First Impressions of Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s
The Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s promises warmth, comfort, and touchscreen compatibility in a sleek design. Dakine is a well-known brand in the outdoor gear world, and I was eager to see if these gloves lived up to their reputation. These gloves seemed like a good solution for cold weather activities without sacrificing the ability to use my phone or other touchscreen devices.
I was looking for a versatile glove that could handle a range of winter activities, from skiing to just walking around town. My current gloves were either too bulky for everyday use or not warm enough for extended periods in the cold. The Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s seemed to strike a good balance between warmth, dexterity, and functionality, particularly with its touchscreen-friendly fingertips.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed with the Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s. The Laredo synthetic suede felt soft and supple, and the overall construction seemed solid. They felt lightweight, which was a pleasant surprise, and the micro-check fleece lining looked incredibly cozy.
I considered the Burton Women’s GORE-TEX Mitt and the Outdoor Research Adrenaline Gloves before settling on the Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s. The Burton mitts seemed too bulky for everyday tasks, and the Outdoor Research gloves lacked the touchscreen compatibility I desired. The Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s appeared to be the best all-around option for my needs.
Initially, I was excited and hopeful that these gloves would become my go-to for winter activities. The design and materials suggested a high-quality product, but the true test would be how they performed in real-world conditions. I was keen to put these gloves through their paces and see if they lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s during a weekend ski trip in the mountains. The temperature hovered around 25°F (-4°C) with a light snowfall. I also wore them on a few chilly morning walks.
The gloves performed admirably in the cold, keeping my hands warm and dry during my ski runs. The GORE-TEX Infinium softshell provided excellent wind resistance, and the synthetic suede offered a good grip on my ski poles. The touchscreen compatibility worked reasonably well, although I occasionally had to remove the glove for more precise interactions with my phone.
The gloves felt comfortable right out of the box, with no break-in period required. I did notice that the hook/loop adjustable tab could be a little fiddly with gloved hands, but it wasn’t a major issue. There were no immediate issues after the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s have proven to be quite durable. I’ve worn them for everything from shoveling snow to running errands in town. They’ve faced temperatures ranging from below freezing to mild winter days.
There are no significant signs of wear and tear so far, which is a testament to the quality of the materials. The synthetic suede has held up well to abrasion, and the stitching remains intact. I have noticed a slight decrease in water resistance after repeated exposure to wet snow, but it’s still performing better than my previous gloves.
Maintaining the gloves is relatively easy. Following Dakine’s instructions, I machine washed them gently and allowed them to air dry. They cleaned up nicely and retained their shape and softness. Compared to my previous experiences with other winter gloves, the Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s has definitely outperformed them in terms of both warmth and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s
Specifications
The Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s is designed with a focus on warmth, comfort, and functionality for winter activities.
- Shell: Features a softshell 3-layer laminate, offering wind and water resistance. This is crucial for keeping hands dry and warm in harsh winter conditions.
- Palm: Made of synthetic suede w/ WR coating, PU overlay, and touchscreen tips. The synthetic suede provides a good grip, the WR (Water Resistant) coating adds extra protection, and the touchscreen tips allow for convenient use of electronic devices.
- Lining: Includes a micro check fleece lining, enhancing warmth and comfort. This soft lining provides a comfortable feel against the skin and helps to trap heat.
- Cuff Closure: Uses a hook/loop adjustable tab, ensuring a secure and customized fit. This helps to keep cold air and snow out of the gloves.
- Materials: Composed of polyester, polyamide, and elastane, providing a balance of durability, flexibility, and comfort. The specific blend of these materials ensures the glove can withstand the rigors of outdoor use while maintaining a comfortable fit.
These specifications are important because they contribute to the overall performance and user experience of the Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s. The combination of water resistance, warmth, and touchscreen compatibility makes these gloves a versatile choice for a variety of winter activities.
Performance & Functionality
The Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s performs admirably, delivering on its promises of warmth and comfort.
The gloves are effective at keeping hands warm in moderately cold conditions, although they might not be sufficient for extremely cold temperatures without a liner. The touchscreen functionality is a useful addition, although it’s not always perfectly responsive.
A major strength is the overall comfort and dexterity they provide. The hook and loop closure also works well. One area for improvement would be the touchscreen sensitivity, making it more reliable for typing and navigating on smartphones.
Design & Ergonomics
The Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s boasts a well-thought-out design and ergonomic features.
The build quality is excellent, with high-quality materials and durable stitching. The gloves are lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods.
The Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s is fairly user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. The adjustable cuff ensures a snug fit.
Durability & Maintenance
The Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s appear to be built to last.
With proper care, these gloves should provide several seasons of reliable use. Maintenance is straightforward, involving gentle machine washing and air drying, as recommended by Dakine.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s don’t come with many accessories, but their primary function is well-executed.
There are no specific customization options available, but the gloves are designed to be compatible with glove liners for added warmth in extreme conditions. I have successfully used thin merino wool liners with these gloves for extra warmth on colder days.
Pros and Cons of Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s
Pros
- Excellent warmth for moderate winter conditions. They keep hands comfortably warm during skiing, walking, and other outdoor activities.
- Touchscreen compatibility. Allows for convenient use of smartphones and other electronic devices without removing the gloves.
- Comfortable and flexible design. The micro check fleece lining and ergonomic construction provide a comfortable fit and good dexterity.
- Durable construction. High-quality materials and stitching ensure the gloves can withstand regular use.
- Easy maintenance. Machine washable and quick to air dry.
Cons
- Touchscreen sensitivity could be improved. Sometimes requires multiple attempts to register touches.
- May not be warm enough for extreme cold without liners. Requires additional insulation in very low temperatures.
Who Should Buy Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s?
The Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s are perfect for women who enjoy outdoor activities in moderate winter conditions. These gloves are suitable for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and general use in cold weather. They are particularly beneficial for those who need to use their smartphones or other touchscreen devices frequently while on the go.
Those who should skip this product are individuals who live in extremely cold climates or participate in activities that require maximum insulation. These individuals would need something warmer. Similarly, if touchscreen compatibility is not a priority, there may be other gloves that offer superior warmth at a similar price point.
A must-have accessory is a pair of thin merino wool glove liners for added warmth in colder conditions. This combination provides a versatile solution for varying winter temperatures.
Conclusion on Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s
Overall, the Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s are a solid choice for women seeking a versatile and comfortable winter glove.
The price of $33.33 is justified by the quality of the materials, the warmth they provide, and the added convenience of touchscreen compatibility. I would personally recommend these gloves to anyone looking for a reliable and functional option for moderate winter conditions.
If you are looking for a dependable and comfortable winter glove that allows you to stay connected, the Dakine Factor Infinium Glove – Women’s are worth considering. Don’t let the cold weather keep you from enjoying your outdoor activities – grab a pair of these gloves and stay warm and connected!