Lets Talk About Gloves

"Which gloves should I buy?" That's a question we hear often, and just like there's a tool for every job, there's a glove for every use—and almost every weather condition. We've put together a short description of each of our glove categories, and listed a few fit characteristics. If you have questions, give us a call, or drop us a line via email using our contact form. We'll get back to you as quickly as we can.

Sizing Definitely the number one question we get...and for good reason. Not all gloves are made using the same pattern or factory, are designed differently, have hard protection, and others soft protection. But the biggest difference is... we are all built differently.  Long thumb, short thumb, "sausage fingers", "alien hands" wide palm/short fingers and more. With that in mind, follow the method in the size chart as best you can and look at the notes on bottom of the product page where we do our best to let you know of any particular glove characteristics.  "Long fingers", "best for wide palms" etc. 

The size chart is a guide. The hand in the size chart photo is what we like to call proportional...9.5" palm with 7.5" finger. Palm width to finger length is in proportion to each. Unlike "alien" hands, where the palm and fingers are not in proportion. Example, 8.5" palm with 8.25 finger length. 

Glove Uses. For most gloves, we feel they are "agnostic", meaning (with the exception of winter or waterproof gloves), a race glove is designed for the track but can be a very suitable glove for a daily commute. A short cuff Adventure glove also has dual roles and can be ridden on a Harley or an Africa Twin, on the street or in the dirt.  

Glove Categories

Race Gloves

Race gloves should fit like a second skin, no bulkiness, pressure points, or fit that takes your concentration away when your hustling along the race track at 100mph plus. When choosing a race glove, it should be snug upon initial fit with finger tips touching the ends with approximately 1 pound of pressure.  A high quality race glove made of leather with protective features of plastic, carbon fiber etc., will gain back a few millimeters after break-in and finger length will be perfect. A race glove that is too big when new will feel sloppy when riding and may cause arm pump. Of course we all have our personal preferences with glove fit.  Break in - For track use, usually 1 day on the track and the gloves will be broken in. Street use, usually 500mi and gloves are broken in. 

Street Gloves

Street gloves should fit snug but not as snug as a race glove. Consider the type motorcycle your riding and your riding position. Are you riding upright without much weight on your hands…or are you leaned forward with weight on your hands? These type gloves run the gamut of styles. From long cuff and short cuff styles, with hard protection and without. Constructed with materials of all leather or combination of leather, stretch fabric and synthetic leather.

Adventure/Dual Sport Gloves

As a growing category, the glove of choice really depends on rider preference for the type of riding conditions and bike type. In general, an Adventure glove will be a short cuff style with knuckle and palm protection, and constructed of various materials…leather, textile, and synthetic leather. But we have ADV riders wearing race gloves for the protection when in remote countries. 

Winter Gloves/Waterproof Gloves

Winter gloves need to provide warmth, dryness and dexterity. Breathable waterproof liners such as GoreTex, Hipora and a host of others provide dryness and breathability so your hands won’t get wet from outside moisture or sweat from inside. PrimaLoft and other insulations provide warmth. Chassis materials such as leather and textile, combined with GoreTex and PrimaLoft make for the ultimate in winter protection. Of course there are variations that make up many styles. 

Women’s Gloves

Lets face it women are built different and in general have long fingers, smaller palms, longer fingernails, and more. While a woman might fit into a man’s designed glove, its best to purchase a women’s specific glove whenever possible. A women’s glove pattern is specific to the female hand and ultimately will be the best fit for a woman.

Materials

In today's world of exotic materials and plastics, higher end motorcycle gloves have taken on some of these materials to help protect us while providing dexterity and overall feel. 

Leather

Cowhide is the most common glove material and just like a leather jacket or race suit, provides a high level of abrasion protection.  

Kangaroo leather is lighter and stronger than the hide of a cow or goat. It has 10 times the tensile strength of cowhide and is 50% stronger than goatskin. provides more abrasion protection over cowhide and therefore is usually thinner and lighter weight than cowhide while still providing a high level of abrasion protection. In a glove, Kangaroo provides outstanding feel of the controls.

Goat Skin has more durability than cowhide. It is suppler and softer because of the presence of lanolin in the leather. It is also more durable than cowhide because it is water resistant.

Still have questions? Give us a call or send an email by using our contact form. We want you to be 100% comfortable and happy with your glove purchase!