Scorpion EXO Tempest II Motorcycle Gloves Review: Good For Freezing Rain?
Many winter gloves focus heavily on insulation at the cost of weather protection and flexibility. In reviewing the Scorpion EXO Tempest II gloves after extensive real-world use, I asked myself – do these gloves provide true waterproofing with ample insulation for harsh weather riding?
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for winter for you? Let’s find out!
Scorpion EXO Tempest II Motorcycle Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Waterproof and well-insulated
- Effective double gauntlet design
- Touchscreen fingertips are very useful
Scorpion EXO Tempest II Motorcycle Gloves Final Verdict
After multiple long rides with temperatures in the 30s and through extended pouring rain, I never felt a chill in my hands or any moisture seeping through.
The Hipora membrane, paired with the insulation, provides uncompromising shielding from the elements. The pre-curved shaping prevents the gloves from feeling tight or restrictive during multi-hour stints as well.
I really like that Scorpion didn’t over-insulate the palm and inner fingers, allowing you to feel heated grip warmth.
Having both the Hipora layer and grip heat makes these gloves incredibly versatile across a wide temperature range. The goatskin leather construction offers good abrasion protection, too.
In terms of convenience, the pull tabs and conductive fingertip pads for using touchscreen devices prove handy for adjusting music or checking maps on the fly. The built-in knuckle armor and extra pinky protection provide substantial impact damping without limiting the feel.
After testing the Tempest IIs across various riding scenarios, I believe the well-balanced attributes make them one of the best premium winter glove options under $100. They lack hardcore track-level protection but serve sport touring and adventure needs brilliantly.
And remember – prices do change as Revzilla.com
offers special discounts, so compare to get the best deals before buying elsewhere!
Comparison To Other Winter Motorcycle Gloves
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Revit Stratos 3 GTX Gloves | GTX waterproof, warm Primaloft insulation, carbon knuckle protection |
| Klim Adventure GTX Gloves | GORE-TEX waterproof, Primaloft insulation, seam sealing, removable liner |
| Joe Rocket Burner Gloves | Waterproof Hipora liner, multiple insulation layers, pre-curved design |
| Revit Cassini H2O Gloves | Waterproof and breathable Hydratex membrane, PrimaLoft insulation, carbon knuckles |
| 100 Hydromatic Waterproof Briskers | Waterproof membrane, triple-layered insulation, Kevlar stitching |
The Scorpion Tempest II gloves offer similar weather protection as the other gloves with a waterproof Hipora liner.
But they have less hardcore armor than models like the Revit Stratos 3. The Tempest glove insulation appears better optimized for colder weather usage than lightweight options like the Klim Adventure.
While most compared gloves here rely on PrimaLoft insulation, the Tempest gloves use 100g of insulate, which may provide improved warmth to weight.
Pro & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| True waterproofing from Hipora membrane | Lacks insulation in palm for heated grips |
| 100g Thinsulate insulation keeps hands warm | Not as heavy duty armor as track gloves |
| Double gauntlet prevents water ingress | Only touchscreen compatible on index and thumb |
| Pre-curved fit enhances flexibility | The double gauntlet prevents water ingress |
| Useful pull tabs for easy on/off | Only one year warranty period |
| Conductive fingertip pads work with touchscreens | Pinky armor limits feel for some riders |
| TPR knuckle armor for impact protection | |
| Kangaroo leather resists abrasion | |
| Excellent value for money |
A Premium Winter Sport Touring Glove
The Tempest II strikes a nice balance between protection and flexibility compared to bulkier hardcore winter gloves.
Materials like Kangaroo leather, Clarino fabric, and Superfabric reinforcements add abrasion resistance without compromising comfort.
You get useful features more commonly found in premium sport-oriented gloves, like hard knuckle armor, Knox Scaphoid sliders, and pinky extensions. The gloves provide substantial impact and slide protection while remaining comfortable for long stints.
Ventilation is also surprisingly effective thanks to the direct flow channels and pre-curved design promoting air circulation. The gloves may run warm initially but cool down once moving.
For convenience, handy pull tabs, conductive fingertip pads, and nose wipers allow easy donning, smartphone use, and visor cleaning.
Considering the quality materials, protective features, and weatherproofing, the Tempest II gloves provide excellent value at this <$100 price point.
Uncompromising Weather Protection
The highlight feature of these gloves is the waterproof Hipora liner and 100g Thinsulate insulation that turns the insides into a warm, moisture-free sanctuary for your hands.
The unique double gauntlet design featuring a clever drain hole system prevents water ingress even in extremely wet conditions while allowing vapor to escape.
I rode for over an hour in pouring rain with temps in the mid-30s Fahrenheit, and my hands stayed warm and bone dry!
