These premium motorcycle gloves replace Dainese’s previous Four Stroke Long and Race Pro In options, combining features from both into two new flagship models.
I’ll break down the key upgrades over past versions and examine whether the changes warrant the $270+ price tags.
But, the main question I will answer in this Dainese Steel Pro In Gloves review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for the track?
Dainese Steel Pro & Steel Pro In Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Superior crash protection
- Redesigned streamlined fit
- Enhanced flexibility and feel
Four Key Changes Over Previous Versions
To quickly recap, the Steel Pro and Steel Pro In bring four vital improvements compared to past Dainese offerings:
- Streamlined cuffs enhance fit
- Added stretch panels boost flexibility
- Extended hand/pinky protection
- Upgraded foam dissipates impact
Dainese achieved all this with no price hike, making the new models a compelling proposition for safety-focused racers.
Streamlined Design Improves Fit and Flexibility
At first glance, the most apparent change is the redesigned streamlined cuffs. The prior bulky TPR and TPU plastic armor has been trimmed down significantly.
This updated style wraps more comfortably around the wrist while reducing bulk. The cuffs’ slimmed profile enhances flexibility when gripping the handlebars.
Additionally, Dainese added elasticated panels across the knuckles, improving stretch compared to the previous two single points. Overall, four elastic points on the back of the hand, paired with the slimmer metal knuckle guard, boost ergonomics and ease of movement.
These design tweaks better match the gloves’ natural shape to your hand in a tucked race position. Less need to fight against the glove’s construction means fewer distractions while carving corners.
Reinforced Fingers Deliver Crucial Impact Protection
While a streamlined shape caters to flexibility, many riders choose premium gloves (1) for their formidable protection against crashes. Here, the Steel Pro and Steel Pro In also deliver marked improvements.
Most notably, Dainese extended the knuckle armor system to wrap the side of the hand fully, safeguarding the vulnerable pinky and edge of the palm.
The brand also added finger shields at the mid-digit joint using coated TPU and layered leather for insulation. These deliver vital defense for such exposed areas in the event of spills.
The palm incorporates cowhide reinforcements with extra abrasion resistance on key zones. And just like the premium Full Metal 6 gloves, the Steel Pro line integrates impact-dissipating D3O foam into palm sliders and the main knuckle piece.
So, in terms of protective upgrades:
- Full hand/pinky coverage
- Robust layered leather & shields across fingers
- D3O