Choosing the right summer motorcycle gloves takes some consideration. You want gloves that are lightweight and breathable while still providing protection.
That’s why I decided to test out the BILT Spirit 3 gloves to see if they could be the perfect warm-weather riding gloves.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for hot weather for you? Let’s find out!
In this BILT Spirit 3 glove review, I’ll cover whether these affordable summer gloves check all the boxes in terms of comfort, quality, and protection.
BILT Spirit 3 Gloves
A Lightweight Glove Built for Warm-weather riding
When taking the BILT Spirit 3 gloves out of the box for the first time, it’s instantly clear these are designed specifically with hot weather riding in mind.
They have a lightweight and flexible goat leather and stretch fabric construction. The back of the hand features perforated paneling and stretch fabric to allow lots of airflow.
There’s also neoprene lining around the wrist secured by a single velcro closure. This combination of materials makes the Bilt Spirit 3 a very breathable summer riding glove.
I’ll detail the fit and sizing next since getting the right glove size is key for comfort and protection.
Dialing in the Perfect Fit
Having a proper glove fit isn’t just about comfort – it also ensures the gloves provide good protection in a crash by staying put on your hands.
My hands measure just over 8.75 inches around, so I usually fall between a size medium and large glove. After referring to the BILT sizing chart, I opted for the medium and they fit very well without feeling restrictive.
Bilt Sizing Chart
| SIZE | HAND CIRCUMFERENCE (IN) |
|---|---|
| SM | 8 |
| MD | 8.5 |
| LG | 9 |
| XL | 9.5 |
| 2XL | 10 |
| 3XL | 10.5 |
| 4XL | 11 |
So, if you find yourself between sizes, I recommend sizing down for the best fit. Even though I could technically wear a large, the medium BILT Spirit 3 gloves better conform to my hands for full control and protection.
Now let’s look at some other features that make these gloves ideal for warm-weather rides…
Airflow Where You Need It
One of the downsides to many hot weather gloves is a lack of protection. In an effort to maximize airflow, some ultralight summer gloves ditch key protective elements.
But the BILT Spirit 3 manages to balance ventilation with useful protection:
- Perforated paneling surrounds the hand for lots of airflow
- Double stitching around high-wear areas for durability
- Padded foam under the TPU knuckle armor protects against impacts
- Goat leather is used extensively for abrasion resistance
The perforated finger gussets are particularly nice. They allow air to flow right to your fingertips, keeping your hands cool even on sweltering summer rides.
For $35, I’m impressed with how BILT packed useful protection into these lightweight summer gloves.
| Palm Material | Goat Leather |
| Back of Hand Material | Breathable Stretch Fabric |
| Closure | Single Adjustable Velcro Wrist Strap |
| Protection | TPU Knuckle Armor, Leather, Foam Padding |
| Airflow | Perforated Fingers and Back of Hand |
But protection isn’t much use if the gloves aren’t comfortable in hot weather. So, how do they feel when riding in the heat?
Tested in Brutal Summer Heat
I’ve been testing these BILT Spirit 3 gloves over some extremely hot summer rides in California. We’re talking 95°F+ temps in full sun. If there was ever a torture test for summer gloves, this is it!
Despite the brutal heat, my hands stayed cool and comfortable for even multi-hour rides. The lightweight leather construction helps prevent hands from getting fatigued while the perforated paneling keeps air circulating.
The single velcro wrist closure also helps dial in the fit while allowing good airflow. No bulky cuffs or liners means excellent ventilation.
So, in terms of beating the heat, the BILT Spirit 3 motorcycle gloves perform amazingly well. But there are a few other things to consider before deciding if they’re right for your summer rides…
Grip and Control
Good grip and hand control is vital, especially in hot weather when surfaces can get slippery.
The goat leather used on the palm provides excellent grip and tactile feel on the controls. Between the snug fit and grippy leather palm, I had no issues manipulating the clutch, brake, or throttle control, even when my hands got a bit sweaty.
Touchscreen Functionality
For riders who use handlebar-mounted phones or GPS units, touchscreen functionality on gloves is super convenient.
The BILT Spirit 3 gloves have touchscreen conductive padding on the thumb and index fingertips. While I prefer having it on all fingertips, it worked fine for tapping and swiping during testing.
So if you need to quickly change a song or check directions on the fly, these gloves allow it without having to remove your hand protection.
Comparison To Other Summer Gloves
| Product Name | Description of Features |
|---|---|
| Klim Induction Gloves | Leather race gloves with injected carbon knuckles |
| Alpine Stars SMX1 Air V2 Gloves | Perforated leather gloves with ventilation and protection |
| Revit Dirt 3 Gloves | Heavily vented off-road gloves with thermoplastic knuckles |
| Dainese Full Metal 6 Gloves | Carbon protective race-style leather gloves |
The Klim and Alpinestars gloves focus more on protection with abrasion-resistant leather and armor, while the Revit Dirt 3 and Dainese gloves incorporate ventilation features for warm-weather riding. Consider your riding style and local climate when choosing between maximum protection or increased airflow.
Final Verdict on BILT Spirit 3 Gloves
The BILT Spirit 3 gloves have become my new go-to summer riding gloves after testing them over a couple of thousand hot-weather miles.
Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons:
The Good ?
- Lightweight and extremely breathable
- Useful protection, including knuckle armor
- Leather provides excellent grip
- Touchscreen compatible
- Very affordable at $35
The Bad ?
- Touchscreen pads on only two fingers
- No palm slider is included
Overall, it’s hard to find many faults, given the low $35 price point. If you want a lightweight and comfortable summer glove with useful features, the BILT Spirit 3 is an excellent choice. I’ll definitely be keeping a pair handy this summer!
Still, debating your options? Check out my list of top hot-weather motorcycle gloves.
Frequently Asked Questions on Motorcycle Gloves
Should I choose leather or textile motorcycle gloves?
Leather generally provides better abrasion resistance, durability, and comfort for most riders. However, textile gloves with reinforcements can also work well and tend to be more affordable. Choosing leather vs textile really comes down to your budget and specific needs.
How much do good motorcycle gloves cost?
You can find decent motorcycle gloves (1) starting around $30-40, but typically $80-150 buys a very nice pair with premium features and protection. High-end track gloves can cost over $400 but aren’t necessary for street use.
When should I replace my motorcycle gloves?
Regularly inspect your gloves for cracks, tears, and holes and replace them at the first signs of excessive wear. Most riders can get 1-2 years of use from quality leather motorcycle gloves before considering replacement.
Are motorcycle gloves worth it?
Absolutely! Your hands are extremely vulnerable in any motorcycle crash, so high-quality gloves are essential safety gear. They also give you a better grip, protect from weather extremes, and help avoid fatigue.
Don’t ride without gloves! Choose an affordable pair that combines durability, dexterity, ventilation, and impact protection. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did if things ever go wrong out on the road.
What size motorcycle gloves should I get?
Refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart and measure your dominant hand circumference (excluding thumb) to find your glove size.
If between sizes, choose the smaller size for a performance fit or the larger size if you prefer less snug gloves.
And Finally…
When it comes to riding safely as the weather warms up, having a good pair of lightweight and breathable gloves is a must.
After putting them through the wringer this summer, I’m confident in recommending the BILT Spirit 3 gloves for riders looking for hot weather hand protection on a budget.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions! Until next time, keep the shiny side up. ?️
Previous Article: Dainese Carbon 4 Gloves Review
Next Article: Alpinestars Cayenne 2 Motorcycle Gloves Review
Sources: Motorcycle Gloves Market: (1)