The goatskin leather sheds light precipitation well, but for hardcore waterproofing, the Hipora membrane is vital. It’s rare for winter gloves to have both insulation and weatherproof membranes; the Tempest IIs nail cold and wet weather in one glove.
If riding for long periods in cold rain is on your agenda, I strongly recommend the Tempest II over standard winter gloves focused just on insulation.
Snug Fit and Flexible Feel
Finding the right balance of comfort and protection in motorcycle gloves isn’t easy. They are too bulky, and they hinder control feel; they are too thin, and you sacrifice safety.
The Tempest IIs use flexible Clarino panels and pre-curved shaping to avoid the “mitt effect” of many winter gloves. The snug fit across the palm and fingers enhance road feedback.
The gloves break in quickly, aided by the articulated knuckle armor and spandex gussets across the backhand. The pre-curved design prevents fatiguing cramping during long rides as well.
For sizing, I’d recommend ordering your normal glove size or one size smaller if in between. The Kangaroo leather and Clarino stretch to accommodate most hand shapes for a personalized fit.
Scorpion Men’s Glove Sizing Table
| SIZE | HAND CIRCUMFERENCE (IN) |
|---|---|
| XS | 5 |
| SM | 6 |
| MD | 7 |
| LG | 8 |
| XL | 9 |
| 2XL | 10 |
| 3XL | 11 |
Sizing information is provided by the manufacturer and does not guarantee a perfect fit.
Heated Grips Compatible Design
While the Hipora liner and Thinsulate insulation easily keep hands toasty on their own, the Tempest II gloves play nice with heated grips, too.
The goatskin leather used across the palm and inner fingers has no insulation, allowing you to feel the heat from your bike’s grips.
By not insulating these areas, using heated grips and the Hipora liner together takes warmth to another level.
I could comfortably ride with the grip heat on low during a blustery 35-degree test run. Having both types of insulation methods makes the Tempest gloves incredibly versatile across a wide temperature range.
Useful Convenience and Safety Features
Beyond core essentials like warmth and water protection, the Tempest II gloves incorporate some very handy convenience features.
The conductive index fingertip and thumb pad allows using touchscreen devices without removing your gloves – extremely useful for tapping a navigation prompt or adjusting music on the fly.
Integrated squeegees along the thumb seam help clear water or dirt from your face shield when needed. And the 3M Scotchlite reflective accents improve nighttime visibility.
For safety, inject TPR armor on the knuckles and finger-back cushion impacts while remaining flexible. This armor combines with the Scaphoid sliders and extra pinky protection for very good coverage.
Finally, large pull tabs at the cuffs, made from magnetized leather, make taking the snug-fitting gloves on and off a breeze while providing a smooth look.
FAQ
How waterproof are the Tempest II gloves really?
The Hipora hydramembrane liner and dual gauntlet design make the gloves 100% waterproof. I rode for over an hour in pouring rain with temps in the mid-30s Fahrenheit, and my hands stayed completely dry the entire time. The Hipora membrane prevents moisture ingress while allowing perspiration to escape.
Do the gloves work well with heated grips?
Yes, the palm and fingers have no insulation precisely to allow you to feel heated grip warmth. You can use the Hipora layer and heated grips together for excellent versatility across a wide temp range.
What kind of warranty do the gloves have?
Scorpion provides a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. They have good customer service and typically honor glove warranty claims as long as there is no obvious crash damage or misuse.
How do the Tempest II gloves fit?
I’d recommend ordering your usual glove size or one size down if in between sizes. The Kangaroo leather and stretch panels create a snug performance fit. The pre-curved shaping prevents cramping and enhances flexibility.
What’s the main advantage of these gloves over regular winter ones?
Most winter gloves simply focus on insulation. The Tempest IIs add a waterproof Hipora liner that provides true weatherproofing for cold and wet conditions. They balance insulation and weather protection with superior dexterity and feel versus bulkier, heavy-duty winter gloves.
Final Verdict
The more I use the Scorpion EXO Tempest II gloves, the more I appreciate their well-rounded combination of warmth, weather protection, flexibility, and useful features. They stand out from other winter gloves focused purely on insulation and bulk.
For riders needing a single pair of gloves to tackle changing, cold conditions through multiple seasons, the Tempest IIs hit a sweet spot, combining versatility, comfort, and protection.
They lack the hardcore armor for track or racing use but serve sports touring and adventure needs incredibly well. I’d choose these over my heavier winter gloves for most street riding now, thanks to the balanced attributes.
Considering sub $100 pricing for Bombastic weatherproofing, flexible feel, and Kangaroo leather chassis, the Tempests punch far above their cost.
If your rides take you through cold rain often and you want one glove to rule them all, the Scorpion Tempest II gloves deliver. I’m glad to have them in my gear arsenal.
Let me know if you have any other questions about these gloves! I’d be happy to provide any other insights from my experience using them.
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