Held Paxton Gloves Review: Safe for City Sorties?

The Held Paxton Gloves have emerged as a notable contender in the motorcycle gear market, combining classic styling with modern protection features.

In this Held Paxton Gloves review, we’ll explore these lightweight, unlined gloves that have caught the attention of motorcyclists seeking a balance of comfort and safety.

But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for street riders for you? Let’s find out!

Held Paxton – Our Verdict

Model Comparison Analysis

The Held Paxton sits alongside other Held models in the urban summer glove category. Here’s how it compares to similar offerings:

Feature	Paxton	Twin II	Air n Dry
Price	$119.95	$175.99	$159.00
Weather Protection	Summer Only	3-Season	2-Season
Construction	Deerskin/Cowhide	Gore-Tex	Gore-Tex/Kangaroo
Protection Level	EN 13594:2015	EN 13594:2015	EN 13594:2015

Performance Differences

Ventilation Systems
The Paxton uses perforated finger sidewalls for airflow, while the Air n Dry features a dual-chamber system. The Twin II incorporates Gore-Tex for better weather protection but reduced ventilation.

Protection Features

The Paxton offers basic impact protection suitable for urban riding. The Twin II and Air n Dry include additional safety features:

• Enhanced knuckle armor
• Palm sliders
• Extended wrist coverage

User Experience Reports

Riders report the Paxton excels in warm weather control feel. The Twin II receives praise for versatility: “These are my go-to gloves when the temperature drops”. Air n Dry users highlight durability: “After 20,000 miles of use, they still pass tear tests”.

Materials and Construction: A Blend of Style and Substance

The Held Paxton gloves are designed for urban motorcycle riding, offering a balance between classic styling and modern protection. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of these motorcycle gloves:

Construction and Protection

The gloves feature a hybrid construction combining:

• Cowhide leather on the back
• Deerskin leather on the palms with Kevlar stitching
• TPU plastic knuckle protection with underlying foam padding

The protective elements focus on essential impact zones while maintaining flexibility for city riding. However, the armor coverage around the pinky and outer wrist areas is somewhat limited.

Comfort

The gloves offer several comfort-focused features:

• Pre-curved finger design following natural hand position
• Adjustable wrist closure system with hook-and-loop straps
• True-to-size fit with the potential for sizing down for a snugger feel

Performance Characteristics

Weather Adaptability
The gloves perform best in moderate conditions, lacking both thermal insulation and waterproofing. They offer decent ventilation through perforated finger sidewalls, making them suitable for spring through autumn riding.

Protection Level
While not designed for track use, the gloves provide adequate protection for urban riding through:

• Reinforced external seams
• Kevlar-backed leather palms
• TPU knuckle armor with foam padding

Value Proposition

When compared to similar products in the market:

Feature	Held Paxton	Competitors
Price Point	Mid-range	$59.99-$99.99
Protection	Essential	Varies
Style	Vintage	Modern/Classic
Materials	Premium leather	Mixed materials

The gloves represent a solid choice for urban riders seeking a blend of classic styling with modern protection features.

Fit and Sizing: Finding Your Perfect Pair

When it comes to finding the right size and fit, I always start by measuring my hand’s circumference (around the widest part, not including the thumb) with a soft measuring tape. For the Held Paxton, I went with the manufacturer’s recommendations instead of just guessing.

They suggest measuring the knuckles, excluding your thumbs, for the most accurate reading. Their sizing chart puts me in the medium range.

However, knowing they incorporate durable skin, which will break in and form your hands over time, I ordered a size down too small for a more precise fit.

The Paxtons arrived and slid right on comfortably. No bunching between the fingers and no pinching or restriction with movement either—the pre-curved contour matched my natural grip shape perfectly.

Once I buckled the wrist strap and fine-tuned the hook-and-loop cinches to my preference, I was impressed by the personalized fit achieved straight away without any extended wear-in anticipation.

So, I’d advise cross-checking your hand measurements against the brand’s recommendations for riders in the market for these Held classics.

Sizing down is likely, but keeping one size below should let the hide mold snugly without over-constricting.

An hour’s ride around town immediately proved the proper fit and lasting comfort I’d expect from a premium name like Held. No disappointments so far!

