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Pearl Izumi Cyclone winter gloves
Equipment
Pearl Izumi relies on the Cyclone The glove is made of water-repellent softshell on the outside and synthetic leather on the palm. In addition, almost the entire inside is covered with gel padding - you have to like that.
As these are rather light winter gloves for mild temperatures, there is only a thin layer of fleece inside the gloves instead of a thick lining. The cuff extends well over the wrist and can be adjusted with a Velcro fastener. A loop on the middle finger helps when removing the glove, the index finger and thumb are equipped with touchscreen-compatible material, but Pearl Izumi has dispensed with a silicone layer. A wide reflective strip on the back of the hand ensures good visibility in traffic.
Weather protection
The Pearl Izumi, which is named after tropical cyclones, can actually withstand strong winds and protects your hands well on fast descents. However, because a cyclone - or "Willy Willy" as the Australians like to call it - usually brings large amounts of rain with it, the Pearl Izumi doesn't quite live up to its name. Even the first raindrops cheat their way past the ineffective DWR of the winter gloves and penetrate the material unhindered. As soon as it really starts to pour, the Cyclone is out in the cold. Rain showers with the Pearl Izumi? Better not. The Cyclone is really only suitable for dry days. The Cyclone doesn't really like the cold either. Its thin lining provides hardly any warmth and only lasts up to a maximum of five degrees Celsius. However, sensitive bikers will reach for warmer models from as low as ten degrees.
Fit
With its slim cut, the Pearl Izumi fits comfortably around the hand. The fingers are not too bulky and fit perfectly, even if the middle and ring fingers tend to be a little short. The wide and flexible cuff makes it easy to slip into the glove. The width can be easily adjusted to the wrist using the Velcro fastener.
Because the Cyclone has no insulation on the palm, it grips the handlebars nicely and the synthetic leather ensures a secure hold. However, the index finger and thumb could do with a light rubber coating to minimise slipping on the fittings.
The many inflexible pads are a little unusual. Anyone who is used to winter gloves without gel pads will probably not be happy with the Cyclone. The pads press too hard into the palm. There are also a lot of bulging seams in the crook of the thumb, which can rub uncomfortably while riding. The seams in the fingertips are also clearly noticeable. The wide reflective strip on the back of the hand tightens the otherwise quite flexible softshell and creates a lot of tension when gripping the handlebars. This can become quite tiring in the long run.
Pearl Izumi Cyclone Glove - Details and price
- Sizes S to XXL
- Weight 106 grams (XL)
- Equipment Reflective; Pull-out tab; Gel pads; Ax-Suede palm; Softshell; Wipe thumb; Touchscreen compatible
- Price 45 Euro >> available here
Valuation in the overview
Conclusion: Pearl Izumi Cyclone winter gloves
The Pearl Izumi doesn't offer much more than protection from the cold wind. It is neither heavily lined nor equipped for rainy weather. The bulky padding on the palm also takes some getting used to. At least the Cyclone gives the rider a pleasantly direct feel on the handlebars. It feels almost like a light summer glove. However, its field of application does not extend beyond autumn or spring.
Stefan Frey
Editor
