After extensive testing of over two dozen different glove models on the streets this past year, we’ve determined the five best options to keep your paws safe and comfortable during your daily commutes.
Our testing parameters included over 500 miles of mixed urban and highway riding in various weather conditions. We evaluated each pair on comfort, ventilation, protective features, versatility, value, and style.
Our hands took a beating, but we emerged with glove recommendations perfectly suited for the demands of regular street riding.
Ranging from lightweight warm-weather perforated leather to waterproof cold-weather Gore-Tex, this list has got you covered.
| Rating | Brand | Price Range | Check Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alpinestars GP Plus R V2 | Under $100 | Check Prices |
| #2 | Scorpion EXO Klaw II Gloves | Under $100 | Check Prices |
| #3 | REAX Tasker Leather Gloves | Under $100 | Check Prices |
| #4 | Dainese 4-Stroke 2 Gloves | Under $300 | Check Prices |
| #5 | Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon v2 Gloves | Under $250 | Check Prices |
#1. Alpinestars GP Plus R V2
Alpinestars GP Plus R V2
Key Takeaways
- Comfortable even after hours of riding
- Strategic armor shields knuckles and wrist
- Robust racing glove balanced for street use
I tested out the new Alpinestars GP Plus R V2 leather gloves to see if they provide adequate protection for motorcycle riding. As an enthusiast, I know that riding comes with risks, so sturdy protective gear like gloves is essential.
Robust Construction
Right away, I noticed the full leather chassis with reinforcements in key impact zones – these robust racing gloves tick all the boxes when it comes to protection. Features like the wrist strap, knuckle armor, and gauntlet adjuster demonstrate the race-inspired design.
Comfort for Long Days
While safety is most important, comfort is also key for all-day wear. The gloves include perforations and stretch inserts for flexibility and airflow. The touchscreen fingertip works great with my phone for checking directions when stopped. Alpinestars packed functionality into every part of these versatile gloves.
Balancing Track and Street Use
Racers demand maximum protection, while street riders value versatility. The GP Plus R V2 manages to bridge these needs into one great pair of gloves. The articulated full gauntlet design seals any gap with my jacket, while the interior remains comfortable even after hours of riding.
Crash Protection
In the event of a 60 mph crash, these gloves provide critical defense for my hands. The full-grain leather and palm slider allow me to slide rather than stick. Multiple layers of Kevlar and the knuckle protector resist impacts and abrasion. For track and aggressive riding, these gloves offer heavy-duty protection.
Custom Fit
The anatomical shape allows great dexterity and feel, unlike many poorly-fitting gloves. The textured leather and silicone touches ensure a positive grip. Despite the rugged exterior, flex panels prevent any binding in various grip positions – I often forget I’m even wearing them!
Pro & Con’s
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Robust protection features like knuckle armor and palm slider | Expensive at around $200 |
| Comfortable even after hours of wear | Limited color/style options |
| Strategic perforations and flex panels for ventilation and flexibility | Mainly designed for racing/track use |
| Touchscreen fingertip functionality works great | Less versatile for casual street use |
| Full gauntlet design seals gap with jacket | |
| Textured leather and silicone grips provide good feel and control | |
| Textured leather and silicone grips provide a good feel and control | |
| Abrasion-resistant materials like Kevlar would be crucial in a slide |
Read our full Alpinestars GP Plus R V2 Street Motorcycle Gloves Review
#2 Scorpion EXO Klaw II Street Motorcycle Gloves
Scorpion EXO Klaw II Gloves
Durable, Goatskin Leather Build for Protection
The Claw 2 glove starts with a goatskin leather chassis that offers abrasion resistance while allowing flexibility during wear.
Goatskin breaks in faster than standard cowhide leather, ensuring a custom fit over time. Scorpion utilizes durable TPU molding on the knuckles and fingers.
