The Fly Racing Surveyor Gloves are windproof, waterproof, and breathable. Made with genuine goatskin leather and utilizing Hydraguard weatherproof technology, these gloves will keep your hands dry and comfortable while you ride.
They also feature an adjustable cuff to keep them secure on your hands, as well as Aramid stitching, CE Level 2 knuckle protection, precurved fingers, high-visibility reflective panels, and a webbing pull strap.
Touch-screen compatibility enables device usage without needing to remove the gloves.
Fly Racing Surveyor Gloves in Black/Green
Available in Black, Black/Brown, and Black/Green in sizes XS-4XL for $139.95.
With Arctic blasts of frigid air gifting us single-digit ambient temperatures here in New Jersey, most motorcycles are parked for the winter season. However, there remains a small but dedicated band of polar bears who insist on riding in spite of the cold, and for them proper gear is critical. Klim Resistor HTD Gauntlet Gloves (HTD stands for “heated”) are specifically intended for this type of application.
(Resistor HTD Gauntlet Gloves are part of Klim’s snowmobile apparel line. The Hardanger HTD Long Gloves are designed for motorcycle use and offer more crash-protective features.)
The Resistors feature subdued, but contemporary styling. The black polyester exterior shell is punctuated by additional padding and a swatch of 3M Scotchlite reflective material across the knuckles, with tightly seamed stitching throughout. The palm and fingers are a grippy black leather treated with 3M Scotchgard. A large strap keeps the gloves tightly secured at the wrist, while a bright yellow shock cord at the gauntlet clamps down against the jacket’s cuff. The gauntlet itself opens to a generous 5 inches and can be stretched further if necessary, which is more than enough space for most riders. Each glove has a 1.5-inch-long rubber face shield wiper on the index finger, which was moderately useful in rain and light snow conditions. A large pull loop on the bottom of each gauntlet allows excellent leverage to cinch the gloves on tight.
Inside, a Gore-Tex windproof/waterproof membrane is sandwiched between the outer shell and the soft moisture-wicking “comfort fleece” inner lining, supplemented with generous 3M Thinsulate insulation (200g on the backhand, and 100g on the palm.) Overall construction of these Vietnamese-made gloves is excellent, with no loose threads, blemishes, or defects detected.
Power for each glove comes courtesy of a 7.4VDC Atewa Li-Po battery, rated for 2Ah. The 2.1- x 0.5- x 1.8-inch cell slips neatly into a Velcro-sealed pouch within the gauntlet. A small backlit button on the gauntlet allows the rider to turn the glove on, off, and toggle between 3 different heat levels. Holding the button down for 3 seconds turns the power on to the High heat setting as default. (If left there, the setting will automatically step down to Medium heat setting after 10 minutes, to conserve battery life.) Tapping the button allows the rider to select between High (red,) Medium (blue,) and Low (green) settings as necessary, and holding the button down for 3 seconds will turn the gloves off.
Run time on battery varies according to ambient temperature, but in the low teens (the bulk of my testing regimen,) I was consistently able to get nearly 8 hours on low, nearly 3 hours on medium, and about 1.5 hours on high. (This was all after cycling the batteries a few times.) One can expect more time in warmer ambient temps, and less in colder. An AC-DC charger which handles two cells simultaneously is included.
Out on the road, these gloves were supremely comfortable thanks to their plush, well insulated interiors. Indeed, even unheated, they were warm enough to ride in the high 30s without the heating function activated. In colder conditions with the heating turned on, they reached peak temperatures in about 5 minutes, and were more than a match for sustained rides in the single digits. Likewise, the waterproof claim was verified by submerging them in a bucket full of water for 20 minutes, without a drop leaking inside. Overall, these Klim gloves represent a superlatively functional choice for my fellow polar bears who brave any temperature a sane motorcyclist would dare venture into.
Klim Resistor HTD Gauntlet Gloves retail for $249.99 and are available in sizes XS-3XL.
For more information: See your dealer or visit klim.com
The Racer Multitop 2 Gloves are effective waterproof gloves that offer a significant amount of all-around protection and are well-suited to most riding conditions. They’re also extremely comfortable to wear. If you’re in the market for three-season street/touring/adventure gloves, you should definitely give these some consideration.
Design / Style
Build Quality
Protection
Full leather construction offers great all-around protection
Comfortable to wear, even on long rides
Subtle style without obnoxious branding
Effective waterproof capabilities
CE Level 1 protection offers impact resistance for knuckles
Not touchscreen-compatible
Slight inner liner movement
Leather gains weight as it absorbs water
I usually carry extra gloves in case of changing weather during my ride. So when Racer Gloves USA asked us if we would like to try out some of their gloves, I asked for two pairs: the Pitlane for warmer weather and the Multitop 2 for all-around waterproof protection.
I received the Multitop 2 Gloves this spring and used them for most of a complete riding season. They have been my go-to gloves for trips and all-day rides when the temperature is moderate. However, if the temperature starts rising, I often switch to the Pitlane gloves.
After a season of riding, these are my thoughts on the Racer Gloves Multitop 2 Gloves.
