When a friend told me about the Knox Oulton Mk2 motorcycle Gloves, I was eager to test them out. Could these gloves provide ample impact absorption and abrasion resistance while still feeling they are broken in right out of the box?
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for protection for you?
After taking the Knox Oulton Mk2 Gloves out for multiple long rides, I’m convinced they deliver exceptional versatility for street and entry-level track use. But is the extra protection worth the price tag?
Knox Oulton Mk2 Gloves Review
Key Takeaways
- Unparalleled comfort
- Enhanced ulna protection
- Versatile street and track use
The Verdict: Premier Street and Entry-Level Track Gloves
After thoroughly evaluating the upgraded Knox Oulton Mk2 gloves (1), I believe they provide an unmatched balance of protection and comfort for street riding.
The comprehensive armor shields against abrasion while remaining flexible and low profile, so performance isn’t hindered.
Meanwhile, the premium materials offer exceptional durability paired with a supple, broken-in feel for all-day comfort. Breathability and ventilation also help prevent overheating.
While they don’t quite achieve race-level protection, the Knox Oulton Mk2 transitions seamlessly to occasional track days. For the price, I struggle to find another option to deliver this caliber of versatility and safety.
So if you desire ample security for street riding with enough padding for novice track days, the Knox Oulton Mk2 motorcycle gloves deserve a spot at the top of your list. Their amplified coverage takes road protection to the next level without compromising unmatched long-haul comfort.
Comparison To Similar Motorcycle Gloves
Product | Description |
---|---|
Alpinestars SP8 V3 Gloves | Full goatskin leather construction, injected TPU knuckle protection, reinforced landing zone padding |
Dainese Carbon 4 Gloves | Carbon fiber knuckles, kangaroo leather palm, wrist closure system |
Alpinestars GP Plus R V2 Gloves | Goatskin construction, injected TPU sliders, padded grip zones |
The Knox Alton Mark II gloves have more comprehensive coverage with armor across the fingers, knuckles, and outer wrist.
The Dainese Carbon 4 gloves offer a slick style, while the Alpinestars GP Plus focuses more minimally on high-wear areas. However, none match the Mk2’s balance of flexibility and protection.
Knox Oulton Mk2 Gloves Overview
These versatile gloves provide ample impact absorption and abrasion resistance for street riding while feeling broken in right out of the box.
Knox managed to improve protection in key areas without sacrificing flexibility or feel. If you’re seeking a pair of gloves to start hitting the track or just desire maximum safety on the streets, the Knox Oulton Mk2s have you covered.
Improved Premium Protection Where It Matters
While retaining a similar overall design, Knox enhanced protection in a few vital zones on the updated Alton gloves.
Most notably, rigid TPU armor now wraps around the ulna with Knox’s Microlock foam underlying it. This bolsters shielding on a commonly impacted area while allowing flexibility.
The preset curved shape better conforms to your arm’s natural bend for comfort. It’s also malleable, so it doesn’t feel overly bulky or restrictive. Compared to the Oulton Mk2’s flimsy ulna slider, this new armor provides far more robust shielding.
Comprehensive Knox Microlock Armor
Beyond the ulna, Knox’s proprietary Microlock armor lines the knuckles, fingers, palm, and outer wrist. This innovative foam absorbs impact force, dissipates energy, and averts compression injuries. Its low profile retains fine dexterity, so you can easily operate the controls.
Everywhere Microlock is present, Knox overlayed outer thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) sliders for extra abrasion and slide resistance. On top of amplifying protection, this armor remains flexible and uncumbersome.
Unparalleled All-Day Comfort
As much as Knox improved protection on the Mk2 gloves, wearability, and comfort still take center stage. The full goatskin leather construction guarantees durability while feeling supple from the start. Crease points feature elasticated Neoprene for optimal flex so the gloves move fluidly with your hands.
The knuckle armor isn’t rigidly fixed either—as your fist opens and closes, it “floats” to prevent painful pressure points. Stretch gussets between the fingers supply additional ease of movement as well.
On the inside, soft fabric with touchscreen compatibility across three fingertips provides a comfortable interface.
Throughout several long rides, the Alton Mk2s never caused soreness or hot spots. They supply remarkable dexterity for interacting with controls and gripping the bars securely. For all-day street riding, I’m not sure you can find a more comfortable pair of protective gloves.
True to Size Fit with Considerations
According to Knox’s sizing chart, I fall under a large. However, I opted for 2XL, and the match is perfect. This aligns with my typical glove size requirement. I recommend ordering at least one size up, possibly two, based on your experience.
The non-adjustable wrist may be tight for those with thicker forearms or arms. Try them on and ensure ample room to slip them over your riding jacket cuffs. Some users also note the fingers run slightly long which could impede feel for those with shorter digits.
Key Component Overview
Before concluding whether the Knox Alton Mark II gloves belong in your gear bag, let’s recap some of the pivotal elements:
Full goatskin leather construction
- Unmatched abrasion resistance
- Supple feel right out of the box
- Excellent ventilation
TPU outer armor
- Overlays vital impact zones
- Slide-resistant
- Shapes to body contours
Knox Microlock foam
- Proprietary impact-absorbing armor
- Low profile, so it doesn’t limit dexterity
- Tested protection
Neoprene flex panels
- Allow knuckles and fingers to move freely
- Prevent pressure points
Secure wrist closure
- Hook-and-loop tab closure
- Secondary wrist strap
- Won’t slide up arm
Touchscreen compatible fingertips
- Conductive material on index, middle, and ring finger
- Use devices without removing gloves
Silicone grip overlay
- Extra adhesion in slippery conditions
- Key contact points for added control
FAQs
How do the Mark II gloves improve over the previous version?
The Mark II gloves feature better ulna protection with rigid TPU armor and Knox Microlock foam compared to the Mark I’s minimal ulna slider. The knuckle armor also contains upgraded shock-dampening foam.
Would these gloves work for adventure touring?
Yes. The goatskin leather withstands abrasion from pavement as well as brush, while the armor protects against impact. The gloves provide an excellent feel for operating the motorcycle, too.
What is the difference between the Alton Mark II and Knox Handroid gloves?
The Handroid gloves carry heavier armor for rigorous track riding, whereas the Mk2’s focus is on maximizing street protection. However, the Altons retain more flexibility and better ventilation for comfortable street use.
Do the gloves have waterproofing?
No. For wet weather riding, applying a water-repellant spray or wearing rain gloves over the Knox Oultons is recommended. The glove materials shed light moisture but aren’t fully waterproof.
How long does the touchscreen compatibility last?
The conductive fingertips retain functionality for the lifetime of the gloves unless excessively worn down from abrasion. Light use preserves conductivity for years before needing replacement.
And Finally…
While prioritizing comfort, the Knox Oulton Mk2 gloves refuse to compromise on protection. Robust armor guards vulnerable areas against impact, while premium leather resists abrasion.
Ultimately, these versatile gloves masterfully balance safety and flexibility for street riding with occasional light track days.
So, if you seek durable, high-performing gloves that are comfortable enough for daily use, look no further than the Knox Oulton Mk2.
They deliver phenomenal quality and value at this mid-range price point. Riders wanting confidence on the streets without breaking the bank need not look any further.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about these impressive gloves! I’m happy to provide additional insight from my first-hand experience. Ride safe out there, everyone!
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Sources: Motorcycle personal protective equipment (1)