ION Water Gloves Open Palm Mitten 2.5mm | Warm Cold-Water Neoprene Mittens

When bar feel matters more than maximum warmth, the ION Open Palm Mitten 2.5mm finds the balance. It keeps your fingers grouped in a mitten for heat retention while leaving the palm completely uncovered — so you get direct contact with your kite bar, wing handle or paddle. Part of ION's Neo Accessories range and available alongside the full kitesurfing accessories lineup at Northern Watersports.

Who It's For

Kiters, wingfoilers and windsurfers who hate losing grip but suffer in the cold. The open palm mitten is a sweet spot for shoulder-season UK sessions — spring and autumn, where wind chill is the enemy but the water isn't Arctic. If you've tried closed-finger gloves and found them too dead-feeling on the bar, this sits between bare hands and full coverage.

Key Features

• 2.5mm Neoprene Construction — lighter than 3mm, warmer than bare skin
• Open Palm Design — uncovered palm for direct contact with bar, boom, wing handle or paddle
• Mitten Style (4 Fingers Together) — fingers share warmth instead of losing heat individually
• Separate Thumb Sleeve — maintains grip function and dexterity
• Tatex Grip Print — non-slip coating on the grip zone for all-weather performance
• C_Mesh Hot_Stuff Lining — thermal mesh inner that retains warmth and speeds drying
• Flatlock Stitched Panels — strong, flexible seam construction for durability
• Elongated Wrist Cuff — extends below the wrist to seal over your wetsuit sleeve

Real-World Feel

The difference is immediate on the water — you're not hunting for bar feel through a neoprene layer. The palm stays connected to your bar or handle while your fingers stay warm together. The elongated cuff tucks under your wetsuit sleeve effectively. Lighter than the Claw Gloves and easier to pull on quickly on the beach.

Setup / Fit

Slip-on style with elongated wrist cuff — no velcro. Pulls over your wetsuit sleeve and stays put. Sizing is by knuckle circumference: XXS ~16.5–18cm, XS ~19.5cm, scaling to XL ~23.5–25.5cm. In stock in Small, Medium and Large. Sizing runs slightly looser than the Claw Gloves given the mitten construction — when in doubt, size down for a better cuff seal.

Size Guide (Knuckle Circumference)

Materials

80% Neoprene / 20% Nylon. Outer: Flatlock-stitched neoprene panels. Inner: C_Mesh Hot_Stuff thermal lining. Palm opening: Lycra bonding. Grip: Tatex print. Wrist: Extended cuff seal.

Pairs Well With

• ION neoprene boots — pair with ION Ballistic Boots to cover feet and hands on cold sessions
• Wing foiling gear — great companion piece for cold wing sessions on the water

Why We Stock It

The open palm mitten fills a real gap — warmer than bare hands, more control than full mittens. ION's construction quality means it lasts, and the thermal lining genuinely holds heat in a British spring offshore wind. A solid buy for anyone trying to extend their season without losing bar feel.

FAQs

What is an open palm mitten for kitesurfing?

An open palm mitten covers the back of your hand and fingers in neoprene while leaving the palm exposed. You get warmth from the mitten but maintain direct grip contact with your bar or handle.

Are ION Open Palm Mittens suitable for wingfoiling?

Yes — the open palm works well on wing handles and the thermal lining makes them good for cold-wind sessions. The separate thumb sleeve helps with wing control and adjustments.

How warm are 2.5mm neoprene gloves?

2.5mm suits water temperatures from around 12–18°C — good for UK shoulder season. For winter sessions below 10°C, 3mm or thicker gloves give more protection.

Open palm mitten vs claw gloves — which should I choose?

Choose open palm if you prioritise bar or handle feel. Choose claw gloves (3/2mm) if you're in colder water and need more full-hand coverage. Claw gloves are also better for longer sessions where hand fatigue matters more.

Do these gloves work with a kite bar?

Yes — the open palm maintains direct contact with the bar and the Tatex grip print prevents slipping. Many kiters prefer them over full-finger gloves for exactly this reason.

Sources: ion-products.com product page (48200-4145), King of Watersports, Andy Biggs Watersports, The Watersports Centre.