There has never been a more properly named wetsuit accessory than the Xcel Anti-Glove. Let me start this review by saying I don’t wear gloves very often. I am not a fan of the loss of dexterity and clumsiness you feel with some models. It has to be really cold for me to put a pair on. So when I heard Xcel was making a super thin “Anti-Glove” I jumped at the opportunity to give them a go.
Moment and Xcel Team Rider Tony Perez putting the Xcel Anti Gloves through the paces.
When I say thin, I mean dish washing glove thickness, but without the annoying bright yellow color. So the loss of dexterity is not an issue with these at all. Coupled with the textured palms and fingers, there is no concern about clumsiness and slipping. In fact, I was stoked on the extra grip I got. The positives about warmth, they seemed to keep the chill off my hands when I first got into the water. The negatives, after 20 minutes my hands felt about as cold as if I wasn’t wearing gloves at all. I will say when I wore them on a really cold day, they did seem to hold enough heat to keep that bone chilling bite from shortening my session.
Overall, if you are someone who normally surfs without gloves and is accustomed to your hands being cold, you will love the benefits that come with these. The added grip and lack of initial chill when first paddling out make them worth the money. If you are looking for another pair of gloves to help keep you warm, these aren’t the ticket. Remember, they are called the “Anti-Glove” for a reason!
Pros
- Added grip
- Reduces that initial chill
- Lightweight and non-restrictive
Cons
- Not warm
Overall
A great alternative for someone who doesn’t wear gloves. Not so much if you normally can’t paddle out without wearing your favorite pair of 3mills.
