I recently picked up a pair of budget winter motorcycle gloves, and given the recent drop in temperatures, it seemed like the perfect time to test them out and share my review of the BILT tempest waterproof textile motorcycle gloves.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best waterproof motorcycle gloves for you? Read on for my complete hands-on evaluation.
BILT tempest waterproof textile gloves
A Bit of Backstory
As many fellow riders can relate to, I’ve struggled to find an ideal pair of winter Motorbike Riding Gloves. Most options either lack weather protection, aren’t very durable, or cost upwards of $100.
My daily summer Rider’s Gloves (1) are some textile Icon Twenty-Niners that I really like, but the venting makes them useless once temps start dropping.
I generally prefer a tighter, slimmer glove fit and have had bad luck with super bulky gloves cramping my hands and negatively impacting grip/feel.
However, decent winter Moto Gloves need sufficient insulation and weather resistance, too. It’s a tricky balancing act trying to get warm and dry gloves that still afford good dexterity and protection.
While wandering the local Cycle Gear shop searching for better winter Motorcyclist Gloves, I came across these intriguing Built-brand options.
According to the packaging, they featured waterproof and breathable inserts and decent abrasion protection, and they were a steal at only $20!
The store employee highly recommended them as well, given my budget constraints. It seemed almost too good to be true…so I just had to snag a pair and put them to the test!
Initial Quality Impressions
Right out of the package, I was pleasantly surprised by the construction and materials of these sub-$25 Biker Gloves.
The outer shell utilizes a combination of decent-quality leather and textile panels, with the entire glove surface coated in a weather-resistant treatment. There’s also some flexible neoprene paneling on high-movement areas like the finger joints.
The palms feature added cowhide reinforcement for improved abrasion resistance in a slide. D3O foam padding in the knuckle protector provides impact dissipation in crashes as well. For cold weather protection, the liner contains a windproof and waterproof Hipora membrane.
An elastic wrist panel, adjustable wrist closure strap, and Lycra finger gussets allow easier glove donning while ensuring a firm fit.
The materials and design seem well-suited for providing an optimum balance of flexibility, ventilation, and protection.
Sizing, Fit, & Comfort
I ordered a size small, which is my usual glove size in most brands. Just as I prefer, the Built winter gloves have a very snug, tight, performance-oriented fit.
I despise gloves with excessive room or bagginess, as it negatively affects grip control and feel in my experience.
However, riders with larger hands or those who prefer a looser casual fit may want to size up. The fingers are also slightly long for me, but I anticipate they’ll break in and pack down a bit through wear.
The fleece liner and overall insulation level feel sufficient to handle most winter riding needs. The only potential thermal issue is that a tiny bit of room within each finger stall allows some airflow.
My hands always seem to get coldest when air penetrates gloves from the fingertip area. Still, layering a high-tech base layer underneath would easily remedy this.
The overall comfort level is really fantastic, with no uncomfortable seams or pressure points that irritate. The glove remains flexible and dexterous, too, thanks to the panel construction enabling natural hand movement. The palms offer a decent grip without feeling clunky or stiff.
BILT Men’s Glove Sizing
| SIZE | HAND CIRCUMFERENCE (IN) |
|---|---|
| SM | 8 |
| MD | 8.5 |
| LG | 9 |
| XL | 9.5 |
| 2XL | 10 |
| 3XL | 10.5 |
| 4XL | 11 |
Wet Weather Protection Evaluation
To thoroughly test water protection, I wore the Built winter gloves while riding in steady rain for over an hour.
Thankfully, they kept my hands completely dry despite constant exposure to precipitation! Water continually beaded up and shed off the surface while my hands remained warm and comfortable.
By the end of the wet ride, the exterior began saturating a bit in some spots, but moisture never penetrated the interior liner.
As advertised, it seems Built’s waterproof Hipora membrane is highly effective. Very impressive performance that rivaled gloves triple the price.
The winter gloves provide good wind blocking as well, thanks to the snug fit and solid construction. Only a very small amount of air seeps through the neoprene knuckle vents while riding continuous highway speeds. The fleece liner does a great job retaining heat and maintaining a cozy microclimate for hands.
