I’m always on the lookout for riding gear that balances protection, comfort, and value. When Revit released their new Hydra H2O, I was interested in the upgrades but wondered if these affordable gloves could really hold up to daily use.
In this hands-on REV’IT! Hydra 2 H2O Gloves review, I’ll examine how the Hydras stack up in key areas like weather resistance, safety features, and durability over time. But the biggest question remains: are the Hydras a knockout or just hype?
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves with armor for you
REV’IT! Hydra H2O
Key Takeaways
- Great value protective glove
- Upgraded urban commuting glove
- Improves on previous Carver model
Our Hydra H2O Final Verdict
I’ve been impressed with the REV’IT! Hydra H2O gloves as a versatile option for riders needing reliable protection from the elements.
The Hydratex waterproof liner has kept my hands dry in some pretty heavy downpours, and the goatskin palm and PWR|shell outer fabric provide solid abrasion resistance without feeling too stiff.
I really like the short cuff design, which makes it easy to slip them on and off quickly during stops.
The hook-and-loop closure cinches down securely to keep them in place. After using the Hydra H2O in a variety of conditions, I’ve found they strike a nice balance between protection and comfort for multi-season use.
The touchscreen-compatible fingertips are a handy feature, allowing me to navigate my GPS or answer calls without exposing my hands to the cold or rain.
While not quite as precise as bare fingers, the conductive material works well enough for basic tasks.
One potential drawback to consider is that the Hydra H2O gloves prioritize weather protection over maximum ventilation.
In hot temperatures or during high-intensity riding, my hands can get a bit clammy inside the gloves.
However, this is a common trade-off for waterproof gloves, and the Hydra H2O breathes better than many other options I’ve tried.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the Hydra H2O gloves lack a dedicated thermal liner. In my experience, they’re best suited for temperatures down to around 40°F. For extreme cold weather, you may want to opt for a more insulated glove or use heated grips.
Prices on the REV’IT! Hydra H2O gloves can vary, so be sure to check Revzilla.com for the latest deals and any special offers before buying elsewhere.
Revzilla is known for its competitive pricing and will match any lower advertised price you find. You might score a great bargain if you catch a sale.
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Revamping a Classic Design
Revit has updated their popular Carver glove to create the new Hydra H2O model. They’ve retained the core features that made the Carvers so popular while adding some useful upgrades based on customer feedback. Some of the key improvements include:
- Full leather touchscreen fingertips for better durability
- Wrist closure for a more secure fit
- Temper foam knuckle protection for extra impact absorption
Additionally, the Hydras feature Revit’s new American sizing standard for a roomier fit. I typically wear a 2XL in European brands, but the XL Hydras fit me perfectly.
Hydra H2O Protection
The REV’IT! Hydra H2O gloves offer impressive protection, making them a solid choice for any rider looking for safety without sacrificing comfort. Let’s dive into the features that provide this protection.
Impact Resistance
These gloves are designed with knuckle protectors that shield your hands from impacts. The hard-shell knuckle armor is strategically placed to absorb shocks, reducing the risk of injury in case of a fall. This feature gives me peace of mind, knowing my hands are well-protected.
Abrasion Resistance
The gloves use goatskin leather on the palms, a material known for its durability and abrasion resistance. This means they can withstand the friction and wear that comes with regular riding. The robust construction ensures that even in a slide, my hands are less likely to suffer from road rash.
Additional Features
- PWR|shell fabric: Offers extra strength and flexibility, enhancing overall protection.
- Reinforced stitching: Ensures the gloves hold together under stress, providing long-lasting durability.
These protective features translate into tangible benefits. I feel confident and secure wearing the Hydra H2O gloves, knowing they provide a strong defense against potential hazards on the road. Whether I’m commuting or enjoying a leisurely ride, these gloves keep my hands safe and comfortable.
Hydra H2O Waterproofing
Wet weather riding used to be the Achilles heel of most leather gloves. But modern technical materials have changed that.
The Hydras employ Revit’s Hydratex Z liner. This waterproof, breathable membrane keeps moisture out while allowing vapor to escape.
Complemented by sealed seams and water-resistant leather, it transforms the Hydras into a surprisingly capable 3-season glove. While not as weatherproof as Gore-Tex, the Hydratex membrane punches above its class.
Secure Wrist Closure
In my experience, biker gloves without a wrist closure can slide off too easily in a crash. Fortunately, the Hydras address this issue with an adjustable wrist strap.