About Racer Gloves USA
Racer Gloves USA is the exclusive US importer and distributor for the Austrian motorcycle apparel brand Racer Outdoor GmbH. Racer Austria has been creating premium street motorcycle apparel since the early 1990s and is well-recognized throughout Europe. Racer Gloves USA’s mission is to bring you quality products that make your riding experience safer and more comfortable.
Features
Several features stand out on the Multitop 2 gloves. The critical element for me is the comfort level provided by the kangaroo leather palms. Add to that the CE Level 1 protection and waterproof membrane, and you have an excellent pair of all-around three-season gloves.
The Racer Multitop 2 Gloves definitely stand in the tradition of many other motorcycle gloves, with a streamlined profile and gauntleted wrists. But I was immediately drawn to the classic styling, which included an added pop of carbon fiber knuckle protection and a rugged-looking tan leather palm.
I was also pleased with the rest of the glove’s minimalist black color scheme. These gloves are well constructed with a mix of materials, giving them a high-quality look and feel.
Racer Multitop 2 Gloves Comfort
Sizing
The Racer Multitop 2 Gloves fit true to their sizing chart. Depending on the manufacturer, I wear either a large or extra-large. Because of this, I always refer to the sizing charts. Using the directions in Racer’s chart, my hand measures about 9.5″, so I ordered these gloves in large. I’m happy to report that they fit perfectly.
There are no women’s specific sizes for this model.
Fit and Feel
These are some of the most comfortable gloves I have ever worn. This was one of the first things I noticed. It was like someone had taken the time to break them in before delivery; they felt awesome right out of the box.
The leather is soft and not stiff at all. The fingers are also pre-curved, with accordion knuckles for better articulation.
These gloves are also elastic at the wrists to make them easier to get on and off. Finally, the polyester liner makes for a very comfortable interior feel.
Retention
The Multitop 2 Gloves use a velcro wrist closure and gauntlet closure to keep things snug. Don’t worry about these babies coming loose during a ride.
Racer Multitop 2 Gloves Build Quality
Outer Shell
Leather motorcycle gloves offer unparalleled protection in a slide, and these gloves are no exception. The outer shell is made of cowhide leather with kangaroo leather palms. The palm also has an additional layer of leather and Kevlar-lined palm padding, offering excellent abrasion resistance.
The back of each hand and gauntlet is constructed of leather with carbon fiber knuckle protection. The finger boxes are also made from leather with stretch panels at the knuckle for extra comfort.
Finally, all the protective padding and additional leather parts are double stitched. A nice touch!
Waterproofing
The Multitop 2 gloves use an unspecified waterproof membrane. As a result, the gloves offer excellent protection against wind and rain. I have used the gloves several times in rainy conditions with no leakage. However, the leather does absorb water, adding to the overall weight of the gloves.
Colorways
The Multitop 2 gloves are available in black (seen in this review) and a black/white combination. In either case, the palms are tan kangaroo leather.
Racer’s branding is a subtle grey on black, which I like. This branding is on the back of the gauntlet, the wrist closures, and the piping. In addition, you can find the Racer logo on the gauntlet and index finger, and it is all surprisingly subtle.
Racer Multitop 2 Gloves Protection
The Racer Multitop 2 Gloves feature multiple layers of protection:
Full leather construction with kangaroo leather palms
Palm padding with Kevlar for added skid resistance
Additional leather and padding up the outside of the palm to the end of each pinky finger
Double closure to ensure the gloves stay on
Carbon fiber knuckle and finger protection
Although the gloves have a lot of protection built-in, many people feel that a hard palm slider is necessary. I believe that in this case, Racer Gloves has used Kevlar in the padding as a replacement for the slider. This addition helps improve the overall comfort and removes bulk.
For $150 USD, these aren’t the most affordable motorcycle gloves you can buy—but they’re also far from the most expensive. In fact, many high-quality motorcycle gloves cost over $250 USD, so you’re getting a pretty good deal here when you consider the protection the Multitop 2’s offer.
I can’t see a lot of sacrifices made here when it comes to the important stuff. The Kevlar in the palms strikes me as an innovative and economical way to protect my hands in a skid, and the kangaroo leather construction feels very durable.
Most of my use was between 5 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit) and 30 degrees Celsius (85 degrees Fahrenheit). If the temperature stayed in the single-digit range all day, I would reach for insulated or heated gloves. But in most reasonable temperatures, the Multitop 2’s met my needs—add in that waterproof liner and you’ve got a pair of gloves that will work well for most of your riding season.
If you’re looking for a way to get great overall hand protection without breaking the bank, I’d say these gloves are a more-than-viable option.
What I’d Change About the Racer Multitop 2 Gloves
The Liner Loosens In the Heat
These gloves worked great from relatively low temperatures right up to 30 degrees Celsius. But when my hands got sweaty, the inner liner tended to shift slightly whenever I took them off. It wasn’t an issue during my rides—just mildly annoying afterward.
The Fingertips Aren’t Touchscreen-Compatible
I often use my smartphone as a GPS for speed/speed limit and music. These gloves would work great for touring or adventure riding, so the lack of touchscreen-enabled fingertips surprised me. Touch-sensitive fingertips are now a common feature for modern motorcycle gloves. Maybe this will be available on the next version of the Multitop?
