Gear Review | Zanier Evolution.xsx

The advantages of a lobster glove are very easy to recognise from its design: While the thumb and index finger remain separate to enable the best possible dexterity, the remaining temperature-sensitive fingers are housed together in a kind of "mitten". This is designed to prevent the fingers from getting cold, while still allowing precise movements with the index finger and thumb. Personally, this type of glove was new territory for me. As I don't like mittens, they were a good middle ground. The gloves were tested on tours from -15 degrees and strong winds to spring tours in warmer temperatures! With regard to the temperature data, I have to say that my hands are relatively sensitive - for example, I usually climb with the gloves on in spring.

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My favourite feature of the gloves is the ProLock mechanism, which allows you to tighten the gloves at the wrists. This is easy to use after a short period of familiarisation and holds perfectly.

I also really liked the smaller features such as the goggle wipe upper material on the thumb (which is great for wiping the goggle lens clean, especially when skiing) and the "Z-Grip" lettering on the palm. This lettering is made of non-slip material and enables the ski poles to be held firmly and precisely or even on a rock. However, as this material is limited to the lettering on the palm, it could have been slightly larger.

I was able to rely on the material even on the snowiest days and it has also successfully resisted some freshly sharpened ski edges. As I have already mentioned, I have also worn the gloves in warmer temperatures and my hands have not sweated profusely, so I am convinced of the gloves' breathability.

The liner is well connected to the outer layers, making it easy to change a frame binding with the index finger.

On the negative side, I noticed that the upper material on my colour model (lime/turquoise) became a little darker on the index finger after a short time. However, this shouldn't be a problem with the other colour variations such as camo or black. And the used look is currently in fashion anyway.

When it gets really dusty, the snow stays reliably outside thanks to the ProLock — When it's really dusty, the snow stays reliably outside thanks to the ProLock

Zanier Evolution.xsx

Finally, I would like to see a different mechanism to connect the two gloves, as the existing mechanism can already be opened by light pressure and this has already happened unintentionally. Of course, this is not a problem when wearing the gloves.

Conclusion

Perfect gloves for days with average temperatures. The lobster shape with free index finger and thumb really impressed me. The Evolution.xsx is therefore definitely a suitable glove for all those who are looking for a warm glove but don't want to buy a mitten because of the dexterity.