The LEKI Worldcup Race Ti S Speed System gloves boast impressive features that initially justify their high price tag. High-quality construction, exceptional comfort, and a cleverly designed Speed System for easy on and off make them a desirable option for serious skiers. The gloves offer excellent warmth and dexterity, enhanced by strategically placed padding, including titanium nickel-plated knuckles for impact protection. A specialized reptile-skin pattern minimizes snow friction, a crucial benefit for racers.However, this seemingly perfect package has some significant drawbacks. Durability concerns arise from the use of PU leather on the palm, which is susceptible to wear and tear. Sizing inconsistencies can lead to discomfort and compromise protection. The comparatively fragile straps and lack of a wrist pull loop further detract from the overall longevity and practicality of the gloves, raising questions about their value for the average skier. This review delves into the pros and cons to determine if the LEKI Worldcup Race Ti S Speed System gloves live up to the hype.
Pros And Cons
- High quality, clean stitching
- Premium materials
- Lightweight
- Warm enough, hands don't get sweaty
- Inbuilt trigger system
- Good warmth
- Good slimmness
- Good hand movement, easy to grip
- Leakey trigger system for easy on/off
- Good padding, especially on knuckles
- Malleable, easy to manipulate despite protection
- Reptile skin on outside for minimal snow friction
- Rubber on palm for protection and grip
- Inside rubber strip is narrow and doesn't reach reinforced exterior, leaving inner glove vulnerable to ski edges
- Palm area uses PU leather (plastic), potentially less durable
- Gloves may be too wide or too narrow depending on hand size
- Trigger system uses elastic and cloth strap, potentially less durable with frequent ski use
- Wrist strap on lower arm also made of PU leather, potentially less durable
- Lacks a wrist pull tab seen on other gloves, making them harder to put on
- Cuff shows signs of wear even before use
- Gloves are not symmetrical, meaning the seams and trigger system are in slightly different positions on each glove
Read more: Top 5 Ski Gloves for Unforgettable Adventures
High-Quality Construction and Comfort
The LEKI Worldcup Race Ti S Speed System gloves initially impress with their high-quality construction. The stitching is impeccable, and the materials feel premium. They're surprisingly lightweight yet warm enough for various conditions.
The gloves' interior is soft and comfortable, preventing sweaty hands. The integrated Speed System makes putting them on and off a breeze. Overall, the initial impression is one of exceptional craftsmanship and comfort.
Warmth and Performance
In terms of warmth, these gloves perform admirably. While not the warmest gloves available, they offer excellent protection against cold temperatures. Their slim profile facilitates excellent dexterity and grip, crucial for precise ski control.
The LEKI Trigger System enhances the ease of donning and doffing the gloves, a valuable feature during quick transitions on the slopes. The padding, especially the titanium nickel-plated knuckles, effectively absorbs impacts from falls and gates.
Durability Concerns: PU Leather and Straps
Despite their positive attributes, significant durability concerns arise from the use of PU leather (plastic resembling leather) on the palm. This material is prone to scratches and wear, potentially limiting the gloves' lifespan.
The narrow rubber strip on the palm offers limited protection against sharp ski edges. The trigger system's elastic and cloth straps, while seemingly sturdy, could also be vulnerable to damage from skis.
Sizing and Fit Issues
The gloves' sizing can be problematic. Even with accurate sizing according to the manufacturer's guide, some users may find the fingers too long or the gloves too wide, affecting the alignment of protective elements.
This mismatch can reduce comfort and protection. While wear might improve the fit over time, this is a considerable initial drawback.
Other Notable Features and Final Verdict
The gloves incorporate a specially designed reptile-skin pattern for minimal snow friction. This is a valuable feature for racers who often drag their gloves on the snow.
The rubberized palm enhances grip when carrying skis. Despite several excellent features, the PU leather palm, questionable strap durability, sizing inconsistencies, and lack of a wrist pull loop raise serious concerns. While the gloves are exceptionally comfortable and well-made in some aspects, their limited durability and high price point make them a less-than-ideal choice for most recreational skiers. High-level racers might find them suitable, provided they replace their gloves frequently. Alternatives such as full leather gloves offer better value for the money.