Our Leki Rubic 3D Gloves review explores high-quality gloves compatible with the Leki Trigger S or Trigger 3D Pole system. We really hope you find it useful.
introduce
Leki is known for its extensive pole collection. Whether on the slopes, skiing, climbing or running, Leki has poles for all types of users. Beyond that, they stand out. They have options for different activities, and many scopes also have trigger systems.
This system provides the user with a direct connection to the pole by locking the wristband into a clip system integrated into the pole. We have been skiing with this system for years and wouldn’t choose anything else. Recently, Leki has also introduced the trigger 3D system and we recently reviewed the Spitfire 3D pole which has a 3D mechanism.
You attach to the Leki trigger pole via the strap that comes with the pole. Additionally, many of Leki’s gloves feature a built-in system that allows the user to attach directly from the glove to the pole. Our Leki Rubic 3D Gloves review explores gloves like this one. We really hope you find it useful.
feature
Fabric
Rubic 3D is part of the Leki Classic Series. These classics are designed for free skiing, but, as we’ll explore later, we think it has wider skiing applications as well. The upper layer and palm are made of 100% premium goat leather. This should make them very durable, but also make them very smooth (good for snow scattering) and pleasant to the touch.
There’s a layer of Primaloft Gold insulation, and the lining is made from a 100% polyester layer that Leki describes as Micro Bemberg. Leki provides a warmth rating for the glove, defining the Rubic 3D as “extra warm.”
comfort
Rubic 3D features what Leki calls comfort. In this way, they intentionally designed these gloves to be quite roomy. This, they suggest, takes the gloves off the shelf for comfort and keeps hands warm. The fit is also aided by what Leki calls “finger waves,” which are stitching patterns on the back of the finger pockets. There is a Velcro closure on the wrist for adjustability.
Trigger system compatible
The Rubic is compatible with any of Leki’s trigger lever systems, but is optimized for their 3D pole system. To learn more about the 3D system, read our Spitfire 3D Pole review here. The thread on the glove is sewn into a curved loop between the thumb and index finger.
Other details
The gloves are available in sizes 6-11 and are available in a 2-tone tan and off-white scheme, or dark gray (graphite) and an untested off-white. They retail for €125 (approximately £107).
in use
classic style
First, let’s look at Rubic 3D’s style. Leki describes it as a classic-style glove that combines past glove styles with today’s cutting-edge technology. We think the styling is great. The two-tone way the colors are combined really suits the glove. We haven’t seen the other color options in the flesh yet, but they look great in photos too.
subtle features
Otherwise, Rubic’s functionality is simple and subtle. There are wavy stitching on the back of the fingers, a Leki logo on the sides of each glove and Leki branding on the back. Finally, a simple elastic adjuster at the top completes the style’s function nicely. Rubic 3D’s design is subtle yet stylish. We really like the look of them.
True size fits
We found that Rubic 3D’s fit is true to size. For example, Paul’s are typically a size 9 in other brands, and the ordered Rubic’s fit fits that size perfectly. As Leki describes them, they are a comfort. That said, there’s some room inside. On cold days, this can be a very good thing, as your gloves that are too tight can restrict blood flow and can compress the insulation. A little space also allows for a pair of lined gloves inside. In some cases, this can be a benefit.
Get rid of the comfort of the shelf
Leckie says the combination of comfort and finger waves gives the rack a comfortable feel inside and out. This will also always be aided by materials such as premium goat leather. We certainly agree, these gloves feel great from the first try. Of course, the beauty of leather is also that they gradually feel better and better with more use. The application of leather wax also helps with this. Interestingly for a premium product, Leki doesn’t offer any leather wax with gloves. Regardless, we always use Nikwax leather certification, but if there are some that offer some certification like other premium brands.
Weatherproof
Rubic 3D does not have a waterproof membrane. This is certainly not a problem in freezing conditions, but it’s worth bearing in mind if you’re in a wet weather condition. Adding waterproof wax to leather will significantly improve weatherproofing (vital to keeping leather in good condition), but it has limitations. We’ve tested these gloves with no issues with moisture in all winter conditions, but we wanted to get a head start on the conditions they’ll be best suited for.
warmth level
Leki describes the Rubic 3D’s warmth level as extra warm. The combination of leather, micro-shell lining and Primaloft gold insulation should ensure this is the case. We’ve used these gloves so far in -10 degrees Celsius, and even very static ones the Rubic felt toasty. When working hard on the slopes, we sometimes find the gloves even get too hot. As always, this will depend on your physiology and activity level as well as other temperature and weather factors, but they are certainly high temperature rated gloves.
trigger system
So we get the unique features of these (and many other Leki models) Leki gloves. Namely, their ability to integrate with any of Leki’s Trigger S or Trigger 3D poles. To learn about these wedding options, read our review of the Spitfire Vario 3D pole here. We’ve also tested various other Leki pole models with trigger systems, and there are links to some at the bottom of this review.
In a nutshell, the trigger system is a spring-loaded quick connect and release mechanism that connects the glove to the pole (or the traction force that can be supplied with the Leki Trigger System pole). To attach the glove, you simply insert the loop on the glove into the connector on the pole. Then lock it into place.
Safe and reliable
This provides a safe and secure attachment and also ensures you can route power directly through the pole. This is really good. If you jump on a ski lift, you may need to remove your gloves from the pole. It’s also worth mentioning that for certain activities, such as ski touring, you may need to freely move the pole’s handle up or down to account for terrain angles. With a trigger system, you need to detach yourself from the pole if you want this flexibility.
Fortunately, this is also a very simple operation. When you want to disengage from the pole, just press the pole’s button and raise your hand. You are independent. This makes it very simple to disconnect yourself at any time. It becomes intuitive quickly and only takes a second. It’s also important that you disengage from the pole in the fall or, if worst happens, you get caught in an avalanche. This is not a problem with Leki built into the release mechanism.
Durability
The gloves do seem to be well made, and although we didn’t get them long enough to talk about long-term durability, they seem to last. But one obvious high wear point has to be the trigger 3D clamp in the cycle. This has to take a lot of punishment even in normal wear, but when force is applied (like in the fall) it’s easy to imagine the very significant forces that go through this part of the glove.
Leki sews it with some reinforcement around the loop, but you wonder if that’s enough. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be. There are other reinforcements inside the glove to ensure connection depending on the job. The video below is well worth watching as it explains this design feature in more detail. It also shows how the glove handles the forces generated through the safety release.
Rich experience
We have used the Leki system in various forms for over ten years. The system is getting better and better, and the 3D variant is the current state of the art. However, this is the first time we’ve used Leki gloves with a built-in built-in trigger system attachment. While the straps that come with the Leki Trigger bar work well enough, this system is especially good. It eliminates the faff of having a separate strap and provides a very clean line connection between the glove and pole. Looks cool too.
generalize
Our Leki Rubic 3D Gloves review features an excellent pair of high-performance, stylish and very warm gloves. If you buy them for this reason alone, you won’t be disappointed. However, they also happen to have the special advantage of connecting directly to the Leki trigger system. They connect directly, effortlessly, and effectively. They are great. We loved putting the Rubic 3D to the test and would have real fun continuing to ski with them. We hope you’ll enjoy them too.
The Leki 3D system works really well in the video below. You can also find full details on Rubic 3D on the Leki website here.
We really hope you found our Leki Rubic 3D Gloves review useful. As mentioned in the review, we have reviewed a range of other Leki poles before. Check out our strong Sherpa FX review hereour Ultratrail fx. here and our Makalu FX Carbon Review here. We also regularly review a variety of other products, which can all be found in our blog comments section here. We hope you find them useful.
