical temperatures, they're fine. They will be a good glove right into the spring.

Other details I should mention that make them that little bit nicer to live with include the large towel covered thumb. Good for wiping a runny nose. The cuffs are elasticated and the length is just about perfect.

They're just let down a little seam at the base of the thumb. The low price does offset this small complaint.

Verdict

Very good thin and flexible glove with windproof fabric for a range of conditions.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Polaris Vortex Windgrip Gloves

Size tested: Medium

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?

Lightweight windproof Polaris sports gloves - great for a range of sporting activities.

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

Vortex windproof fabric - keep the wind out and your hands warm

Palm made from a thin super stretchy material for an optimum fit

Silicon print palm detailing - great for grip

Pull on cuff for a snug fit

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

The stitching at the bottom of the thumb panel is poorly placed. Aside from that they're well constructed. I've even used them mountain biking and in those conditions they've been fine.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

These are really very good gloves. They're thin - I like thin gloves - but the windproof fabric provides good protection from the elements. The sticky palm is fantastic for the rider who likes secure purchase on the bars

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

So far so good.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

There's no padding on the palm, which is how I prefer my gloves. They are very nearly perfect, but the seam across the base of the thumb is very uncomfortable.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

A little over £20 is a cracking price for such good performing gloves. Without that thumb panel seam, they'd get top marks.

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

These have been excellent winter gloves in typical (warmer) winter weather. Down to about 5 degrees they're adequate, and the windproof fabric works really well. Good for training and early season racing.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The thinness. Sticky silicone palm. Thumb towel.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The seam across the palm. Ruins a product that I would probably have otherwise given top marks to. All other things considered, I can probably live with the slight annoyance of the seam placement.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes/

Would you consider buying the product? If it wasn't for the seam, yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Possibly.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

Winter gloves
windproof
Polaris Vortex Windgrip Gloves
Gloves
David Arthur @davearthur

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes. 

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