Fish Monkey Winter Gripper Glove Review

Breaking Down My First Experience with the Fish Monkey Winter Gripper Glove

Winter fishing presents unique challenges, and finding the right gear is paramount. The Fish Monkey Winter Gripper Glove from Fish Monkey promises warmth, waterproofing, and a secure grip, crucial when handling lines, bait, and slippery fish in freezing conditions.

My search for the perfect winter fishing glove stemmed from countless frustrating trips where numb fingers hampered my ability to tie knots and feel subtle strikes. I needed a glove that offered both dexterity and reliable protection from the elements.

Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the bright Hi-Vis Green color and the sandy latex coating covering the gloves. The build quality felt solid, and the terry cloth lining hinted at the promised warmth, though the gloves felt somewhat bulky.

I was torn between these and the Glacier Glove Ice Bay and the Striker Ice Predator Mitts. I opted for the Fish Monkey Winter Gripper Glove due to the promise of a better grip and the dexterity of a five-finger glove, compared to the bulkier mitts. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; the gloves seemed well-made, but I needed to test their performance in real-world conditions.

Real-World Testing: Putting Fish Monkey Winter Gripper Glove to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test was an ice fishing trip on a frigid lake in northern Minnesota. The temperature hovered around 15 degrees Fahrenheit with a biting wind. The Fish Monkey Winter Gripper Glove immediately proved its worth when handling frozen bait and setting up my ice shelter. The non-slip grip was exceptional, even when wet.

The waterproof barrier kept my hands dry when reaching into the ice fishing hole. While my hands weren’t toasty warm, they were acceptably warm for about 2 hours of continuous exposure before needing a break. One initial surprise was the limited breathability; after a few hours, my hands felt slightly damp from sweat.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full winter season of ice fishing and several late-season open-water trips, the Fish Monkey Winter Gripper Glove held up surprisingly well. There were no tears or punctures in the latex coating. The terry cloth lining remained intact.

Cleaning the gloves was simple, requiring only a rinse with cold water and air drying. Compared to other gloves I’ve used in the past, the Fish Monkey Winter Gripper Glove offered a far superior grip and acceptable water resistance, though it wasn’t as warm as dedicated insulated gloves.

Breaking Down the Features of Fish Monkey Winter Gripper Glove

Specifications

• The Fish Monkey Winter Gripper Glove features a double-dipped sandy latex shell for a waterproof barrier and non-slip grip. The latex construction provides excellent protection.
• The interior is lined with a 10g terry cloth loop for added warmth. This terry cloth contributes to comfort during colder temperatures.
• These gloves are designed for adults, with available sizes listed as Small/Medium. The size range may limit users with larger hands.
• The gloves are Hi-Vis Green, enhancing visibility. This color choice is beneficial in low-light conditions.
• Each package contains one pair of gloves, weighing approximately 0.25 lb. The lightweight design doesn’t add significant bulk or weight.

Performance & Functionality

The primary strength of the Fish Monkey Winter Gripper Glove is its exceptional grip in wet and cold conditions. Handling slippery fish, lines, and tools becomes much easier and safer.
The glove’s waterproof design kept my hands dry. However, the breathability could be improved to prevent moisture buildup during extended use.
For warmth, the gloves performed adequately for moderately cold conditions but are not ideal for extreme sub-zero temperatures. They would be considered satisfactory for mild cold-weather activities.

Design & Ergonomics

The latex coating offers excellent durability and a reliable barrier against water and wind. The gloves felt slightly bulky, which slightly reduced dexterity when tying intricate knots or handling small objects.
There wasn’t a significant learning curve; the gloves felt comfortable to wear immediately. Overall, they offered a decent balance between protection and usability.

Durability & Maintenance

The Fish Monkey Winter Gripper Glove is designed for repeated use. The latex coating resists abrasions and punctures well, even after months of handling sharp fishing hooks and rough ice.
Cleaning is effortless. A simple rinse and air dry are all that’s needed to maintain the gloves’ condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Fish Monkey Winter Gripper Glove doesn’t come with additional accessories. Customization options are limited due to the nature of the glove’s design.
The non-removable liner reduces the possibility of adding aftermarket liners. However, the gloves can be worn with thin liner gloves for added warmth in extreme cold.

Pros and Cons of Fish Monkey Winter Gripper Glove

Pros

• Exceptional grip, even when wet, providing increased safety and control.
• Waterproof design that keeps hands dry in wet conditions.
• Hi-Vis Green color improves visibility in low-light environments.
• Durable latex construction offers good resistance to abrasions and punctures.
• Easy to clean and maintain.

Cons

• Limited breathability may cause moisture buildup during extended use.
• Not ideal for extreme sub-zero temperatures without additional liners.
• Sizing limited to Small/Medium, potentially excluding users with larger hands.

Who Should Buy Fish Monkey Winter Gripper Glove?