Stay comfortable and protected on your motorcycle rides with the top-rated motorcycle gloves on this list.
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REV’IT! Sand 4 – Best Motorcycle Gloves for Summer
Dainese Blackjack Gloves – Best Short Cuff Motorcycle Gloves
Alpinestars GP Pro R3 Gloves – Best Motorcycle Gloves for Track
Fox Racing Dirtpaw Gloves – Best Motorcycle Gloves for Dirt
Held Air N Dry – Best Waterproof Motorcycle Gloves
Proper motorcycle gloves are crucial for protecting your hands while riding, yet they are often overlooked. Motorcycle gloves not only protect your hands in the event of an accident, but they also provide essential protection while riding. It’s important to choose the best gloves for your specific needs, whether you’re hitting the dirt trails, focusing on track days, or commuting to work.
To assist in your decision-making process, we’ve compiled a list of the top-rated motorcycle gloves on the market. Our recommendations are based on a combination of personal experience, owner feedback, and expert insights, taking into account factors such as durability, comfort, and overall protection. Invest in a quality pair of gloves to keep your hands safe and comfortable on the road.
REV’IT! Sand 4
Best motorcycle gloves for summer
For a versatile glove that provides protection and versatility, the REV’IT Sand 4 gloves are a top pick. These gloves are suitable for a range of riding styles, from highway mileage to light dirt duty. They are also a popular choice for riders who have multiple bikes and want a single pair of gloves that can work for all of them.
The REV’IT Sand 4 gloves are expertly engineered for summer riding, with a goatskin palm that extends down the wrist and wraps the thumb and fourth fingers, paired with abrasion-resistant stretch mesh fabrics and an integrated TPR knuckle protector for impact protection. Additional TPR protectors on the fingers and thumbs and a TPR palm slider add extra protection, while perforations on the outside of the glove and control side of the hand increase airflow.
These gloves also feature smart connect fingertips for staying connected while on the go, and an oversized pull tab and hook and loop wrist strap for easy entry and secure closure. Whether you’re on or off the tarmac, the REV’IT Sand 4 gloves are a solid choice for the adventure rider.
Dainese Blackjack Gloves
Best short cuff motorcycle gloves
$100 at Revzilla
The Dainese Blackjack motorcycle gloves are a reliable choice for casual riding. Despite being a basic glove, they are made of durable goatskin leather and offer adequate hand and palm protection.
One standout feature of these gloves is the built-in precurve for the fingers, which enhances comfort during longer rides. They also have padded knuckle protection, making them a great option for those who prefer gloves without hard armor. Another bonus is the affordable price of these leather motorcycle gloves. Overall, the Dainese Blackjack gloves are a solid choice for riders looking for comfort and protection at a reasonable cost.
Other Short Cuff Motorcycle Gloves to Consider
Alpinestars GP Pro R3
Best motorcycle gloves for the track
When it comes to track riding, the right gloves are essential for protecting your hands in the event of a high-speed crash. They must be flexible enough to allow for easy movement and control of the bike, while also offering ample protection and abrasion resistance.
The Alpinestars GP Pro R3 gloves fit the bill, featuring molded plastic armor on the knuckles and fingers for impact protection, as well as goatskin and kangaroo leather construction for superior abrasion resistance. These gloves are also a great value at under $300 and come in a range of colors to match any racing leathers. Along with a motorcycle helmet and boots, the Alpinestars GP Pro R3 gloves should be a top priority for any serious track rider.
Fox Racing Dirtpaw
Best motorcycle gloves for dirt
For off-road riding and racing, responsive and protective gloves are a must. The Fox Racing Dirtpaw gloves are a popular choice among riders, featuring a padded palm and superior flex-point comfort. These gloves come in a variety of colors, allowing you to match them to your kit or bike.
The hoop and loop closure ensures a secure fit, while the built-in stretch allows for maximum dexterity. The conductive Clarino finger material even allows you to use your phone without removing the gloves. If you’re in need of reliable gloves for off-road riding, the Fox Racing Dirtpaw is a top choice.
