If you’re a fan of Dainese gloves, you may have noticed the recent release of the updated Druid 4 model. On the surface, the Druid 4 motorcycle gloves look nearly identical to the previous Druid 3 version.
But with a price bump, what changes and upgrades have been made to justify the increased cost?
I’ll compare the Dainese Druid 3 and Druid 4 gloves in this review to help you decide if the new model is worth upgrading to.
But the main question I will answer in this review is: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for the track? Let’s find out!
Dainese Druid 4 Gloves Review
Dainese Druid 4 Gloves Our Verdict
Dainese imparts subtle but meaningful upgrades into the Druid 4 gloves (1) versus preceding generations. Comparing them visually reveals a nearly identical silhouette and overall design.
Palms receive thicker leather now, plus DCP distortion control premised across all fingers. I’ll break down the defining characteristics of the Druid 4 gloves:
Pros
- Serious carbon knuckle protection
- Robust palm sliders and pinky shield
- Proven distortion control technology
- Pre-curved ergonomics
- Mid-range cost of track gloves
Cons
- Stiff feel before break-in
- Lacks touchscreen compatibility
- Minimal ventilation for summer
So, who should buy the newest Dainese Druid 4 motorcycle gloves? Riders seeking maximum protection for aggressive street riding and moderate track days will appreciate the Druid 4 build the most.
Impact shields and distortion controls keep hands safe when pushing the pace. For all-around street use, though, mesh-backed gloves with more airflow make a better choice.
Within Dainese’s own range, the Druids fill the gap between the entry-level Carbon Street gloves and premium Steel Pro track gauntlets.
Unless you demand extensive metal plating or race-ready performance, the Druid 4 gloves supply ample security for spirited trips down your favorite twisty roads.
First, let’s clarify who the Dainese Druids are built for. This 4th generation model represents a mid-range track and performance street glove in Dainese’s lineup.
Sitting above the entry-level Carbon gloves but below the premier Steel Pro race gloves, the Druids target serious enthusiasts who demand robust protection during aggressive riding.
Compared to the casual Carbon series, the Druid 4 gloves feature superlative impact defenses like carbon fiber knuckles and reinforced palm sliders.
Ventilation and flexibility suit long days in the saddle as well. For heading to the racetrack, they offer ample security without the bulk of full race gloves.
Simply put, Dainese positions the Druids as the ideal solution for getting you to the circuit in comfort while staying shielded on the streets.
Comparison To Other Track Motorcycle Gloves
| Product Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Icon Hypersport GP Gloves | Full kangaroo palm and fingers for superior grip and feedback. D3O foam knuckle protection. Perforated for ventilation. |
| Alpinestars GP Plus R V2 Gloves | Use a full kangaroo palm and fingers for superior grip and feedback. D3O foam knuckle protection. Perforated for ventilation. |
| Dainese Steel Pro & Steel Pro In Gloves | Designed for MotoGP racing. Metal knuckle guards and palm sliders. Kangaroo leather chassis with cowhide palm. Winter and summer versions available. |
The Dainese Druid 4 gloves offer robust protection like the other racing-oriented gloves here but in a more flexible package for comfortable street use.
The Steel Pro models feature heavier plating but with a bulkier build. The Icon Hypersports prioritize superb grip and dexterity thanks to premium kangaroo leather instead of utmost armor.
For riders seeking a cross-between max protection and flexibility, the Druid 4 gloves strike an optimal balance.
Construction and Materials
Dainese sticks to a tried-and-true blueprint with the Druid 4 glove build. Key components include:
- Abrasion-resistant goatskin leather chassis
- Carbon fiber hard knuckle protectors
- Dual wrist closure system
- Pre-curved ergonomic design
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertips (Would be nice to have but not included)
- Clarino fabric for ventilation and flexibility
Comparing the new Druid 4 gloves directly against the preceding Druid 3 model reveals no radical changes. In fact, the overall silhouette looks nearly identical. Most of the upgrades happen subtly under the surface.
For example, Dainese claims they sourced higher-grade leather for the palm and chassis. The difference emerges once you slip on the Druid 4 gloves, which feel rather rigid and bulkier than expected.
The leather hasn’t been given the same supple treatment compared to other Dainese gloves I’ve worn. It’s not uncomfortable, but break-in time will take longer than normal.
Otherwise, the Druid 4 build quality remains excellent, as we’ve come to expect from premium Italian gear.
Dainese employs advanced techniques like accordion flex panels and pre-curved shaping to ensure a natural, unrestricted fit. The glove moves fluidly with your hands while protecting critical impact zones.
Sizing Chart
| SIZE | HAND (IN) |
|---|---|
| 3XS | 6.5 |
| 2XS | 7 |
| XS | 7.5 |
| SM | 8 |
| MD | 8.5 |
| LG | 9 |
| XL | 9.5 |
| 2XL | 10 |
| 3XL | 10.5 |
Protection and Safety
When it comes to defending your paws, the Dainese Druid 4 gloves deploy serious armor across the entire glove.
Key components are the molded carbon fiber knuckles backed by energy-dissipating foam. This setup effectively diffuses and deflects blows over the knuckles, which commonly occur during slides.
