RSP Extreme Weather Glove

The RSP Extreme Weather Glove is designed to keep the worst Mother Nature can conjure firmly outside. Anything this impenetrable usually involves TPU laminates and similar wizardry but I was surprised to find these prodigious gauntlets reliant on very substantial polyurethane/nylon palms, and nylon backs/thumbs with a reassuringly tactile polyester micro fleece lining.

Externally we've the obligatory thumb pad, rubberised reflective piping and embroidered logos. Dimpled rubberised thumb and forefinger tips have a mildly coarse texture intended for enhanced command of brakes/shifters in monsoon conditions.

The protective padding merits mention since ours highlighted some quality control issues. The left palm was completely flaccid, bereft of anti tingle inserts; the right's bursting through the double stitching in curious homage to the Alien films.

I'd expected extra large to be a little generous but proved fine, possibly on account of the heavier tog weight, so I'd try a couple of sizes first. Stealth black means they suit civilian wear, cold winter walks or standing spectator at cross/mountain bike meets, although in my opinion safety yellow has the edge when it comes to road presence.

Supple materials avoids muffled feedback from the controls. That said, rummaging in jersey pockets, locking in the street or exorcising mechanical demons still dictates removal.

Generous cuffs slide neatly over most technical jackets, forming an airtight seal while sustained stretches of coarse asphalt saw tingling steadily increase in my left hand, confirming their ulnar padding was more than placebo. However, experience suggests garments are water resistant by degrees, rather than 100% waterproof and the gloves' extensive stitching aroused some nagging suspicions.

A section of abandoned canal complete with deep evil smelling water proved too much to resist. Plunging my right hand cuff deep, things remained very favourable for thirty seconds but then the fibres began absorbing freezing, stagnant water like a sponge. Subsequent testing confirms this wasn't fluke, requiring eight hours' drying time at room temperature-rather disappointing from a supposedly indomitable garment.

Verdict

Great cold weather glove but not totally waterproof and quality control was poor on our samples.