The Leather Absorbs Water
Over the season, I rode in the rain on several occasions. The rainfall included extended periods of light-to-moderate rain and a couple of short heavy downpours. The inner membrane kept the water out, but the leather did absorb a lot of water. Still, I’m not complaining about the ability of these gloves to resist water, and if you don’t mind the weight it’s not really an issue. At the end of the day, the Racer Gloves Multitop 2 Gloves passed the rain test easily.
Conclusion
While I was on my bike, the gloves worked great. My hands were comfortable in all but the coldest or most sweltering conditions. I have used the gloves in various situations while riding around town, as well as on secondary and major highways. They have continued to perform very well.
The Racer Gloves Multitop 2 gloves offer outstanding styling, CE Level protection and are waterproof. But, the biggest thing for me was comfort, comfort, comfort! The Multitop 2 gloves feel great from new. If my protective gear is comfortable, I am more likely to wear it!
Pros
Full leather construction offers great all-around protection
Comfortable to wear, even on long rides
Subtle style without obnoxious branding
Effective waterproof capabilities
CE Level 1 protection offers impact resistance for knuckles
As an avid musician and a religious believer in ATTGAT (All The Gear All The Time), I’ve found quality motorcycle gloves with full knuckle support to be worth their weight in gold – all the more so if they allow my digits to breathe on those sweltering days between June and July.
You can imagine my excitement when iXS, a company known for its quality motorcycle gear, released a set of gloves called the Carbon-Mesh Sport Glove 4.0.
According to the innovative company, the sport gloves are not only air-permeable – they are also inundated with both carbon/PVC knuckle shells and palm/hand-edge reinforcements.
The fabric? A mixture of high-quality goatskin, mesh, and fabric, complete with the obligatory adjustable Velcro grips around the wrist to prevent slippage, and air-permeable mesh inserts/leather perforations guarantee a cool ride on a hot day.
The gloves also have touchscreen-compatible material on the index finger and come in all your favorite colors – as long as you like black.
The iXS Carbon-Mesh Sport Glove 4.0 can be had for the nifty price of € 79.95 in the EU/UK, $99 USD for American riders.
Whether you’re looking for a new track day glove or prefer to ride with maximum protection at all times – the Racer High Racer Glove will cater to both. At $239USD, they will do the job they were set out to do. The High Racers sit in the middle of the road price-wise but they offer protection found in much more expensive competitors, and with the Knox sliders, even more.
AESTHETICS
PROTECTION
CONSTRUCTION
VALUE FOR MONEY
Comfortable
Palm feel was great once broken in
Excellent protection throughout the construction of the gloves
Finish construction had minor quality control issues
Grip pads on the fingertips were unnecessary
Break-in time longer than advertised
Racer USA High Racer Gloves
The High Racer gloves are priced among the giants in the racing industry with an MSRP of $239USD. They come packed with protection in key areas like the base of the palm, finger joints, back of the hand, wrist bone, and forearm. In fact, they are rated CE level 1 along with the competitors like the Dainese Druid 3 or the Alpinestars GP Pro.
These race-worthy gloves are best suited for warmer climate riding as they were designed for track riding not dashing through the snow.
The High Racers are overall great gloves and do what they were built to do – protect your paws. Aside from loads of carbon fiber bits scattered across key areas, the two biggest highlights are the Knox SPS palm sliders and the kangaroo leather palm. The palm sliders will pay for themselves should you find yourself sliding your way out of an apex. The kangaroo leather palms not only provides great dexterity but also provides excellent abrasion resistance.
If you’re looking for a full gauntlet glove capable of providing track-worthy protection, the High Racer from Racer (the name is a tough one), will get the job done.
Thank you to Lee at Racer Gloves USA for providing these High Racers at no cost for this review.
The High Racer comes in two colors: black and white. This review was on the all-black men’s version. You can also read wBW’s review on the women’s High Racer glove. The main difference between the two is that the men’s come with the Knox palm slider while the women’s come with a carbon fiber slider.
This glove comes to the party with a 95% leather construction. This figure is surprisingly high considering the amount of less expensive materials found in most products these days. Perched nicely over the knuckle area is molded carbon fiber held securely with a double stitch with padding underneath. This section was very comfortable and fit a closed fist with ease.
The index, middle fingertips, and thumb of each glove have a silicone fingertip grip material present. This actually hinders the dexterity and feel on the finger pads but it does give you a bit more bite when gripping the brake/clutch levers. At the end of the day, I can see the reason for them but I can’t say that I’m a fan.
Fixed atop of the thumb and fingers (excluding the fourth/pinky finger) are small carbon fiber gems or shells with a base layer of soft foam underneath that covers the finger joints. I appreciate these being left off of the pinky area – one less thing to rip off during a crash.
The fourth/pinky finger is bridged to the third/ring finger to prevent “finger roll”. Keeping the ‘weakest link’ (your pinky finger) tied to your ring finger is an absolute ‘must have’ for a track glove – if you don’t have this on your current gloves – upgrade now!
