There’s much ado about motorcycle gear, and rightfully so. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just kick-starting your biking journey, the right gear can make a big difference. Helmets, jackets, boots, and pants are all critical—each serving a specific purpose.
Besides these rather glaring pieces of motorcycle gear, however, you’ve also got to think about your gloves. Gloves aren’t just for keeping your hands warm in winter or cool in summer; they have a much more influential role to play.
With that in mind, finding not just a good pair of gloves but the best motorcycle gloves possible is really key to upgrading your ride. Throughout this article, I’ll share comprehensive insights on different types of motorcycle gloves, assessing their key features, materials, and suitability for various settings, rides, seasons, and long trips.
That way, you’re ready to hop on your bike, set with all the gear you need for a safe and comfortable ride.
Why is a Good Pair of Motorcycle Gloves so Important?
Before we get into the nitty gritty of motorcycle gloves, let’s talk about why having a solid pair is so critical.
For starters, motorcycle gloves enhance your grip. Suppose you’re cruising along a country road, the wind in your face when a sudden downpour starts. With the rain, your hands become chilly and slick, compromising the grip on your throttle and clutch controls, which can be outright dangerous. Motorcycle gloves give you a better grip even in such scenarios, ensuring precise control over your bike.
Additionally, in the unfortunate event of a fall or crash, your hands are often the first to hit the ground. A good pair of motorcycle gloves can make the difference between minor scrapes and severe injuries.
Motorcycle gloves also shield your hands from the relentless weather. Be it the oppressive summer sun or the biting winter cold, gloves help maintain a comfortable temperature for your hands, helping you focus better on the ride.
Lastly, motorcycle gloves are a great style statement, too! Just like the rest of your gear, gloves give you an additional layer of personal expression. The perfect pair of gloves combines function with aesthetics, offering solid protection while mirroring your two-wheeled persona.
Key Features of Good Motorcycle Gloves
The paramount factors in determining a good pair of motorcycle gloves are their design, protective features, comfort, and durability. Let’s take a closer look at each of these vital features.
Ergonomic Design
The best motorcycle gloves follow the natural curve of the hand and fingers, essentially mimicking their shape. This ergonomic design helps reduce hand fatigue during long rides and ensures the glove doesn’t interfere with your maneuverability.
A good pair of gloves with an ergonomic design includes the Olympia 450 Men’s Full Throttle Gloves.
Protective Features
While all reputable motorcycle gloves provide a certain level of protection, the extent can vary. Premium gloves will often include reinforcements in high-impact areas such as the palms, knuckles, and fingers.
If you’re after protective gloves, the Olympia 475 Diablo could be a good choice.
Comfort
This factor is crucial, particularly for those of you who enjoy long rides. Ideally, motorcycle gloves should be snug but not tight, allowing for ample movement without rubbing or causing discomfort. For example, some gloves offer adjustable straps on the cuff and wrist to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
A few comfortable gloves that allow for adjustability include the Olympia 750 Men’s Ventor Gloves and the Olympia 180 Men’s Monsoon Gloves.
Durability
Given the fairly significant investment you’ll likely be making, you want a pair that will stand up to the tests of time and wear. A sturdy pair of gloves made from high-quality materials like leather or heavy-duty textiles can endure repeated use and harsh conditions, offering you long-lasting service.
Best Material for Motorcycle Gloves
What’s the best material for motorcycle gloves? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. A lot depends on the type of riding you do, the conditions you ride in, and personal preference. Broadly, however, motorcycle gloves are usually made from two basic types of materials:
- Leather
- Textile
Then there are also hybrid gloves, which are a combination of these materials. Let’s go over how each of these impacts your pair of gloves.
Leather
Leather motorcycle gloves are incredibly popular, and with good reason. Leather is a naturally durable material, offering exceptional abrasion resistance, which is crucial in the event of a slide. Leather gloves will often last longer than their textile counterparts as well.
High-quality leather, like deerskin or cowhide, molds to your hand over time and provides an unbeatable combination of comfort, feel, and protection.
There are two major types of leather used for gloves: Cowhide and deerskin. Cowhide is thicker and offers more protection, while deerskin is lighter, less bulky, and generally provides better tactile feedback. An example of deerskin motorcycle gloves includes the Olympia 144 Men’s Deerskin Classic Gloves. On the other hand, there’s the Olympia 103 Men’s Easy Rider Gloves if you want a cowhide pair.
Textile
Textile motorcycle gloves, on the other hand, are usually made from materials like Cordura or Kevlar. They shine in varied weather conditions. They’re typically waterproof and offer better breathability than leather, making them suitable for hot weather and wet conditions.
An example of good textile gloves is the Olympia 4354 Journey gloves.
Hybrid Gloves
Hybrid gloves combining leather and textiles have become increasingly popular in recent years. The leather offers protection where you need it most, and the textile materials provide flexibility, breathability, and waterproofing. For those who want the best of both worlds, hybrid gloves can offer great comfort and protection.
A pair of combined gloves could be the Olympia 477 Rover.
Motorcycle Gloves for Different Settings
Just as you carefully choose your bike to match the type of riding you’ll be doing, you also need to carefully select your gloves to match your environment.
