If you’re a glove guy, then fingerless motorcycle gloves might have caught your eye. A mix of traditional and modern glove designs, fingerless gloves not only look cool but also allow for improved dexterity and cooling.
Every breeze you catch, every note of the engine you feel, and every stretch of road you touch gets you a bit closer to becoming one with your bike, and fingerless gloves help you do just that.
But how effective are they? Are they safe? Easy to wear? In this guide, I’ll answer questions and more so that you know whether these gloves really are a good pick for you or if they’re best left on the shelf.
What’s the Purpose of Fingerless Motorcycle Gloves, Anyway?
To dive into why fingerless motorcycle gloves might be a good pick for your ride, let’s start with the basics — what are these gloves for in the first place?
For one thing, fingerless gloves provide protection while also offering flexibility. You see, when it comes to riding, your hands are essential tools. They control your throttle, clutch, and brake levers, demanding a delicate balance of strength and nimbleness.
Fingerless gloves, such as the Olympia 407 Men’s Fingerless Gel Gloves, cover your palms and the back of your hands while leaving your fingers free. This design offers excellent protection in these areas against blisters, wind chill, and even road rash in case of an accident, while still allowing for uninhibited hand and finger movement.
At the same time, they augment your grip on the handlebars. Fingerless gloves readily soak up sweat, increasing friction between your hand and the handlebars and, therefore, ensuring a steadier hold.
Lastly, these gloves provide superior ventilation. They allow airflow to cool your skin, which can be particularly soothing on hot summer rides, ultimately preventing sweaty, overheated hands.
Fingerless Motorcycle Gloves and Safety
As a seasoned rider, safety is always at the forefront of my mind. And, although you might not think of your gloves as being a part of safety gear, they actually are.
When looking at fingerless gloves in particular, this style provides coverage and cushioning to critical areas such as the palm, knuckles, and parts of the fingers. This means that, in the unfortunate event of a fall or an accident, these areas have some level of protection against scratches, scrapes, and possibly even more severe injuries.
However, at the same time, the fingertips are left exposed and vulnerable. That’s something to seriously consider, as your fingers are arguably one of the most critical parts of your hand, facilitating everything from gripping to fine motor skills.
Remember, safety standards exist for a reason. Motorcycle gloves with full coverage, such as the Olympia 4350 Men’s All Season I Gloves, can offer comprehensive protection, including your fingertips. These gloves are built for impact absorption and can potentially save you from breaking a finger or suffering a nasty road rash.
Pros and Cons of Fingerless Motorcycle Gloves
In order to decide whether fingerless motorcycle gloves are a good fit for you, it pays to know about the different advantages and disadvantages they offer. In general, these gloves are best suited to different situations depending on what kind of rider you are.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of these types of gloves.
Advantages of Fingerless Motorcycle Gloves
Let’s start by looking at the benefits. A couple of reasons to check out fingerless motorcycle gloves include:
- Improved airflow: One of the most significant benefits of fingerless motorcycle gloves is the increased airflow they offer. During a hot summer ride, having that extra breathability can make all the difference in comfort.
- Enhanced dexterity: Another advantage of fingerless gloves is the freedom they provide to your fingers. They allow for greater mobility and precision, which is highly beneficial when handling small items or using your motorcycle’s controls.
- Ability to use touchscreen devices: In this digital age, being able to quickly use your smartphone or other touchscreen devices without removing your gloves is a significant advantage. You can easily pull up maps, shuffle your playlists, or take incoming calls while you’re on the road.
All these benefits are reasons why riders love donning a pair of fingerless motorcycle gloves when they take to the road.
Disadvantages of Fingerless Motorcycle Gloves
We’ve already talked about one disadvantage of fingerless motorcycle gloves — safety. However, there are other downsides to know about as well. A couple of the cons of this type of glove include:
- Limited protection: As their name suggests, fingerless gloves leave your fingers exposed, which means significantly less protection in those areas.
- Weather considerations: Another downside is that fingerless gloves are not the best option for cooler weather or rain. Leaving fingers exposed can lead to discomfort in cold conditions.
- Maintenance: Fingerless gloves require a bit more care due to the extra exposure to sweat and other elements. They need to be cleaned more often to keep them in the best condition possible.
Still, depending on your riding style, these disadvantages may be fairly inconsequential.
Different Types of Fingerless Motorcycle Gloves
As a glove expert, I’ve seen a wide variety of fingerless motorcycle gloves made from different materials, each with its own unique properties and benefits. The below table breaks down different types of fingerless motorcycle gloves and why they matter.
| Type of Glove | Description |
| Leather fingerless gloves | Leather is a classic choice for motorcycle gloves due to its durability and natural abrasion resistance. Leather fingerless gloves offer excellent protection for your palms and the back of your hands while still granting you that much-needed flexibility and control. However, they aren’t as breathable as other options, making them less suitable for extremely hot weather. |
| Mesh fingerless gloves | These gloves are known for their superior breathability, thanks to their mesh construction. They tend to be lightweight and comfortable, keeping your hands cool during warm summer rides. However, they might not provide the same level of protection as leather. |
| Hybrid fingerless gloves | Can’t decide between leather and mesh? No worries. Hybrid fingerless gloves blend the best of both worlds. They feature leather for protection in high-impact zones and mesh for greater ventilation. |
| Racing-style fingerless gloves | These are designed to offer maximum protection while keeping the fingers free for improved controls. Some gloves feature knuckle protectors and secure wrist closures which could be an excellent choice if you’re after this style. |
| Summer and touring fingerless gloves | Designed with hot weather and long rides in mind, these gloves are typically lightweight, breathable, and comfortable for long periods of use. |
Remember, style and preference matter, but so do the riding environment and the type of protection required. Decision-making should always strike a balance between all these factors.