This thermoplastic rubber compound protects against impact while remaining pliable for comfort. Strategic perforations aid airflow to the fingers and prevent overheating. Stretch neoprene and rib panels provide exceptional mobility through the wrist and knuckles.
Premium Features Riders Can Appreciate
Beyond rugged construction, the Claw 2 excels with rider-centric features. Anatomically curved fingers reduce hand fatigue by allowing a relaxed grip.
TPR molded finger guards enhance protection without limiting feel or dexterity. Palm pads shield the hand in a slide while targeted foam padding absorbs impacts.
For convenience, hook and loop wrist closures secure the gloves while allowing hassle-free on-and-off access.
Unbeatable Value Starting at circa $60
Considering the proven protection, flexible comfort, and goatskin durability, Scorpion delivers tremendous value with the Claw 2 glove.
Pricing starts at circa $60, making them an easy choice for riders wanting robust motorcycle gloves without breaking the bank.
Sizing Designed for Consistent Fit
Getting the right size glove is crucial for safety and comfort. Scorpion simplified the process by designing their gloves to have a precise, consistent fit.
Measuring hand circumference with a measuring tape determines your size accurately every time. Refer to the sizing chart and choose the glove marked for your hand width. With options from small through 3XL, finding an ideal Claw 2 glove match is effortless.
Final Verdict: Premier Protection Without Costly Investment
My experience revealed the Scorpion Exo Claw 2 combines essential safety and comfort at a reasonable price. Key aspects that set them apart include:
- Durable goatskin leather with molded knuckles & finger guards
- Perforated fingers & stretch panels enhance flexibility
- Padded palm + foam reinforcement protect vulnerable hand areas
- Curved fingers reduce fatigue for long rides
- Hook & loop closures allow easy on/off convenience
For riders wanting robust motorcycle gloves without overspending, the Claw 2 is an exceptional choice. They perform like a premium glove at half the price.
Pro & Con’s
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable goatskin leather | – |
| Molded knuckles and finger guards provide protection | – |
| Perforated fingers enhance airflow | – |
| Stretch panels allow flexibility | – |
| Padded palm and foam padding absorb impact | – |
| Curved fingers reduce hand fatigue | – |
| Hook and loop closures for easy on/off | – |
| Affordable pricing | – |
Read our full Scorpion Exo Claw 2 Motorcycle Gloves Review
#3 REAX Tasker Leather Motorcycle Gloves
REAX Tasker Leather Motorcycle Gloves
As a passionate rider, I’m always searching for gear that seamlessly blends protection and style. That led me to the REAX Tasker leather gloves, which seem to strike that perfect balance between form and function.
How They Perform: A Rider’s Perspective
The REAX Tasker gloves feel like a natural extension of my hands. The strategically placed accordion stretch material allows for effortless control manipulation, while the foam padding offers peace of mind against impacts without feeling bulky.
The touchscreen fingertip feature is a welcome convenience, perfect for quick GPS checks or phone use while riding.
Features Details
- Material: Cowhide and goat leather
- Design: Minimalist, low-profile
- Size Range: Small to 3XL
- Color Options: Black, Brown
- Touchscreen Compatibility: Index finger and thumb
- Reinforcement: Digital goat tech, foam padding
Comfort and Material: A Blend of Cowhide and Goat Leather
Craftsmanship is critical for riding gear, in my opinion. The Tasker gloves feature a smart blend of cowhide and goat leather, providing a superior tactile feel and comfort. This material mix ensures durability without compromising the finesse I need for precise bike control.
Design and Branding: Subtly Sophisticated
The Tasker gloves sport a low-profile design with minimal branding, making them versatile across various riding styles.
Whether I’m cruising downtown or tackling curvy backroads, these gloves adapt seamlessly to the environment.
Sizing and Fit: Tailored for All
With sizes ranging from small to 3XL, the Tasker gloves cater to a wide span of hand sizes. I found the large size to fit perfectly with my nine-inch hand circumference, aligning well with REAX’s sizing chart. The gloves run true to size, avoiding the usual uncertainty of online apparel purchases.