On fit and adjustability, the positives are:

• True-to-size chart
• Lots of wrist strap overlap
• Easy to cinch the closures
• No loss of tactile feedback

Held Men’s Sizing Chart

SIZE	CIRCUMFERENCE (IN)	REGULAR LENGTH (IN)	SHORTHAND LENGTH	SHORT HAND LENGTH
3	2.9	5	–	–
4	3.9	5.4	–	–
5	5	5.9	–	–
6	6	6.3	–	–
6.5	6.5	6.5	–	–
7	7	6.7	7	16.6
7.5	7.5	7	–	–
8	8	7.2	7.4	17.7
8.5	8.5	7.4	–	–
9	9	7.6	7.8	18.7
9.5	9.5	7.8	–	–
10	10	8	8.2	19.9
11	11	8.5	8.7	21
12	12	8.9	9.1	22.1
13	13	9.3	–	–
14	13.9	9.8	–	–

The manufacturer provides sizing information and does not guarantee a perfect fit.

Ventilation and Breathability

With their thoughtful ventilation design, they excel as summer riding gear. I’ve found the perforated finger sidewalls provide excellent airflow where it matters most.

Warm Weather Performance
The unlined palm design lets your hands breathe naturally while the perforated sections channel cool air effectively across your skin.

The combination of deerskin palm and cowhide back creates natural moisture-wicking properties that keep your hands dry during hot rides.

Temperature Management
They don’t include a thermal liner, making them ideal for temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). The lightweight construction means they’ll feel cool in warm weather but won’t provide much insulation when temperatures drop.

Weather Limitations
I must point out these aren’t all-weather gloves:

• No waterproof membrane
• No insulation layer
• Limited wind protection in cold conditions

Moisture Control
The leather construction is colorfast and sweat-proof, but I wouldn’t recommend them for wet-weather riding.

The natural properties of the leather help manage hand perspiration, but once wet, they’ll need proper drying time.

The ventilation system works best for urban riding and summer touring. The perforated design balances airflow with protection, though some riders report the knuckle protector can restrict air movement slightly in that area.

Protection and Safety: Built for the Urban Environment

The Held Paxton gloves meet EN 13594:2015 certification standards for motorcycle protective gear. This certification confirms the gloves provide Level 1 protection, balancing safety with riding comfort.

Impact Protection Systems

Hard Armor Integration
The knuckle area features tested hard plastic protection backed by temperature-sensitive foam padding[3]. This temper foam adapts to hand shape when warmed, creating a custom fit while maintaining impact absorption properties.

Strategic Reinforcement

The palm area incorporates multiple safety features:

• Double-layered leather reinforcement on the ball of the thumb
• Edge protection along the hand’s impact zones
• Impact-absorbing foam at finger joints

Protection Level Analysis

The gloves provide urban riding protection but lack advanced safety features found in racing gloves:

• No scaphoid protection system
• Limited wrist coverage compared to racing models
• Basic impact protection suitable for city speeds

Testing Standards

These gloves undergo specific safety tests, including:

• Tear strength evaluation
• Seam durability testing
• Impact abrasion resistance checks
• Cut resistance assessment

Practical Protection

The protection system allows full dexterity for motorcycle controls while maintaining essential safety features[2]. The ergonomic design meets EN 420 sizing standards, ensuring a proper fit for optimal protection.

Durability: A Look at the Glove’s Lifespan

They show mixed results in long-term wear based on my experiences. I’ve found they maintain their shape and protective qualities, but they do have some common wear points to watch for.

Common Wear Areas

The stitching around the palm area tends to show early signs of stress, particularly where the leather panels meet.

The hook and loop closures can lose their grip strength after repeated use, though this varies based on usage frequency.

Material Longevity

The cowhide back maintains its structural integrity well, while the deerskin palm remains supple even after extended use. The perforated sections don’t compromise the overall durability of the glove structure.

Protection Elements

The hard plastic knuckle protection stays firmly in place, and the tempered foam padding retains its protective properties over time. However, some riders report the edge reinforcement can start to separate after heavy use.

Maintenance Impact

Regular leather care significantly extends their lifespan. The leather can dry out and crack without proper maintenance, particularly around the flex points. The unlined palm requires more frequent cleaning to prevent sweat damage.

Color Retention

The leather stays colorfast and sweat-proof throughout its lifetime, maintaining its appearance even with regular use. The dye doesn’t transfer or fade with exposure to sunlight or rain.

Break-in Period

They need about 2-3 weeks of regular wear to conform to your hand shape fully. Due to its natural suppleness, I’ve found the deerskin palm breaks in faster than the cowhide back.

