Black Diamond Enforcer Glove - 2008 BCS

On my last trip I enjoyed all these nice features this gloves offer. However, they got once totally soaked. I let them dry by the oven one day. The next day I didn't wear them when I was belaying and found them completely frozen, grrrr...

These are brilliant ice climbing gloves - the fit is snug, well-placed foam armor, waterproof-breathable insert, removable warm liners, sturdy softshell outer with good leather on palms and fingers, and excellent precurve to the fingers. I wanted to like them so much! I've been looking for an ice glove with a removable liner for a while now; these seem to be perfect. Unfortunately they're just too bulky for me to handle gear in them. But if you CAN these are great ice gloves.

The Enforcer is a very tough glove and does a perfect job on protecting your fingers. The glove is designed with an outer protecting shell and an inner glove for warmth. The inner glove has an irritating design flaw: when pulling your hand from the glove, it pulls the fingers into the hand area, especially after sweating (which is likely given the ice climbing application). When pushing your hand back in, it is hard to align the inner glove fingers with the outer glove fingers. It usually takes me a while to get them back aligned.

Overall, a good glove if you don't have to remove your hands frequently. Buy 1 size larger unless you really need a close contact.

These gloves are very good when it comes down to protecting your fingers against the cold ice and snow. I enjoyed wearing then as i do not have to worry about hurting my fingers when i hit the ice while swinging the ice axe into it. The gloves are warm enough for moderate ice climbing conditions. They do get wet after extended use and depending on the weather.

I have to agree with the other reviewers regarding the inner glove design, it is hard to align them especially if your hands get wet for some reason. The inner glove needs some re-designing for sure, it is not very ergonomic either. The best would be an inner glove that would actually allow you to remove the outer layer and use it as a first layer glove to drive in screws, and work the ropes.

This would be my one suggestion, besides that I really like the tough construction and protection these gloves provide.

Every ice climber needs two pairs of gloves: one for leading and mixed routes, one for following, belaying and hanging out around the base of the route. This is that second pair of gloves. Trying to fire in a screw, place a cam or clip the rope is next to impossible with these. They are bulky, however that bulk keeps your hands and fingers very warm. The padding does help keep your little finger from screaming and the cuff keeps snow out. They are worth the high price tag because you will be using them about 80% of the time, while using a thin pair the other 20%.