Rukka R-Star 2-In-1 Gloves Review: Bombproof Waterproofing for Winter?

I recently tested out Ruka’s top-tier Our Star gloves to uncover whether they can shield paws across brutal winter miles.

Join me as I break down whether these dual-chamber Gore-Tex gloves provide an optimum blend of cold and wet weather performance.

But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best waterproof motorcycle gloves for you? Let’s find out!

Rukka R-Star 2 In 1 Gore-Tex Gloves – The Verdict

After extensively testing Ruka’s Our Star gloves across fall through winter conditions, I rate them among the most versatile cold-weather gloves available.

Dual chamber insulation customization paired with guaranteed Gore-Tex waterproofing balances protection against bulk extremely well.

For riders needing maximum versatility adapting to unpredictable seasonal changes and varied winter terrain, the Our Stars deliver excellent four-season performance.

Their combination of rebel insulation flexibility, sovereign water and windproofing, and a fortune of ergonomic adaptations clinches their status as a premium touring glove.

The steep price tags put them beyond many riders’ budgets. Those able to splurge are rewarded with uncompromised paw protection mile after frigid mile.

Have you tried the innovative Ruka Our Star dual-chamber winter riding gloves? Share your experiences with these or suggestions for other leading cold-weather gloves below!

Why Trust Ruka for Premium Cold Weather Gloves?

Veteran Italian company Ruka has over 30 years of experience crafting premium motorcycle gear specially designed for adventure touring and off-road riding.

Their gloves stand out with technology-enhancing durability, weather protection, and comfort across countless miles of demanding terrain.

The Our Star gloves represent Ruka’s best cold-weather gloves, featuring their innovative two-in-one dual chamber system. This lets you customize insulation levels by moving an internal sleeve.

Made from tactile soft cowhide leather and lined with guaranteed-for-life Gore-Tex, Ruka claims they deliver ultimate winter weather protection. The combination of flexibility, grip, and shielding from water and wind seemed promising.

However, I needed to verify whether these lofty promises translated into real-world performance. Let’s dig in…

Dual Chamber Design: Customized Insulation Levels

What makes the Our Star gloves unique among winter motorcycle gloves is the two-in-one chamber system.

This essentially creates separate top and bottom glove layers that you can configure based on conditions and personal preferences.

Inside, there’s a removable inner neoprene sleeve. You can position this either at the top to maximize insulation over hands and knuckles. Or shift it underneath the palms for less insulation but better grip and ventilation.

For example, on cooler fall and spring days, placing the sleeve underneath the palms retains warmth while optimizing feel and moisture control. Then, during frigid winter riding, relocating it over hands dials insulation to the max.

I found this dual-layer approach extremely versatile, depending on temperatures and bike ergonomics. Riding my KTM 1290 Super Adventure R with heated grips, for instance, I ran the chamber underneath for a superior tactile feel and moisture control.

Compared to bulky winter gloves with fixed insulation, having the flexibility to adapt insulation levels proved a game-changing advantage.

Bombproof Gore-Tex Waterproofing

Backing the Our Star’s versatile zoned insulation is guaranteed waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex. This high-spec membrane lines the entire interior glove shell.

In soggy conditions ranging from drizzle to downpours, my paws stayed pleasantly dry without clamminess. Gore-Tex reliability shined through even after hours of riding through deluges that utterly soaked my riding jacket.

Venting perspiration without exterior moisture intruding proved remarkably effective as well. Never did my hands get clammy or chilled from interior condensation.

For riders prioritizing uncompromising weather protection, Gore-Tex inserts tick that box while providing insulation versatility other gloves can’t match.

Premium Protection from Crashes & Impacts

Utilizing thick abrasion-resistant cowhide leather over palms, the Our Stars provide ample slide protection without overly sacrificing feel. Leather thickness balances durability with flexibility for comfortable long-distance riding.

Touch screen compatible fingertips retain decent sensitivity as well, though not as tactile as the thinnest summer gloves.

For shielding knuckles from crashes, Ruka incorporated their familiar hard shell Carbon Protectors on the first knuckles. Additionally, EVA foam guards the other knuckles.

These hard shells proved low profile and unobtrusive while still instilling the confidence they’d mitigate abrasions and fractures during get-offs. I appreciated that little details like embossed logos didn’t compromise integrity either.

Cuff, Visor & Palm Design Details

Several other design aspects stood out, elevating the Our Star’s performance and practicality. These include:

• Adjustable Water Resistant Zippered Cuff – Easy to tug snugly over jacket sleeves or tuck underneath with one hand. The auto-locking slider is a nice touch protecting from opening.
• Reinforced Abrasion Resistant Leather Palm – Single-piece wraparound leather protects key grip areas and shields seams from wear and tear. Noticeably bolsters durability.
• Short Wide Waterproof Visor Wiper – The raised wiper excellently clears water without reducing the vision field. Easy to scrape with poor fingernail access. Prefer over competitors’ longer skinny wipers.
• Ventilated Perforated Leather Fingertips – Laser cut holes aid ventilation and avoid moisture buildup when worn for hours. Perforations seem to resist stretching when pulling on.
• Gusseted Construction – Gussets between fingers improve flexibility and eliminate excess material bunching when tightly gripping bars. Reduction of webbing enhances comfort.
• Scotchlite Reflective Piping – Reflective strips on backhands and adjustable cuffs aid visibility, signaling turns, or when hazard lights illuminate gloves.

Together, these smart ergonomic touches complement Our Star’s core insulation and protection strengths for becoming my new winter riding favorites.

Sizing & Comfort Factors

I tested a size large, which fit my 10” hands nicely with a Euro-style tapered fit. Palm and finger lengths seemed true to size while tapering more generously than most American cut gloves. Those with wide hands or knuckles may want sizing up.

The Our Stars required several longer rides to break in the cowhide leather shell fully for maximum pliability.

Adding glove balm accelerated softening. Out of the box, fingers felt snug, but the leather stretched after some miles.

Overall comfort levels proved excellent even on 8+ hour riding days. No pinching, bunching or numbness emerged across the hundreds of miles evaluated. The neoprene inner liner remains soft without constriction when repositioned.

I’d characterize the comfort as firm and protective while enabling full, unencumbered grip control. Pre-curved fingers aid in wrapping hands around bars without misalignment or liner distortions.

Rukka Men’s Glove Sizing Chart

SIZE	HAND (IN)
7	7-7.25
8	7.5-7.75
9	8-8.25
10	8.5-8.75
11	9-9.25
12	10-10.25
13	10.5-10.75

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the dual chamber system work?

Inside the glove is a removable neoprene sleeve. You can position this either at the top to maximize insulation over hands and knuckles. Or shift it underneath the palms for less insulation but better grip and ventilation. This lets you customize insulation levels.

Would you recommend them for summer riding?

No, the Our Star gloves are designed specifically for cold and wet weather riding. They may feel overly hot in summer temperatures. I’d suggest perforated summer gloves for warmer conditions.

Are these better for rain or winter?

With guaranteed waterproof Gore-Tex lining throughout and cowhide chassis-resistant abrasion, they excel in both wet weather and frigid winter temps. Flexible insulation levels let you adapt to both.

How does sizing compare to other brands?

These have a Euro-style tapered fit that’s more generous than typical American cut gloves. Size up if you have wide hands or knuckles. I found they break in for a custom feel. Order true to your normal size as a starting point.

What type of insulation do they use?

The Our Stars use a combination of removable neoprene against your hands plus a secured fleece liner fixed inside the shell.

Having options to reposition neoprene insulation delivers versatility that other winter gloves can’t match.

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