Gear Review

Swany X-Change II

1. quality construction
2. alpine favorite
3. crossover appeal
4. 9.9 oz/pair (men's medium)

‘Quality’ might be the word that first leaps out at you when you look at Swany USA's X-Change II ski glove.

The X-Change is inarguably a high-end product, featuring materials, construction, and styling that easily distinguish it from bargain-shelf skiwear. At the same time, the X-Change is priced competitively enough to give cheaper brands a solid scare.

This happy combination of quality, styling, and price makes the X-Change a quite compelling choice as your go-to glove for in-bounds Alpine skiing—and perhaps even a bit beyond.

Swany calls the X-Change II a “sports-utility crossover” glove.

The X-Change is meant to appeal to skiers and snowboarders of both Alpine and Backcountry persuasion, with a hint of a nod to general mountaineering and climbing use as well.

Backcountry-oriented features include a leather and vinyl-paneled palm for extra grip, a cinchable wrist skirt to keep snow out, and a trim, articulated profile.

I particularly liked the trim, nimble feel of the X-Change: for a glove with this level of insulation, the X-Change seems more like a Spring glove than bulky winter gear. It's easy to grip a ski pole handle, and if you like to climb while holding your ski poles by the shafts (as I do), the X-Change II has a sticky enough grip to keep your fingers from sliding.

That said, you certainly won't mistake these for a dedicated ice climbing glove. The X-Change II is water-resistant but not fully waterproof. In very wet conditions, the glove's exterior fabrics do tend to soak. In high winds and single-digit temperatures, I found the slim profile noticeably chilly, limiting the glove's range to moderate as opposed to bitter cold weather (note: the X-Change features a pocket on top, which allows you to zip a chemical heat pack into the glove for extra warmth).

Let's call the X-Change II viable but limited for backcountry and mountaineering applications (at 9.9 ounces, after, this isn't a particularly light glove). However, for day tours or situations where you unexpectedly find yourself in a climbing context (say, on hike-to terrain), the X-Change will absolutely get the job done.

As a mid-weight all-purpose Alpine glove, the X-Change truly shines. The X-Change II's Uni-Pull cuff design is clever, allowing you to effortlessly cinch or release the wrist with one hand. The nose wipe thumb is always appreciated. I loved the silky-smooth interior liner, which never pulled at my cuticles, and also never pulled loose when I took off the gloves. I also liked the glove's subtle but distinctive look.

If you can forgive the lack of a Gore-Tex liner, the X-Change II is a very sharp glove for the money—one that quickly leapt atop my favorites list.

»» Bottom Line: A sharp mid-weight Alpine glove at a great price

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