Features to Look for When Choosing Fingerless Motorcycle Gloves
Selecting the right pair of fingerless motorcycle gloves is a critical choice that hinges on several key features. Remember, these aren’t just fashion accessories. They need to offer a blend of protection, comfort, and functionality that’s tailored to your needs.
Here are a couple of things to pay attention to as you hunt for a good pair of fingerless gloves.
Material
The material of your gloves is a significant factor impacting their comfort, durability, and protection. A cooling mesh, such as the Olympia 757 Men’s Air Force Fingerless Gel Gloves, can be a great way to increase airflow and breathability.
Fit
Nothing can substitute the importance of a good fit. Poorly fitted gloves can cause discomfort, hand fatigue, and can even slip off during your ride. So, ensure that the gloves fit snuggly but are not too tight that they restrict movement.
Padding and Armor
Protection is critical, even when selecting fingerless gloves. Look for gloves such as the Olympia 107 Men’s Outrider II Gloves, which offer a padded palm to help ensure safety in the event of a fall.
Stitching Quality
High-quality stitching is a feature often overlooked but can make a significant difference in how long your gloves last. Strong, double stitching ensures the gloves won’t tear at the seams during a slide and prolong their lifespan.
Factors to Consider When Buying Fingerless Motorcycle Gloves
Just like any accessory or gear for your beloved bike, buying fingerless motorcycle gloves involves careful consideration of various factors.
Let’s go over a few different factors to have in mind as you look for fingerless motorcycle gloves.
Glove Size
Probably the most critical factor is finding gloves that fit perfectly. If your gloves are too tight, they’ll restrict your movement and lead to discomfort or even pain. Too loose, and they offer poor grip control. Make sure to try the gloves on and move your hand around in them to get a feel for their fit before you purchase.
Riding Style and Purpose
Different gloves cater to different riding styles and purposes. If you’re a touring rider who spends hours on highways, you’ll want gloves that offer maximum comfort and fatigue reduction. If you’re into sport riding, gloves providing an excellent grip and flexibility at high speeds are ideal.
Price Range
Quality motorcycle gloves can vary significantly in price depending on the brand, materials used, and the level of protection offered. More affordable options may serve you just as well as high-end ones. It’s about what offers you the best balance of comfort, durability, and safety within your budget.
Weather Conditions
While fingerless gloves offer excellent breathability for hot weather, their open design could be a drawback in cold or rainy conditions. If you ride all year round in varying weather, it’s worth considering a second pair with full fingers for colder months.
FAQs About Fingerless Motorcycle Gloves
Do you still have a few lingering doubts about fingerless motorcycle gloves? Here are a couple of frequently asked questions to help you get a feel for whether or not a pair of these would make sense for you.
Are fingerless gloves legal for motorcycle riding?
In general, there are no specific laws prohibiting the use of fingerless gloves for motorcycle riding. However, since laws can vary from place to place, it is always a good idea to check the local regulations and ensure your gloves adhere to any laws.
How to maintain fingerless gloves?
Fingerless gloves, particularly those made from leather, need a specific regimen to keep them in good shape. After each ride, I suggest wiping your gloves with a damp cloth to remove dust and sweat, then let them air dry. Avoid putting them under direct sunlight or on a radiator, as the heat can cause the leather to dry and crack. For a deeper clean, consider using dedicated leather cleaning products.
Can you wear fingerless gloves in the winter?
Absolutely! You can wear fingerless gloves in winter, but keep in mind that they might not provide as much protection from the cold as full gloves. On mild winter days, fingerless gloves may often suffice, especially if you’re not planning on a long ride. However, on particularly chilly days, you might want to consider full-fingered gloves or heated options.
Pick Up the Perfect Pair of Fingerless Motorcycle Gloves
Fingerless motorcycle gloves offer a blend of protection, improved handling, and comfort, particularly in warmer weather. They can be perfect on those summer rides where a full glove would simply be too stifling.
Ultimately, the choice between fingerless and full-finger gloves comes down to personal preference, riding style, and the specific conditions in which you’ll be riding. My advice? Have both in your riding gear arsenal. That way, you’re prepared for whatever the open road throws at you.
Ready to pick up a pair of our fingerless motorcycle gloves for yourself? Head over to Olympia Gloves to browse our options. Or, if you’re not quite ready to buy, sign up for our email newsletter for detailed guides, insightful reviews, and, most importantly, exclusive glove deals.
