Sugoi Firewall GT gloves

The Sugoi Firewall GTs are well made windproof gloves that are really comfortable in cool weather.

They're mostly nylon with polyurethane in there to provide windproofing – and they do keep the cold air out well. They're water-resistant too, although not waterproof; your hands will get wet if it rains hard during your ride.

The gloves are ergonomically shaped – they curve slightly so that they don't bunch too much when you grip the handlebar – and there's enough stretch in the fabrics that they don't feel tight across your knuckles. You get a warm, fleecy polyester lining and the seams face outwards, away from your fingers, so they're not especially noticeable.

The outers come with silicone print on the thumb, forefinger and middle finger to avoid any slipping on the controls, and you get a soft nose wipe on the back of each thumb. There's a little bit of padding on the palm too, just over the heel of your hand. I wanted more on longer rides so wore track mitts underneath, but my hands were perfectly comfortable for a couple of hours without.

The logos are reflective so they shine under lights at night, and you get 3M Scotchlite beading along the edge too. It all helps.

Sugoi give these gloves their S3+ rating, meaning that they're designed for the ultimate protection for the harshest of winter conditions. I'd disagree with them there. I've been wearing these in temperatures ranging from about 5-12°C, but not on the coldest days –at least, not without liner gloves underneath. I should point out that I'm pretty cold-blooded – I always wear more layers than anyone else – but still, I'd say most people will get plenty of spring and autumn use out of these.

The Firewall GTs let out moisture pretty well too although, as ever, if your hands sweat lots, the insides can get damp. If you need to take them off for any reason while the inners are damp, it's pretty hard to get them back on again but, thanks to the stretch in the fabric, it can be done with a bit of persuasion.

The cuffs extend well up over your wrists so you can tuck the ends of your jersey in there (or over the top) to avoid exposed flesh, but I didn't find them the closest fit ever so they're not as air-tight as some. That's another reason why I'd say these are better for slightly milder days rather than the bleak midwinter.

Verdict

Comfortable, windproof gloves for cool-weather riding.