The palm of each glove flaunts two large-looking pieces of LDPE (low-density polyethylene). These are palm sliders that have been supplied and patented by Knox. They are conveniently placed over the scaphoid and pisiform (on the lower sections of the palm) to provide additional crash protection during impacts and/or slides.
At first glance, the Knox palm sliders look obtrusive and in the way, but they aren’t. I actually forgot they were there while riding for hours on end over the past few weeks.
Along the wrist section, is an accordion-style stretch (stitched into the leather) in addition to a velcro strap to keep the gloves snug – no matter how much you move around. Placed right on the wrist bone is another chuck of carbon fiber for more crash protection.
Lastly, on the gauntlet was another chunk of carbon fiber to provide crash protection and all was held together nicely with a large hook & loop for secure closure. The Racer
The interior of the glove is made up of 100% polyester Teramid fabric, a moisture-permeable and waterproof nylon woven fabric. This is present in all areas of the glove, excluding the kangaroo leather section (entire palm/finger area).
Overall, I did not have any “hot spots” or pain points while wearing the High Racer – even with the tightest of grip. The interior was comfortable and provided ventilation in way of the perforated leather sections on top of the wrist and in the sides of the fingers.
Features
Here are the features as per Racer Gloves USA’s website:
Kangaroo palm with Knox SPS palm sliders
Carbon Fiber protection on knuckles, fingers, and wrist bone
CE certified
Ring and little finger adjoined to prevent “finger roll”
Perforated gauntlet and fingers for airflow
Available in Black or White/Black
Sizes S-3XL
Comfort
Racer Gloves USA promoted an “Outstanding fit with virtually no break-in” – but that’s a bit of a stretch (pun intended). Like “virtually” all gloves, the High Racers took over a half dozen, sweaty, hour-long trips before they calmed down and welcomed my hands into them.
Once the gloves broke in, they felt great and like a nice wine, they’ll only get better with age.
Per the Racer size chart, I wear an XL, and my index, middle, and ring fingers each comfortably reach the end of the glove. The pinky does have a smidge of extra material but it isn’t a deal-breaker nor impede function. For reference, my hand circumference is approximately 8″ / 20 cm.
The materials used on the High Racer were quality but lightweight. On that note, my curiosity got the best of me, so I decided to weigh my current track glove against the Racer glove. When weighed against my Alpinestar GP Pro (another track equipped glove), the Higher Racer came in weighing 6.49oz (184g) while my trusty GP Pros (and chunky) scaled in at 7.12oz (202g) apiece.
For the purposes of testing, the High Racers were worn with an Alpinestars GP Plus R Air, an Icon leather jacket, and a Sedici one-piece leather race suit. Not only was I able to put the gloves on quickly (speed is ‘everything’ these days), but High Racer fit over all three with zero problems leaving zero skin exposed.
Dexterity
Utilizing kangaroo leather on the palm is a huge plus in this area. But for me, the grip pads or “fingertip grippers” completely disrupted the feel and dexterity that you typically get with kangaroo leather palms.
In all, the feel was great once the glove was broken in and after I had stopped thinking about the “finger ripper grippers” on the fingertips.
Airflow
The intended use for the High Racer is to fit snuggle on the hands of a rider at the track. During a race or a track day, your hands are usually anything but dry. And like every glove I’ve had my hands in before, perspiration is a constant, and the High Racer was no exception.
I can appreciate the attempt with the perforated leather sections but in a glove meant to provide protection first, I don’t fault Racer for not keeping my paws dry. If they were claiming to be “the perfect summer glove”, this would be a different story.
Water Resistance
Ever get caught in a rainstorm in a leather jacket? How’d that work out? Probably the same way these track gloves would react – wet, heavy, and wetter.
Build Quality
For a glove with an MSRP of just under $250, I would expect the seams and stitching to be next to flawless but this wasn’t the case with the High Racers. Aesthetically, the seams and stitches aren’t perfectly trimmed, nor are the edges as clean as those on other upper echelon racing gloves. These imperfections were mostly surrounding the finger areas while everything else checked out fine.
The High Racer gives the illusion of a hand-stitched glove from decades past. While I commend the classic look, the aesthetic is outdated when put beside a competitor’s new school design.
The High Racers aren’t all bad looks – the branded piping on the cuff and stamped logo on the velcro was a nice touch.
The integrity of the glove construction has the boxes checked as the downfalls are mostly aesthetic.
Fingers
The tops of the fingers consist of accordion leather and carbon-fiber armor with an additional leather layer holding them in place.
The stitching as mentioned above was not perfect but the overall functionality is not affected by the messy stitching or outseams.
The finger sidewalls are made up of perforated leather to assist in ventilation. Like all full gauntlet track gloves, these areas are extremely tough to provide enough ventilation without losing integrity, so no fault in this area.
Palm & Wrist
The palms are made up of very nice kangaroo leather with the gripper material double stitched in place. The gripper material in this area is less of a bother with the exception of the entire thumb being covered. This does detract from dexterity but the purpose is to provide additional grip. While I understand the additional grip provided may come in handy, I don’t believe adding it solved a problem worth ‘fixing’.
I personally run a combination of soft and medium Renthal or Domino grips on my 2008 Yamaha R6. There has never been a time where I needed any more than that, especially at the cost of losing dexterity while on the track.
