- Composite three-layer design for strength and added protection
- Softshell for warmth and comfit
- Waterproof TPU membrane insert for extra protection against the cold
- The region between the index finger and thumb reinforced with PU leather for reducing pin
- Premium Anti-slip PU leather for improved grip
- Soft lining for extra comfort
Types of Motorcycle Gloves
There are different styles of gloves that are available. So, it is important to choose a design that you find both visually appealing and also extremely comfortable. Additionally, the design will also determine how suitable a particular pair of gloves would be for you. The style of gloves that you choose should be chosen after taking into consideration the terrain and the kinds of sports you indulge in. So, here are a few different designs available that you can choose from:
Fingerless Gloves
Fingerless gloves cover the palms, the back of the hand, the wrist and the base of the fingers. It leaves the fingers unprotected. It protects most of the hand but is considered an impractical option because your fingers are left open without any protection at all.
This is not the best option to go with if you are a rider who travels through difficult terrains. This may be suitable in urban areas where the possibility of accidents is slightly lesser. These gloves are stylish and fashionable. However, it is always advisable to keep safety as your top priority.
Touring Gloves or Adventure Gloves
This is for all those who travel around on their bikes a lot. These gloves are hard and they are usually textiles. They use artificial hardening materials to be able to cater to the needs of the adventurous rider.
The materials used are often modern chemicals specially created for a good product. This is suitable for all kinds of weather and climates. They are protective and extremely comfortable. These are amongst the most expensive gloves in the market.
Summer Gloves
Summer holidays are a great time to cruise outdoors in the most extreme of terrains. Yet, you may come to regret your decision if you underestimate the impact of the weather. Your gloves should be able to withstand the heat. If your palms get sweaty, it is possible that you lose control of your motorbike. Your hands may even slip off the handlebars. This could turn into a fatal accident.
Hence, it is important that your gloves are made up of breathable material. Summer gloves are specifically designed for this purpose. They are extremely breathable, and they also offer ventilation. They are made up of lightweight materials to add to your comfort. Most of the time, they are made up of perforated materials.
Spring / Fall Gloves
Spring and fall are the two most beautiful seasons of the year. Yet, this is the time when temperatures are uncertain. Sometimes you may feel too hot and sometimes you may feel too cold. This might pose as a problem while riding a bike as well. You will have to look for riding gloves that are neither too heavy nor too light. Plus, they have to be breathable in case the weather is too hot.
On the other hand, they also need to be able to keep your hands warm if needed. It may seem impossible to find the perfect pair of gloves; yet, manufacturers have launched gloved specifically for this time of the year. These gloves fall into all the above-mentioned criteria!
Winter Gloves
The requirements for this season are quite contrasting to the requirements of the summer months. These gloves have to be thick, heavily insulated and multi-layered so that your hands don’t get numb because of the cold.
Riding in the winter may also cause cramps in your hand, which is a dangerous thing. This is because it might lead you to lose control of the bike, ultimately resulting in an accident. Hence, it is particularly important to keep your hands warm in such weather. You also need to make sure that movement is not compromised because of the cold.
Special Gloves are available in the market, engineered for the freezing winters. If you are riding in sub-zero temperatures, heated gloves are also available. These are electronically charged. They are slightly pricier, but that is a much better option than suffering frostbite!
Racing Gloves
Many riders indulge in thrilling, high-speed races. These are fun and extremely adventurous. However, the flipside to this is that they are extremely dangerous. Accidents during these races can be fatal. Hence, you need to ensure that all your safety gear is on point before taking part in a race.
Your hands are also quite vulnerable during such a ride. The best idea would be to invest more in gloves that are specially designed for races. These gloves are made up of high-end materials. They have hardened extra padding for your knuckles to protect them from any kind of injury. They also offer extra protection for the wrists. These gloves need to have a very good grip so that you can have good control over the bike during intense races.
Gauntlet Gloves
This is a unique category of gloves. The specialty of these gloves is that they are much bigger than the other gloves. They go up to your forearms. They are made up of multiple layers and protective materials in all the sensitive regions (knuckles, wrists, fingers). They have extra layers of nylon or leather on the palm as well.
In case you fall down during one of your adventures, these gloves will make sure that you are safe without a single scratch on your hand. Several people have reported that during terrible accidents, wearing gauntlet gloves protected their hands.
