Are you a snowboarder on a budget looking for reliable hand protection without sacrificing warmth? Look no further! This Kinco Snow Mitts review dives deep into the performance and value of these surprisingly affordable mitts. We put them to the test over three weeks of snowboarding in various conditions, from powder to slush, to assess their warmth, water resistance, durability, and overall comfort. We'll explore their strengths and weaknesses, including their surprising effectiveness despite their low price point, and whether they're truly worth the investment. Prepare to discover if these budget-friendly mitts can stand up to the rigors of a full snowboarding season.This honest review covers everything from initial stiffness and break-in period to water resistance performance and grip, addressing common concerns of snowboarders. We also tackle the lack of a lanyard, a crucial feature for some, and offer a DIY solution. Find out if the Kinco snow mitts' minor drawbacks are outweighed by their exceptional value and overall performance, providing you with the information you need to decide if these are the right mitts for your next snowboarding adventure. We'll conclude with a final rating and recommendation based on our extensive testing and real-world experience.
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Durability and Comfort
My old snowboarding gloves were finally wearing out after many seasons of use. I needed a replacement that wouldn't break the bank.
I opted for the Kinco gloves, which are surprisingly affordable at only $30. Despite their low price, the Nick wax water-resistant material is surprisingly effective.
They're a bit stiff when new, a common issue with leather gloves, but this improves with use. The overall comfort is good once broken in.
Features and Functionality
One downside is the lack of a lanyard, a feature I've become accustomed to. This means I have to be more careful to keep track of my gloves.
Operating my GoPro with these gloves proved initially difficult. The stiffness of the material made it challenging to press the buttons.
However, after a few days of use, the gloves softened and manipulating my GoPro became much easier.
Water Resistance and Performance
The water resistance is generally good. After several runs in powder and slush, my hands remained mostly dry.
However, using only one Nick wax pack resulted in some wet spots on Day 2. Applying the wax more thoroughly is recommended.
Overall, the gloves performed well in various snow conditions, keeping my hands warm and dry for most situations.
Grip and Additional Considerations
The Kinco mitts lack the tacky grip found in some higher-end models. This may slightly affect your grip on chairlifts or when performing snowboard grabs.
The sizing runs slightly smaller than other brands. I usually wear an XL in other brands, but a large Kinco fits well.
Despite minor drawbacks, they offer excellent value for their price point, providing warmth and protection throughout the season.
DIY Lanyard and Long-Term Review
I created a DIY lanyard to address the lack of one on the gloves, for about $12. Instructions can be found in the video.
After extensive use over three weeks, the gloves show minimal wear. The slight scuffing on the fingertips is expected given the level of use.
These mitts are fantastic for their price. They consistently keep my hands warm and relatively dry and are a solid investment for budget-conscious snowboarders.
Final Verdict
The Kinco snow mitts provide exceptional value for their price, offering good warmth, water resistance, and surprising durability for their price point.
While lacking a lanyard and a slightly less secure grip than other options, these flaws are easily outweighed by their affordability and performance.
I highly recommend the Kinco snow mitts to budget-minded snowboarders seeking reliable hand protection. Four out of five stars!