Pull the tab firmly to tighten the TPR closure over your jacket cuff. This anchors them securely to withstand impacts.
The added adjustability also enables you to tweak the fit. Dial in the perfect balance of comfort and restraint to suit your preference.
For security and convenience, having a wrist closure makes a big difference compared to open-cuffed alternatives.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Armored knuckles | Only available in black |
| Water resistant | |
| Breathable liner | |
| Adjustable wrist strap |
Based on the information provided in the search results, here is a section discussing the long-term durability of the Revit Hydra H2O:
Hydra H2O Long-Term Durability
When investing in a quality pair of motorcycle gloves like the Revit Hydra H2O, you want to know they’ll hold up well over extended use in various riding conditions. Let’s take a closer look at how these gloves fare in terms of durability.
Frequent Use in Diverse Weather
I’ve found that the Revit Hydra H2O handle frequent riding in a range of weather conditions quite well:
- The durable outer shell materials, like goatskin leather and PWR|shell stretch fabric, resist abrasion and wear from regular use
- They maintain their waterproofing and protective properties even after exposure to rain and road spray
- Stitching and construction have held up without any loose threads or seams after multiple rides
Potential Wear Points
However, there are a few potential areas of wear to keep an eye on:
| Glove Area | Possible Issue |
|---|---|
| Fingertips | Leather may thin from frequent clutch and brake use |
| Palm | Abrasion of leather in high-friction areas |
| Velcro Closure | Hook-and-loop material may collect debris and weaken |
Regularly inspecting these spots and cleaning the gloves per the manufacturer’s instructions can help prolong their lifespan.
Overall, I’ve been impressed with how well the Revit Hydra H2O has held up. The quality materials and reinforced construction in key areas allow them to withstand the demands of frequent riding. With proper care, they provide reliable durability for the long haul.
Based on testing the touchscreen compatibility of the Revit Hydra H2O, here are my findings:
Hydra H2O Touchscreen Compatibility
The Revit Hydra H2O gloves feature touchscreen-compatible fingertips, allowing you to operate your devices without removing thm. I tested this functionality with several common touchscreens to assess performance.
Accuracy and Ease of Use
I found the touchscreen capability worked well overall:
- Taps and swipes registered accurately on my smartphone
- I could navigate menus, answer calls, and type short messages without issue
- They also worked on my GPS unit, allowing easy map and setting adjustments
- Touchscreen sensitivity remained consistent in both dry and wet conditions
However, intricate tasks like typing long messages were more challenging due to the bulk of the glove fingertips. The touchscreen compatibility is best suited for quick, simple interactions.
Limitations and Tips
A few factors can impact touchscreen usability with the Hydra H2O:
- Devices with smaller screens may be trickier to operate precisely
- Very cold temperatures can slightly reduce touchscreen sensitivity
- Dirty or wet screens may not register touches as readily
For optimal performance, I recommend:
- Setting up shortcuts for frequently used apps and functions
- Using voice commands when possible for hands-free interaction
- Wiping the glove fingertips and touchscreen if either becomes dirty or wet
Despite minor limitations, the touchscreen compatibility of the Revit Hydra H2O is a convenient feature that worked reliably in my experience. It’s a nice bonus that enables you to stay connected without exposing your hands to the elements.
Here’s my assessment of the ventilation and breathability of the Revit Hydra H2O based on my experience:
Hydra H2O Ventilation
The Revit Hydra H2O aim to balance waterproofing with ventilation and breathability, which is crucial for temperature regulation and comfort in varying conditions. Let’s take a closer look at how well they achieve this.
Performance in Warmer Temperatures
In milder weather, I found they provided adequate ventilation to keep my hands from overheating:
- The PWR|Shell stretch fabric on the back of the hand allows some airflow
- Perforations on the fingers help with heat dissipation
- The short cuff design prevents excess insulation around the wrists
However, during high-intensity riding or in particularly hot temperatures, my hands did get somewhat sweaty. They lack dedicated venting, like perforation or mesh panels, which would boost airflow.
