RSP Waterproof Glove

RSP Waterproof Gloves have a lot to offer cost conscious riders and I've been particularly grateful for their warmth these past few weeks.

Nylon/polyester mixes with copious Terry towelling won't set pulses racing but is a hardwearing, machine washable and ultimately weather repelling mix nonetheless. Ours were the time-honoured safety yellow with bold Scotchlite logos on the index finger, ledge and cuff regions, accentuating signalling.

Thoughtfully, the palms and fingers are black so won't show the filth, while Ulnar padding is less 'afterthought' than many- essentially a polyester bed littered with silicone dashes surprisingly adept at muffling intrusive road and light trail buzz.

That detailing adds a gummy, tenacious dimension, inspiring confidence and reducing the tendency to 'death grip' leather/similarly slippery handlebar coverings- shame these weren't extended to the thumb and forefingers for greater purchase when braking/changing gear in wilder weather. Stitching seems uniform throughout, although raised doubts over their true weatherproof credentials.

Sizing is pretty much on par with everyone else's taking - our large was literally made for my long digits. Supple materials and a super tactile micro fleece lining means hands glide in and out without painful bunching, or taking the lining with them. Very much a middleweight design, dexterity is good enough for locking in the street, rummaging through panniers and won't deaden the sensations of sprightly groupsets-don't expect to take photos or break into energy bars mind.

With the extended cuff drawn closed, wind and chill have remained firmly outside, even spirited fifteen mile blasts in minus 2/3 degrees couldn't tax them. Raising the thermostat to 6/7 degrees encourages a slight clamminess but nowhere near that of the fort Knox TPU lined affairs, neither did sustained snow/sleet showers leach into the fibres.

Raleigh confidently assert these are waterproof but to me this very much depends on your definition - maybe we had a rogue sample but within twenty seconds' immersion in both salt and freshwater contexts, they were sodden - faster when plunged just below the pleated cuff-line. Given the asking price this came as little surprise and in fairness, drying times are around two hours at room temperature.

Verdict

Cheerful winter/training gloves but weather resistant as distinct from waterproof.