I recently came across a new pair of motorcycle gloves from Dainese called the Blackjack. With their vintage styling and minimalist protection, I wondered – would these women’s gloves actually save your hands if things go wrong on the road?
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best women’s motorcycle gloves? Let’s take a closer look at whether form trumps function with the Blackjack gloves.
Dainese Blackjack Women’s Motorcycle Gloves
Dainese Blackjack Gloves – My Hands-On Impressions
Luckily, I managed to get my hands on a pair of the Blackjacks to test out. Immediately, the quality construction and supple feel stand out. They provide excellent comfort and dexterity right off the bat.
The retro style also looks fantastic and will surely get admiring looks around town. However, the minimally padded knuckles bend and flex with pressure, raising concerns about their ability to disperse impact.
Despite the focus on style, the goatskin leather does seem durable, especially with the extra reinforcement on the fingers. The light elastic panels also help the gloves (1) conform to my hands through a range of motions.
But while fine for relaxed rides, I wouldn’t trust the Blackjacks to perform as well as true motorcycle racing gloves in a slide or crash.
Comparison To Other Women’s Motorcycle Gloves
Here is a comparison table with five randomly selected women’s motorcycle gloves compared to the Dainese Blackjack gloves:
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Alpinestars SPX V2 Gloves | Full gauntlet racing glove with carbon fiber knuckles and fingers, wrist closure, and external seams |
| Icon Anthem 2 Stealth Women’s Gloves | Budget-friendly short gloves with molded rubber knuckles, goatskin leather, neoprene flex zones, and touchscreen-compatible |
| Held Sambia 2-in-1 Evo GTX Gloves | 2-in-1 waterproof winter glove system with Gore-Tex insert, Primaloft insulation, and Knox knuckle armor |
| Sedici Lucca Women’s Gloves | Budget-friendly short gloves with molded rubber knuckles, goatskin leather, neoprene flex zones, and touchscreen compatible |
The Dainese Blackjack wome’s motorcycle gloves stand out with their vintage throwback styling compared to full race gloves like the Alpinestars SPX V2 or the heavy-duty cold weather protection of the Held Sambia 2-in-1 glove.
The Blackjacks prioritize style over armor with their minimalist padded knuckles. Against competitors like the Icon Anthem 2, they also lack robust finger protection and lean towards good looks for urban use rather than track or off-road safety performance.
However, their supple feel and dexterity are better for relaxed riding compared to serious protection-focused gloves.
A Quick Overview of the Dainese Blackjack Gloves
The Blackjack gloves feature a retro cafe racer look constructed from soft, supple goatskin leather. They have a short cuff with a velcro closure and lightweight padding on the knuckles.
The gloves also include some extra reinforcement on the fingers and elastic panels to improve flexibility.
However, beyond these basics, the Blackjacks seem to focus more on style rather than protection. The padding is minimal and mostly on the knuckles rather than the sides, edges, or wrist.
So, while they look great for cruising around town or posing for photos, what happens if you take a spill on the Blackjacks? Let’s break it down.
What Kind of Protection Do The Blackjacks Offer?
Abrasion Resistance
- The goatskin leather should provide decent abrasion protection in a slide. Leather is commonly used for motorcycle gear due to its durability against road rash.
Impact Protection
- The knuckle armor incorporates lightweight foam padding. However, there are no protectors on the edges, sides, or wrists.
Comfort and Breathability
- The flexible leather construction should conform nicely to the hands. Goatskin is also lightweight and breathes well.
Key Factors To Consider About The Dainese Blackjack Gloves
Price – At around $100, the Blackjack hits a nice sweet spot between budget and premium gloves. You get Dainese style and quality without breaking the bank.
Intended Use – These versatile short-cuff gloves work better for cruising or moderate riding rather than racing or off-road. They lack serious impact protection and ventilation for aggressive needs.
Safety Rating – I would only give these a 6/10 on protection. The leather helps, but the minimal padding exposes your hands in a serious crash. Dedicated race gloves rate higher at 8+ for safety.
Fit and Sizing – Surprisingly, the Blackjacks run large. I typically take a size large glove, but size down for these. Carefully check the sizing chart for the perfect fit.
Comfort – The flexible leather molds nicely to your hands, aided by the stretch panels. Even longer rides shouldn’t cause fatigue or strain.
The Verdict: Style Over Substance
The Dainese Blackjacks undoubtedly capture vintage cool and will look fantastic whether blasting around town or parked outside your favorite cafe. They also provide a comfortable fit with a responsive feel – ideal for easy riding.
However, the Blackjacks seem better matched for form rather than hardcore function. Insufficient padding and lack of wrist, edge, or finger protection are concerning for aggressive, performance-minded riders. As expected, once the road speeds or risks rise, the vintage styling makes sacrifices in safety.
So, while the cool factor is off the charts, I’d suggest the Blackjack gloves remain a fashion accessory rather than a piece of protective gear.
FAQs
Would the Blackjacks work for winter riding?
No. The perforated leather offers decent airflow for summer but poor insulation and water resistance for cold or wet conditions. Heated gloves or waterproof winter options would be a better choice.
How is the tactile feel and control with the Blackjack gloves?
Excellent. The flexible construction provides great dexterity and feel, ideal for operating controls, gripping the bars, or working the clutch and brake levers.
What is the difference in protection between the Blackjacks and proper racing gloves?
Most racing gloves feature complete 360-degree hard knuckle protectors, finger armor, palm sliders, and TPU or carbon fiber layers. The Blackjacks lack extra layers and substantial armor in key areas.
Will the conductive fingertip material still work on touchscreen devices?
Yes. The leather maintains conductivity even after some wear for using mobile devices. However, heavily abraded fingers will eventually degrade responsiveness.
In Closing
The Dainese Blackjacks ace the style test but might disappoint riders who expect true protective performance. While fine for fair-weather urban cruising, the Blackjacks simply don’t measure up to serious motorcycle gloves designed to save your hands.
I welcome any feedback or impressions if you’ve tested the Blackjacks yourself. And as always, keep the rubber side down as you enjoy the ride!
And Finally
Riders who appreciate the vintage look but demand protection may need to look at other options. Within the Dainese lineup itself, consider the Carbon D1 Long gloves or other models like the Icon Pursuit.
Ultimately, only you can decide what aspects – safety, comfort, control, or aesthetics – rank as the highest priorities before heading out on the road.
As always, I welcome your feedback and impressions on the Blackjacks. And remember, keep the shiny side up! Ride safe out there.
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