In my opinion, safety should always be a top priority for bikers. That’s why high-quality protective gear, like motorcycle riding gloves, is so important. But do they actually keep riders safer in the event of an accident?
In this detailed review, I evaluate whether motorcycle gloves live up to their claims and if they’re worth investing in.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best top-rated motorcycle gloves for cold weather for you? Let’s find out!
REV’IT! Liberty H2O Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Waterproof layer essential
- Leather prevents road rash
- Carbon fiber knuckles are effective
Why Riders Need Protective Motorcycle Gloves
Motorcycle riding gloves serve a crucial purpose – they shield riders’ hands in the case of an accident. Unlike driving a car, motorcyclists don’t have airbags or metal frames to protect them. So, quality gear acts as the first line of defense on the open road.
Abrasion-resistant materials on Moto gloves prevent road rash injuries during spills. Features like knuckle armor, palm sliders, and wrist closures provide impact protection and stability. Without gloves, bikers risk severe lacerations, broken bones, nerve damage, and even amputation in crashes.
So, while many view gloves as optional accessories, I strongly believe they’re necessities for injury prevention.
But with so many options on the market, how do you recognize which ones offer legitimate protection? I evaluated the safety claims of today’s most popular motorcycle gloves to find out.
Key Motorcycle Glove Materials for Protection
- Leather – Prevents road rash, durable and abrasion-resistant
- Kangaroo Skin – Supple, abrasion-resistant, lightweight
- GORE-TEX® – Waterproof and breathable layer
- Cordura® – Abrasion-resistant fabric for flexibility
- D3O® – Advanced impact protection foam
- Carbon fiber knuckles – Hard armor for punching impacts
- Viscoelastic foam – Absorbs and disperses crash energy
- Kevlar® – Heat-resistant material for reinforcements
Key Takeaways – Critical Motorcycle Glove Considerations
After extensively testing options across the spectrum, what motorcycle glove safety features matter most? Here are my top recommendations if you value accident protection:
- Multiple abrasion-resistant layers – Leather, Kevlar, and polymer fabrics prevent lacerations best
- Impressive armor – Carbon protectors, D30 or viscoelastic foam on knuckles and fingers
- Wrist support – Sturdy velcro, microhooks, and adjustment straps prevent hyperextension
- Weather barriers – Waterproof inner membrane and windproof outer shell
Finally, it comes down to your individual needs and budget. But please – even basic gloves with leather palms beat riding bare-knuckled. Your hands will thank you after an accidental slide across the pavement. Trust me, I’ve been there!
Comparison To Other Cold Weather Motorcycle Gloves
| Product Name | Key Features |
|---|---|
| REV’IT Cassini H2O Gloves | Waterproof and breathable H2Out membrane, PWR |
| KLIM Adventure GTX Short Glove | Gore-Tex waterproof/breathable insert, Premium grade leather construction, Lightweight and flexible |
| 100% Hydromatic Waterproof Brisket Glove | Hydromatic waterproof and breathable membrane, TPR moldings for knuckle impact protection, Airprene cuffs with Velcro closure |
The REV’IT Cassini H2O gloves stand out for their protective PWR|shield armor and Thermolite insulation, making them ideal for cold and wet weather riding.
The KLIM Adventure GTX gloves are exceptionally lightweight and flexible but lack insulation or substantial impact defenses.
Finally, the 100% Hydromatic gloves provide waterproofing at a budget price point, though build quality doesn’t match premium options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Gloves
Do motorcycle gloves really help in a crash?
Yes, quality motorcycle gloves are proven to reduce hand and finger injuries during accidents greatly. Features like leather, armor, padding, and wrist support prevent abrasions, breaks, and dislocations and provide vital impact absorption.
Should motorcyclists choose full-fingered or fingerless gloves?
Full-fingered motorcycle gloves offer more comprehensive protection by covering entire fingers in abrasion-resistant fabrics. So they’re recommended for safety. Fingerless options do allow more airflow, though.
How tight should motorcycle gloves fit?
Motorcycle gloves should fit snugly while still allowing flexibility. A tight yet comfortable fit ensures the gloves won’t slide off your hands during a crash while still facilitating good grip and feel.
Does glove palm material matter for motorcyclists?
The palm material is crucial for motorcyclists as it takes the brunt of impact during spills and slides. Premium leather motorcycle gloves with kangaroo or cowhide palms hold up best against extreme abrasions during accidents.
What is the safest knuckle protection for motorcycle gloves?
Look for carbon fiber or thermoplastic knuckle armor for optimal impact protection. Advanced materials like D3O and viscoelastic foam provide next-level crash safety by dissipating and dispersing energy.
And Finally…
When suiting up for a ride, every piece of motorcycle gear serves a purpose. While jackets, pads, and helmets hog the safety spotlight, durable gloves (1) with robust construction act as critical defenses for hands.
I hope this breakdown gives you insight into choosing the best options to fend off road rash and prevent breaks.
Because even in minor spills, exposed skin risks painful damage without abrasion barriers. Ultimately, treat yourself to a pair that fits comfortably with flexibility while also offering assurances if the worst happens. Stay vigilant!
Stay safe on the roads, my fellow bikers. And let me know your thoughts on motorcycle gloves or if you have a favorite pair for protection. Ride on!
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Sources: Motorcycle personal protective equipment (1)