At the base of the palm lies the Knox palm sliders – they are genius! They may look obnoxious or in the way but they aren’t one bit. The protection they will provide while sliding on the pavement will fair well when compared to the competitors still using chunks of rubber or leather-covered foam in these areas.
The hook & loop wrist strap operated without fail and easy to adjust on the go.
Protection
This where the High Racer shines! The kangaroo leather palms, the full-grain leather everywhere else, and the carbon fiber armor paired with the Knox sliders are sure to protect your hands should you go down. They are on the same playing field as the major players like Dainese and Alpinestars with CE level one certification.
The Knox sliders as mentioned before, are a huge standout. Having had my fair share of crashes in past, those sliders will come in handy when put to use.
The big piece of carbon fiber fixed on the gauntlet of the glove is light and flexible – a perfect combination that offers additional impact and slide protection.
The Verdict
The Racer High Racer comes to the stage packing a ton of protection for a medium price. Do they come with the same level of protection found in $400 gloves like the Dainese Full Metal or Alpinestars Supertech? Yes. Are they of the same refined caliber? No, but can they play with the MotoGP giants? Absolutely, for $150 less in fact.
After a few hundred miles of riding, the High Racers are broken in and conform to your hand. At that point, they fit perfectly and are ready to hit the track or canyons.
If you have a motorcycle gear obsession like most of us have, $239USD is a fair enough price to snag a pair. Sure you won’t have the flashiest gloves on the track but you can feel confident in knowing that your hands are about as fully protected as they can be.
Pros
Comfortable
Accurate fit
Feel was good once broken in
Excellent protection throughout the glove
Cons
Stitching/finish construction wasn’t built for looks
No matter what kind of riding you’re into, every motorcyclist should own a pair of quality motorcycle gloves that offer real protection in the event of an accident. Falling hands first onto an asphalt road is painful enough from a standstill, and a hell of a lot more so at speed. Since you’re more likely to land hands-first in the vast majority of accident scenarios, a good pair of gloves will keep your paws protected.
Different riders have different requirements, so for the purposes of this list, we’ve decided to select products that cover a wide range of riding needs. These include options for sport, touring, and dirt riders, and dedicated summer and winter options too.
Our conclusions have been drawn from a blend of real-life experience and product familiarity, in partnership with quality reviews from trusted sources. Naturally, we also take into account customer reviews and feedback too. We also value the overall quality of a product and whether it truly offers value for money. After all, expensive doesn’t always mean good, and cheap doesn’t necessarily mean bad.
So, without further ado, here’s what we came up with.
First up, let’s look at sports gloves. When it comes to all things sport, Dainese is a go-to brand name. In terms of value for money, the Dainese brand can be a little too expensive for the average rider. However, when it comes to their Steel Pro gloves, you get a great return for your investment. They’re premium gloves without the over-the-top premium price tag.
Constructed from goatskin leather with advanced armor, these gloves are claimed to be the “ultimate track glove.” If you’re a regular track rider, they are worth your money. The leather is tough but supple, offering excellent flexibility, but the real benefit is in the protection. Composite and stainless steel inserts protect the knuckle area, while thermoplastic armor keeps fingers safe. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that these gloves are certified to CE – Cat. II – PrEN 13594 Standard lev. 1.
There’s a shopping list of other armored features. But are they comfortable to wear? Thanks to elasticated sections, an adjustable cuff strap, and a tightening strap, these pre-curved racing gloves have a snug fit without compromising your freedom of movement. Pay attention to the sizing though—they’re known to run a little long in the fingers.
If you’re looking for touring gloves, we recommend the Knox Nexos Sport Gloves. Though they say “Sport” in the name, they’re better suited to sport touring. These are replacements for the outgoing Knox Biomech gloves that used to be some of the best-selling gloves out there. The Nexos gloves carry on the Biomech’s tradition for excellence.
Made from a combination of cowhide, goat leather, and a dual compound synthetic material, these long-cuff gauntlets are comfortable and warm, but light and airy too. They are ideal for riding in three seasons, depending on your locale. They are quite bulky but they don’t hinder your dexterity in any way.
The main bulk of these gloves is taken up by armor. The Nexos Gloves use the Knox Scaphoid Protection System on the heel of each hand. In summary, they’re thick plastic sliders that defend the palm against impact and abrasion. The knuckles are protected by soft TPU armor with honeycomb gel inserts, and the fingers also have TPU armor and added leather on the little finger.
These gloves are secured using a BOA system. This is a dial-operated closure that pulls a metal cord tight around the cuff. It’s a great closure, but they can be quite bulky—and that’s the only negative point above these gloves: they’re bulky.
Though these gloves are designed for both on and off-road use, we think they’re exceptionally good in the dirt. They’re lightweight, tough, durable, versatile, and very well priced. In terms of your bang-for-buck ratio, it will be difficult to find a better pair of gloves than these. And since they’re manufactured by Alpinestars, you can truth in the quality of the construction.
The Megawatt gloves are made from a combination of materials that include perforated leather, stretch-polyamide, and synthetic suede. They’re pre-curved to reduce rider fatigue and boost comfort, but without restricting your movements. One feature that we really like is the reinforced thumb and palm sections that give you a confident grip on your handlebars, whatever the situation.
