This is my review of Storm Trooper II. In my opinion, it is a great, inexpensive ski glove perfect for riders who need solid protection and a weatherproof shell out on the mountain. It’s a bit tight, but the strong insulation and comfortable feel more than make up for it.
Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of this ski glove, who it is best for, and other similar alternatives to consider.
Contents
Quick Summary
- Where to buy: Amazon, The House
- Best for: Skiers of all levels who want extra warmth and insulation during the colder winter months. A solid option for those on a budget as well.
- Pros: This glove is quite warm and has enough insulation to keep your fingers toasty. The waterproof shell works exactly as advertised and the construction will hold up for years. It all comes in at a low price too.
- Cons: This glove doesn’t have the smoothest fit. It’s a bit tight in some areas, which then leads to poor flexibility. It can also feel a bit more restrictive than some might like.
- Alternatives: Arc’teryx Fission SV, Black Diamond Glove, OZERO Winter Gloves
Are these gloves waterproof?
The GTX Storm Trooper ii is water-resistant rather than truly waterproof.
How do these fit?
Though the Storm Trooper ii has a snug, comfortable fit, it’s best to get a size up as they tend to run a bit small.
Are these gloves warm?
Yes. The Storm Trooper ii has good insulation. You can also add a hand warmer in the back pouch if you need it.
Why Trust Me
I’ve been hitting the slopes since I was a kid. I enjoy getting out in the snow and have hands-on experience with a wide range of different skiing items. I have spent ample time researching these gloves and know multiple skiers who have worn them.
Detailed Review of Gordini GTX Storm Trooper II
The Storm Trooper is a budget glove with non-budget traits. Its sturdy materials have the ability to hold up to all conditions and the interior keeps you safe from the biting cold. You aren’t going to get the best fit in the world here, but the snug feel and comfortable interior will be more than enough for skiers of all levels.
Warmth and Comfort
I find that warmth is what the Storm Trooper ii does best. This glove comes fully loaded with synthetic insulation. And unlike other models, it has a lot of that extra padding inside of the fingers. In that way, you’re never going to get partially cold hands-on exceptionally chilly runs. Though the extra warmth isn’t quite enough for sub-zero temperatures, the hand warmer pouch in the back of the palm ensures you’re covered.
The glove is incredibly comfortable due to the soft fleece lining on the inside. Not only does it feel great, but it gives you even more protection against the cold. I noticed a lack of insulation on the cuff gauntlet, but that’s mitigated through the wrist cinch that does a wonderful job of keeping out the cold. The lack of extra material also cuts down on bulk and allows your wrists to move more freely. Some skiers will appreciate that added dexterity.
A Lack of Flexibility
One issue that I always find when testing out warmer gloves is a lack of mobility. The Storm Trooper ii slightly falls into that trap, but it doesn’t do it as much as other warm gloves. The extra insulation is nice, but it does mean you aren’t going to be able to easily use your fingers for more dexterous tasks like going through your pockets or operating zippers. That can force you to take the gloves off, which is something to be aware of if you ski in freezing weather.
That being said, the gloves do tend to break in after a week or so. You’re never going to get true flexibility here, they are focused on warmth after all, but you should get enough for general runs. That makes them much better suited for resort skiers than those who want to venture deep into the wilderness with a pack and supplies.
Durable All the Way Through
Anytime you look at a budget glove, it’s important to break down the durability because so many fall short in that area. However, the Storm Trooper ii does not. This glove has a surprising amount of long-lasting sturdiness thanks to impressive water-resistance and built-in weather protection.
I was extremely impressed by the tight seams, and the Gore-Tex membrane does a great job of keeping out moisture. The cuff gauntlet also goes up your jacket sleeve and works with the cinch to create a nice seal. You’re not going to get any water build-up here. These gloves will stick around a long time and continually give you warmth season after season. If you’re worried about them tearing or breaking down, don’t be. They’re made to last.
