Black Diamond Gloves

Black Diamond is well known for making hard goods like skis and boots, but backcountry skiers should know about their line of ski gloves that are made with the same amount of quality and design. Last year we tested the freeride series Spy, Legend and Squad as well as the brand new pro series Sentry. These gloves evolved from last year’s models while staying true to what works and what’s needed. Although none of these particular gloves have removable liners, the Black Diamond Soloist and Guide do. Also, any mitten will fit a wide range of glove liners to choose from. Behold, the 2013/2014 Black Diamond ski gloves…

Black Diamond Spy Gloves:

The spy gloves are designed for those slushy spring days where temperature are warming up and snow starts to melt. The waterproof and lightweight gloves give you dexterity with the 4-way stretch woven nylon, and maintain warmth with 100g-fixed fleece lining on the back and palm of the hand. The outside palm has a goat leather palm and there is foam padding on the knuckles and back of the hand for added protection. The cuff will keep water out with a neoprene seal and is tightened with hook-and-loop (instead of Velcro which gets caked with snow). A standard clip will keep the pair together when not in use. The majority of the glove is double stitched and the index, middle finger & inner thumb have exit leather for added durability where you need it most. The back of the thumb has a unique soft material great for wiping down goggles. The Spy gloves come in 3 different colours for men and 2 for women with 4 applicable sizes.

The 2013/2014 Freeride Series: Men’s Black Diamond Spy Glove

Features:

- 100% Waterproof BDry, Fleece liner & waterproof cuff
- Fixed liner, woven nylon shell with 4 way stretch
- Goat leather palm
- EVA foam padding on knuckles
- Neoprene cuff
- Hook & Loop fastener
- Goggle wipe
- Double leather in high wear and tear areas

SPECS:

Price: $74.95 US
Temperature Rating: -7/2 °C, 20/35 °F
Weight: 156g / 5.5oz (pair)
Mens Colours: Black, White, Ultra Blue
Womens Colours: Black & Dusk Grey
Mens Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Womens Sizes: XS, S, M, L

PROS:

- Weighs less then last years model without sacrificing temperature rating.
- Increased material in high wear & tear areas mean industry pros can be hard on them.
- Tailored to both men and women.
- Foam padding covers both carpels and metacarpals

CONS:

- More expensive then last year's model.
- Less available colours to choose from.
- Not Gore-Tex.

Rating: 8/10

Fit / Dexterity     2/2
Warmth               1.5/2
Durability            2/2
Features             1/2
Quality / Price    1.5/2

Black Diamond Sentry Gloves:

New this year, these traditional, mid-weight ski gloves are unisex with two colours that look like mountain work gloves. Built for durability and able to sustain wet & dry cold, the Sentry is made up of both leather and GORE-TEX. The knuckles are protected with foam padding and there is an added patch between the thumb and index finger where ski poles rub the most. The tips of the fingers are covered in leather and the middle fingers have a loop present, to clip them to your pack. Again a softer material is present on the rear of the thumb for wiping down your goggles. An elastic wristband keeps the glove in place and synch tabs enable you to dangle the gloves off your wrist without dropping them in the snow. For a glove this heavy I am surprised by the amount of dexterity I still have. The Sentry would be best used for mid season, cold touring days.

The 2013/2014 Pro Series: Men's Black Diamond Sentry Glove

Features:

- 100% Polyester, Fleece liner & waterproof cuff, GORE-TEX
- Fixed liner, woven nylon shell with 4 way stretch
- Goat leather palm with palm patch
- EVA foam padding on knuckles
- Velcro fastener
- Goggle wipe
- Added leather in high wear and tear area
- Kevlar stitching
- Wrist draw cord

SPECS:

Price: $99.95 US
Temperature Rating: -12/-1 °C, 10/30 °F
Weight: 216g / 8oz (pair)
Colours: Black, Natural
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL

PROS:

- Very warm yet good dexterity.
- Increased material in high wear & tear areas mean industry pros can be hard on them.

CONS:

- Foam padding on carpels only, not metacarpals.

