im debating whether to get the xcr mitt or this and my biggest concern is warmth. i know the xcr is more waterproof but will it help keep my hands uch warmer. i ski in colorado so the waterproof factor usually isnt a big deal

I have problems with TOO MUCH WARMTH as well Kretzky :) I have the Hestra Mittens and they're a great glove, and I am sure would serve you just fine. I haven't used the XCR's but I am sure you would be fine with either.

I can tell you the difference from trying both mitts and both the heli glove and xcr you asked about also . 1. both are very warm but each has a slightly different insulation one goes getter with each outer shell. 2. Both have a water proof shell The xcr has a different material on it then the heli both work good. 3. xcr has a bit more stiffness to the glove because of the shell it has for water proofing. 4. for me the heli is a little more comfortable because of the softer insulation and outer shell fabric. 5. The heli is a bit easier to grab with 6. The xcr focus is a bit more for water proofing then extreme cold . Hope this helps each is a excellent choice I would say choose the xcr for more skiing snow board etc The heli for more extreme cold and mountain climbing or cold winter treks. ENJOY!

If you're not worried about them being waterproof, go for these. The XCR I'd say is more for the kind of wet snow you'll find in the PNW - not Colorado. I grew up skiing in Utah and never had goretex gloves or cold fingers!

I have the Heli 3-finger mitts - so I can't speak to the XCR's. Like you stated, obviously they'd be more waterproof. However in 2 years of patrolling and skiing I've never had an issue with my hands being wet OR cold in my Heli's. My hands actually are usually TOO warm and I and up taking the mitts off and letting them hang from the straps for part of the lift ride up. That's in the 20's and low 30's. I haven't had any issues with cold hands down to around zero degrees (Fahrenheit). I would buy them again in a heart beat, best gloves I've ever purchased.