Could these new German-engineered motorcycle gloves fully protect my hands during aggressive riding while retaining flexibility and feel?
In this Held Evo-Thrux II Track Gloves review, we will look at all the aspects of these gloves, but the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for the track? Let’s analyze their construction and features to find out!
Held Evo-Thrux II Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Aggressive yet comfortable
- Versatile, durable riding glove
- Supple feel, ample protection
Held Evo-Thrux II Gloves – Our Verdict
While not as robust as full racing gloves (1), the Evo Thrux 2 provides ample protection for aggressive canyon carving or occasional track days.
The armor shields against bruising knocks without severely sacrificing flexibility. I’ve crashed in bulkier track gloves and broken fingers from hyperextension, so some pliability is welcome on the street.
The perforated fingers and knuckles offer ventilation to reduce sweating, and the overall ergonomic shape delivers a comfortable broken-in feel.
After evaluating their safety aspects, I believe Held designed the Evo Thrux 2 to excel in rough riding conditions.
The combination of goatskin, kangaroo leather, temper foam, and Super Fabric presents a versatile defense against abrasion, meaning they can withstand a slide without tearing.
Ultimately, the gloves provide reassuring insurance to push harder through corners, knowing my hands have ample coverage.
While not race-grade, I deem the Evo Thrux 2 properly equipped for attacking back roads yet comfortable enough for multi-hour sports touring.
Comparison To Other Track Gloves
| Product Name | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Alpinestars SP-8 v3 Gloves | Full kangaroo leather construction, race-grade protection, minimal ventilation |
| Held Evo Thrux 2 Gloves | Goatskin + kangaroo leather, hard knuckles + temper foam, perforated fingers/knuckles |
| Dainese Steel Pro In Gloves | Cowhide + kangaroo construction, carbon fiber knuckles, Primaloft insulation |
| Alpinestars GP Tech v2 Gloves | Full kangaroo leather, race-ready protection, mesh fourchettes |
| Icon Hypersport GP Gloves | Kangaroo leather + textile chassis, D3O knuckles + sliders, race fit |
The Held Evo Thrux 2 has a good balance of protection, comfort, and ventilation versus mainstream sports options from Alpinestars and Icon.
The knuckle armor is adequate for aggressive use without being overbuilt. Cold weather alternatives like the Dainese Steel Pro In trade ventilation for insulation.
Premium race gloves like the Alpinestars SP-8 provide robust coverage at the expense of flexibility and feel.
Overall, the Held Evo Thrux 2 strikes an optimal balance for aggressive street riding with occasional track days. Their blend of materials resists abrasion extremely well while keeping hands fatigue-free.
Why Good Motorcycle Gloves Matter
Riding motorcycles exposes our hands to many hazards, so solid gloves provide an essential layer of defense.
Impact injuries, abrasions from pavement slides, weather protection, and ensuring adequate grip and feel are all critical functions of moto gloves.
Held’s Evo Thrux 2 gloves aim for versatility by blending protection, control feel, and long-distance comfort.
The kangaroo leather palm, goatskin construction, and strategically positioned Super Fabric reinforcements shield hands from abrasion while remaining supple enough for all-day wear. Let’s break down how these gloves balance key factors:
Protection
- Hard outer knuckles with shock-absorbing foam
- Palm slider, extra pinky coverage, defend slide zones
- Stretch panels, a pre-curved shape enable flexibility
- Secure wrist closure prevents twisting accidents
Comfort
- Kangaroo leather, pre-broken in feel
- Perforated fingers and knuckles allow ventilation
- Minimal seams prevent skin irritation
Control
- Kangaroo leather maintains a tactile feel, grip
- Index finger + thumb TouchTec for device use
- Silicone print reinforces brake/clutch grip
While primarily designed for sport touring with some track day ability, could the Held Evo Thrux 2 gloves protect during aggressive canyon carving or even full track sessions without compromising comfort or control? Let’s dig deeper into their construction and features.
Constructed for Versatility
Held built the Evo Thrux 2 gloves using combinations of leather, textile, Super Fabric, and foam armor to equip riders for anything the road may throw our way.
The gloves carry reinforcements in key areas while remaining dextrous and comfortable during long stints aboard our motorcycles, thanks to smart material applications.
Abrasion Protection
- Kangaroo leather palm – Thin yet 4x stronger than cowhide
- Goatskin leather back – Flexible and abrasion-resistant
- Super Fabric palm sliders – Withstand pavement friction
Impact Absorption
- Knuckle armor with shock-damping foam
- Extra pinky coverage – Typical slide impact zone
- Secure wrist closure prevents roll-offs
Comfort + Ventilation
- Minimal, flat interior seams
- Perforated goatskin and textile
- Neoprene stretch panels
Control + Grip
- Kangaroo leather maintains excellent feel
- Silicone palm + fingertips grip controls
- Touchscreen thumb + index finger
This innovative blend of materials offers ingress protection while enabling great bike manipulation through supple leather construction on the palms.
The Evo Thrux 2 gloves could handle aggressive riding while remaining comfortable enough for multi-hour sports touring.
Comparison to the Original Evo Thrux Model
Overall, Held retained the most important elements of the popular original Evo Thrux gloves while adding modern amenities. What updates should existing owners or newcomers take note of?
