NRS Motion Mambas

Does the job well
October 19, 2012

I have about 10 days on the water using these here in Alaska now for early season sea kayaking. It is easy to put them on the paddle, and reasonably easy to slide your hands in and out without having to grip the cuff with your teeth. The little snaps that are supposed to allow you to roll the cuff up are a bit silly since they are only on one side and don't really do the intended job well. The fabric weight is just about right so that your hands are protected but don't overheat (I have 'warm' hands so others may find the fabric a little thin in temps below 40 F). They are not neoprene but rather a very thick, semi-woven fabric that feels good and dries reasonably quickly. They offer enough interior volume that even large hands aren't constantly rubbing the fabric. I like the cuff length as it overlaps a typical paddling jacket cuff but is not so long as to bunch up. I also tried the Smoothskin Mambas and did not like those at all. Too floppy and long. Getting your hands into those was a chore and then the fabric sagged against your skin. These Motion Mambas are much more functional. The fabric is a nice balance between soft and supple and still holds its shape well for getting your hands in and out. I would have preferred and all-black fabric, but these look fine. A good product for cold or cool weather sea kayak touring.

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