Finding a solid pair of riding gloves is crucial for protection. But with so many options and extreme price ranges, it can be overwhelming trying to select the right pair.
When I came across the affordable Built Spirit 3 summer gloves, I wondered if these budget gloves really provided enough quality and safety for serious motorcycle riding.
In this first-hand BILT Spirit 3 glove review, I’ll uncover whether these gloves stand up to relentless road tests and if the $35 price tag is too good to be true.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for hot weather for you?
So, are the Spirit 3 gloves bargain or bust?
BILT Spirit 3 Women’s Gloves
BILT Spirit 3 Women’s Gloves for Hot Summer Rides
The Spirit 3 gloves first caught my attention for their lightweight, perforated leather construction and breathable stretch panels. With summer heat pounding down, airflow is critical to staying cool in the saddle.
Throughout testing, these gloves delivered exceptional ventilation thanks to strategic perforations and airy textiles. My hands stayed dry even on sweltering highway runs.
For those seeking a protective but breezy glove, the Spirit 3 checks both boxes while keeping costs low with an MSRP of $35. Ideal for newer riders or budget-focused motorcyclists.
Balancing Flexibility, Function & Protection
Evaluating motorcycle gloves requires analyzing a mosaic of factors affecting flexibility, functionality, and protection. Here’s how the Spirt 3 gloves stack up:
Flexibility & Comfort
- Perforated leather & textile panels provide pliability
- Stretch gussets ease hand entry & remove bunching
- Sparse interior lining increases dexterity
Functionality
- Touchscreen thumb & index fingertips enable device use
- Reflective piping and prints boost night visibility
- Velcro wrist closure creates a secure fit
Protection & Durability
- Hard carbon fiber knuckle armor
- Foam-padded palm heel
- Single-layer palm limits abrasion resistance
- Vulnerable outer seams lack reinforcement
While the Spirt 3 gloves perform admirably in flexibility and ventilation, they sacrifice some protective qualities and sturdiness to meet the $35 price point. Riders seeking hardcore protection may need to look elsewhere.
Putting Them to the Test: My Experience
To fully rate these gloves, I knew I couldn’t just try them on. I needed to hammer them with serious motorcycle use. Over six weeks and 1500 miles of urban, highway, and backroad riding, I experienced the Spirt 3 gloves in all conditions.
Fit & Sizing
I typically wear a women’s size small glove, and the extra small Spirt 3 model delivered a fantastically snug fit with no tight spots or bagginess. The included sizing chart proves quite accurate if you know your hand measurements.
Ventilation & Breathability
Just as promised, the perforated leather and textile panels provide exceptional airflow to combat sweaty palms. My hands stayed cool and dry even on a demanding ride through the California desert when temperatures exceeded 100°F.
Touchscreen Functionality
With smartphone connectivity being so vital, I was pleased to find the conductive thumb and index fingertips worked flawlessly with my iPhone 12, regardless of screen protectors. The responsive pads made pulling up maps or changing music easy.
Protection & Crashes
While I managed to avoid any spills during testing, examinations of the construction led me to believe the Spirit 3 gloves provide only basic abrasion defenses.
The carbon knuckle guard and single-layer leather palm withstand glancing blows but likely won’t stop high-speed slides.
Pros
- Exceptional ventilation & breathability
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertips
- Comfortable stretch materials
- Reflective details for visibility
Cons
- Only moderate crash protection
- Thin single-layer palm
- Vulnerable outer seams
The Bottom Line
For those seeking a dexterous and breezy glove with basic defenses against minor spills, the Built Spirit 3 is a home run.
While they lack hardcore impact protections, the cool comfort and low price point make them an ideal starter glove for newer riders. I’ll be continuing to wear mine throughout the summer when airflow trumps armor.
Three Gloves Compared to the BILT Spirit 3 Gloves
| Revit Dirt 3 Gloves | Klim Induction Glove | Alpinestars SMX1 Air V2 | BILT Spirit 3 Gloves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Designed for hot weather off-road riding with moisture wicking liner and ventilation | Premium street motorcycle glove with Kangaroo leather construction for abrasion resistance | Race-inspired glove optimized for airflow and flexibility with microfiber and spandex mix | Affordable summer street riding glove with airflow focus |
| Designed for hot weather off-road riding with moisture-wicking liner and ventilation | Carbon fiber knuckle protection, padded fingers & reinforced landing zone | Single-layer carbon fiber knuckle protector | Triple-layer Suprotect foam knuckle protector and palm slider |
| Pre-curved design with stretch panels and fingertip seams | Innovative Nanotechnology treatment sheds water and resists heat | Perforated gauntlet panels, elastic wrist with TPR closure | Perforated leather with stretch panels for flexibility |
| More hardcore protection and padding for aggressive riding | Ideal blend of protection, airflow, and flexibility for performance riding | Dual-density foam knuckle protector and EVA foam padding | Solid summer glove but less protective for high speeds or crashes |
The BILT Spirit 3 trades off some protective padding and robust construction to meet a lower $35 price point, while the other gloves offer more armor and quality materials for aggressive riding situations.
However, the Spirit 3 prioritizes ventilation and dexterity, making them a great summer glove option for casual street use.
Rider Questions about the Built Spirit 3 Gloves
Don’t these gloves get soggy in heavy rain?
While I didn’t have a chance to test them in severely wet conditions, I anticipate moisture would saturate the perforated leather and breathable textiles quicker than a waterproof glove. For riding in consistent heavy precipitation or winter snow, a more insulated and sealed glove would be recommended.
How do these gloves fit compared to Icon and Alpinestars?
In my experience, the Spirit 3 gloves from Built fit very true to size, while Icon and Alpinestars often fit smaller. I had to size up with those other brands, while the Spirit 3 extra small was ideal in terms of the fingers and palm width. As always, using the sizing chart is advised.
Will these gloves work for track days or racing?
With their thin single-layer palm design and lack of palm slider, I cannot recommend the Spirit 3 gloves for track use. Their protections are designed primarily for street and casual off-road riding. For circuit riding or racing, I’d suggest a more rigorously armored option, even though they may sacrifice some ventilation.
Do you think these gloves would hold up in a high-speed crash?
Based on inspecting the construction, including the leather quality, seam placements, and armor, I honestly don’t believe these entry-level gloves would remain intact if subjected to a serious high-speed crash or slide.
While the carbon knuckle protector and foam padding might dissipate some initial impact, the thin leather and uncovered outer seams would likely fail quickly. To protect your hands at triple-digit speeds, consider investing in premium gloves with multiple layers and embedded armor.
And Finally…Great Bang for Your Buck Summer Gloves
Trying out new motorcycle gear is always an adventure. Getting to test ride the Built Spirit 3 gloves over 1500 miles provided tremendous insights into their ventilation, comfort, and real-world protections.
While they aren’t built to withstand extreme crashes or weather, their extraordinary airflow and low pricing make them ideal for newer street riders and frugal motorcyclists.
If blistering summer heat leaves your hands soaked on rides, do yourself a favor and pick up the Spirit 3 gloves for some affordable relief. Ride breezy, my friends!
Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you own a pair of these Built gloves? Share your experiences below!
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