Enhanced Protection
- Rigid outer knuckle with better shock absorption
- Extra Super Fabric reinforcement at the palm base
- Secure wrist closure replaces single TPR tab
More Comfort
- Improved airflow at knuckles via inlet/exhaust vents
- Larger single Super Fabric palm pad
- Stretch panel extended under the thumb
Added Features
- Touchscreen compatibility
- Reflective detailing on fingers
- Visor wipe conveniently positioned
While expensive, the upgrades provide worthwhile rider benefits in crucial areas like wrist security and abrasion resistance without compromising all-day comfort.
Considering the subtle design tweaks and only a $15 price jump, the Evo Thrux 2 gloves refine an already popular model.
How Do They Fit & Feel?
As an experienced motorcyclist, evaluating gear fit and comfort is second nature to me. Proper glove sizing plays a crucial role in safety by enabling precise bike control. Here’s my analysis after wearing the Held Evo Thrux 2 gloves on multiple rides:
The curved fingers, pre-shaped construction, and flexible panels create a “broken-in” feel immediately with no break-in period.
Breathable perforations and exhaust vents maintain airflow across the hands, helping reduce fatigue on longer rides.
The snug, adjustable wrist strap provides peace of mind during aggressive cornering by preventing glove roll-off accidents.
The inner kangaroo leather delivers excellent grip and tactile feedback for confident throttle/brake operation even in wet conditions.
The material also feels buttery smooth against bare skin to prevent irritation over time. For colder environments, adding thin silk liners transforms the Evo Thrux 2 into formidable three-season gloves.
Overall, the gloves run true to size charts with an anatomical contour for a great fit. If in doubt, it’s preferable to size up rather than down to maintain circulation and dexterity.
Considering essential factors like fit, ventilation, and tactility, Held nailed the execution with the updated Evo Thrux 2 motorcycle gloves.
Technical Specifications
- Main Construction: Goatskin leather exterior, kangaroo leather interior
- Palm Sliders: Super Fabric reinforcement
- Closure: Wide TPR wrist strap with security snap
- Protectors: Hard outer knuckles + shock-damping foam
- Ventilation: Perforated fingers/knuckles, exhaust ports
- Special Features: Touchscreen thumb/index, visor wipe
Held Evo Thrux 2 Gloves Review Conclusions
For riders seeking versatile sports gloves with German build quality, the Held Evo Thrux 2 is an exceptional offering.
They’re best suited for aggressive street riding or occasional track days rather than full-on racing applications.
The blend of durable materials resists abrasion extremely well in the case of slides, while ventilation prevents sweat buildup.
The pre-curved shape and tactile kangaroo leather palms enable precise bike manipulation, whether navigating tight switchbacks or holding longer sweepers. Wide adjustability range adapts to various hand shapes comfortably.
Held’s reputation for quality gear shines through in the Evo Thrux 2 as a thoughtfully designed, technically advanced glove ready to attack any road.
Considering the balance of flexibility, protection, and ventilation, they receive my recommendation for attacking twisties or multi-hour sport touring trips while providing crucial abrasion insurance.
Riders craving ultimate protection could consider the Held Phantom or Sharkara track gloves but would sacrifice comfort and feel.
For casual riding, the Held Air n Dry provides lightweight, breathable performance minus extraneous features.
Overall, though, the Evo Thrux 2 hits a sweet spot, making them some of the best motorcycle gloves for around $200.
And Finally…The Verdict?
The Held Evo Thrux 2 gloves build upon the original formula successfully, improving protection and adding modern amenities.
Their smart blending of materials makes them capable of sports touring or aggressive riding gloves punching above their price class.
While not fully track-focused, most riders will appreciate the construction quality, security, and ventilation. If you ride fast roads frequently and demand durable, dexterous gloves with a German engineering pedigree, the Held Evo Thrux 2 should serve you exceptionally well. Highly recommended!
FAQs
How do the Evo Thrux 2 gloves improve over the previous version?
The Mark II gloves feature better ulna protection with rigid TPU armor and Knox Microlock foam compared to the Mark I’s minimal ulna slider. The knuckle armor also contains upgraded shock-dampening foam.
Would these gloves work for adventure touring?
Yes. The goatskin leather withstands abrasion from pavement as well as brush, while the armor protects against impact. The gloves provide an excellent feel for operating the motorcycle, too.
What is the difference between the Evo Thrux 2 and Knox Handroid gloves?
The Handroid gloves carry heavier armor for rigorous track riding, whereas the Evo Thrux’s focus is on maximizing street protection. However, the Evo Thrux retains more flexibility and better ventilation for comfortable street use.
Do the gloves have waterproofing?
No. For wet weather riding, applying a water-repellant spray or wearing rain gloves over the Evo Thrux is recommended. The glove materials shed light moisture but aren’t fully waterproof.
How long does the touchscreen compatibility last?
The conductive fingertips retain functionality for the lifetime of the gloves unless excessively worn down from abrasion. Light use preserves conductivity for years before needing replacement.
Your Thoughts
Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How did you find the Evo Thrux 2 gloves after using them? Do you have any other glove recommendations for our readers? Let me know in the comments section below!
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