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NZO Trailmaster Glove Review

Reviewed by: Essex Herts MTB - November 2012

We take a look at the NZO Trailmaster glove. We have been testing the gloves on the trails of the place it was designed and imported from - New Zealand.

The Specs

• The TrailMaster is a glove with no cuff, cut low on the wrist end.
• Palm is Almara (synthetic leather) with reinforcing on 'callous line' and heel of hand, but no padding.
• Silicone spots on two lead fingers provide grip advantage
• Big Nzo logo, as well as houndstooth pattern made of little Nzo logos.
• Purchased from NZO in New Zealand but also available direct from UK distributor http://www.nzoactive.com/uk/
• Price £19.40 plus shipping

Build and usability

• The cut is great and the lack of a Velcro strap a plus in my eyes (nothing to catch them on).
• The palm is comfortable and the stretchy material on the back of the hand means I don't get too hot or cold.
• The palm has not ripped despite a few over the bars moments - something which cannot be said for other gloves I have used.
• I love the extra material on the tips of the fingers - a great feature for stopping any rips and giving more grip in the wet.
• They wash up really well and hold their size and shape.
• The styling is simple with very nice touches like orange stitching.

• The seam has come apart on one glove where the thumb section meets the wrist collar (just about 1cm). However it has not ripped any further after 2 more months riding
• The little dots on the index and middle fingers have pretty much all come off on one hand and when they are only half off are pretty irritating.
• There isn't quite enough of the soft towelling material to wipe the sweat away ( I am being picky now).
• For those who like to colour coordinate their riding kit these only come in one colour.

Test Info

• Tested on - 6 inch bike, hardtail, (whisper it) cyclocross
• Tested when - Winter, spring, summer, autumn
• Tester riding style - goes by the nickname Sir Crash-a-lot
• Level of care for kit - not a lot, washed occasionally but mainly left sweaty
• Other similar products ridden - Dakine, 661, Fox, Sombrio