Rating: 8.5/10

Fit / Dexterity      1.5/2
Warmth                2/2
Durability             2/2
Features              1.5/2
Quality / Price     1.5/2

Black Diamond Legend Gloves:

Black Diamond's warmest freeride glove will have you skiing like a Legend as you wont have to stop for hot chocolate or tea to warm the digits. The entire glove is burly goat leather and mostly double stitched together with Kevlar for ample protection and durability. Most of Black Diamonds best glove features are present as you would expected with a higher price point and still maintains ample dexterity. The PrimaLoft fleece liner; built for added warmth and comfort. The neoprene cuff and fastener; keeps water out. GoreTex liner is one hundred percent waterproof and still breathable. And the back of the thumb has a soft material for clearing your goggles. The foam padding covering both carpels and metacarpals is deigned with fashion in mind and sleeker then years previous.

The 2013/2014 Freeride Series: Women’s Black Diamond Legend Gloves

Features:

- Fixed liner, 100% waterproof & breathable Gore-Tex insert
- Goat leather shell
- EVA foam padding on knuckles
- Neoprene cuff
- Velcro fastener
- Goggle wipe
- Double leather in high wear and tear areas
- Kevlar stitching
- PrimaLoft insulation
- Wrist draw cord

SPECS:

Price: $119.95 US
Temperature Rating: -26/-9 °C, -15/15 °F
Mens Weight: 244g / 8.6oz (pair)
Womens Weight: 256g / 9oz (pair)
Mens Colours: Black, White, Ultra Blue
Womens Colours: Black & Dusk Grey
Mens Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Womens Sizes: XS, S, M, L

PROS:

- More colour schemes for women this year.
- Most valuable features present.
- Durable materials and construction.

CONS:

- Womens Legends weigh more then Mens.
- Less colour schemes for men then last years models.
- This years models weigh more but are rated for the same temperature.
- Gap in extra leather between thumb and index finger.
- Nothing over the cuff to keep snow out.

Rating: 6.5/10

Fit / Dexterity     1.5/2
Warmth               1/2
Durability            2/2
Features             .5/2
Quality / Price    1.5/2

Black Diamond Squad Gloves:

The over the cuff synch cord design is great for keeping snow out without needing Mom to tuck your gloves in. The Squad is in the middle of Black Diamonds price points with a generous temperature rating that will keep your paws toasty. Consistent with other models is the Gore-Tex insert, goat leather palm, 4 way stretch dexterity, PrimaLoft insulation, foam padding on knuckles, goggle wipe etc, etc, etc. No matter if you are rolling in a squad of males or females, this glove is tailored to you with enough colour schemes to keep you from mixing and matching with each other. The Squad over the cuff design is best in deep powder snow and has a temperature rating that accommodates this.

The 2013/2014 Freeride Series: Men’s Black Diamond Squad Gloves

Features:

- 100% Waterproof Gore-Tex, Fleece liner & waterproof cuff
- Fixed liner, woven nylon shell with 4 way stretch
- Gore-Tex insert
- Goat leather palm
- EVA foam padding on knuckles
- Goggle wipe
- Double leather in high wear and tear areas
- PrimaLoft insulation
- Wrist synch cord

SPECS:

Price: $89.95 US
Temperature Rating: -12/-1 °C, 10/30 °F
Weight: 216g / 7.6oz (pair)
Mens Colours: Black, White, Ultra Blue
Womens Colours: Black & Dusk Grey
Mens Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Womens Sizes: XS, S, M, L

PROS:

- Knuckle padding covers both carpels and metacarpals.
- Synch cord fastener allows gloves over the cuff
- Tailored to men and women.

CONS:

- No Kevlar stitching.
- Heavier then last year with same temperature rating.
- Less colours then previous years model.

Rating: 8/10

Fit / Dexterity     1.5/2
Warmth               1.5/2
Durability            2/2
Features              1.5/2
Quality / Price     1.5/2

Verdict:

Black Diamond dropped a colour scheme off most of their gloves in the fall of 2013. It appears that extra energy went into making the gloves more durable. The goat leather palms are back and even coat the entire Legend for burly durability. Other materials we know and trust, including Gore-Tex and PrimaLoft add breathability, waterproof and warmth to the perfect glove recipe. Dexterity is key for most industry professionals which makes the 4 way stretch design so valuable. Because I go threw a few pairs of gloves per season I am keen of keeping the price low, but I am not your average winter weekend warrior, I am hard on my gear. I look forward to seeing how the Black Diamond fleet holds up with countless high fives and deep powder days.

This is only our opinion. Do you disagree? Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Join the discussion in the forums here, and let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation.

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