Protection comes in the form of synthetic suede panels across the palm, extra suede reinforcement with foam padding for boosted abrasion protection on key impact zones, and a hard polymer knuckle protector for added safety. Despite the layers of protection, these gloves are fairly breathable and well ventilated too.
The closure is a Velcro cuff for fast and easy removal.
At the budget end of the spectrum, we’d suggest these Atomic gloves from Joe Rocket. They’ll do the job and they won’t break the bank. Joe Rocket is a brand that’s well-known for delivering quality protectives on a budget, and the Atomic gloves do just that.
Manufactured from goatskin leather, stretch Spandex, neoprene, and Chamude, these short cuff gloves are comfortable and snug, without restricting your hand movements. Ideal for summer weather, they’re not that waterproof and you’ll definitely feel the cold in them if you’re riding out of season.
In terms of protection, these pre-curved, rider-friendly gloves feature 5mm high-density padding around the index and middles fingers, leather knuckle armor, and goatskin palm pads. These gloves also feature SmartTouch material that allows you to use touchscreen devices, a secure hook-and-loop closure, and a TPR pull tab.
Despite excellent long-term tests and reviews, we’d still urge caution about the life-expectancy of these gloves. Since they’re budget products, don’t expect them to last forever. However, if you need affordable protection for low-stress riding, these are perfect gloves.
If you’re looking for a hardwearing summer glove that offers high-levels of protection with comfortable airflow, then we recommend the REV’IT! Dirt 3 gloves. They’re designed for warm weather riding but can stand up to the demands of adventure touring and street riding in equal measure.
To meet the needs of summer riders, these gloves are made from goatskin leather, 3D air mesh, corduroy, and polyurethane coated textiles. The result is a glove that has a close, snug fit, with plenty of flexibility, that’s light and breathable at the same time.
Hand protection comes in the form of thermoplastic rubber knuckle guards, palm sliders, and finger knuckle armor, as well as Temperfoam reinforcements. REV’IT!’s own PWR|Shield knit holds it all together, creating a tough, durable, and abrasion-resistant glove.
Other cool features include a connect touchscreen-friendly fingertip, a grip patch on the palm, and elasticated wrists. The overall design of this glove is a tour fit with a short cuff, making it incredibly versatile and compatible with any jacket.
For the best results, take care when sizing. Read other customer reviews to ensure you’re getting the best fit possible.
Next up, we’ve got another set of impressive summer riding gloves. These long gauntlets offer exceptional protection without overheating your hands. They’re essentially a race-quality glove but with optimized airflow to let your hands breathe. In short: they offer everything you want from a summer glove and more.
The SP Air gloves are made from a variety of materials. The most significant of these is a full-grain leather, with synthetic suede, polyester, and polyurethane features. The leather section is perforated for ventilation and is used around the knuckle, gauntlet, and finger boxes. Suede is used across the palm for added grip, and across other sections of the glove.
Protective features include an injected TPU palm slider and knuckle slider, a patented third and fourth finger bridge, EVA foam padding, and a reinforced pad at the base of the thumb. Naturally, the glove uses abrasion-resistant material in key impact zones, keeping your hands safe and sound in the event of a spill.
We love these gloves because they really do have some impressive airflow. They even have dedicated TPR air intakes, though they’re not as effective as Alpinestars claim that they are!
Even so: these are great gloves for sport riders in hot climates.
We’ve seen summer gloves, but what about waterproof gloves? There are plenty of gloves out there that claim to be waterproof, but very few live up to the hype. These ones, however, are the real deal. The Rukka Virium Gore-Tex X-Trafit gloves are warm, dry, flexible, and protective—everything a rider needs in a glove.
Made using Gore-Tex X-Trafit technology and a breathable, water and windproof textile, the Virium gloves are sturdy and durable. The palms feature extra grip sections for confident handlebar controls, with touchscreen fingertips, and a handy visor wiper too.
In terms of armor, these gloves don’t have a huge list of protective features, but they have enough for safe and secure riding. For example, they include adequate knuckle, scaphoid, and finger protection but not to the same level that you’d expect from a track-focused glove. However, these gloves are designed for wet weather riding, when you shouldn’t be taking any risks anyway!
These gloves are waterproof! And not just a bit waterproof. They’re seriously waterproof. If you’re in need of something that will keep your hands warm and dry, these well-ventilated breathable textile gloves are for you. This level of waterproofing costs money, but these gloves ship with a two-year warranty and they’re worth every penny.
Lastly, we have a solid winter option: Gebring’s Vanguard Heated Gloves. As the name implies, these winter gloves feature a heating element that promises to keep your hands nice and toasty, even on the coldest of days.
Constructed using premium Aniline cowhide leather, these gloves are tough and durable, but remarkably pliable and flexible. The leather is backed with water-resistant Aquatex, and complemented with Thinsulate insulation. They feature superfabric patches in high-risk abrasion zones, a TPU knuckle protection, and gel pads on the palm and on certain fingers.
