Recently, I came across a pair of circa$20 winter women’s motorcycle gloves from Built that claimed to offer both waterproofing and warmth.
Given the low price point, I was skeptical about their performance. But I decided to take a chance and test them out to see if these budget bike gloves could really deliver.
In this BILT Tempest Waterproof Women’s Gloves review, we will share our firsthand experience using these inexpensive winter motorcycle gloves in wet weather to see how they stack up.
But, the main question we will answer in this review will be: Are these the best women’s motorcycle gloves? Let’s find out!
BILT Tempest Women’s Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Good value for the price
- Waterproofing works great
- Keeps hands warm enough
BILT Tempest Waterproof Women’s Gloves – Our Final Verdict
For less than $20, these surprisingly decent winter women’s motorcycle gloves deliver impressive waterproofing and warmth for all-day cold weather riding.
The snug fit and flexible construction retains good dexterity for crisp bike control. Tackling slick roads and trails through freezing rain, my hands stay dry and comfortable.
While not the most durable or protective option out there, the Built winter gloves work great for casual winter riding needs. Considering their budget price, we believe most riders will find them a worthy purchase.
So if you want an affordable way to keep riding through cold winter months, these gloves deserve strong consideration. Ultimately, I’d recommend any rider try them out this season.
Comparison With 3 Similar Women’s Motorcycle Gloves
| Product | Features |
|---|---|
| Alpinestars Stella SMX-1 Air V2 Gloves | Full goatskin chassis, molded TPU knuckle armor, increased finger articulation, neoprene cuff with gusseted wrist, moisture-wicking brushed tricot lining. |
| Held Sambia 2-in-1 Evo GTX Gloves | Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex membrane, Primaloft insulation for warmth, kangaroo leather palm, visor wiper on index finger, removable fleece inner liner. |
| Icon Anthem 2 Stealth Women’s Gloves | Full goatskin chassis, molded TPU knuckle armor, increased finger articulation, neoprene cuff with gusseted wrist, moisture-wicking brushed tricot lining. |
The Alpinestars and Icon gloves offer robust protection with premium leather construction, while the Held gloves have a more touring focus with weatherproofing and insulation.
The Icon Stealth gloves seem best suited for warmer weather riding with their minimalist design. Overall, the Held GTX gloves stand out as the most versatile option for variable conditions.
A Budget-Friendly Winter Glove Option
As soon as I slipped on the Built winter gloves, I could tell the quality exceeded my expectations for a $20 pair. The fleece lining felt soft and cozy, while still maintaining a slim enough profile to comfortably grip my bike’s controls.
The gloves provide ample coverage up the wrist with an adjustable velcro closure. The palm reinforcement and knuckle armor boost abrasion resistance in a slide while offering some impact protection as well.
Overall, the materials and construction quality seem solid—especially considering the price. But the true test would be riding in cold winter conditions.
Impressive Water Resistance in Wet Weather
Shortly after buying the Built winter gloves, an all-day rainstorm hit. This gave me the perfect opportunity to test the waterproof claim during extended exposure.
Several hours of riding in a steady downpour put these gloves through their paces. Yet my hands remained warm and dry the entire time. Neither water nor wind permeated the outer layer.
I purposely rode through deep puddles to really challenge the gloves’ waterproof rating. But they kept my hands bone dry, proving they can stand up to heavy rainfall.
For keeping hands dry in wet winter weather, the Built gloves perform amazingly well. Their waterproofing works as advertised to lock out moisture.
Snug Fit Provides Good Feel and Grip
Many bulky winter motorcycle gloves sacrifice feel and dexterity with all that insulation stuffed inside. However, the Built gloves maintain a relatively slim profile that doesn’t compromise grip and control operation.
The snug fit hugs my hands without pinching or restricting movement. The pre-curved fingers make it easy to precisely operate levers, switches, and twist throttles.
Despite the insulation, tactile feedback through the leather palm allows me to grasp the handlebars securely without losing connection with the bike. This instills confidence when riding in slick conditions.
For the warmth they provide, these gloves allow impressive flexibility and sensitivity compared to other winter options. The maintained dexterity ensures solid bike control.
Bilt Women’s Size Chart
| Size | Hand Circumference (in) |
|---|---|
| XS | 7 |
| SM | 7.5 |
| MD | 8 |
| LG | 8.5 |
| XL | 9 |
| 2XL | 9.5 |
Impressive Warmth for All-Day Riding Comfort
With the Built winter motorcycle gloves shielding my hands from moisture, the insulating fleece lining went to work, sealing in body heat to keep my hands exceptionally warm.
Throughout several hours of riding temps hovering in the mid-30s Fahrenheit, my hands stayed toasty without becoming sweaty. Fingertips never numbed from the cold.
The snug fit prevents icy drafts from penetrating the gloves while sealing in warmth. The insulation beats the cold for as long as I care to ride.
Ultimately, the warmth retained in these surprisingly cozy gloves proved sufficient for my winter adventures. Unless riding in bitter sub-freezing temperatures, they work great.
Solid Winter Gloves Despite Some Shortcomings
For less than $20, these Built winter motorcycle gloves deliver impressive waterproofing, warmth, and comfort. Overall, they exceed expectations across the board.
However, there are some downsides worth mentioning…
First, while handy for slipping gloves on quickly, the velcro wrist adjustment loosens easier than a buckle system when tugging sleeves over them. Occasionally, needing to re-secure straps during a ride is annoying.
Additionally, the exterior leather shows early signs of abrasion when contacting pavement or gravel during minor spills. Although I haven’t worn holes clear through, longevity after multiple crashes could be a concern.
Finally, the bulky insulation reduces the feel compared to summer mesh/textile gloves. While expected, transitioning between glove types requires minor riding style adjustment.
Yet, for the cost, these trade-offs seem reasonable. The Built winter motorcycle gloves provide tremendous value at this price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How well do the winter gloves withstand abrasion in a crash?
The leather holds up decently in minor spills but lacks extensive reinforcement, making long-term durability questionable after multiple slides.
Would you recommend wearing them in temperatures below freezing?
Possibly, depending on your sensitivity to cold and planned riding intensity. For casual around-town use, they should be all right. But for aggressive winter sport riding, you may want something warmer.
Do the conductive fingertip pads work with touchscreen devices?
Yes, you can freely operate touchscreens with these winter gloves on. The pads provide conductivity through the insulation to use phones or GPS systems.
How easy is it to put the gloves on compared to other winter options?
The medium-weight insulation allows these gloves to slide on without too much hassle. Just beware: The velcro wrist straps may need re-securing if the jacket sleeves are tugging over them.
Would these gloves work for adventure touring in cold climates?
For short 1-2 week tours, they would probably suffice. But for extended expeditions through extreme environments, it’s worth investing in premium cold weather protection.
And Finally…
While these affordable Built winter motorcycle gloves aren’t high-performance race gear, they handle basic cold weather needs remarkably well given their budget price point.
If you are looking for a value option to keep riding through winter without breaking the bank, definitely check them out. For less than $20, you might be as pleasantly surprised as I was!
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