Anybody have an opinion as to which is best?
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Anybody have an opinion as to which is best?
I have the Smart Wool ones; I wear them as liners occasionally, more often on their own, as the temps get warmer. This is my second season with them and they are holding up well.
I have both. The SmartWool are a tiny bit thicker but more loosely woven. The Ibex are thinner because the thread is much finer. The Ibex layer better for me, but I love each on their own when I just need a very light glove. The SmartWool would probably snag a bit easier due to the looser weave but I don't use either as any kind of work glove.
I found the Smartwool liners to be much more durable than the Ibex. The latter got holes in them after a couple weeks of use but I've been wearing the same Smartwool liners for a couple years.
SK is right about the threads, which might be why my Ibex liners didn't last.
Much as I love wool, I'm starting to think there is *no* wool glove liner that is going to hold up to much abuse.
Use it as a liner only (under another glove) or for running or something.
I would not use it for biking or for anything that requires you to grab your hands onto something.
My Smartwool ones came apart really quickly. I'm disappointed to learn that the Ibex ones are even more fragile!
I like the Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch gloves, which are comfier and more durable (though not as thin).
Mariposa
I have used the Smart Wool ones for running/hiking (no touching sports), but I also have used them x country skiing, with poles. I can see how they might be fragile, but generally, I am glad I bought them.
On the other hand, the cotton/synthetic liners from EMS I get fall apart every year.