First Impressions of SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s
The SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s immediately caught my eye as a potential solution for mid-season hunts where dexterity is key, but the chill still bites. Marketed by SKRE Gear as a mountain hunter’s go-to glove, the combination of a windproof barrier, micro-grid fleece, and leather palm seemed promising for maintaining warmth without sacrificing the ability to manipulate gear or firearms.
I was on the hunt for a glove that bridged the gap between bulky winter options and lightweight, less protective alternatives. My biggest issue was finding gloves that allowed me to feel my trigger while glassing a mountainside. Many shooting gloves are too thin to provide adequate protection from the wind and cold. I needed something with a balance of warmth and dexterity that wouldn’t break the bank.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the feel of the stretch-woven shell. The gloves are lightweight but feel substantial. The leather palm felt supple and grippy, hinting at the dexterity SKRE Gear promised.
Compared to my Sitka Traverse Gloves (too thin for late October) and my bulky Outdoor Research Alti Mitts (zero dexterity), the SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s seemed like a potential sweet spot. I chose these over the similar offerings from KUIU and First Lite primarily due to the price point and the specifically mentioned “shooters dexterity”. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was excited to test their performance in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s was on a late-season archery elk hunt in the Colorado Rockies. Temperatures hovered in the high 20s with a slight breeze, and snow flurries were intermittent. I spent the day glassing open meadows and navigating through timber.
The gloves performed admirably in the cool conditions. The windproof barrier did its job, and my hands stayed relatively warm even when exposed to the wind while glassing for hours. The leather palm provided a confident grip on my bow and allowed me to easily manipulate my rangefinder and release.
Initially, there was a slight stiffness to the leather, but it quickly broke in after a few hours of use. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of dexterity; I could easily tie knots and adjust my gear without removing the gloves.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, ranging from early morning hikes to cold-weather shooting range sessions, the SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s have proven to be surprisingly durable. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the shell fabric or the leather palm, despite repeated use in rugged terrain.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. I haven’t needed to use any specialized leather cleaners. The gloves have retained their shape and dexterity after multiple uses and cleanings.
Compared to other shooting gloves I’ve used, such as the aforementioned Sitka Traverse gloves, the SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s offer significantly better wind protection and warmth. While they don’t replace a dedicated winter glove, they are a noticeable upgrade in colder conditions. My experience has been positive; the gloves performed better than expected for their price point.
Breaking Down the Features of SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s
Specifications
The SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s boast several key specifications that contribute to their overall performance. The Stretch Woven Polyester Face provides a flexible and durable outer layer. The Leather fingers and palm enhance grip and dexterity. The Micro Grid Fleece Lining provides a soft and warm inner layer. A Leather Pull Tab aids in easy on/off. The gloves are designed for Shooters Dexterity, and are Water Resistant. They also have a Teflon Shield+ DWR.
These specifications are vital for the intended use of the gloves. The polyester shell and leather palm offer the necessary durability for outdoor activities. The fleece lining provides insulation against the cold. The water-resistant treatment helps keep hands dry in light rain or snow. The focus on dexterity is paramount for hunters and shooters who require fine motor skills.
Performance & Functionality
The SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s excel at providing a balance of warmth, dexterity, and protection in mid-season conditions. Their main strength is in maintaining tactile sensitivity while providing adequate insulation. They allow me to easily manipulate my bow, firearm, and other gear.
The windproof barrier is effective in blocking wind chill. The water-resistant treatment is sufficient for light precipitation. The primary weakness is that they are not designed for extreme cold or heavy rain.
The gloves meet my expectations for a mid-season shooting glove. They offer a significant improvement over lighter-weight options without sacrificing dexterity.
Design & Ergonomics
The SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s feature a well-thought-out design that prioritizes functionality and comfort. The use of flexible materials allows for a full range of motion. The leather palm is strategically placed to enhance grip where it’s needed most.
The build quality is solid. The stitching is clean and durable, and the materials feel high-quality for the price. There is no significant learning curve; the gloves are comfortable and easy to use right out of the box.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s are built to last for several seasons of regular use. The materials are resistant to abrasion and the construction is robust. Regular cleaning and conditioning of the leather palm will help to prolong their lifespan.
Maintenance is straightforward. A simple wipe down with a damp cloth and occasional leather conditioning is all that’s required. The gloves are easy to care for, which is a significant plus for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors.
Accessories and Customization Options
The SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s do not come with any specific accessories. However, their neutral design and color (Solace) make them easily compatible with a wide range of outdoor and tactical gear.
The lack of customization options is not a significant drawback for gloves of this type. Their primary function is to provide warmth and dexterity, and they excel in that regard.
Pros and Cons of SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s
Pros
- Excellent dexterity: Allows for precise manipulation of gear and firearms.
- Effective wind protection: Keeps hands warm in windy conditions.
- Durable construction: Built to withstand regular use in rugged terrain.
- Comfortable fit: Flexible materials and ergonomic design.
- Affordable price: Offers great value for the money.
Cons
- Not suitable for extreme cold: Lacks sufficient insulation for sub-freezing temperatures.
- Water resistance is limited: Not designed for heavy rain or submersion.
Who Should Buy SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s?
The SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s are perfect for hunters, shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a balance of warmth, dexterity, and protection in mid-season conditions. They are especially well-suited for activities that require fine motor skills, such as bowhunting, rifle shooting, and fly fishing.
Those who frequently operate in extremely cold or wet environments should skip this product. They should opt for a dedicated winter glove or a fully waterproof alternative.
Must-have accessories include a leather conditioner to maintain the palm’s suppleness and a glove dryer for use after exposure to moisture.
Conclusion on SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s
The SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s offer a compelling combination of performance, durability, and value. They provide excellent dexterity, effective wind protection, and a comfortable fit, making them a solid choice for mid-season outdoor activities.
The price is more than justified. The gloves deliver performance on par with more expensive options.
I would personally recommend these gloves to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable shooting glove for cool-weather conditions. The SKRE Gear Deadfall Gloves – Men’s are a valuable addition to any hunter’s or shooter’s kit. Go ahead and give them a try; your hands will thank you.