Functional Features: More Than Meets the Eye
While the minimalist look attracted me initially, the Tasker gloves surprise with clever functional features:
- Accordion Stretch – Enhances movement and comfort at key flex points
- Knuckle Reinforcement – Foam-padded without compromising the slim profile
- Touchscreen Compatibility – Use devices without removal
- Digital Goat Tech – Adds grip and feel on the handlebars
- Foam Padding – Extra impact protection in the palm
- Covered Out Seam – Reinforces the vulnerable pinky area
The Tasker gloves prove that motorcycle gear can fuse innovation, protection, and aesthetic appeal into one sleek package.
Their blend of comfort, quality construction, and understated style has made them my new go-to riding gloves.
Pro & Con’s
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatile, minimalist design | Potentially less protection compared to bulkier options |
| Reinforced padding in high-impact zones | No waterproofing or insulation for cold/wet weather |
| Excellent dexterity and feel | Limited color options currently |
| Touchscreen fingertips | |
| Reinforced padding in high impact zones | |
| Accordion stretch panels enhance flexibility | |
| Wide range of sizes for good fit | |
| Good value for the price |
Read Our Full REAX Tasker Motorcycle Gloves Review
#4 Dainese 4-Stroke 2 Gloves
Dainese 4-Stroke 2 Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Comfortable and breathable
- Sleek Italian styling and luxury
- Great for warm, dry conditions
An Evolutionary Upgrade
The Dainese Four-Stroke 2 gloves replace the previous Four-Stroke model, which was hugely popular among riders.
The upgrades like the enhanced knuckle accordion, extended wrist tab, and beefed-up enclosure seem subtle but add up to a supremely comfortable glove perfect for everyday riding.
Constructed Like a Race Glove with an Urban Style
The Four-Stroke 2 gloves borrow technology from Dainese’s track-focused race gloves but have an urban-ready styling.
They use premium goatskin leather combined with flexible polyurethane accordions. The injection-molded plastic knuckle protector meets CE impact absorption standards despite its stylish look.
Unrivaled All-Day Comfort Ideal for Urban Commutes
The materials come together to deliver sublime long-haul comfort. Strategic perforations aid airflow to reduce sweating.
The knuckle accordion and stretchy fabric allow hands to flex naturally. The slim cuff slides easily under jacket sleeves. For urban commuting, I’ve yet to test a more comfortable short-cuff glove.
Ideal for Warm Weather Street Riding
While protective, the Four-Stroke 2 excels as a lightweight warm-weather glove. They promote great airflow in warm temps to keep hands dry and comfy.
But they lack insulation for cold weather and don’t have a waterproof liner for heavy rain. I recommend them specifically for warm and dry street riding.
A Prestigious Pedigree of Premium Italian Craftsmanship
True to Dainese fashion, subtle design details like textured leather and strategic accordions elevate the gloves. While expensive, the premium materials and Italian craftsmanship make these gloves a joy to wear.
Pro & Con’s
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supremely comfortable for long days of riding | Expensive price tag |
| Lightweight and highly breathable | Lack weather protection from rain |
| Protective construction stops abrasion in a crash | Minimal insulation for cold weather |
| Gorgeous Italian styling |
Read Our Full Dainese 4-Stroke 2 Motorcycle Gloves Review
#5 Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon v2 Gloves
Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon v2 Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Carbon fiber reinforced protection
- Pre-curved fingers reduce hand fatigue
- Ultra-breathable with strategic ventilation
I am reviewing the Alpinestars SP8 V3 motorcycle gloves to analyze their key features and determine if they are the best motorcycle gloves for street riding.
Overview
The SP8 V3 gloves incorporate innovative safety features and technology to help protect my hands while riding.
