non-leather but tough, quick drying softshell gloves?

You might check the Ibex Climawool glove. It's on sale right now at http://www.ibexwear.com for $59 (regularly priced at $85), and it has a good reader's review here at BPL.

The Ibex website describes the glove as follows:

"Tech Specs:

"Climawool® Double Weave Softshell w/DWR, Cordura® Nylon & Lycra® Exterior, 100% wool interior®
"290 g/m2
"Primaloft® insulation
"Pittards® weather-resistant palm
"18.5 micron Merino midweight interlock liner
"Gusseted, adjustable cuff w/ Velcro closure tab
"Soft, absorbent, nose-friendly thumb wipe
"Imported Hand wash
"Measure around widest part of hand for size chart
"Average garment weight 6.3 oz./pair"

I recently purchased a pair, but have not put them to use yet other than for a long walk around the neighborhood during a recent freezing spell. Very warm & comfortable.

Can also tell you that they appear to be well made, like most all of the items sold by Ibex. My size Large weighs 6.21 oz — meeting the "average" weight per Ibex.

JRS

Those look like great gloves, however, they don't have any XL left on sale. Maybe I can find some for a bit cheaper than $85. Also, most reviews state that people sized up, and I already find XL in most gloves a bit small (long fingers).

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/225,57519_Manzella-Blade-Ski-Gloves-Waterproof-Insulated-For-Men.html
but it has a pvc palm, pretty slow drying too, wonder what is under it..
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/225,57677_Marmot-Fleece-WindShift-Gloves-For-Men-and-Women.html

anyway, they have some good gloves for cheap sometimes

Maybe I'm wrong about the leather and synthetic leather. Many companies use a lot of leather on their gloves–and nylon is almost always cheaper, so there must be a reason why.