On the surface, they’re just normal motorcycle gloves. But on the inside, they’re something else. Lined with Polyester microsuede, these gloves feature an advanced microwire heating system that delivers impressive heat to the whole glove, even to the tip of every finger. Connected using a discreet wire connector, these gloves are what you want to be wearing if you’re riding out in the cold.
These are easily our favorite winter riding gloves in very cold weather, but if you don’t really experience cold winters, they’re not going to be for you. They’re too expensive to own just for the sake of it. But if you’re an all-season rider who likes to tear it up in the snow, these are the gloves for you.
MotoCAP is a partnership between Transport for NSW, State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), VicRoads, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), Lifetime Support Authority (LSA), Western Australian Police: Road Safety Commission, Department of State Growth, Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Australian Motorcycle Council and Accident Compensation Corporation in New Zealand.
Testing is carried out by the Deakin University Institute for Frontier Materials on behalf of the MotoCAP partners.
Have you ever found out the hard way that waterproof gear has a use-by date after which it is totally useless?
Two pairs of boots, two pairs of gloves, a jacket and several pair of pants have failed me after as little as five years of periodic use.
This is despite the fact that I look after my gear and store it in a cool, dry cupboard.
Waterproof warranty
I’ve checked all my waterproof gear and none offers a lifetime guarantee.
Also, note that “weatherproof”, “water-resistant” and “water-repellent” are not the same as “waterproof”. These terms mean the garment is rarely watertight even in light showers when you are riding.
This rating consists of two numbers. The first from 0-6 measures protection from foreign bodies such as dust, while the second from 0-9K measures resistance to water. Click here for more details.
Also note that your supposedly waterproof gear may only be guaranteed to be impervious to water in some areas or just have watertight pockets.
Waterproof warranties are typically the same as the garment which is usually from one year to about three years.
Manufacturers could fit jackets and pants with more robust and heavier waterproof membranes and offer longer warranties.
However, that would impact on comfort, weight and price.
So it’s important to look after your waterproof gear.
Failures
Caught in the rain
One of the main problems with waterproof failures is that you may not notice a fault in your gear when you put it on.
And even the most minor fault, crack or split can suck in moisture when you are riding at highway speeds!
There can be a number of reasons for waterproofing failures:
Waterproof leather gear is usually the first to give in because it can age and crack;
Boots can develop minuscule cracks in the soles from simply walking around in them;
Racing boots with bolt-in toe sliders can become loose as they repeatedly hit the ground, allowing in water;
Waterproof pants can develop small tears in the lining or you can dislodge the glued-on taped seams if you pull them on while wearing your boots; Waterproof pants lose their taped seams and lining from years of use
Folding waterproof garments can cause them to wear and split at the creases;
Carrying waterproof gear on your bike scrunched up on a rack and secured by Occy straps can cause rips and wear;
Gore-Tex pants and jackets should last a long time, but the outside layer can get worn from rubbing in areas such as the armpits, crutch and backside;
Zippers can become rusted from rain and road grime and even waterproof zippers can become gummed up by dust and bugs; and
Machine washing your gear can remove or destroy the watertight capabilities of some materials.
Waterproof care
King Canute found he could not hold back the tide and maintaining waterproof riding gear can be similar.
However there are some things you can do:
Boots will last longer if you only wear them on the bike and do limited walking.
Regular treatment of leather with shoe polish, special softeners and waxes such as Dubbin may help prolong their waterproof life;
Take your boots off before pulling on waterproof overpants;
Re-spray your textile gear with waterproof sprays;
Store your gear in a cool, dry cupboard;
Hang your jackets and pants and never fold them;
Always allow wet gear to dry in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight before storing;
Carry waterproof gear in a safe place in your backpack or bike luggage, preferably rolled up, not folded;
Give zippers an occasional spray with silicon or rub them with an appropriate wax to help the zipper slide smoothly and last longer; and
So you should periodically wash your gear before storing it away.
When washing your gear, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. They usually stipulate a hand wash or gentle, warm-wash machine cycle.
Long, hot machine washing cycles can limit the waterproofed life of a garment.
Never use fabric softener when washing and most manufacturers warn against tumble drying or ironing.
However, note that some materials, such as Gore-Tex, actually require tumble drying or ironing after washing to restore their waterproof qualities. Watch this instructional video.
“The majority of wet claims I believe are mainly due to incorrect usage or fitment,” he says.
“You can have the best jacket in the world, but if you don’t get all the closures correctly positioned, ensure your shirt collar or cuffs aren’t exposed (which creates a wicking point for water entry) you will still get wet.
“If you wear gloves over your cuff, water penetrates through the jacket stitching in the chest and arms, runs down between the outer shell and the outside of the waterproof liner (so the rider is still dry) and drains straight into the gloves. This is not a glove issue but a rider fitment issue.
“Likewise with waterproof boots. I see riders buy ‘shorty’ waterproof boots and then complain they get wet feet.
“If you have a look at their rain pants when their feet are on the pegs, the rain pants may ride up just enough to allow water into the boots.”
Ron Grant tests waterproof gear
Ron warns that water will finds its way into that 1% vulnerable area in your whole riding ensemble and spoil your ride.
