Kombi Olsson Glove

When Kombi asked me what product I wanted to test first, I told them to send me any glove from their line suited to the sunny spring conditions Bear experiences 95% of the season.  The Olsson gloves are exactly what I've come to expect from a spring glove, plus a little extra.

Kombi designed these under-the-cuff fingered gloves with the freestyle rider in mind.  Subtle use of color (the glove is available in Blue, Green or Black) and embossing make the Olsson perfect for those who want a stylish glove without all of the neon flash. Rock this glove if you don't need to glow like a beacon through the park because your riding does all the talking.

As far as warmth and waterproofing, the Olsson is stuffed with 100g Thinsulate insulation in addition to Kombi's in-house technology, Waterguard, a polyurethane insert that lets moisture from sweat escape while keeping snow, rain and wind outside where it belongs.  I've been putting these gloves through the ringer for a week and they are still sealed shut; in fact, they have been so warm they tend to get soaked in sweat by the end of the day.

A goatskin leather palm reinforces the waterproofing of the glove while adding a degree of durability you won't fine in a lot of competing models.  One week of fidgeting with straps, grabbing, and occasionally falling have beaten the glossy newness from them, but otherwise as stated before the glove has held up its dryness throughout.

The gloves' integrated liners--coated with Microban--stay put when it's time to take them off, and after a week of sweat and abuse they remain soft, comfortable, easy to put on and perhaps most important do not smell like week old baby diapers.

Overall, the Olsson glove from Kombi is a formidable opponent in the world of springs gloves; its warmer and tougher than other spring models I've used, and at US$60 they are definitely worth considering if you are in the market for a new pair.

Head over to http://www.kombisports.com to find a dealer near you or to check out more of their gloves.  If you see anything you like, please do drop me a line (DesertsDontSnow@gmail.com) and I'll see if I can test it out for you.

Kombi - Gloves for Everything

I've heard of Kombi gloves simply from being around over the years. They've been making gloves since 1961, so it's likely that at some shop somewhere you've seen them too... It's also likely that thanks to a barrage of snowboard magazine advertisements, and possibly because Kombi has traditionally held to ski clientele, you ignored them.

Cold weather is the hardest part of snowboarding, and when it comes to glove companies I always keep an open mind; if it keeps my hands warm and dry then I'm down with it. An e-mail from one of Kombi's reps prompted me to take a look at their 2010 line, and I was pleasantly surprised at what I found.


Yes, Kombi has your steezy pipe/spring gloves, toasty winter gloves, fingered gloves, and mitts for men, women and children... but what's really got me interested are the variety of field focused products. From work-influenced lifty gloves to flip mitts for the guys and gals working the lenses, Kombi seems to have a little something for everyone (including a selection of baselayers and headwear).


With a product line that covers every condition--even glove protectors for those of us who use rope tows more often than not--it seems that Kombi is listening to what the industry needs. Especially when further research shows Kombi products priced to a snowboard bum's lifestyle. Most all of their gloves are priced under $100, including Gore-tex models, with the only exception being their iRip glove that features an integrated wireless control for your iPod.


I'll be testing out some products from Kombi in the near future to let you know what's up, and don't think I've forgotten about you readers; it's rad to have your support, so I'm stoked that they are also hooking me up with a few goodies to give out to you guys.

Stay sharp for upcoming giveaways (hint: your best bet would be to follow me on Twitter)...Also check out Kombi's product line at http://www.kombisports.com/kombi_us/products.php and please shoot me an e-mail (DesertsDontSnow@gmail.com) if there are any products you would like me to test out.