Let’s examine the different types of motorcycle gloves that are best suited for city riding, off-roading, and track racing.
Motorcycle Gloves for City Riding
When you’re riding through city streets, you need gloves that allow great flexibility and control. City riding often means more stops, so you don’t want gloves that are too thick or restrictive. I typically recommend gloves with a well-ventilated design and integrated knuckle protection for city rides.
A good pair for city riding could be the Olympia 152 AirFlow II gloves.
Motorcycle Gloves for Off-Roading
Off-roading demands a whole different set of requirements. Since you’ll likely be dealing with dirt, dust, and likely some more intense bumps and impacts, your gloves need to offer maximum protection. But remember, they should also offer good grip and comfort.
If you’re after off-roading gloves, perhaps the Olympia 450 Men’s Full Throttle Gloves might be the right pick.
Motorcycle Gloves for Track Racing
If you’re hitting the racing circuit, safety has to be your top priority. Track racing gloves often come with armored knuckles, reinforced palm sliders, and wrist protection. They’re typically made of high-quality leather for excellent resistance against friction in case of a slide.
A good choice here could be the Olympia 340 Men’s Vented Protector Gloves.
Motorcycle Gloves for Long Trips and Touring
For extended rides, comfort is paramount. When logged in the saddle for hours on end, you’ll want gloves that feel good but also offer seamless functionality. For instance, gloves with a pre-curved finger construction to reduce riding fatigue while offering accordion inserts for improved flexibility – crucial on those long hauls.
Plus, you’ll want gloves that are durable and come with other features, such as touchscreen compatibility, to help when navigating unfamiliar routes and needing to check GPS on your smartphone. An example here could be the Olympia 4352 Men’s All Season II Touch Gloves.
What About Seasonal Motorcycle Gloves?
The season you’re riding in plays a significant role in deciding the type of glove you should wear. Here’s a breakdown by season:
- Best Motorcycle Gloves for Summer: When it comes to summer, breathability and grip are vital. Don’t sacrifice comfort for safety. It’s important to find a glove that lets your hands breathe while keeping them protected.
- Best Motorcycle Gloves for Winter: When winter comes, you must keep your hands warm and protected from the elements. The gloves need to be waterproof, but at the same time, they shouldn’t compromise on protection and grip.
- Transition Gloves: These gloves are best for spring and autumn. You need something that allows enough air circulation while providing suitable insulation from the falling temperatures.
Choosing the right glove for each season can greatly enhance your riding experience and safety, whether it’s in the blistering heat of summer, the freezing cold of winter, or the in-between temperatures of spring and autumn.
An appropriate pair of gloves not only provides comfort but also ensures your safety for an enjoyable ride throughout the year.
Considerations When Choosing the Best Motorcycle Gloves
As a seasoned rider and glove enthusiast, I’ve learned that choosing the ideal motorcycle gloves isn’t just about buying the most popular or expensive model.
Several key factors influence the type of gloves that will ultimately meet your unique needs and preferences. Here’s what to consider when selecting your perfect pair.
Personal Riding Style
How and where you use your motorcycle greatly influences your glove choice. For the urban commuter riding through city streets, a pair of short-cuff gloves offering flexibility may be an ideal pick. But for someone who indulges in sport or track racing, well-structured, full-gauntlet gloves would be worth the investment for their premium protection.
Weather and Climate
Your local weather conditions and climate should dictate the material and construction of your gloves. I would invest in breathable and lightweight gloves for hot summer weather. However, in colder climates or winter months, insulated and possibly heated gloves can help maintain comfort and dexterity.
Fit and Comfort
Gloves that fit well not only ensure comfort but also offer better control. Always try them on before buying, checking finger length and palm fit. Keep an eye out for gloves that feature pre-curved fingers- these mirror the natural shape of your hands, meaning less stress while gripping the handlebars.
Safety Features
Your gloves should offer protection against impact and abrasion in the event of an accident. Remember to look for features like the knuckle armor and palm sliders. Good hard-knuckle protective gloves can help you stay safe on your ride.
Budget Considerations
While safety and comfort shouldn’t be compromised, you don’t necessarily need to break the bank to find quality gloves. Quality gloves can be found at wallet-friendly prices.
Start the Journey to Riding With the Best Motorcycle Gloves
The best motorcycle gloves are the ones that cater to your specific needs, providing comfort and protection, and making your rides all the more enjoyable. Think about what kinds of environments and riding conditions you typically face to help you choose the perfect motorcycle gloves.
Remember, buying gloves is an investment in your safety and comfort during motorcycle rides. Be it a winter glove with that extra layer of insulation or a summer glove with increased breathability, take your time and don’t compromise on fit and protection. Investing in a well-made, perfectly suited pair of gloves can elevate your riding experience immensely.
Once you’re ready to purchase, head on over to Olympia Gloves and find the best pair of motorcycle gloves for any season or riding conditions. Or, if you’re still choosing which pair to buy, subscribe to our newsletter. There, we’ll send you insider tips on choosing the perfect gloves for every occasion, plus you’ll get access to exclusive sales.