Further safeguarding the hands, rigid palm sliders prevent hyperextension while a TPU shield runs down the side of the little finger.
Even better, the Druid 4 gets Dainese’s DCP distortion control system integrated into the pinky and thumb sleeves.
This innovation allows the glove material to stretch under stress instead of transferring injurious rotational forces to the joints.
Ultimately, the Druid 4 gloves furnish hardcore defense for street riders wanting peace of mind, plus the dexterity for easily managing controls.
The equipment balances flexibility against armoring critical zones to keep hands protected without encumbering feel.
For those seeking even more security, Dainese’s race-ready Steel Pro gloves feature heavier plating with metal components rather than solely composite protectors.
But unless you plan on hitting the track at ten-tenths, the Druid 4 design onboard guards will handle most crashes while remaining comfortable.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Overall, the Druid 4 gloves maintain the comfortable, pre-curved riding stance established by earlier generations.
There’s ample room through the fingers and palm without running large. I typically fit into a size large for most gloves, but size up to an XL in all my Dainese pairs.
This holds true for the Druid 4 gloves, which fit perfectly in XL. Dainese’s own sizing chart aligns exactly with my measurements as well.
So, while the outer leather feels rigid initially, cold weather or continued wear should relax the material.
In the comfort department, the Druid 4’s interior liner feels smooth without obvious seams that might irritate.
The wrist cuffs seal securely via hook-and-loop closures, plus a secondary wrist strap. This prevents the sleeves from creeping up.
Finally, silicone grip prints applied inside the palm enhance stickiness for holding onto bars.
Ventilation seems reasonable from initial testing, with perforations flowing air adequately. However, summer climes may still induce perspiration without constant airflow.
Here, I might give a slight advantage to the former Druid 3 design based on the lighter leather and increased mesh panels.
Value and Cost
With an MSRP of $260, the Dainese Druid 4 gloves demand a premium price tag. For the extra $30 over the preceding Druid 3 gloves, you gain stronger pinky protection via TPU plating and improved palm leather quality. Older Druid gloves’ owners probably won’t benefit enough from those upgrades alone.
Moreover, considering Laguna Seca designed the Druid 4 gloves for performance street riding and amateur track days, I would have appreciated touch-screen-compatible fingertips.
Even when pushing the pace at the circuit, today’s riders frequently check data on their smartphones. This seems like an easy feature to work into high-end gloves.
That said, the Dainese quality, prestige, and protection still justify the cost for riders who appreciate the brand’s heritage.
The Druid 4 makes an excellent choice over entry-level street gloves that lack any true impact defenses and cushions. Casual “fashion” brands just can’t match Dainese’s scholarship in safeguarding human hands.
Overall, Dainese’s upgraded Druid 4 gloves build upon the tactical blend of protection, comfort, and quality established by earlier versions.
For diehard fans of the Dainese brand, they won’t disappoint. Riders seeking hardcore protection will appreciate the carbon knuckles and distortion control technology as well.
I’ll be putting the Druid 4 gloves through further testing this season to explore long-term durability and break-in.
Let me know your thoughts about Dainese gloves and if you have experience with the Druid series in the comments below! I’m eager to hear your opinions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the sizing run on the Dainese Druid 4 gloves?
I recommend sizing up one full size over the measured hand dimensions if referring to Dainese’s own sizing chart. The gloves have a snug, performance-oriented fit. For example, I normally wear a large glove but size up to XL for a precise fit across all Dainese models.
Would the Druid 4 gloves work for adventure touring or motocross?
Yes, the Druid 4 gloves are versatile enough for light ADV rides or motocross usage. The exterior leather withstands moderate brush abrasion, and the padding dulls vibration. I’d recommend supplementing them with a waterproof overglove in wet conditions, though.
What’s the difference between the Druid 4 and Dainese Steel Pro gloves?
The Steel Pro gloves are geared more toward track and professional racing with metal knuckles and additional armoring. This adds expense and bulkiness that street enthusiasts may not require. The Druids focus on maximizing flexible street and hobby track protection at an accessible price point.
Do the Druid 4 gloves include waterproofing or insulation?
No, neither water resistance nor insulation are found on the Druid 4 gloves. They will shrug off mild moisture, but use a waterproof overglove for heavy rain. Similarly, cold weather demands a heated inner liner or heavier winter gloves.
How durable is the touchscreen compatibility on the fingers?
Surprisingly, touchscreen compatibility isn’t featured on the Druid 4 gloves as of 2023. This seems like an easy upgrade Dainese could make, considering the prevalence of riders needing to interface with smartphones. Even track day warriors reference data between sessions.
And Finally…
While not radically transformed over earlier generations, the Dainese Druid 4 gloves receive several thoughtful upgrades centered on safety.
Impact protection and distortion control guard against hazardous crashes across the street and hobby track realms. Brand devotees get the expected Italian styling and prestigious Dainese pedigree as well.
For riders seeking versatile, robust gloves offering flexibility for comfortable road use plus security for occasional track days, the latest Dainese Druid 4 gloves absolutely warrant consideration.
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Sources: Motorcycle personal protective equipment (1)