Off-Road Motorcycle Gloves
These are for all the bike riders who venture out into the dirt and the mud; the riders who prefer to travel through adventurous routes and unmetalled roads. There is a whole range of gloves available for such rugged riders. These gloves focus the most on comfort. Hence, they are made up of breathable material and are extremely lightweight.
While off-roading, the rider might take jumps off the top of rocks and rough patches. For this purpose, these gloves also have an excellent grip. Additionally, they are easily washable in machines and are suitable for rough use.
Moto-Cross Gloves
These are gloves that not only offer protection but also have an intimidating look. These have knuckle reinforcements on them. They are generally well ventilated. In terms of functionality, these gloves are similar to off-road motorcycle gloves. They have a good grip and they are quite breathable.
Street Gloves
Street gloves serve the same purpose as off-road gloves, but they are much thicker. The designers of these gloves have kept in mind the modern powerful bikes and the incredible speed that they offer. Preventing an injury in such a scenario becomes quite difficult.
Street gloves are therefore made up of extremely hard and thick materials or good quality leather. These gloves are effective in minimizing the impact of injuries. They are not particularly suitable for summers or hot weather.
The Anatomy Of a Motorbike Glove
The anatomy of a motorcycle glove is important and you should know it before starting the search. The anatomy brings all the components into the discussion, and their role and usual build types. Brands do not usually vary this, and if they do, it is with no significant impact on the safety features.
It is always better to understand your product and have some knowledge about it before making a purchase. Motorcycle gloves are obviously quite different from other regular gloves. This is because of their unique design and technology. Here are the different parts of a motorcycle glove:
- Upper Glove – This is that part of the glove which protects the back of your hand. It is ideally supposed to be thick and tough so as to prevent injuries. At the same time, it should not be too heavy because that might disturb its breathability. It is often made up of cowhide leather or artificial materials such as nylon or lycra.
- Palm Area – This is to protect the palm area. The material is thinner in this region to facilitate better gripping and to avoid skidding. It often has soft padding inserts for more comfort.
- Stitching – Stitching is what holds your glove together. If the stitching is intricate and well done, your gloves will never fail you. This is done using strong and firm materials. Some high-quality gloves have double stitching, which is also indicative of greater quality. The stitching should be external in areas such as the palms and the fingers. This is to ensure that your experience is comfortable.
- Fourchettes – These are the area between the fingers. Fourchettes connect the upper area of the palm to the region between the fingers. These are made up of light and breathable material. This part is often used to ventilate your palms.
- Lining – This is the inner part of the glove that comes directly in contact with your skin. A glove may often have multiple linings. In that case, the innermost lining will touch your palm. The material differs based on requirements and functionality. The lining is made up of materials like Thinsulate. Thinsulate offers insulation and also is breathable.
- Closure – This ensures that your gloves are secure on your hands even during the most adventurous rides. The material in this area should be strong. There are different styles available for closure. Some gloves have a button, others have Velcro, and some others have hooks.
- Cuff – Cuffs act as a barrier. These prevent the cold air, rain or snow from getting inside your glove. They can either be long or short. Cuffs often include protective material so as to protect the wrist joint. Long cuffs can be slightly inconvenient. Hence, you should look for the best short cuff motorcycle gloves.
- Armor – This is present near the back of the hand. The armor is used to protect your hands from severe impacts. Foams of different materials are often used to accomplish this purpose. Sometimes harder materials such as steel or titanium are also used.
- Knuckle Padding – Knuckles are those parts of your hand which are the most prone to injury. They are exposed during the bike ride. Hence, any accident may have a direct impact on your knuckles. A knuckle is also a very delicate part of your hand because it is a joint. Hence, gloves should ideally have a hard knuckle padding to reduce the impact of any potential accident.
- Extra Parts – There are some extra features that can improve your experience – these include the touchscreen facility, ventilation slacks, finger brides, silicon inserts and many more.
Other Protective Equipment That You Should Invest
You may be a motorcycle enthusiast ready to go on a new adventure. Yet, before you start off, there are a few pieces of protective gear that you would need to invest in. This would ensure a good experience, safety, and comfort. Here is a list of equipment other than gloves that you should definitely invest in:
- Helmet – The helmet is not only a prerequisite for safety, in most places in the world it is required by law. You may be penalized if you do not wear a helmet. A lot of people complain about the discomfort caused by a helmet, but you will also find many comfortable options in the market to wear. The purpose of a helmet is to protect the most important part of your body – your brain. A helmet can protect you from the most fatal accidents and save you from injuries. Without a helmet, there are multiple possibilities of mishaps. A blow on the head can result in serious damage, causing brain hemorrhage, paralysis, memory loss or even instant death. Hence, it is imperative to wear a helmet. You can also find helmets in different colors, sizes, and designs, and pick one according to your preference.
