ION Hybrid Gloves 1+2.5 2024

Excellent gloves - well worth the money

I've bought this for learning kitesurfing. I have Raynaud's so any cold water activity, by default, is a NO for me, but I really wanted to go for learning kitesurfing (in the UK no less, as living on the South Coast). The pricing is in the upper-mid range for these gloves - but boy, they are worth the money! Having invested in proper high end wetsuit and boots, I did my research on gloves and open-palm mitts were recommended - but that's a non-starter for someone with Raynaud's (you touch cold, your fingers freeze up, the day is over). Cue next best option: hybrid. This was a game changer and a godsend. I still can't believe the 1mm (+2.5 hood/mitts) gloves can control my body heat and I can spend 2+ hours in 8-10 C water. I tried 5mm neoprene gloves but they are like gardening gloves, and to bend my fingers to grab the bar is an herculean effort on its own - no good for kite surfing. This is only 1mm so excellent! My size is XS according to the size chart and it was a good fit. Excellent touch, sensation and grip for the kite bar. The material is 'rough', so not slippery on the palm like many gloves are. The fingers are pre-curved (not full claw, but not straight gloves fingers either - just right). I'd say the negative bits I could improve on: - The hood/mitts can be tucked back in the pocket if not used- but they come out easy when the gloves are wet. They also come off easily from the fingers: could be a bit longer on the palm side. - The material is more rigid than elastic - which works well for the sport, but it can be a bit difficult to put on. Even then, it's the best spent money, I love these gloves and super happy that it enabled me to learn kitesurfing. Great service from Worthing Watersports too.