Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s Review

Let’s Talk About Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s

The Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s are a new offering for 2020 from Element Outdoors, designed in partnership with Mechanix. These gloves aim to provide hunters with the dexterity and protection needed in the field, while also incorporating modern features like touchscreen compatibility and odor control. I was intrigued by the combination of lightweight design and hunter-specific features, leading me to give these gloves a try.

I’ve long struggled to find hunting gloves that provide both the necessary dexterity to handle firearms and gear, and protection from the elements. My old gloves were either bulky and restrictive or thin and offered minimal protection, so I needed to find a new balance. The promise of touchscreen compatibility was also a major selling point, as I often find myself needing to use my phone for navigation or communication while hunting.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the lightweight feel of the gloves and the flexible synthetic leather. The construction seemed solid, and the padded palm was a welcome addition. Compared to my previous hunting gloves, these seemed much more streamlined and less restrictive.

I’ve used gloves from Sitka and Under Armour in the past. Ultimately, I chose the Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s because of the combination of features at what appeared to be a good price point. I was cautiously optimistic about their performance, hoping they would live up to the claims made about dexterity and odor control.

My first impression was positive and slightly surprised. I was genuinely impressed by the feel of the gloves and how lightweight they were, without sacrificing perceived durability. Now, it was time to put them to the test in the field.


Real-World Testing: Putting Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s on a late-season deer hunt in the mountains of Pennsylvania. The temperature ranged from 25 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, with some light snow. I needed dexterity for using my rifle and setting up my tree stand.

The gloves performed surprisingly well in the cold, especially considering how lightweight they are. The touchscreen compatibility worked flawlessly, allowing me to check my GPS and communicate with my hunting partners without removing my gloves. The grip was secure, even when handling my rifle in snowy conditions.

I was surprised by how warm these lightweight gloves kept my hands, but towards the lower end of the temperature range, my fingertips started to get cold after a few hours of sitting in the tree stand. I also noticed that the synthetic leather started to feel slightly damp after prolonged exposure to the snow. Otherwise, there were no significant issues.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s have held up remarkably well. There are no signs of tearing or significant wear, even after repeated use while setting up and taking down my tree stand, and general camp duties. The stitching remains intact, and the padded palm still provides adequate cushioning.

The gloves are relatively easy to clean. I just toss them in the washing machine on a delicate cycle and air dry them. The Polygiene Odor Crunch treatment seems to be effective, as the gloves don’t retain any noticeable odors even after days of use in the field.

Compared to my previous, more expensive hunting gloves, the Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s have exceeded my expectations in terms of dexterity and touchscreen compatibility. They do not perform quite as well in very cold temperatures, but for most hunting conditions, they are a great choice. For serious cold weather, one might consider using them as a liner inside of another glove, or choose a heavier-duty model.

Breaking Down the Features of Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s

Specifications

The Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s are manufactured by Element Outdoors in collaboration with Mechanix. They are designed for adult hunters and are unisex in design. The gloves are constructed from high-dexterity synthetic leather with touchscreen capability and feature Polygiene Odor Crunch Odor Elimination treatment.

  • Age Group: Adults
  • Application: Hunting
  • Gender: Unisex
  • Fabric/Material: High-Dexterity Synthetic Leather
  • Treatment: Polygiene Odor Crunch Odor Elimination

These specifications are critical for a hunting glove. The high-dexterity synthetic leather allows for precise movements when handling firearms and equipment, which is crucial for safety and accuracy. The Polygiene Odor Crunch treatment helps to minimize scent, a significant advantage for hunters trying to remain undetected by game.

Performance & Functionality

The Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s perform their primary function of providing dexterity and protection remarkably well. The gloves allow for excellent trigger feel and easy manipulation of gear. The Polygiene Odor Crunch technology significantly reduces human scent, giving a crucial edge to the hunter.

The gloves’ main strength is their dexterity, which is unmatched by other hunting gloves I’ve used. They need improvement for extreme cold-weather performance, even though they performed well for lightweight gloves. Overall, the gloves meet and slightly exceed expectations for lightweight hunting gloves.

Design & Ergonomics

The Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s feature a streamlined and ergonomic design. The gloves are lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods. The padded palm provides additional cushioning and grip, enhancing comfort and control.

The gloves are user-friendly and require no break-in period. The elastic cuff ensures a secure and comfortable fit. The reinforced thumb and index finger provide added durability in high-wear areas.

Durability & Maintenance

The Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s appear to be quite durable, considering their lightweight construction. The synthetic leather and reinforced stitching hold up well to regular use. They should last several hunting seasons with proper care and maintenance.

The gloves are easy to maintain. Machine washing and air drying are the recommended cleaning methods. The Polygiene Odor Crunch treatment helps to keep the gloves fresh and odor-free.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s do not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available. They are designed as a standalone product focused on providing dexterity and scent control.

While there are no official accessories, these gloves could be paired with glove liners for added warmth in colder conditions. They are also compatible with various touchscreen devices and hunting gear.

Pros and Cons of Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s

Pros

  • Excellent Dexterity: The high-dexterity synthetic leather provides exceptional feel and control.
  • Polygiene Odor Crunch Odor Elimination Technology: Significantly reduces human scent, crucial for hunting.
  • Touchscreen Compatible: Allows for easy use of smartphones and GPS devices without removing gloves.
  • Lightweight and Comfortable: Ideal for extended wear during hunts.
  • Affordable Price: Offers great value for the features provided.

Cons

  • Limited Insulation: Not suitable for extremely cold weather without additional liners.
  • Synthetic Leather: May not be as durable as genuine leather in the long run.


Who Should Buy Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s?

The Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s are perfect for hunters who prioritize dexterity, scent control, and touchscreen compatibility. They are also well-suited for those who hunt in mild to cool weather conditions. Casual campers and hikers needing a lightweight and versatile glove could also benefit from these gloves.

Hunters venturing into very cold climates or requiring maximum durability might want to skip this product. Consider a heavier-insulated, full-leather glove for those conditions.

A must-have accessory for these gloves is a pair of merino wool or synthetic glove liners for added warmth in colder temperatures. A scent-free detergent for washing the gloves will help maintain the effectiveness of the Polygiene Odor Crunch treatment.

Conclusion on Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s

The Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s are a solid choice for hunters seeking a balance between dexterity, scent control, and modern features. Their touchscreen compatibility and Polygiene Odor Crunch treatment set them apart from many other hunting gloves in this price range. While not ideal for extreme cold, they perform admirably in most hunting conditions.

The price of $42.99-$43.99 is justified by the combination of features and performance. These gloves offer a great value proposition for hunters on a budget.

I would personally recommend the Element Outdoors Drive Series Light Weight Gloves – Men’s to any hunter looking for lightweight, dexterous, and scent-conscious hand protection. Give them a try and experience the difference they can make in your next hunt!

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