Motorcycle Gloves Buying Guide

Importance of Motorcycle Gloves

Motorcycle gloves are an essential component of protective riding gear, providing safety and comfort for riders. Their primary role is to protect against injuries like abrasion and impact, which are common during a crash. In an accident, hands are often instinctively used to break a fall, making them highly vulnerable. Gloves designed specifically for motorcycling can prevent serious injuries and improve the overall riding experience.

Motorcycle gloves come with various features, including reinforced palm areas, knuckle protection, and weather-resistant materials. These features not only enhance the safety aspects but also contribute to comfort, offering better grip and control over the motorcycle's handlebars.

Features

• Reinforced Palm Areas

• Knuckle Protection

• Weather-Resistant Materials

Benefits

• Enhanced abrasion resistance

• Impact protection

• Comfort in various weather conditions

Certification Levels Explained

Motorcycle gloves undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet safety standards set by governing bodies. One of the key certifications to look for is the European Commission's EN13594:2015 standard. This certification classifies motorcycle gloves into two levels based on their protective capabilities:

• Level 1: These gloves offer more dexterity and are generally lighter. They provide adequate protection whilst allowing for better movement and flexibility.

• Level 2: These gloves are designed for higher protection, featuring stiffer and heavier materials. They include additional armor to pass stringent impact tests, making them suitable for riders seeking maximum safety.

Certification Level

Level 1

Level 2

• Light, flexible, good dexterity

• General riding

• Stiffer, heavier, maximum impact protection

• High-speed or track riding

Gloves that meet CE Level 2 certification standards are particularly robust, incorporating advanced materials such as TPU for elasticity and abrasion resistance, and D3O™ for shock-absorbing properties. These materials enhance the overall performance and durability of the gloves.

By understanding the importance of motorcycle gloves and recognizing the protective standards they meet, riders can make informed decisions when selecting their protective gear.

Materials Used in Motorcycle Gloves

Understanding the materials used in motorcycle gloves is essential for making an informed purchase. The choice between leather and textile, as well as the additional protective materials used, can influence the performance, comfort, and safety of the gloves.

Leather vs. Textile Gloves

Motorcycle gloves are primarily made from either leather or textile, each offering unique benefits and drawbacks.

Leather Gloves

Leather gloves are renowned for their excellent abrasion resistance. Over time, leather molds to the shape of the hands, providing a custom fit and added comfort. The robustness of leather makes it a preferred choice for many riders seeking long-lasting durability.

However, leather gloves have some limitations. They are not inherently good at handling wet conditions unless they have additional waterproof linings. Their thermal qualities also may not suffice for extremely cold weather without supplementary insulation.

Textile Gloves

Textile gloves offer greater practicality for all-year-round use. Features like water and windproofing and insulation for warmth make textile gloves versatile for various weather conditions. They are typically lighter and more flexible compared to leather gloves.

Textile materials also allow for enhanced breathability, making them suitable for hot weather riding. While they may not offer the same abrasion resistance as leather, advancements in textile technology have significantly improved their protective qualities.

Additional Protective Materials

In addition to leather and textile, various advanced materials are incorporated into motorcycle gloves to enhance protection and comfort. Here are some notable ones:

• Goretex™: Known for its waterproof and breathable properties, Goretex™ is often used in glove linings to keep hands dry in wet conditions while allowing moisture to escape.

• D3O™: This material offers exceptional shock absorption. It remains flexible under normal conditions but hardens upon impact, providing superior protection without compromising comfort.

• Hipora™: Similar to Goretex™, Hipora™ is used for its waterproofing and breathable characteristics, ensuring comfort in various weather conditions.

• TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): TPU is valued for its properties like elasticity and abrasion resistance. It is commonly used in glove reinforcements and knuckle protection areas, enhancing overall durability and safety.

Choosing the right materials for your motorcycle gloves can significantly affect your riding experience. Whether you opt for leather, textile, or a combination of advanced materials, consider the specific needs of your riding environment and preferences.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Gloves

Selecting the perfect motorcycle gloves involves more than picking out an attractive design. Riders must consider important factors such as sizing, fit, and weather adaptability to ensure both safety and comfort on the road.

