DeWalt Extreme Condition Insulated Cold Weather Work Glove

Winter work gloves are a staple in any cold weather toolkit, particularly for those of us who spend long hours outdoors or in unheated spaces. This past winter, I had the chance to put the DeWalt Extreme Condition Insulated Cold Weather Work Glove (model DPG750) through its paces, and I came away with a mixed bag of impressions.

Right out of the box, the gloves feel robust. The quad-layer construction with a 100g micro fleece liner promises warmth, and the durable PU coated polyester shell suggests longevity. DeWalt has clearly designed these gloves with rugged environments in mind, and the extended gauntlet cuff with hook and loop closure provides a secure fit that keeps out those pesky drafts.

When it comes to insulation, these gloves perform admirably in moderately cold conditions. They kept my hands warm while working in temperatures around the freezing mark. The micro fleece liner is soft and comfortable against the skin, adding to the overall warmth. However, in extreme cold, particularly when the mercury dips below zero, I found that the gloves struggled to keep up. My fingertips began to feel the chill after prolonged exposure. This contradicts the "extreme cold" label, which sets high expectations that, in my experience, weren't fully met.

Water resistance is another critical factor for cold weather gloves, and this is where the DeWalt gloves shine in some aspects but fall short in others. The wind and waterproof barrier is effective at keeping out light moisture and wind, which is a blessing when dealing with snow or light rain. However, in heavy downpours or when handling wet materials for extended periods, the gloves did let some moisture in. This compromised their overall warmth and comfort.

Durability is a high point for these gloves. The reinforced, water and oil resistant PVC palm overlay offers excellent grip and has held up well against abrasion and wear. The neoprene covered knuckle adds another layer of protection, which is a nice touch for those of us who often bump our hands on hard surfaces. After several weeks of use, the gloves still look and feel sturdy, with no significant signs of wear or tear.

The pre-curve design is intended to offer a better fit, and I found it to be mostly accurate. The gloves fit snugly without being too tight, allowing for decent dexterity. However, they do run a bit small, so it's wise to order a size up if you're in doubt. The reinforced saddle overlay and finger guards are welcome additions that enhance durability without sacrificing comfort.

Where these gloves fall short, though, is in their grip and flexibility. The PVC palm overlay, while durable, does become stiff in colder temperatures. This stiffness reduces dexterity and makes it harder to perform tasks that require fine motor skills. Additionally, the grip can become slippery when the gloves are wet, which is less than ideal for work scenarios where a secure hold is crucial.

On the other hand, ease of putting on and taking off the gloves is a notable plus. The extended gauntlet cuff with hook and loop closure makes it easy to secure the gloves around your wrists, and the design allows for quick removal when needed. This feature is particularly useful when you're transitioning between tasks and need to remove your gloves frequently.

Comfort is subjective, but overall, I found these gloves to be fairly comfortable for extended wear. The breathability could be improved, as my hands did get sweaty during more intense activities. However, this is a common issue with many insulated gloves, and it's not a deal-breaker for me.

In terms of price, the DeWalt gloves are reasonably priced given their features and brand reputation. They fall into the mid-range category, making them accessible for most budgets. While I do believe they offer good value for money, I wouldn't categorize them as a steal, especially given some of their shortcomings in extreme conditions.

In summary, the DeWalt Extreme Condition Insulated Cold Weather Work Glove is a solid choice for those working in moderately cold environments. They offer good durability, a comfortable fit, and decent water resistance. However, they fall short in extreme cold and wet conditions, and their grip and flexibility could be improved. If you're looking for gloves to handle milder winter tasks, these are worth considering. But, if you need something for truly harsh weather or tasks requiring high dexterity, you might want to explore other options.

Would I recommend these gloves? Yes, but with reservations. They are well-suited for general cold weather use and offer reliable protection and durability for everyday tasks. However, for extreme conditions or precision work, you may need to look for a more specialized pair.