REASONS TO BUY
Excellent dexterity
Solid weather resistance
Easy to put on even when our hands were wet
REASONS TO AVOID
Not super warm
Not quite as long-lasting as other models we tested
Outdoor Research Centurion Review
Outdoor Research Centurion Glove
Credit: Outdoor Research
RELATED: Best Ski Gloves of 2024
Our Verdict
These are warm enough for most resort days and offer solid weather resistance and surprisingly good dexterity. Our testers thought that the Centurion was up to the challenge when worn in 10-15F, but found their hands to be a little chilly in temperatures below that. When we performed our side-by-side dexterity comparisons, the Centurion's performance was similar to that of significantly more expensive gloves and was one of the few gloves we rarely needed to take off. They are a fantastic value and offer the most bang for your buck. For most skiers or riders, these gloves prove to be an excellent option, just as long as the temps aren't too terribly frigid.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Outdoor Research Centurion Glove
Credit: Outdoor Research
Performance Comparison
Check out the chart below to see where the Centurion ranked in our ski glove lineup.
Dexterity
The Centurion scored above average for dexterity and is likely the most dexterous glove under $80. Unlike many of the other gloves in our review, testers felt like they rarely had to remove the Centurion; the design allowed them to maintain satisfactory feel and function with decent motor skills. While they aren't quite as warm as the Outdoor Research Southback, they are noticeably more dexterous.
Water Resistance
The Centurion uses a GORE-TEX® insert and offers a fairly water resistant outer nylon shell. This design proved water resistant enough for our testers and performed well in our two-minute bucket of water test. When we brought the Centurion out into the real world for testing, for reasons unknown to us they were not quite as water resistant as some of the other gloves that we reviewed. The Outdoor Research Southback ($90) or the Black Diamond Legend ($130) are slightly more expensive gloves that were a touch more water resistant when compared to the Centurion. On a very wet testing day, we noticed that the Centurion kept our hands dry for a good chunk of the day, but became fully saturated faster than the Southback.
Warmth and Breathability
The Centurion features 266 grams of OR's proprietary EnduraLoft Insulation on the back of hand, while 320 grams of a fairly thick polyester fleece lining can be found on the palm. This is an average amount of insulation, with the Centurion proving to offer an average amount of warmth.
Durability
The Centurion Gloves do not feature a leather palm, but do offer an AlpenGrip reinforced palm. The AlpenGrip synthetic material is quite grippy, especially in wet conditions, but is not nearly as tough as leather. This material is certainly more durable than some of the other synthetic materials used in ski gloves, but if you are hard on your gloves it might be worth it to spend a little more and get something with a leather palm.
Features and Ease of Use
As you might expect from a lower priced pair of gloves, the Centurion doesn't have a lot of fancy extra features. What it does offer is enough of the basics to keep our testers fairly happy. The oversized grab loops allowed testers to easily pull the gloves on when their hands were wet or super cold. The soft polyester on the back of the thumb makes for a nice goggle/nose wipe and the Velcro closure system on the cuff makes pulling your jacket cuff over the top of the glove a little more hassle-free.
Best Applications
The Centurion excels at downhill skiing or snowboarding as well as any other type of snow play. If you frequent super cold conditions (colder than 10F), they might not be warm enough. On the flip side, these gloves work surprisingly well in wet weather conditions.
Value and the Bottom Line
At $70, the Centurion crushes the value category; these gloves are easily one of the best overall performing gloves for the price. When we put the Centurion up against other contenders that were close in price, the Centurion offered up incredible water resistance and dexterity.
—
Ian Nicholson
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