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Flylow Ridge Glove Review

Trendy and stylish, but lacking in key aspects of versatility for skiing, these gloves are solid winter work gloves, so don't hesitate if you're looking for that utility
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Flylow Ridge Glove Review
Credit: Backcountry
Price:  $55 List
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Manufacturer:   Flylow
By Travis Poulin ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 1, 2022
45
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#21 of 22
  • Warmth - 25% 2.0
  • Dexterity - 25% 7.0
  • Water Resistance - 25% 4.0
  • Durability - 15% 6.0
  • Features - 10% 3.0

Our Verdict

The stylish FlyLowRidge Glove is far from our top choice. They are insulated enough for warm resort days, and FlyLow's pigskin leather is proven to be tough and waterproof. These would be a decent choice for some backcountry skiing or resort skiing in moderate temperatures. The bulky stitching over the fingers limits dexterity drastically getting in the way of simple tasks like adjusting boot buckles or picking a pole up off the ground. The break-in time is longer than most in this glove. We have loved FlyLow gear we have tested over the years, but these gloves missed the mark with our testers. They are redeemed, though, by being a good winter work glove that also sees some time on the ski hill.
REASONS TO BUY
Tough
Windproof
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky stitching
Not very warm
Not waterproof
Editor's note: We updated this review with comparisons to other gloves and other products we'd recommend on December 1, 2022.

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Star Rating
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Bottom Line Missing key aspects that make a good ski glove, their durability makes them capable winter work glovesThis excellent ski glove provides warmth and weather resistance at a budget-acknowledging priceA warm and comfortable mitten at an excellent valueAverage warmth, weather resistance, and durability, for an attainable priceFunctional for in the backcountry or at the resort, but have a relatively small temperature range
Rating Categories Flylow Ridge Glove Gordini GTX Storm T... The North Face Mont... Gordini AquaBloc Do... FlyLow Oven Mitt
Warmth (25%)
2.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
4.0
Dexterity (25%)
7.0
4.0
2.0
5.0
3.0
Water Resistance (25%)
4.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
4.0
Durability (15%)
6.0
8.0
7.0
5.0
7.0
Features (10%)
3.0
9.0
8.0
6.0
3.0
Specs Flylow Ridge Glove Gordini GTX Storm T... The North Face Mont... Gordini AquaBloc Do... FlyLow Oven Mitt
Double or Single Glove Single Single Single Single Single
Gaunlet or Cuff? Cuff Gauntlet Gauntlet Gauntlet Cuff
Palm Material Cowhide leather Polyurethane Synthetic leather Rugged ripstop softshell, bluesign® approved Pigskin leather
Waterproof Material SnoSeal beeswax Gore-Tex DryVent AquaBloc® insert SnoSeal beeswax
Insulation Type Spaceloft Micropuff Megaloft Back of hand: 250g Heatseeker Eco
Palm: 160g Heatseeker Eco
Back of hand: 600-fill GooseDown, Palm: Megaloft® synthetic insulation Spaceloft Micropuff
Nose Wipe? No Yes Yes Yes No

Our Analysis and Test Results

FlyLow has earned its popularity among the ski and snowboard community with a long line of high-quality and innovative products. Unfortunately, our testers feel that the Ridge Glove is the odd product with some need for improvement for utility on the ski hill. The SnoSeal treatment works well on the pigskin leather for waterproofing but the construction lacks key aspects for every discipline of skiing beyond cruising down groomers. If it's style you're going for, there are many better options for leather gloves that are just as trendy as the Ridge.

Performance Comparison


flylow ridge glove - the ridge glove is stylish but lacked in dexterity and warmth.
The Ridge Glove is stylish but lacked in dexterity and warmth.
Credit: Travis Poulin

Warmth


The Ridge Glove was warm enough in temperatures around 25F-35F but our fingers were cold below that and too hot in temperatures above. The glove sweats out easily when touring in warmer conditions, which will ultimately make your hands colder when it's time to transition into downhill mode. Lift rides proved to be a major setback for these gloves as constant finger movement was necessary.

Water Resistance


The Ridge failed the ice bath/submersion test, allowing water into the interior insulation via the seams and stitching, leading to wet and cold fingers rather quickly. Do keep in mind that this test is extreme, though, and meant to objectively show the level of waterproofing across all products we test. Most skiers will not experience this level of moisture. The cuff material is not waterproof, either, and will absorb water readily. Protect this area by sliding it under your ski jacket. It can hold up to most precipitation you'll get out on the ski hill, though. We witnessed water beading up on the leather surface (which has a SnoSeal treatment that increases its ability to repel water) in mixed-precip conditions. The Ridge Glove has its place if you are a fair-weather resort skier looking for a less-expensive glove. These are best suited for those who ski groomers where all-day waterproofing is not a concern.

flylow ridge glove - our ice bath/ submersion test, testing the warmth and waterproofing...
Our ice bath/ submersion test, testing the warmth and waterproofing of the FlyLow Ridge.
Credit: Rachel Croft

Dexterity


The Ridge Glove could not put up a fight in dexterity testing compared to other contenders that have a similar design. In general, they have a somewhat clumsy fit and a super basic design. Tasks that should be somewhat straightforward like picking up a pole off the snow, buckling boots, adjusting zippers, using a screwdriver, etc. were difficult. The bulky stitching prevents your fingers from performing properly and it feels like there is a half-inch, floppy extension of each finger. The cumbersome stitching sits directly on top of the fingertip instead of just below or above and prevents normal finger function. These gloves are pretty stiff out of the box but do gain a little dexterity as they break in, which took longer than similar ski gloves in our test group.

flylow ridge glove - the bulky stitching is located directly on the fingertip inhibiting...
The bulky stitching is located directly on the fingertip inhibiting dexterity
Credit: Travis Poulin

Durability


The Ridge gains back some points in durability because the pigskin leather used by FlyLow is tough. They are slower to break in, but once they do they remain reliable on the palms and back of hands. One area of concern with these gloves has to do with the stitching. The stitching is in the way of the fingertips with the potential of catching on objects that can snag and compromise it causing it to rip easier. Also, the elastic cuff will, over time, lose its elasticity, too.

flylow ridge glove - the thick pigskin leather of the ridge glove should help them last...
The thick pigskin leather of the Ridge Glove should help them last several seasons.
Credit: Travis Poulin

Should You Buy the Flylow Ridge Glove?


The Ridge is basically a glorified work glove that can be found at your local hardware store for a fraction of the price. If you are looking for that hardcore “local” style, save yourself some cash and get Kinko's at the gas station, and you'll look just as cool.

What Other Ski Gloves Should You Consider?


If this glove appeals to you for its low price, we'd recommend the Gordini GTX Storm Trooper II, which won't cost you much more and will serve you much better for use while skiing. We also recommend our Editors' Choice, the Arc'teryx Fission SV, though it costs a lot more.

Travis Poulin