First Impressions of Manzella Manzella Lakewood Touchtip Gloves – Men’s
The Manzella Manzella Lakewood Touchtip Gloves – Men’s promise warmth and dexterity for outdoor enthusiasts who need to stay connected. Manzella aims to deliver a glove that bridges the gap between functionality and modern technology, allowing you to use your touchscreen devices without sacrificing protection from the elements. As someone who spends a considerable amount of time outdoors, from frigid early-morning hunts to chilly evening hikes, the promise of touchscreen compatibility combined with adequate insulation is incredibly appealing.
I was searching for a versatile pair of gloves that wouldn’t force me to choose between staying warm and using my phone for navigation or photography. The appeal was to avoid the constant removal of gloves in cold weather. Upon receiving the Manzella Lakewood Touchtip Gloves, I was immediately struck by the soft fleece shell and the reinforced palm. The initial feel suggests a comfortable and durable product, however, the Realtree Edge camo pattern also hints at its primary design intent: hunting.
Compared to a basic fleece glove I already owned and a heavier, insulated glove from a competing brand, the Manzella gloves appeared to offer a good compromise between bulk and warmth. I chose the Manzella specifically for its touchscreen compatibility and its advertised water-resistant properties. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; I was eager to put these gloves through their paces and see if they lived up to the claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting Manzella Manzella Lakewood Touchtip Gloves – Men’s to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Manzella Lakewood Touchtip Gloves was a late-season deer hunt in the Appalachian Mountains. The temperature hovered around freezing, with a light drizzle threatening to turn into snow. While primarily designed for hunting, I also tested these during a hike.
The gloves performed reasonably well in the damp conditions, providing adequate warmth and a decent grip on my rifle. However, the touchscreen compatibility was a bit hit-or-miss; it required precise contact with the fingertip and didn’t always register swipes or taps. The water-resistant shell provided protection from light drizzle, although I would note they are not waterproof.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple hunting trips and cold-weather hikes, the Manzella Lakewood Touchtip Gloves have shown some signs of wear. The synthetic leather palm reinforcement is holding up well, showing only minor scuffing from handling equipment. Some pilling of the fleece material is apparent, especially around the cuff area.
Cleaning has been relatively easy; a gentle hand wash with mild soap has been sufficient to remove dirt and grime. Compared to my previous experience with similar fleece gloves, the Manzella gloves offer slightly better durability, however, the touchscreen functionality is not as reliable as I had hoped. Overall, I am satisfied with their ability to keep my hands warm in mild conditions.
Breaking Down the Features of Manzella Manzella Lakewood Touchtip Gloves – Men’s
Specifications
The Manzella Manzella Lakewood Touchtip Gloves – Men’s are designed for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a blend of warmth and functionality. They feature a soft fleece shell for insulation and a micro-fleece lining for added comfort. The gloves also boast a reinforced palm made of digital synthetic leather for improved grip and durability.
- Manufacturer: Manzella.
- Application: Hunting.
- Gender: Male.
- Color: Realtree Edge.
- Fabric/Material: Fleece.
- Shell Material: Fleece.
- Palm Material: Synthetic Leather.
- Water Resistance Level: Water Resistant.
- Insulation: Fleece.
- Lining Material: Micro Fleece.
These specifications indicate a focus on lightweight warmth and decent grip, making them suitable for activities where dexterity is important. The fleece construction provides insulation, while the synthetic leather palm enhances grip when handling gear or firearms. The water resistance feature is beneficial for light rain or snow.
Performance & Functionality
The Manzella Lakewood Touchtip Gloves perform adequately as a mid-weight insulating glove. The fleece provides a reasonable level of warmth for temperatures above freezing. However, the touchscreen compatibility is inconsistent, requiring multiple attempts to register a touch, which reduces its practicality in critical situations.
The main strengths of these gloves are their comfortable fit, decent grip, and adequate warmth for mild conditions. The primary weakness is the unreliable touchscreen functionality; improvements are needed. They mostly meet my expectations as a lightweight hunting glove, but fall short in terms of consistent touchscreen use.
Design & Ergonomics
The Manzella Lakewood Touchtip Gloves offer a comfortable fit thanks to the soft fleece shell and micro-fleece lining. The gloves are lightweight and allow for a decent range of motion, although the bulkiness of the fleece does slightly reduce dexterity. There is no significant learning curve; they fit true to size and are easy to put on and take off.
The Realtree Edge camo pattern is well-executed, providing effective concealment in wooded environments. The gloves are relatively comfortable to wear for extended periods, with no noticeable pressure points or chafing. The build quality is adequate for the price point, although I wouldn’t expect them to withstand heavy abuse.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Manzella Lakewood Touchtip Gloves should last for at least a couple of seasons with regular use. The synthetic leather palm reinforcement appears to be the most durable component. However, the fleece shell is prone to pilling and may eventually wear thin with repeated abrasion.
Maintenance is simple; hand washing with mild soap and air drying is recommended. The gloves are not designed to be easily repaired; significant damage would likely require replacement. The gloves are easy to maintain by preventing exposure to harsh chemicals.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Manzella Lakewood Touchtip Gloves do not come with any specific accessories. There are no customization options available. The gloves are designed to be used as-is. They are compatible with most standard hunting and outdoor gear, such as rifle slings and hiking poles.
Pros and Cons of Manzella Manzella Lakewood Touchtip Gloves – Men’s
Pros
- Comfortable fleece shell and micro-fleece lining.
- Decent grip thanks to the synthetic leather palm.
- Adequate warmth for mild temperatures.
- Effective Realtree Edge camo pattern for hunting.
- Lightweight and easy to pack.
Cons
- Inconsistent touchscreen compatibility.
- Fleece shell prone to pilling.
- Water-resistant, not waterproof.
Who Should Buy Manzella Manzella Lakewood Touchtip Gloves – Men’s?
The Manzella Manzella Lakewood Touchtip Gloves – Men’s are perfect for hunters, casual hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a lightweight and comfortable glove for mild weather conditions. They are also suitable for individuals who occasionally need to use touchscreen devices, but are not reliant on perfect touchscreen functionality. Anyone seeking budget-friendly camo gloves with reasonable warmth will find these gloves suitable.
Anyone requiring consistently reliable touchscreen compatibility, waterproof protection, or gloves for extreme cold should skip this product. Those needing gloves for heavy-duty work or activities requiring high dexterity might also find these gloves lacking. A must-have modification would be a higher quality touchscreen conductive thread in the fingertips.
Conclusion on Manzella Manzella Lakewood Touchtip Gloves – Men’s
The Manzella Manzella Lakewood Touchtip Gloves – Men’s offer a decent value proposition for those seeking a comfortable and lightweight hunting glove with limited touchscreen functionality. While the warmth and grip are adequate for mild conditions, the inconsistent touchscreen compatibility is a drawback. Considering the $37.49 price point, the gloves are reasonably priced for their features.
I would recommend these gloves to casual users who prioritize comfort and camo over reliable touchscreen use. For serious hunters or those who heavily rely on their mobile devices outdoors, investing in a more expensive and feature-rich option might be a better choice. If you’re looking for a decent pair of fleece hunting gloves with occasional touchscreen use, give the Manzella Lakewood Touchtip Gloves a try, but don’t expect perfection.