The Outdoor Research Illuminator Sensor gloves are a slightly warmer than average, under-the-cuff style glove, featuring a very functional touchscreen-enabled thumb and index finger. Fortunately, this feature is only the tip of the iceberg as far as the preference characteristics. All of our testers loved this feature and found it was extremely functional, keeping our hands warm and dry, but offering enough dexterity to minimize the times when we are forced to take it off. The Illuminator Sensor was incredibly water resistant in both real-world testing and our two-minute bucket of water, side-by-side comparisons. It is also one of the most dexterous models out there; its only drawback being that it isn't an incredibly toasty option, though it will perform exceptionally for users in 10F or higher.
To save some cash, the Revolution from Outdoor Research performs just a half-step behind the Illuminator. There aren't many better options than the Illuminator, though, until you to a big leap in price to the high-end models.Outdoor Research Illuminator Sensor Review
Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Outdoor Research Illuminator Sensor is one of our favorite models for moderate temperatures, particularly while skiing at the resort and in the backcountry. Its stretchy exterior, cozy interior fabric, and pleasantly articulated grip meant they needed no break-in time, offered excellent freedom of movement for our hands, and provided above-average dexterity. These attributes helped add to the overall versatility, and it also proved capable for mountaineering and colder snowshoeing excursions, in addition to an all-around ski and snowboard glove.
Performance Comparison
Warmth
The Illuminator Sensor is slightly above-average for warmth among under-the-cuff style models.
Outdoor Research uses PrimaLoft Silver Insulation 133g on their palm and 200g on back of the hand. We found the Sensor was warmer than the Outdoor Research Revolution and the Black Diamond Legend. Overall, our testing team found they were warm enough in temperatures down to around 10-15F, but our hands started to get cold if it got much colder while out skiing or snowboarding for the day.
Dexterity
The Illuminator Sensor is one of the more dexterous gloves.
We were able to effectively perform all of our direct comparison tasks while wearing them, including picking up a pencil and writing our name. These gloves feature an extremely articulated pre-curved box construction and outseam stitching construction on three of the fingers. Outseam construction simply means the stitches are on the outside of the glove rather than on the inside, which is typically more traditional. Having the stitching on the outside allows for superior feel and dexterity. Overall, the Illuminator Sensor offers some of the best dexterity in our review and is not far from the most dexterous models, like the Hestra Fall Line.
Weather Resistance
Featuring OR's proprietary Ventia waterproof and breathable insert and an extremely water-resistant stretchy exterior fabric, the Illuminator Sensor scored above average when compared to other models in our review.
It is one of the most water resistant models to feature a proprietary insert, compared to a more name brand one (like Gore-Tex).
This model performed exceptionally in both real-world testing and our two-minute bucket of water test, outperforming nearly all of the other gloves in our review. It wasn't as weather-resistant as the Arc'teryx Fission or the Black Diamond Legend but it is half the price and wasn't far behind. We'd say that this model is one of the better overall models for use in wet conditions and indeed the best model in its price range.
Durability
Despite some initial skepticism, our review team has been impressed by the durability of this model.
The Illuminator Sensor's palm is reinforced with tough goat leather, which has even held up better than several other more expensive models that featured similar palm designs and materials. The exterior fabric of the Sensor features stretchy 90% nylon and 10% spandex stretch twill laminated shell, which was something our review team thought was a potential weak spot. After a significant amount of use, we found it was as durable as other nylon-shelled models.
Features
The Sensor part of the Illuminator Sensor is its touchscreen sensitivity thumb and index fingertips.
The sensitive fingertips are one of the most attractive features and rightly so, particularly when you take into account this gloves solid all-around performance and respectable price. Its touchscreen sensitive index finger and thumb work exceptionally well and are far better than a cold or wet bare hand. We even found this features worked better if our screen had gotten damp. We think this model, along with the rest of Outdoor Research's line of touchscreen sensitivity Sensor gloves, feature the best touchscreen models.
Besides the touch screen sensitive feature, the Illuminator Sensor has several other features that make it easier to use. One of our favorites is its large grab loops (one on each glove) that makes it easier to pull it on. We found this design was especially nice if our hands or our gloves had gotten wet. The Illuminator Sensor also comes with removable wrist-leashes. While most of our review team found this feature pretty “dorky” at first, once we got out in the field, we all noted how much we liked these low profile lanyards.
Lastly, our review team loved the little loop on the outside of the index finger, which made hanging them up (with the wrist side down) to dry much easier whether winter camping or home at the end of a long day.
Best Applications
The Illuminator Sensor is an excellent all-around ski glove that is equally at home in the resort or the backcountry and can even pull some double duty for occasional mountaineering, snow-shoeing, or most other snowy actives. It can do this because despite being fairly warm, its stretchy fabric and above-average dexterity allow its user to move fairly freely, offering solid all-around performance at a variety of activities that involve playing out in the snow.
Value
While this model doesn't feature a name-brand waterproof breathable fabric, they thoroughly impressed. Not only that, but they cost $89. They are the best glove you can buy for the price. Not one other contender in our review had as good of a combination of dexterity, warmth, weather-resistance, durability, touchscreen sensitive fingers, or offered as much comfort - for the price. To put it simply, this is one incredible value.
Conclusion
The Outdoor Research Illuminator Sensor functions the best when worn in moderately cold temps (around 10F, but typically not any colder) for resort area ski and snowboarding. They excel in stormy or wet conditions and feature a touchscreen-enabled index finger and thumb. For many buyers, this could be the biggest selling point, though our testers also noted and appreciated this glove's dexterity, warmth, and durability. Not to mention the exceptional price tag.