Sizing and Fit Considerations

Proper sizing and fit are critical for motorcycle gloves. Ill-fitting gloves can lead to discomfort and reduced control over the motorcycle. When choosing the right size, follow a measuring guide provided by many manufacturers

Measurement

Recommended Size

Hand Circumference (inches)

Glove Size

• 7-7.5

Small

• 8-8.5

Medium

• 9-9.5

Large

• 10-10.5

X-Large

It is essential to try on the gloves to ensure they provide a snug fit without being too tight. Here are some key points to check:

• Safety: Gloves should not pull off easily.

• Comfort: Ensure adequate finger length for a relaxed fit.

• Movement: Freedom of movement for braking and handling the controls.

Weather Adaptability Features

Weather conditions play a significant role in determining the most suitable gloves. Whether riding in summer heat, winter cold, or rainy weather, gloves must be adaptable to ensure rider comfort and protection. Here’s what to consider:

Material

• Leather Gloves:

• Offer excellent abrasion resistance and mold to the hand shape over time.

• May require additional linings for improved performance in wet conditions and cooler weather.

• Textile Gloves:

• Provide better practicality for all-year-round usage with features like water and windproofing and insulation properties.

• Special Materials:

• Goretex™: For waterproofing and breathability.

• Hipora™: Also provides waterproofing and breathability.

• D3O™: Adds shock-absorbing properties.

• TPU: Known for elasticity and abrasion resistance

Cuff Style

• Long-Cuff (Gauntlet) Gloves:

• Offer more protection extending to the forearms during a crash.

• Ensure better sealing with jacket sleeves for waterproofing and windproofing.

• Short-Cuff Gloves:

• Provide a cooler option for hot weather.

• Easy to wear but may offer less protection in comparison

Review of Top Motorcycle Gloves

Features and Best Options

When selecting the best motorcycle gloves, riders must consider various features to ensure maximum protection, comfort, and performance. Here's a review of top motorcycle gloves, highlighting features and best options suitable for different riding styles.

Features to Look For

1. Material: The primary construction materials include leather and textile. Leather provides excellent abrasion resistance and durability, while textile offers flexibility and breathability.

2. Additional Protective Materials: Gloves with armor inserts, such as Thermoset Carbon Composite or titanium, provide enhanced protection.

3. Weather Adaptability: Waterproof or weatherproof materials, like those in the STREETWP collection, help in different weather conditions.

4. Fit and Comfort: Proper sizing and ergonomic design ensure better control and reduce hand fatigue.

Alpinestars Men's SMX-1 Air v2

• Constructed with full premium perforated leather for improved breathability

• Advanced poly-blend reinforcements with foam padding on thumb and palm offers flexibility and improved hand movement

• Ergonomic stretch insert between thumb and palm

• Integrated padding on fingers

• Synthetic suede zones and side padding reinforcement for additional abrasion resistance

Best bang for the buck

COFIT Motorcycle Gloves

• Touch-Screen Fingertips: Contains conductive metal fiber on both Index finger and thumb, the gloves work with all touch screen devices.

• Full Protection: With professional knuckles and palm pads protection, COFIT motorcycle gloves greatly protect your hands while fast racing.

• Perfect Grip and Control: Wear-resistant silicone gel in palm part increases the grip on motorcycle handlebars to improve driving safety.

• Breathable and Year-Round: Made of breathable polyester, with air vents for better air flow, suitable for using at all seasons, best use (50℉-95℉).

Budget Choice

Alpinestars Gp Pro R3

• Mix of cow and goat leather with kangaroo leather on the palm

• Outer seam palm construction

• Long cuff

• Hard knuckle

• Knuckle panel perforated gusset for better ventilation

• Print on finger

• Finger bridge

• Double closure system with Cuff DFS protection

• Side reinforcements with palm hard slider

• Accordion panels in leather on fingers thumb and backhand to increase fit and direct comfort

• Thumb and palm reinforcement for a superior grip

• TPU finger protection

• Soft padding protection on finger tips

• Ergonomic stretch insert on palm

• CE certified CAT II Level 2

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my motorcycle blog article! I hope you found it helpful and inspiring for your rides ahead. As a token of appreciation, I'm excited to offer you a free digital eBook packed with even more tips, tricks, and insights to fuel your motorcycle adventures. Happy reading, and ride safe!