He says he left for work recently in the pouring rain on his Triumph Tiger 800 fitted with a new, large touring screen to protect him from the elements.
“This new screen creates a bit of a vacuum between the screen and I could see water droplets swirling around in front of me around my throat area,” he says.
“I didn’t really think about this too well, but I had pulled my neck-sock on before fitting my jacket as it’s more comfortable that way.
“The droplets eventually soaked my neck-sock which wicked the water downwards wetting my jumper and shirt. My waterproof jacket didn’t fail, it was the dummy wearing it that failed!”
As Australia’s internationally awardedMotoCAP safety and thermal comfort testing and ratings system for motorcycle clothing has surpassed 200 tested items, there seems to be a paucity of women’s gear.
However, in women’s gear only eight leather jackets, eight textile jackets, seven textile pants and three gloves have been tested.
The lack of women’s gear is a common criticism we receive here about the MotoCAP testing.
However, it should be pointed out that the testing is actually quite representative of the proportion of female riders in the community which is estimated to be about 10-12%.
In fact, the women’s gear tested represents 12.9% which does not account for the fact that gloves are often sold as unisex, rather than for men or women exclusively.
Testing methodology
Dr Chris Hurren*, a research scientist at Deakin University in Geelong where he and his laboratory work on protective motorcycle clothing, explains the MotoCAP methodology for selecting gear for testing.
“We have all of the instore women’s gear in the purchasing database alongside the instore men’s gear,” he says.
“The algorithm determines what will be purchased and it does not discriminate between men’s and women’s apparel.
“Appropriate proportions of both are being purchased.
“We have tested women’s gear in each of the categories of MotoCAP.
“If you compare the percentages tested with what is hanging in store the ratio of men’s to women’s is quite similar.”
In the past 24 months, all garments reported on the MotoCAP website have been purchased covertly by MotoCAP purchasing staff.
None has been supplied by distributors or manufacturers.
* Dr Hurren worked with Dr Liz de Rome and others to produce the protocol that is used by MotoCAP for their testing regime. He has also written a series of four articles for Motorbike Writer on the new European clothing standard which you can start reading by clicking here.
If you love touring on your Ducati in Italian style, safety and comfort, you’re going to want the new touring range from the Borgo Panigale manufacturer.
If you can’t wait, you can buy the gear online on shop.ducati.com.
Sport Touring C3 Jacket ($A789)
The Tour C3 sport-touring jacket, is produced by Spidi exclusively for Ducati with CE-certified protectors on shoulders and elbows. You can also fit a back protector.
The outer jacket, made of a mix of polyester fabrics, is equipped with large air vents and has a waterproof and breathable H2Out membrane.
The removable thermal lining can also be worn as a casual jacket.
It is designed to be worn zipped together with Tour C3 trousers.
It comes in a men’s cut in black/red and high-visibility black/ yellow, and for women in black/red.
Tour C3 Trousers ($A499)
The Tour C3 trousers are designed by Aldo Drudi and made in collaboration with Spidi Sport.
They also have the H2Outmembrane, CE-certified shin and hip protectors, a removable lining, elastic fabric, and zipper-adjustable air vents.
The pants are tailored in different cuts for men and women.
Fabric-leather gloves Strada C4 ($A299)
These limited Strada C4 gloves are produced by Held exclusively for Ducati.
The exterior is made of cowhide, sheep leather and polyamide fabric.
Inside is a Gore-Tex waterproof and breathable membrane. However, the reduced thickness created by the Gore grip process still allows control sensitivity.
They also have SuperFabricinserts, volume adjustments on the wrist and are fully CE-certified.
Horizon helmet ($A999)
The Horizon composite fibre helmet is based on X-lite’s X-1004 shell, but designed by Drudi Performance.
The chin guard has a dual safety opening system and ventilation system.
There is a removable and washable internal padding, a sun visor with UV 400 protection and reflex inserts for greater visibility.
Black Steel helmet ($A949)
The Black Steel helmet is based on the Arai Renegade V and designed by Drudi.
The outer shell is made of SFL fibre while the inner shell is made of EPS with differentiated density.
Its interior is made of antibacterial and washable fabric, the VAS visor has a wide field of view and the ventilation system is able to circulate about 14 litres of air per minute.
All Terrain Touring Boots ($A569)
These CE-approved, full grain leather and suede, all-terrain boots were made in collaboration with TCX.
They are equipped with a waterproof and breathable eVentmembrane and a closure system with adjustable, interchangeable aluminium levers.
The boots have a rubber sole for maximum grip on the pegs and feature lined pleats to increase comfort.
Ducati Communication System V2 ($A569)
This intercom system with voice commands allows up to 15 motorcyclists to communicate simultaneously in a range up to 1.6km in “ideal conditions” and about 1km in “real conditions”.
The connection is automatic, activates by talking and goes off after 30 seconds of silence.
In case of interruption, the connection is automatically restored.
It is based on a Cardo Intercom System and allows the rider to make and answer calls, control mobile devices with the touch of a finger or a voice command and listen Bluetooth music or the integrated FM radio.
The volume of the device adjusts automatically according to the background noise.
It features universal connectivity with any Bluetooth headset of any brand.
