Lusso Windtex Gloves Black

This review was first published 1st February 2018

Lusso's lightweight Windtex gloves are great performers whatever the weather, wet or dry, and when the temperature is in the low single figures. Another great addition to your winter wardrobe.

• Pros: Water repellent, windproof, warm
• Cons: Thumb dexterity, not touchscreen compatible, handwash only

According to its producer Vagotex, "Windtex is a heat regulating membrane that in addition to reject[ing] water and wind and maintain[ing] the microclimate between skin and tissue, is light and elastic." It's this membrane that Lusso has used in these gloves, and it's really rather good.

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First up, Lusso claims a temperature range of between 0-14°C which I'd say isn't far off the mark. We all react differently to conditions but I found the gloves comfortable down to around 3°C; any lower than that and I'd start to notice my fingers getting a little chilly. I did wear them on rides when the temperature was below freezing, and though I was still comfortable I'd have liked some liner gloves just to take the edge off.

On that note, one thing to bear in mind is that although the sizing chart is pretty accurate I found the finger width quite slim, so go up a size if you want to use them in a layering system.

The fabric is highly windproof, so windchill factors aren't really an issue, plus their ability to resist water well means that if the weather conditions change mid-ride you aren't going to end up with cold and soggy hands. In this respect they are much better suited to riding through the winter than many similar weight and style neoprene gloves.

Breathability is pretty good too. Above 10°C my hands would get a little clammy, but you'd only notice it when you took the gloves off and then put them back on again. Their wicking ability means they don't end up stinking like neoprene gloves either, so don't need much washing.

As far as comfort goes, they have a nice long cuff which fits a good way up under your jacket sleeve to stop water running in, and you get some padding on the palm. This runs up under the thumb which helps with comfort when you are resting on the hoods.

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Dexterity is pretty good at the fingers thanks to the thin material, so you can use computer buttons and gear shifters easily, even electronic ones. The fabric isn't compatible with touchscreen phones, though, so if you want to use one while out and about you'll have to take the gloves off.

The only place I found them a little restrictive was at the thumb because of the padding, although to be honest it doesn't really affect any actions when you're riding.

Price-wise, £30 is decent value. We've tested neoprene style gloves of a similar weight and thickness at a range of prices, and the Lussos sit somewhere in the middle, alongside Altura's Thermostretch at £29.99, between dhb's at £26 and Alé's at a stiffer £45.

Overall, I'd say the Lussos are a very good option. Their all-round performance is great for the price and their temperature range should see them get plenty of use through spring and autumn too.

Verdict

Very good low-temperature gloves that aren't restricted to dry days