Rynox Dry Ice Waterproof Gloves Review: Win Some, Lose Some

The Rynox Dry Ice gloves are one of the most affordable waterproof gloves in a full-gauntlet form. They are priced at Rs 4,250, and are available in sizes ranging from small to 3XL. That should cover almost all types of riders. And if you must ask, these are unisex gloves. Not only are these waterproof, but also insulated for warmth. This makes them excellent winter gloves as well. Two for the price of one, right? 

What We Like About The Gloves

The Dry Ice gloves have a top made of a hydrophobic(ish) textile material that repels a lot of water before starting to get soaked. But even when the upper layer gets soaked, they do an excellent job of keeping your hands dry. Despite being waterproof gloves, they have leather palms which make them more abrasion resistant. This should keep them in good condition after extended use, and should save your palms in case of a crash. This also allows the gloves to be inherently touchscreen compatible. Also, the pair has an extra grippy patch on the inside of the palm which prevents the gloves from slipping on the handlebar grips when it starts pouring. Quite crucial since not all handlebar grips stay grippy in the wet. 

In terms of protection, the gloves have thick rubber pads on the finger joints, a hard knuckle protector, and a thick padding for scaphoid protection. This, most likely, misses out a hard scaphoid protector in the interest of keeping the pair waterproof. The gloves are made well, and could last long if you look after them well enough. While the stuff from Rynox has been well made, it seems they have upped their game with the Dry Ice. Their sizing has been spot on with these gloves – just enough wiggle room where needed and just tight enough to stay put. A lot of other manufacturers can’t seem to get everything right when it comes to sizing their waterproof gloves. 

That also makes these gloves quite comfortable. As mentioned earlier, they are thermally insulated, which makes them thick. Riding in low double digits, or even single digit, temperatures is no problem with these. 

Two Sides Of The Same Coin

What you trade for that chunky insulation is the feel. The thickness of padding absorbs all the feedback that you would otherwise get from your handlebars. But then again, if you didn’t wear anything with insulation in the winters or during cold monsoon rides, your hands would go numb. Which means no feedback either. In any case, once you get used to the thickness, this stops being an issue.

What Could Have Been Better

While the Dry Ice gloves fulfill most of the expectations you would have from a waterproof and a winterproof glove, the only thing I wish it had was more colour options. Though, I understand the blue accents go well with the name of the gloves but it doesn’t go well with the rest of my kit. Just being nitpicky and vain here of course. 

Verdict

The Rynox Dry Ice waterproof gloves are easy to recommend to someone who rides a lot in the rains and / or stays in places where winters can get really cold. For such riders, these gloves would be more useful than summer gloves. I would suggest avoiding using them in the summers since they have absolutely no ventilation. They are easy to put on and take off, which makes them easy to live with everyday. Though as I said earlier, for all the benefits you get in terms of waterproofing and warmth on cold rides, the gloves rob you of feel and feedback from the handlebar – you win some, you lose some. But an easy recommendation nonetheless.