[Review] The Diablo GT2 Gloves VS The Diablo Tec Gloves by Outdoor Designs

If you’re looking for the ideal ice climbing gloves, my recommendations would be the Diablo GT2 Glove or the Diablo Tec Gloves by Outdoor Designs. These gloves are similar but built a little bit differently and are the perfect size and weight for ice climbing and many more winter outdoor activities. After walking through some of the key features of each, I think the ultimate decision will be determined based on personal preference and fit and feel.

The Diablo GT2 gloves are a very comfortable, nimble glove. I feel like they are simply an extension of my hands and fingers and they never get in my way, no matter what I’m using them for. I love that they are a lighter weight glove, however they are built with Polartec Wind Pro Hardface technology to block even the coldest of winds from getting through to your hands.

Even with the Polartec Wind Pro, these gloves are breathable and I don’t feel like my hands get too hot in them. The goat leather palm is soft and supple yet durable. I think the overall construction of these gloves is what makes them stand out in the crowd and in my opinion is what makes them fit so well and feel so good.

The fingertips are structured with a grippy leather which is so helpful when setting up ropes, belaying, etc. I definitely feel like I can really do anything in these gloves, which is not an easy claim to make! There’s also a pad on both pointer finger knuckles, which is touch screen compatible.

As far as sizing goes, the size medium is perfect for me in the GT2. I like my gloves really tight and these fit just right. I’m normally a size large in gloves so I would definitely recommend checking out the size chart.

While I lean towards the GT2 of the two gloves, the Diablo Tec is another great option for ice climbing and is built a little bit differently. The Diablo Tec is built with a goatskin leather palm and fingers with a softshell construction on the back of the hand. There’s also some extra protection on the knuckles, which is one feature I love about the Diablo Tecs.

I feel like if I put both of these gloves through a vigorous wear test, the Diablo Tecs would come out on top. They’re just a bit beefier of a glove and with that you do lose some of that “extension of my hand” sort of feel.

The Diablo Tec gloves have a built in cuff that can be tightened with Velcro, making for an extra secure fit. There’s also touch screen compatible material on the thumb, pointer fingers, and knuckle.

The fit of the Diablo Tec is certainly different from the GT2 gloves and it’s mostly because the materials are just a bit more robust on the Tec. I would say that, while the medium fits me alright, I’d be more comfortable sizing up to a large.

I like that Outdoor Designs is making really great ice climbing gloves, packed with usable features, made to fit really well, all while staying within an accessible budget for the average consumer. These gloves won’t break the bank and they will last for many seasons.

The one thing that I wish was different about these gloves is that I wish they were waterproof. I know that this would add to the cost of the gloves but for me, in 95% of the situations where I will be wearing these gloves, the waterproofing would be beneficial. I do understand, however, that waterproofing is not always necessary and that there are people out there who prefer to skip it.

Whether you are looking for the ultimate ice climbing gloves, a good winter outdoor activity glove, or just something that will keep your hands protected when you’re scraping your windshield, both of these gloves from Outdoor Designs are good, affordable options. Also be sure to check out the Diablo Softshell Gloves that Cally has been putting to the test.