Durability Evaluation
Though I’ve only used these gloves for a few weeks now, they’ve endured daily motorcycle commuting and some weekend joyriding without any signs of damage.
The materials and build quality are quite good, especially for low-priced options. Both leather and textile panels seem thick and sturdy.
All stitching remains intact, with no loose threading or early wear signs. The Velcro wrist closure strap functions solidly, and the rubberized tag is still firmly adhered, unlike my old Icon gloves.
The attached Cowhide palm reinforcement doesn’t look to be peeling or fraying prematurely either, despite contact points while gripping handlebars.
Assuming one takes proper care removing gloves before refueling, working on bikes, etc., I anticipate these built winter gloves will provide multiple seasons of reliable use.
For only $20, they already exceeded my expectations and seem like they’ll deliver years of warmth before needing replacement. The affordable cost makes it easier to stomach natural material breakdown over time as well.
Protection & Safety
While winter and rain gloves understandably prioritize insulation and water protection over abrasion and impact defenses, the Built options still deliver respectable safety.
The ample leather construction offers decent durability for skidding on asphalt. The extra cowhide palm reinforcement enhances slide resistance, too.
There’s also flexible D30 foam padding spanning the knuckles that somewhat disperse/absorbs crash impacts. Granted, these don’t provide race glove-grade protection, but they’re perfectly adequate for street & commuter use, IMO.
The materials manage a reasonable balance of flexibility, dexterity, and defense, given the winter application.
Pros
- Amazing $20 price point
- Leather & textile construction
- Waterproof & wind resistant lining
- Generous insulation for warmth
- Snug performance fit
- Good abrasion resistance
- Flexible armor for protection
Cons
- Fingers could be shorter/tighter
- Minimal high-speed airflow
The Verdict
Overall, I’m extremely impressed by these budget-built winter and waterproof motorcycle gloves. They punch far above their paltry $20 price tag when it comes to materials, quality, comfort, warmth, and wet weather abilities. The cons regarding finger length and ventilation are super minor in the grand scheme of things.
While lacking the protection rating and technical features of premium winter gloves, these economical options work remarkably well for daily street riding and commuting duties.
Unless you demand maximum airflow or safety for track days or adventure touring, I highly recommend the Built winter gloves for cold-weather motorcyclists on a tight budget.
Considering costs 4-5x higher are common for similar winter motorcycle gloves, these are an absolute steal!
What about you? What winter protective hand gear for cyclists do you ride with? Ever tried these Built gloves, or do you have a better budget recommendation? Share your insights and experience in the comments below! I’m always seeking new gear to test out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should I order?
I suggest ordering your normal glove size unless you have very large hands and prefer a loose, casual fit. The gloves are meant to fit snugly for optimal weather protection, dexterity, and control.
How cold of temps can you wear these in?
I’ve worn them comfortably, riding for an hour+ in 30 to 40-degree F temps paired with a windproof jacket. If it is any colder, you may want a heated grip and glove liner for maximum warmth.
Would these work for adventure touring?
While they offer good value and cold/wet weather abilities, I personally wouldn’t rely on these minimalist gloves for rugged off-roading or extensive adventure touring needs. They lack the premium protection and breathability those applications call for.
What about warranty or returns?
Cycle Gear provides a standard 1-year warranty on manufacturing defects. If anything like the stitching or waterproof membrane fails prematurely, you can exchange it for a new pair. Returns need to occur within 90 days, assuming you still have the receipt.
And Finally…
While more expensive winter motorcycle gloves boast fancier materials and construction, these budget-friendly Built options still manage to deliver impressive warmth, weather protection, quality, and value.
The minor drawbacks in fingertip snugness and airflow are easily overlooked when considering the outstanding sub-$25 pricing.
Unless you ride sportbikes year-round or demand maximum ventilation and crash protection, waterproof gloves merit consideration this winter. In fact, I enjoyed using them so much that I purchased a second pair of black colorway!
For those looking for affordable cold-weather hand protection for motorcycling, definitely give these Built gloves a look.
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Sources: Motorcycle personal protective equipment (1)