Marmot Randonee vs. Burton Toaster - A Motorcyclist's Perspective
Written: Nov 14 '06 (Updated Dec 14 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Gortex Lining, Good Grip, Easy to Adjust
Cons: Soft finger tips, susceptible to moisture, Short Gauntlet
The Bottom Line: Keep this glove dry, and it'll do great down to the 20s and lower. Just don't trust it's waterproofing.
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| zorrothepiking's Full Review: Marmot Randonee Gloves Mens |
You learn fast that you have to adapt what you’re wearing to the weather outside. I ride a motorcycle to work nearly every day, taking about an hour to get there and riding in temperatures as low as 20F and in both dry and wet conditions. I originally bought the Marmot glove for skiing, and have absolutely no complaints. It kept me warm and dry throughout, but I finally decided to replace it with the Burton Toaster Glove. Listed below is why.
Similarities -
Both gloves are Winter Gloves for Men, providing a full gauntlet, a pull-cord system for tightening the gauntlet and wrist, and some level of water protection.
Grip -
The Marmot grip is a sort of mesh. I was initially worried that it would be prone to tearing, but I can see no wearing on it at all. The grip is excellent. The Burton palm is synthetic leather. It has a nicer feel and the construction seems sturdier, but its grip doesn’t seem to be quite as good. I prefer this leather look, but the both do just fine for gripping the handlebar.
Insulation and Waterproofing -
The Marmot insulation is Gortex. I've taken this glove down to just under 20F and to around 35F wet. The gloves generally did really well, keeping me pretty comfortable even at 70mph for an hour. Unfortunately, this was not true when things got wet. Even though the gloves are advertised as water-resistant with a waterproof liner, I found my hands getting wet pretty quick in a good rain. The worst day, I think, was when I didn't realize they were still wet from the night before. After a couple minutes my hands started to ache, but I couldn't turn around because I was headed to work. By the time I arrived, my hands were bright red and my finger tips were purple. Next time, I'll be leaving them over a vent to dry instead of hanging on my handlebars.
The Burton insulation is Polyester and shell is Nylon. I haven't gotten the Burton gloves to as cold of temperatures, but I do know they perform better when it gets wet, as they seem to block most water. There is a zipper pocket on the back that looks to be the perfect size for a handwarmer, too, so that's another option in case things turn really nasty. Although the wetness did spread a little into the glove, it stayed mostly dry. Not bad considering I had to scrape ice off my finger tips when I arrived.
For both gloves, I bought a pair of cotton gloves to wear inside them. This just provides an extra layer of insulation (and explains why I didn't notice the wet Marmots). It seems to make a big difference. They were about $2, so you might want to consider doing the same.
Comfort and Adjustment -
The Marmot is a little harder to get on, but easier to adjust. There is a strong cord to help with getting the gauntlet around your sleeve even with the gloves already on. The adjustment cords are both easy to grasp and pull even with gloved hands. The gauntlet seems a little short, though, and it's a little difficult to get a good seal around the jacket sleeve. Plus, the shorter gauntlet means that water can wick in more easily and wet your wrists, hands, and arms.
The Burton is easy to get on with its oversized Gauntlets. The cord to pull the back is elastic, though, so I don't feel as comfortable yanking on it to seat the glove. Also, the strap behind the hand is a little harder to grasp than with the Marmot.
Dexterity -
The Marmot has soft finger tips, making it a little difficult to manipulate some of the controls. In particular, the turn signal and fuel valve can be a bit of an issue. Having the liner helps, but it is still a concern, especially once your hands start to get cold. Still, it is manageable.
The Burton is easier to work with. The grip stretches around the finger tips, giving you a stiff finger that makes working buttons and switches easier.
Price -
It depends a lot on where you shop and what kind of deals are going on, but the Burton is generally cheaper than the Marmot by a relatively significant amount.
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If you found this review helpful, consider checking out my reviews on my other gear.
Cortech GX Sport Jacket
Joe Rocket Ballistic 5.0 Textile Pant
HJC CL-SP Full-Face Helmet
Joe Rocket Blaster 4.0 Leather Gloves
Burton Toaster Glove
Under Armour Balaclava
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 100
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Epinions.com ID:
zorrothepiking
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Member: Josh
Location: Huntsville, AL, USA
Reviews written: 59
Trusted by: 12 members
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