Lobster Gloves — Recommendations?

I was about to buy the PI Lobster gloves but everything I have read lately implies they have altered the design and materials in the last year and the quality and warmth has certainly decreased. The reviews were less than stellar on the 2012 model but excellent for the previous years. I just ordered a pair of the Planet Bike Borealis gloves through my buddy in CT. They get great reviews on all the blogs (http://allseasonscyclist.com/2011/11/21/planet-bike-borealis-winter-cycling-gloves/) and are a fraction of the cost of the PI’s. I also like the layering choices as Pete mentioned which makes them very versatile and easy to dry, as well as giving you some hand protection from the elements if you need to fix a flat of make an adjustment on the fly. My friend said they arrived this week and he is shipping them to me on Monday, but his first take was they are a really nice, well made product.

Better late than never, but thought I would follow up on the Planet Bike Borealis gloves that I bought for the winter. So far they have been awesome! Super warm, very versatile, comfortable, and easy to put on. I especially like the liner glove as I can now fumble around with lights and computers by simply taking off the outer lobster shell and still have a glove on for some warmth. This design also makes it much easier to dry the gloves. The neoprene cuff is super easy to pull over your jacket at the wrists, and even though they are pretty big gloves they are far less cumbersome than my PI PRO Softshell gloves which are WAY too puffy. The price on the Borealis’ is amazing as well, just about $40.00 bucks… awesome!

@brendan 46963 wrote:

PS – I really think I need to have some sort of active water transport system, like an inner lining of neoprene or latex with small water drainage holes at the tips of fingers to the outside, keeping the insulating layers dry. Gross, but true!

I would also love a stillsuit.

Ibex makes wool liner gloves in varying thicknesses. I have found them much more effective than the synthetic liners that came with my Craft lobster gloves. The thin layer is thin enough to fit under my mid-weight Craft gloves as well. Yes, yes, I was clearly on a Craft binge at one point.
I have never owned Moose Mitts, etc, but have had decent luck with a wool base layer, lobster claw mid, and wind/waterproof REI outer mitt. Same idea, really. Then again, I don’t need to work gears, so dexterity is not an issue.

@brendan 46975 wrote:

Don’t tempt me, I’ve considered it. “The biker has awoken!”

Brendan