Held Air N Dry
Best waterproof motorcycle gloves
The Held Air N Dry gloves are the best touring motorcycle gloves on the market, but they come with a steep price tag of nearly $300. However, the high cost is justified by the versatility of these gloves.
They have two built-in liners, one for warmth and weather resistance and the other for temperature management and breathability. This means you only need to carry one pair of gloves on long trips, making them incredibly versatile and suitable for a range of weather conditions. If you’re in need of a reliable, high-quality pair of gloves for touring, the Held Air N Dry gloves are worth the investment.
Why are Motorcycle Gloves Important
When it comes to motorcycle riding, protective gear is essential for keeping you safe on the road. Gloves serve as a crucial line of defense for your hands in the event of an accident, but they also provide essential protection while riding.
One major benefit of motorcycle gloves is their ability to protect against wind blast. At high speeds, the wind can cause serious chills or numbness in your fingers, making it difficult to operate your bike’s controls and potentially causing distractions that can be dangerous. Motorcycle gloves can also protect your hands from impacts, such as rocks or insects that can be hazardous at high speeds.
In addition to these practical benefits, motorcycle gloves can also add style and comfort to your ride. There are a wide variety of gloves available to suit different needs and preferences, from touring gloves to track gloves to off-road gloves. It’s important to choose the best gloves for your specific needs, whether you’re hitting the dirt trails, focusing on track days, or commuting to work.
Choosing the Right Size and Type of Motorcycle Gloves
Determining the right size for your motorcycle gloves is important for ensuring a proper fit and maximum protection. A simple method for measuring your glove size is outlined in this video by RevZilla. Keep in mind that different brands may have different sizing, so it’s important to consult the size chart before making a purchase.
There are also various types of motorcycle gloves available to suit different riding styles and weather conditions, such as dirtbike gloves, adventure gloves, cafe racer gloves, track gloves, and more. The price range for quality gloves is typically around $100, though some may be more expensive depending on features like waterproof liners or exotic materials.
In addition to finding the right size and style of motorcycle gloves, it’s also important to consider the materials they are made of. Leather is a popular choice for its durability and abrasion resistance, but it may not be the most comfortable option in hot weather. Synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester can be more breathable, but may not offer the same level of protection as leather. Some gloves may also incorporate materials like Kevlar or carbon fiber for added protection and durability. It’s also worth considering features like padding or armor for impact protection, and waterproof liners for wet weather riding.
Ultimately, the best gloves for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences as a rider. Don’t skimp on quality – investing in a good pair of gloves can make a big difference in your safety and comfort on the road. Above all, it’s important to wear your gloves every time you ride to ensure maximum protection.
FAQs about Motorcycle Gloves
Why are proper motorcycle gloves important?
While any leather gloves are better than none, proper motorcycle gloves are designed to withstand the specific impacts and abrasions that can occur in a motorcycle crash. It is important to choose the right gloves for the type of motorcycling you’re doing.
How do I know if my motorcycle gloves fit?
For the best fit, motorcycle gloves should be snug without being constricting, with no pinch points or excess material. They should also be secure at the wrist without being too tight.
What are the best brands of motorcycle gloves?
Many brands make great quality motorcycle gloves. Some top brands that we like include REV’IT!, Alpinestars, Held, and Dainese.
What are the ideal materials for motorcycle gloves?
Leather is a classic choice for motorcycle gloves, and we also recommend gloves with rubber or TPU impact protection. While materials like carbon fiber or titanium may be stylish, they are not precisely necessary or beneficial for most casual riders.
Do all motorcycle gloves provide the same coverage and protection?
Motorcycle gloves are available in short-cuff and gauntlet styles. Short-cuff gloves stop at the wrist and offer more freedom of movement, while gauntlet gloves extend to the mid-forearm for more protection and water resistance, but may be harder to put on or take off and may restrict movement more.
Which motorcycle gloves are the warmest?
Insulated motorcycle gloves will be very warm, and electrically heated gloves are also available for extreme cold weather riding.