If you are like me in the endless search for the perfect pair snowmobiling gloves, you may find this report of interest.
When it’s time for new gloves, it’s a process. I research the opinions of other snowmobilers, read about the features of expensive, Brand name gloves and purchase what I hope will be a comfortable, warm glove. Most of the time I am less than satisfied. At any point, I probably own 4+ pairs of quality brand name gloves, all of which failed to meet my wants or needs. The reject gloves go to a shelf in the garage, the trunk of a car, my kids or get used only for walking the dog or shoveling. When I do find the right combination of warmth and features, my satisfaction only last until my new favorite pair wears out and my search begins again. I’ve been going through this routine for at 30+ years and 100,000 miles. Maybe it’s just me, maybe snowmobilers are just difficult people to satisfy.
Recently I was asked to wear and evaluate a pair of CKX TotalGrip gloves by Kimpex. The TotalGrip’s are a full feature glove offered at an affordable price of under $70.
The gloves are made of flexible cowhide leather, with a comfortable pre-curved grip design. These gloves do not use a separate liner and offer an additional layer of “Thermolite insulation on the top. The grip area across the palm is also cowhide with a strip of “Rubber Tec” reinforcement. Typically I do not prefer any type of synthetic grip material, but the “Rubber Tec” was unnoticeable and gave me a secure grip on the bars.
The exterior of the glove has an adequate gauntlet which goes over my jacket cuff and has 2 adjustable velcro closures for comfortable fit and to keep the wind outside. The interior includes “Hipora” which is a waterproof and breathable membrane to keep your hands dry. In gloves, warm is dry and dry is warmer. I rode with these gloves in temperatures ranging for -4c – to-30c and was pleased with their dry feel and comfort.
In my experience new gloves are typically colder until broken in, but I found these gloves to perform very well from my 1st ride with them. At -30c I did slip a hand warmer into the glove for increase comfort.
For me the CKX, Total Grip gloves had great flexibility/feel, features and comfort. Are they the best glove I ever wore? I’m not sure about that, but they are a very respectable performing, adequately warm, comfortable glove. Really what more could you ask for? As I said snowmobilers are a tough bunch to satisfy. For under $70 I believe that the CKX, TotalGrip gloves by Kimpex are a great glove value.
