5mil crab claws vs 7mil drylock

I find claw gloves isolate the index finger and it gets cold all by its lonesome. I vote for the 7mm mittens.

 

I wear mittens. 7/5 mill flashbombs. There new so it may be why they're so warm, but the hands are toasty no matter how long I stay out. They have a good grip and they do dry quick. I have 7mill drylock boots also. Brand new and I still get numb after a while. I don't think it's the boot as much as its been really cold.

 

5mm flashbomb booties, 5mm xcel drylock gloves, DawnPatrol 5/3. Water 34, air in the 30's, I logged about 3 hours before cold and fatigue set in

 

Well it all depends on what you ate that day the fit of your gloves. your own personal circulation.

Personally I like the claws.

You might like something different.

it isn't an exact science.

But 7mm is thicker than 5mm so there's that.
Mittens keep your hand warner because all your digits are in one pocket. Plus mittens tend to last longer.



Basically

7mm mittens - warmer but at the expense of dexterity and might be a bit too warm when on the bookends of the cold season.

5mm claws - better flexibility/dexterity but can be cold in the doldrums of winter. Plus there is more seam so greater possibility for leaks.

You should be alright either way.

Like I always say eat a big meal before you go out in the winter and you'll be fine.

 

Same. They seem to work fine for me.

 

Interesting topic. I don't have experience in waters below 40 degrees, but I've heard a lot of raves about Patagonia products and their abilities to provide extreme warmth with less rubber. I'd like to hear more about their 3mm or 4mm gloves, because 7 mils seem pretty excessive.

 

up here patagonia R4 claws...though after just 10 or so wears some of the fabric has separated in the palm of one, essentially creating a hole and it's painful..will be returning them and hopefully get an exchange and it's just a fluke. they and the boots are super warm and been going with a 5/4 mutant oneill. fine until air gets sub 20, no sun and there's a gust.

 

Just asking a question, dawg. Patagonia claims that their 4 mm suits are as warm or warmer than the rest of the industry's 5mm suits. If true, logic would dictate that one could stay warm with less rubber. I'm aware that you guys are surfing in ice right now. FYI, not too many places in Alaska get below 40 degree water, even in the dead of winter. So, there's really no competition between the North Atlantic and many other places on the globe.

I wore a 5/4 Drylock with 5 mil sealed booties and 3 mil Drylock gloves in 40 degree OCMD, with 32 degree air temps. Stayed in the water for almost 2 hours every time. Never had the chance to surf in colder water, tho.

 

The more your fingers are together the more heat is generated. Gloves are the worst, even though you get more dexterity from them. Mittens are the best Lobster claws give you best of both worlds. Some dexterity, plus better warmth. The one finger does tend to get cold down times, but I'd rather have one cold finger than 5.
Been wearing 5 mil lobsters in NJ all winter in temps down to 34 and been ok. By the times my hands get cold rest of me is done anyway.

 

I switch brands of gloves all of the time but I've been wearing Quiksilver Cypher bodies for as long as they've been out. They're incredibly warm and last a solid couple of years. Only Quiksilver product that I've liked!

 

I have 5 mil drylock claws and my hands are warm the whole time I'm out . Mitts my hinder your dexterity but they also can help you paddle a little better cause basically you have to small paddles on your hands now

 

7mm mitts all the way

it's not like i have to tie someones shoe while i'm out there, so dexterity doesn't really matter to me in the water

 

I got those, but it wouldn't keep my pooswah from freezing.

 

not too many places ON THE PLANET get below 30 deg F.
i give you.......my local beach.

 

rockin 7mil boots and 5 mil flashbomb 5 fingers and got out due to fatigue not cold in moco

 

5mm Quiksilver Neo Goo 3 finger gloves. My hands have been sweating after every session this winter. The 5mm neogoo boots are weak though, stick with excels. Check the quik outlet online for the gloves on sale.

 

My 5mm lobsters haven't been cutting it this year. Just ordered Xcel 7mm mitts, as I've heard those are stealth.

 

They are for your hands, not your pooswah!!
Kids today....