Initial Wear Experience
The first few rides might feel tight, particularly around:

• Pinky finger area
• Knuckle protector region
• Wrist closure

Break-in Methods
To speed up the process, you can:

• Apply leather conditioner before first use
• Flex fingers repeatedly while wearing
• Use during car drives for extra wear time

What to Expect
During the first 100 miles, the leather will gradually soften and mold to your hand shape. The knuckle protection might feel stiff initially but will become more comfortable as the foam padding adapts to your hand’s contours.

Common Issues
I found the persistent pinky finger tightness even after a break-in. The perforated sections might feel slightly restrictive until they soften with use.

The break-in process shouldn’t compromise protection – the CE certification remains valid throughout. For best results, I recommend consistent wear rather than aggressive break-in methods that might damage the leather’s protective properties.

Seasonal Performance

They perform best as dedicated warm-weather gear. I’ve found their sweet spot lies between 65-85°F (18-29°C), making them ideal for summer riding.

Temperature Management
The perforated finger sidewalls and unlined palm create effective ventilation in warm conditions. The cowhide back and deerskin palm combination helps regulate hand temperature through natural moisture-wicking.

Shoulder Season Limitations
They show clear limitations during transitional weather:

• Morning rides below 60°F feel chilly
• No insulation for cold protection
• Limited wind-blocking capability
• Zero water resistance

Optimal Conditions
The lightweight construction excels in:

• Urban summer commuting
• Weekend afternoon rides
• Warm climate touring
• Fairweather adventures

Temperature Adaptability
The lack of lining means they won’t handle temperature swings well. While the leather offers some natural weather protection, they’re not built for unexpected rain or cold snaps.

For riders in variable climates, these work best as part of a seasonal glove rotation rather than an all-season solution. The excellent warm-weather performance comes at the cost of limited versatility in other conditions.

Compatibility With Your Jacket

The Held Paxton gloves match best with specific riding styles and scenarios. I’ve found they excel in urban environments and casual weekend rides.

Best Suited For

• Cafe racer-style bikes
• Classic motorcycles
• Short-distance commuting
• Summer urban riding

Control Feel
The unlined deerskin palm provides excellent feedback for:

• Throttle control
• Clutch modulation
• Brake lever sensitivity
• Fine handlebar adjustments

Riding Position Comfort
They work particularly well in upright riding positions. The stretch panels on the back accommodate different grip angles without binding or restricting movement.

Limitations
I’ve noticed they aren’t ideal for:

• Long-distance touring
• Sportbike tucked positions
• Off-road adventures
• Wet weather riding

The lightweight construction and retro styling make them perfect for city rides and casual cruising. However, the lack of advanced features like palm sliders or extensive armor means they’re less suitable for aggressive riding styles or track use.

Riding Experience: Ideal for the Urban Rider

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Premium construction	Minimal armoring on outer pinky
Rigid plastic knuckle armor	Not fully waterproof
Foam padding over fingers	Lack thermal insulation
Abrasion-resistant palm	Minimal armoring on the outer pinky
Pre-curved fingers
Good tactile feedback
Adjustable wrist closure
Vintage aesthetics
High quality materials
Good value for cost

FAQ

Are the Held Paxton good for summer riding?

Yes, the perforated finger sidewalls allow decent airflow to keep hands cool in warm weather. However, they lack waterproof membranes for wet weather.

What kind of warranty do they carry?

Held offers a 1-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Normal wear from use is not covered.

Do the Paxtons have any smart device compatibility?

No, they do not feature conductive fingertip materials for touchscreen use. You’d need to remove them to access phones.

Can the wrist closure be adjusted for different arm thicknesses?

Yes, the hook and loop wrist strap has a 4-inch overlap range to customize the fit for different forearm sizes.

Final Verdict: Vintage Style with Essential Urban Protection

The Paxtons might not offer heavyweight track armor, but these vintage beauties provide ample padding for the hazards of city riding.

The premium hide construction, plastic knuckles, and padding across high-impact zones work harmoniously to dissipate crashes while retaining flexibility for regular riding duties.

Matched with abrasion-resistant riding gear, the Held Paxtons deliver style and essential shielding for urban sorties without breaking the bank. Retro-loving city riders like myself deserve serious consideration.

What has your experience been with the Paxtons? Share your thoughts below!

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Sources: Motorcycle personal protective equipment (1)