This review was first published 1st February 2018
Lusso's lightweight Windtex gloves are great performers whatever the weather, wet or dry, and when the temperature is in the low single figures. Another great addition to your winter wardrobe.
- Pros: Water repellent, windproof, warm
- Cons: Thumb dexterity, not touchscreen compatible, handwash only
According to its producer Vagotex, "Windtex is a heat regulating membrane that in addition to reject[ing] water and wind and maintain[ing] the microclimate between skin and tissue, is light and elastic." It's this membrane that Lusso has used in these gloves, and it's really rather good.
> Buy these online here
First up, Lusso claims a temperature range of between 0-14°C which I'd say isn't far off the mark. We all react differently to conditions but I found the gloves comfortable down to around 3°C; any lower than that and I'd start to notice my fingers getting a little chilly. I did wear them on rides when the temperature was below freezing, and though I was still comfortable I'd have liked some liner gloves just to take the edge off.
On that note, one thing to bear in mind is that although the sizing chart is pretty accurate I found the finger width quite slim, so go up a size if you want to use them in a layering system.
The fabric is highly windproof, so windchill factors aren't really an issue, plus their ability to resist water well means that if the weather conditions change mid-ride you aren't going to end up with cold and soggy hands. In this respect they are much better suited to riding through the winter than many similar weight and style neoprene gloves.
Breathability is pretty good too. Above 10°C my hands would get a little clammy, but you'd only notice it when you took the gloves off and then put them back on again. Their wicking ability means they don't end up stinking like neoprene gloves either, so don't need much washing.
As far as comfort goes, they have a nice long cuff which fits a good way up under your jacket sleeve to stop water running in, and you get some padding on the palm. This runs up under the thumb which helps with comfort when you are resting on the hoods.
> Buyer's Guide: 21 of the best winter cycling gloves
Dexterity is pretty good at the fingers thanks to the thin material, so you can use computer buttons and gear shifters easily, even electronic ones. The fabric isn't compatible with touchscreen phones, though, so if you want to use one while out and about you'll have to take the gloves off.
The only place I found them a little restrictive was at the thumb because of the padding, although to be honest it doesn't really affect any actions when you're riding.
Price-wise, £30 is decent value. We've tested neoprene style gloves of a similar weight and thickness at a range of prices, and the Lussos sit somewhere in the middle, alongside Altura's Thermostretch at £29.99, between dhb's at £26 and Alé's at a stiffer £45.
Overall, I'd say the Lussos are a very good option. Their all-round performance is great for the price and their temperature range should see them get plenty of use through spring and autumn too.
Verdict
Very good low-temperature gloves that aren't restricted to dry days
Make and model: Lusso Windtex Gloves
Tell us what the product is for
Lusso says, "The Lusso Winter Gloves have been intricately made for the cold British winter Months and are ideal for Temperatures from 0-14 degrees, the fabric has high Breathability Thermal Properties , Windproof and Water repellent"
Impressive gloves for a large range of conditions and temperatures.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Features:
. Windtex Membrane Thermal Fabric
* Grip padding on the Palms and Thumb
* Windproof and highly Water Repellent
* Breathable, Close fit with Elasticity
* Thermal and Fleeced Lined
* Reflective Logo
* Colour Black
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for fit:
8/10
Rate the product for sizing:
8/10
Sizing was spot on. If you want to layer up with liners then it might be a good idea to go up a size.
Rate the product for weight:
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
8/10
Rate the product for value:
7/10
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Lusso recommends a hand wash rather than machine, but it only takes a few minutes.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Great for cold conditions and surprisingly impressive in the wet too.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Water repellency.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Dexterity at the thumb feels a little restrictive.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
Lusso has delivered some competitively priced gloves here that are much better performers in the cold than their thin construction would have you expect. Good in the rain too. That's a very good 8 overall.
Age: 38 Height: 180cm Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: This month's test bike My best bike is: Kinesis Aithein
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: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed
It's really excellent commentary frmo Bicycle Ben, as ever.
It's his friend making sure his agenda is strengthened .They click before failure
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