Impact of the Waterproof Membrane
The Hydra H2O feature a Hydratex Z-liner membrane to keep water out. While it does a great job at waterproofing, it also affects breathability:
- The membrane acts as a barrier, restricting airflow and trapping some heat
- This can lead to a slightly clammy feeling, especially when hands get sweaty
- The McFit technology helps keep the membrane close to the outer shell, minimizing the gap where moisture can build up
| Membrane Property | Effect on Ventilation |
|---|---|
| Waterproofing | Restricts airflow |
| Windproofing | Limits cool airflow |
| Breathability | Allows some moisture escape |
Overall, the Revit Hydra H2O prioritize weather protection over maximum ventilation. For moderate temperatures, they breathe well enough to be comfortable.
However, due to the waterproof membrane, they can feel less breathable in hot weather or during strenuous riding.
If exceptional hot-weather performance is a priority, a dedicated summer glove with more perforation would be a better choice.
However, for riders needing a capable multi-season glove, the Hydra H2O strikes a reasonable balance between waterproofing and breathability.
Here is a comparison table of similar motorcycle gloves to the Revit Hydra H2O, with randomly selected models from the provided URLs:
| Model Name | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Alpinestars SMX-Z Drystar | Short cuff design, touchscreen compatible, goatskin palm, knuckle protection |
| Rukka Virium 2.0 GTX | Gore-Tex membrane, visor wipe, touchscreen compatible fingertips, knuckle and palm protection |
| REV’IT! Kodiak GTX | Gore-Tex membrane, Thinsulate thermal lining, goatskin and Cordura construction, knuckle protection |
| KLIM Klimate Gauntlet | Gore-Tex membrane, 3M Thinsulate insulation, leather palm, D3O knuckle armor |
Compared to the Revit Hydra H2O, the Alpinestars SMX-Z Drystar offers a similar short cuff design and touchscreen compatibility at a lower price point. However, the Hydra H2O features a waterproof Hydratex membrane, which the SMX-Z lacks.
The Rukka Virium 2.0 GTX and REV’IT! Kodiak GTX both use a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofing, similar to the Hydratex membrane in the Hydra H2O.
They also offer additional features like a visor wipe and Thinsulate thermal lining, respectively. However, they come at a significantly higher price than the Hydra H2O.
The KLIM Klimate Gauntlet Gloves provide a comparable level of waterproof motorcycle gloves and insulation to the Hydra H2O with their Gore-Tex membrane and 3M Thinsulate. They also include D3O knuckle armor for added protection.
However, the gauntlet style may be less convenient for some riders compared to the short cuff of the Hydra H2O.
Who Are These Motorcyclist Gloves For?
The Hydra H2Os target urban riders seeking a stylish, versatile glove. I’d recommend them for daily commuting, city riding, or even touring. They provide ample safety and comfort for street use without feeling overly bulky.
While usable for adventure riding, they lack the insulation and weather protection needed for extreme conditions. For cold or wet climates, I’d suggest the Revit Sand Pro instead. But for fair-weather riding, the Hydras check all the boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes are available for the Hydra H2O?
The Hydra H2Os come in sizes ranging from Small to 4XL. Revit has also introduced a women’s version of this glove model.
How do the Hydras compare to Revit’s other glove models?
The Hydras slot in below premium race gloves like the Ignition 3 but provide better weather protection than summer gloves like the Sand 3. They offer a great middle-ground for urban riding.
What type of protection do the Hydra gloves provide?
Key safety features include Level 1 CE-rated knuckle armor, goatskin leather palm, dual wrist closures, temper foam padding, and touchscreen-compatible fingertips.
Can you wear the Hydras in cold weather?
I don’t recommend the Hydras for sub-freezing temperatures or harsh weather riding. For seriously cold climates, thermal options like the Revit Sand Pro 2 would be a better choice.
Do the Hydras work with motorcycle touchscreens?
Yes, the Hydra H2O feature conductive fingertip patches on the index and thumb. These allow you to use capacitive-touch screens, like those found on many bike dashboards.
And Finally…
The Revit Hydra H2Os strike an enticing balance between safety, comfort, and value. For urban riders seeking a versatile, stylish glove with robust protection, they deliver in spades. I’m excited to put them through their paces this coming season.
While not a hardcore touring or adventure glove, the Hydras handle daily commuting and street riding with aplomb.
If you liked the outgoing Carver glove, the H2O model improves upon it in meaningful ways. So whether you’re a new rider or a seasoned road warrior, the Hydras deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Let me know in the comments what other gloves you’re considering! I’m always curious to hear fellow riders’ recommendations. Ride safe out there, and happy hunting for your next pair of Moto mitts.
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Sources: Motorcycle personal protective equipment (1)