Dakine Impreza Review

October 3, 2012
Dakine Impreza
2Dakine-Impreza-glove
3Dakine-Impreza-glove
4Dakine-Imprezza-Glove
5Our-highly-sophisticated-grip-test
Dakine Impreza 2Dakine-Impreza-glove 3Dakine-Impreza-glove 4Dakine-Imprezza-Glove 5Our-highly-sophisticated-grip-test
GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS
75
Fit
5
Grip
9
Dexterity
5
Durability
4
Features & Design
7
Value
5

The Good

  • Excellent value: Premium waterproofing (GoreTex)
  • The silicone grip enhancement on the synthetic suede palm and fingers gave them unparalleled grip
  • Very light
  • Trim fit

The Bad

  • Not as much dexterity as some spring gloves
  • Silicone grip pads wore off
  • Twisting during use exposed seam to wear
THE VERDICT

The Dakine Impreza is a fair value for a lightweight GoreTex glove. It will come in most handy if you need a super-grippy, uninsulated glove for spring touring or riding in wet-snow conditions. It performed quite well overall, though it’s not the top glove in its class.

FULL REVIEW

Construction
The only insulation in Dakine’s Impreza is the Tricot polyester lining. The palm of the glove shells are made of synthetic leather with patterned silicone beads applied for grip enhancement. The sides of the fingers have stretch nylon inserts and stretch polyester covers the back of the knuckles and fingers. There is a trim, adjustable hook-and-loop (generic Velcro) closure on the wrist. The gloves were completely waterproof (GoreTex).

Grip
The striking feature of the Impreza was the grip. The silicone patterns on the palm firmly gripped poles, skis, and anything else I laid my hands on even when wet. I really came to appreciate that feature when I was holding beer cans and bottles fished out of the snow or creek at the end of a tour. The gloves had less dexterity than leather touring-type of gloves due to the waterproof nylon construction.  

Durability and Design
Climbing refrozen corn or tossing branches and wood, the grip beads began abrading off, although the synthetic suede underneath had pretty good grip. Ski poles and tools didn’t seem to affect the silicone though, just rough surfaces. So if the silicone grip material is really important to you keep in mind that it’s a bit vulnerable to abrasion. There was a small bit of twisting of the forefingers during use that exposed the seam to wear. The cuffs fit nicely under jacket sleeves.  

 


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