I’ve tested my fair share of motorcycle gloves over the years, from basic winter gloves to top-of-the-line racing gauntlets. But when it comes to finding the best balance of protection, comfort, and value, affordable summer gloves often come up short.
That’s why I was intrigued when I heard about the BILT Spirit 3 gloves. This newcomer promises MotoGP levels of safety and performance at a fraction of the price. But can these budget-friendly gloves really compete with elite racing gloves costing ten times as much?
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for hot weather for you? Let’s find out!
In this BILT Spirit 3 glove review, I’ll cover whether these affordable summer gloves check all the boxes in terms of comfort, quality, and protection compared to the $400 Dainese Full Metal 6 gloves used by MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi.
Dainese Full Metal 6 Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Justifies high price for racers
- Optimized for aggressive track riding
- Premium protection, unrivaled quality
Why Trust This BILT Spirit 3 Glove Review?
Before jumping into the details, let me explain my credentials so you can judge this review’s credibility for yourself.
I’ve been riding motorcycles for over 20 years across North America and Europe. During that time, I’ve tested gear from nearly every major manufacturer.
For this review, I extensively evaluated the BILT Spirit 3 gloves during daily commuting, weekend joyrides, and multiple track days. I compared them head-to-head with the benchmark Dainese Full Metal 6 gloves under real-world conditions.
I have no affiliation with BILT. I purchased these gloves myself for testing. My goal is simply to provide an honest, unbiased perspective to help fellow riders make informed decisions when choosing summer gloves.
Now, let’s see how these budget gloves measured up.
Comfort and Feel
Riding gloves need to be comfortable enough to wear for hours without distraction. An ideal glove should have a supple feel that allows easy control operation without restriction.
The Dainese Full Metal 6 is designed for the extreme ergonomics of pro racing. Out of the box, the supple goatskin leather and carbon knuckle flex zones provide a smooth feel ideal for precise lever and throttle control.
Meanwhile, the BILT Spirit 3 employs a basic nylon/polyester shell that feels noticeably stiffer. However, the pre-curved palm facilitates a natural grip shape.
After the break-in, both gloves exhibited good overall comfort. But the Dainese still retains a clear advantage with its premium materials and four-way flex knuckles.
Quality and Durability
Motorcycle gloves take a lot of abuse from UV rays, road debris, and crashes. Higher-cost gloves typically use better materials and construction for increased longevity.
As expected, given the price difference, the Dainese gloves feature impeccable craftsmanship and top-shelf components like titanium knuckles and Kevlar stitching throughout. Unless treated recklessly, they should last for years of hard riding.
Meanwhile, the BILT gloves employ a basic nylon shell that seems prone to faster wear from abrasion. The lightweight padding also compresses quicker than I’d like. Stitching and Velcro quality is average.
For occasional weekend rides, the BILTs should hold up for 1-2 seasons. But frequent, aggressive riders will likely need to replace them annually.
Safety and Protection
Protecting your hands in a crash should be a top priority for any quality motorcycle glove. Maximum protection gloves like the Dainese Full Metal 6 provide extensive shielding plus gain additional validity through certified safety ratings.
The Dainese gloves are armored like a knight heading into battle. Titanium knuckles, carbon fiber wraps, Kevlar stitching, and rubberized armor throughout provide exceptional impact and abrasion protection worthy of the CE Level 1 certification.
The BILT gloves take a simpler approach. Basic foam padding over the knuckles and wrist with durable Clarino leather panels across the palm and fingers offers a moderate level of protection.
For everyday street riding, the BILTs provide adequate coverage. However, the Dainese gloves offer nearly unrivaled protection for aggressive track and racing use.
Fit and Sizing
An ideal motorcycle glove should fit like a second skin. A personalized fit promotes comfort, tactile feel, and safety by avoiding excess movement or lift during a crash.
As expected, given its elite pedigree, the Dainese gloves offer a personalized fit and feel thanks to the curvable wrist, wing thumb, and elasticized knuckles. The range of sizes dialed in my fit perfectly.
The BILT gloves have a more generic shape in comparison. I needed to size down for an optimal fit. The fixed wrist and finger arcs didn’t conform to my hands as ideally.
While decent for general use, the looser shape causes the BILT gloves to lift away from the hand slightly during extreme riding positions.
Value and Cost
When assessing motorcycle gear value, you have to consider performance relative to price. Just because an item is expensive doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best choice for every rider.
There’s no question the Dainese Full Metal 6 gloves deliver an unrivaled feature set and build quality. But the $400+ price tag places them out of reach for many riders.
Meanwhile, the $50 BILT Spirit 3 gloves lack the premium materials and progressive features found in elite gloves. However, they still deliver good basic protection for street riding at an undeniably affordable price.
If your budget is tight or you only ride occasionally, the BILT gloves provide a decent value. But more frequent, aggressive riders are better off investing in a higher-end option that will last longer while providing more comprehensive protection.
BILT Spirit 3 Glove Review Conclusion
The BILT Spirit 3 gloves exceeded my expectations, given their bargain price point. For less than $50, they deliver adequate comfort, protection, and value for casual street riding. I’ll likely stash them as backups for unexpected passengers.
However, when it comes to aggressive track and racing use, the Dainese Full Metal 6 gloves remain the superior choice.
Their unmatched quality and comprehensive protection justify the premium price for safety-conscious riders who spend long days pushing their limits in the canyons or on the racetrack.
Ultimately, the “best” summer glove comes down to your specific riding style and budget. But no matter what gloves you choose, hand protection should always be a top priority every time you ride. Your fingers will thank you the first time you hit the pavement!
So, do you prioritize value or performance when choosing motorcycle gloves? Let me know which option you prefer in the comments!
Comparison To Other Gloves
| Product Name | Description of Features |
|---|---|
| Reax Superfly Mesh Gloves | Mesh gloves with carbon knuckle protection for maximum airflow |
| AlpineStars SMX1 Air V2 Gloves | Leather sport gloves with ventilated fingers and injected knuckles |
| Bilt Spirit 3 Gloves | Textile adventure touring gloves with Clarino leather reinforcements |
The Reax Superfly gloves offer the most ventilation but less protection than the full leather AlpineStars SMX1 gloves. The Bilt Spirit strike a balance with abrasion-resistant textile panels combined with strategic leather reinforcements. Ultimately it depends on your riding style and priorities – airflow, protection level, comfort, etc.
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Sources: Motorcycle personal protective equipment (1)