- Goggles – While riding in difficult terrains, stones, rocks, and debris might fly into your face and hit your eye. You may also get bugs or dust in your eyes. Moreover, during harsh weather conditions, you may experience a lack of vision or watering of eyes. All of these are extremely unfavorable situations that you need protection from. Hence, investing in a pair of goggles is extremely important. Motorcycle goggles come in tinted shades and offer UV protection to defend your eyes against all the external irritant factors. If you have a helmet that covers your eyes with tinted glass, investing in a pair of goggles separately will not be necessary.
- Jacket – Biker jackets are a huge hit in the fashion industry. They are great looking. But other than that, they are also very functional. In the case of an accident or bad weather, you may need some extra protection. This protection can be offered to you by your jacket. Biker jackets are specially designed to reduce impacts, injuries, and abrasions. Some of these jackets come with extra padding or removable padding. This also adds to the safety factor. These are available in a variety of designs, styles, and fits. You can choose to match your jacket with your gloves and thus, look extremely stylish.
- Safety Vest – Bikers may also choose to ride in harsh weather, during the night or early in the morning. At such times, it may be extremely difficult for truck drivers or cars to see a biker. This may lead to a disastrous accident. This can be prevented by wearing a fluorescent safety vest. This will reflect off the light and make you visible to approaching vehicles. These are ideal for riding in bad lighting conditions. This is not the most fashionable gear to put on, but safety should always be more important.
- Pants – Riding pants or chaps need to be worn during a journey. Especially when it is a long journey, it is sensible to invest in a good pair of pants. A lot of people tend to wear think denim or track pants while riding but that is not advisable. This is because denim pants can cause scraping of the skin, while track pants can get torn because of the large external forces. Hence, the best idea here is to invest in a pair of traditional riding leather pants or riding pants. These are weatherproof and the best option while riding. Protective pants can save you from a lot of pain in case of an accident. A few pants are specially designed for the sport. These are slightly expensive but are perfect for such journeys.
- Boots – Normal running shoes are more likely to fail you during a rough journey. There are several options available in the market which can protect your feet. You can choose to opt for the classic pair of leather boots. Not only are they stylish but are also extremely tough and protective. Other than that, a lot of boots have been designed in recent ages which are more modern and practical. These cater to specific purposes.
- Earplugs – Sometimes the sound of high-speed winds blowing, trees racing by and the sound of your own motorcycle’s engine can be deafening. This can be a problem even after you have worn a helmet. It will become even more problematic if you are traveling a long distance. In this situation, the best option is to go for earplugs. It will protect your eardrums from all unwanted noises. Just insert the earplugs into your ear and put on your helmet on top of that for a safe and comfortable journey.
- Knee Guards – The knee is one of the most important and sensitive joints of the body. It has an important bone and it also protects a bundle of nerves in that area. A knee guard has the function of protecting your knee during an adventure. It will also protect your skin and prevent scraping. Knee guards are made up of thick carbon fiber or hardened foam.
- Elbow Guards – Elbow guards protect the elbow joint. An injury in this area may not be particularly fatal, but, it can still lead to a devastating injury or a fracture. Elbow guards can protect you in the case of an inadvertent slide on the track. Similar to a knee guard, elbow guards are also made up of hard carbon fiber or hardened foam. These help to cushion the blow in case of a skid.
- Chest Armour – Chest armors are essential in the case of off-roading or a high-speed race. In such situations, you can experience a high impact on your chest even though you have worn a jacket. An armor is required to protect your body and the most vital internal organs during these tough journeys. Armor is made up of dense and flexible material. In the case of an accident, it can redistribute the pressure on your chest and reduce the damage to a large extent. The chest armor can also be made up of flexible foam material. It protects your body from the front, as well as, the back.
- Reflective Tape – If you do not want to wear an unflattering fluorescent jacket, you can invest in reflective tape. You can put this tape on your jacket, your bike, or your boots so that it is easily noticeable from a distance. In bad lighting conditions, the drivers will be able to spot you as the tape reflects the light from their headlights.