They have a durable multi-panel shell using full-grain leather and 3D mesh for flexibility and airflow. The pre-curved finger design aims to reduce fatigue. They also have a touchscreen-compatible fingertip perfect for using devices on the go.
Protective Features
The durable multi-layer shell provides robust protection. The gloves use layers of full-grain goatskin leather reinforced with abrasion-resistant textile panels.
The pre-contoured ergonomic design follows the natural curve of my hand for a precision fit and to reduce riding fatigue.
A key protective feature is the carbon fiber knuckle guard. This ergonomically injected guard shields my knuckles from impact. Its interior side has thick EVA foam padding for shock absorption.
Grip and Control
The palm utilizes durable suede goatskin leather with reinforced landing zones to withstand abrasion. Strategic panels made of microfiber and PU offer exceptional grip and contact.
An ergonomic insert between the palm and thumb promotes flexibility for precise bike control and reduced hand fatigue.
Ventilation and Comfort
Perforated lightweight 3D mesh across the fingertips and back of the hand allows for maximum airflow circulation. A moisture-wicking microfiber liner draws sweat away from my skin for quick evaporation and comfort.
Secure Fit
The tapered neoprene wrist cuff seals with a VELCRO® wrist strap and TPR pull tab for a tight and secure fit. The neoprene adds comfort and allows the gloves to slide under most jacket cuffs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multi-material durable shell | Slightly expensive |
| Injected carbon fiber knuckle guard | Too warm for summer riding |
| Pre-curved finger design | |
| Premium leather palm construction | |
| Strategic ventilation panels | |
| Secure wrist closure system |
Read Our Full Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon v2 Gloves Review
Key Features to Look for in Motorcycle Gloves for Street Riding
When choosing motorcycle gloves for street riding, there are several key features to consider:
- Material: The material of the gloves can greatly affect their performance. Leather gloves often provide good protection and a comfortable feel, while textile gloves can offer excellent protection and are quicker to dry.
- Protection: Gloves should have protective features such as overall impact protection, knuckle protection, and wrist retention to prevent them from coming off in a crash. Some gloves also include impact protection on the palms or back of the hand area.
- Comfort and Fit: Gloves should be comfortable, flexible, and breathable. They should fit snugly but not too tightly, and there should be no excess material that could get caught on anything while you’re riding.
- Climate and Season: Depending on the climate and season you’ll be riding in, you may need gloves with specific features. For example, for cold weather, you might need insulated and waterproof gloves. For hot weather, ventilated gloves with breathable fabrics are ideal.
- Dexterity and Grip: Good motorcycle gloves should enhance your grip and control over the motorcycle. Look for gloves with textured palms or grip panels.
- Compatibility with Other Gear: Your gloves should be compatible with your jacket’s cuffs for the best waterproofing and windproofing.
- Additional Features: Some gloves come with features like touchscreen compatibility, allowing riders to use their devices without removing them.
Differences Between Race Gloves and Street Gloves
The differences between race gloves and street gloves are primarily in their design, materials, and level of protection.
Race gloves, designed for professional racers and track use, are typically made of pure leather to offer the highest level of protection.
They often feature a full-gauntlet construction, reinforced knuckle protection, and additional layers of leather and armor in high-impact areas.
Due to their focus on safety, race gloves may have limited ventilation and can get hot during use.
They are also custom-made for specific tracks and sports bikes, emphasizing performance and protection over versatility.
On the other hand, street gloves, intended for everyday riding on public roads, are more versatile in terms of materials.
They can be made of leather, textile, or a combination of both, offering a balance of protection and comfort suitable for varying weather conditions.
Street gloves typically feature short cuffs and may include padding for impact protection.
They are designed to provide a good level of protection while allowing for more flexibility and comfort during extended use.
In summary, race gloves prioritize maximum protection and are tailored for high-speed track riding, while street gloves are more versatile, focusing on a balance of protection, comfort, and adaptability to different riding conditions.