royalmile said:
kitmonster said:
Sealskinz gloves are good when they are used with respect but will not stand up to massive abuse.
They are 100% waterproof and breathable, if they not waterproof you have punctured the waterproofing layer.
The glove is made from a stretch outer layer, a waterproof membrane (like Gore) and a liner. The liners can be merino wool if you want warmth and coolmax if you want to stop sweat building up.
Currently these are on issue to most Phase 1 ATRD recruits and have been reducing the instances of non-freezing injuries. The issue ones have the merino wool liner.
They are some advanced lightweight materials being trialed that are extremely tough while delivering excellent tactility...can't say ant more as they have sworn me to secrecy.
PECOC has tested them.
They will replace the issue green contact glove at many training establishments (Why? because they have the cash!)
The same technology is in the issued waterproof socks.
Fit is all important if you want to retain tactility
I wore a pair stalking hinds in Wester Ross last October. They are certainly not waterproof (well not in West coast weather anyway). They keep your hands reasonably warm, but not for the whole day. I ended up wearing the G10 Arctic inners and outers. Now they are waterproof!
Verdict on Sealskinz - waste of money (even when tax free in a BFG PRI).
I found that when I used them they often did not feel waterproof because, as people have said, the water goes straight through the first layer and sits cold and clammy on the waterproof liner which is only separated from your skin by the thin inner. Carefully removed you can see that your hands are still dry.
I can tell you without a doubt that when new, undamaged and barring QA faults sealskintz are waterproof and breathable. I have visited the factory twice seeing them made. I paid particular attention to how the parts of the waterproof layer are sealed together; I was accompanied by a tech specialist with 30 years commercial experience. The method they use is simple and has no requirement for tape seams (unlike some other methods) and so is as thin as its possible over your fingers to maintain tactility. DC IPT regularly sends the Sealskintz socks and gloves to SATRA the independent test house to confirm manufactures claims.
The gloves are on issue to Royal Marine Coxwains and about 3000 are issued each year to ATRD. We have had some concerns raised about their durability (often it turns out they were being used as a combat glove) but never that they leak out of the packet. The sock, which is identical in construction, is being procured at about 17000 pairs a year. Zero complaints.; there even part of the SF issue!
If your gloves are undamaged and letting water in then take them back and get them replaced. Sealskintz are one of the most honest and reliable manufactures that I work with and I doubt they will give you any hassle if you have a genuine complaint.
Hope this helps