Additional Features
When breaking down ski gloves it’s always important to see what it brings to the table beyond warmth and protection. You might expect the Storm Trooper ii to lack additional features due to its price, but there’s a lot to like here.
First are the gauntlet cuff and the wrist cinch. I personally love cinches because it means you don’t have bulky material around your wrist but still get to lock out the ice and snow. This one also features an easy-to-grab pull-tab that’s simple to operate no matter where you are.
Two other features worth mentioning are the soft moisture wipe panel on the outside of the thumb and the zippered hand warmer pocket. Being able to wipe your face or goggles comes in handy quite a bit, and the ability to easily up the warmth is a boon for skiers who enjoy colder environments.
The Storm Trooper ii doesn’t stop there. There are also removable leashes and a small clip that lets you hang up the gloves when you’re done with them. While you aren’t going to get touchscreen-compatible fingertips, that’s a small setback when you look at everything you get for the price.
Price and Value
These gloves offer some of the best value on the market. That alone will make them good enough for certain skiers. They come in at an extremely low price point, and manage to skimp on that without losing any important characteristics. Not only do you save money, but you get water resistance, weather resistance, and great durability. These are easily tough enough to last for multiple seasons, which means they are a smart long-term investment.
What I Like
For me, the stand out trait here is the Storm Trooper ii’s value. In today’s ski world, saving money is not that easy. Being able to get a pair of warm, reliable gloves at an affordable price is amazing. You don’t even need to be on a budget to appreciate these. They have many features that skiers of all levels will love.
Those traits are something else that I greatly enjoy. Often, lower budget gloves tend to skimp on extra features. The Storm Trooper ii does not. You get a nose wipe, hand warmer pocket, hanging hook, and removable leashes. That plethora of traits puts these over the top for me.
What I Dislike
As great as the Storm Trooper ii is in terms of characteristics and construction, I do wish the fit was a bit more reliable. It’s tight around the knuckles, especially with the extra insulation, and you don’t quite have the dexterity that lighter models offer.
Going off of that, I also wish the gloves were a bit more flexible. Though there is a break in period, even after a lot of use they won’t let you use your fingers reliably. That means you’ll need to take them off if you want to use your phone or operate any straps or buckles. Adjusting zippers can be a pain as well. That’s not a deal-breaker, but exposing my fingers to the cold is something I’d rather not do.
The Alternatives
Though the Storm Trooper ii’s do a good job at keeping your hands protected on the slopes, they definitely don’t quite have the same features as more expensive gloves. If you want to branch out, these are a good way to go:
- Arc’teryx Fission SV – While definitely more expensive than the Storm Trooper ii, the Fission (review) is a well-rounded glove. It’s lightweight and flexible, but still comes with excellent waterproofing. The construction is also solid. A great choice for skiers who don’t want to be weighed down by their clothing.
- Black Diamond Guide Glove – The middle road in terms of price, the Guide (review) from Black Diamond is a sleek-looking glove that offers solid protection no matter how cold it gets outside. It’s one of the warmest options money can buy and has removable liners to help the drying process.
- OZERO Winter Gloves – If you want a glove that’s even cheaper than the Storm Trooper ii, this is a solid option. It comes with excellent weather protection, keeping you warm down to 30 below, and is exceptionally comfortable. It’s soft and offers a lot of dexterity if you need to perform tasks like use electronics or mess with your boot buckles.
Final Verdict
The Storm Trooper II is a glove that does exactly what it sets out to do. It’s a budget option fully loaded with a plethora of non-budget traits. You get excellent comfort, tight seams, and reliable water resistance without breaking the bank. They are also durable enough to last for years without showing any wear or tear.
If there’s one weak point, it’s the dexterity they offer, or lack thereof. The extra padding does make it hard to use your fingers. That won’t matter to resort skiers, but it’s a bigger deal for backcountry riders. However, if you’re looking to save some money and value warmth over flexibility, these gloves have no real downside.
