Over the years, we have tested my fair share of gloves in search of the perfect pair for long-distance touring. Most fail to deliver comprehensive coverage across all three areas.
However, the Held Sambia 2-in-1 Gore-Tex women’s motorcycle gloves stood out with their versatile dual-chamber design and rugged construction.
In this in-depth review, I’ll share my experiences using these premium touring gloves to help fellow riders determine if they live up to their price tag.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best women’s motorcycle gloves? Let’s find out!
Held Sambia 2-in-1 EVO GTX
Key Takeaways
- Dual-chamber versatility
- Lasting comfort and grip
- Maximum impact protection
Held Sambia 2-in-1 EVO GTX Verdict
After testing the Held Sambia 2-in-1 EVO GTX extensively, I’m thoroughly impressed with their versatility and performance.
The dual-chamber design is a game-changer, allowing me to switch between a waterproof, insulated chamber and a perforated, breathable one, depending on the weather conditions.
I’ve worn these gloves in everything from scorching summer heat to chilly, rainy days, and they’ve consistently kept my hands comfortable.
The build quality is exceptional, with premium materials like kangaroo leather and SuperFabric providing excellent protection without sacrificing flexibility.
I particularly like the touchscreen-compatible fingertips, which allow me to use my phone or GPS without removing the gloves.
In my experience, the waterproofing is highly effective. During a recent long-distance ride in heavy rain, my hands stayed dry for several hours before any moisture started seeping through. The Gore-Tex membrane really does its job well.
However, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. The gloves can feel a bit bulky, especially when using the insulated chamber. This might take some getting used to if you’re coming from slimmer gloves.
Additionally, while the touchscreen compatibility is a nice feature, I found it to be somewhat inconsistent, sometimes requiring multiple attempts to register touches.
Our data shows that prices for the Held Sambia 2-in-1 EVO GTX gloves can fluctuate, and special offers are often available from Revzilla.com.
I recommend checking their website for the best prices before buying elsewhere. Remember, Revzilla won’t be beaten on price thanks to their price match guarantee, so you can shop with confidence.
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Throughout multiple long days in the saddle, I never felt pinched or uncomfortable, thanks to the careful placement of elastic panels. Air flowed freely through the mesh and perforations, keeping my hands cool even on hot asphalt.
Durability and Long-Term Use
The Held Sambia are built to last, thanks to their high-quality materials and craftsmanship. I’ve been using my pair for years, putting them through tens of thousands of miles in all sorts of conditions – heat, dust, bugs, rain – and they’re still going strong.
Materials and Construction
Held uses top-notch materials like kangaroo leather on the palms for abrasion resistance and goatskin on the back for flexibility.
The stitching is robust, although I did experience a blown seam on one finger after 6-7 years of heavy use. Overall, though, the construction is excellent and contributes to their longevity.
Real-World Experiences
In my experience, and based on feedback from other riders, you can expect to get around 2 years out of a pair of Held Sambia with regular use.
I’m on my second pair now, and they’re holding up just as well as the first. Even after months of use, the leather stays supple, and the lining doesn’t pull out when your hands are sweaty.
While no gear lasts forever, investing in a quality pair of gloves like the Sambias pays off in terms of both protection and durability. With proper care, they will serve you well for many riding seasons to come.
Weather Protection
The Held Sambia provide excellent protection from the elements thanks to their innovative dual-chamber design and use of Gore-Tex technology. I’ve found them to be incredibly versatile for riding in a wide range of weather conditions.
Waterproofing
One of the standout features is the “dry” chamber, which incorporates a Gore-Tex membrane to make it completely waterproof.
On a recent 8-hour ride in pouring rain, my hands stayed dry for about 4 hours before any moisture started seeping through.
Even then, the Pique-Push-Pull lining kept my hands reasonably warm. They also have a visor wipe on the index finger, although I found it a bit shallow to be fully effective.
Temperature Regulation
The dual-chamber system allows the Sambia gloves to adapt to changing temperatures. The perforated, unlined “breezy” chamber provides great ventilation in hot weather, while the insulated “dry” side keeps hands toasty when the mercury drops.
I’ve comfortably worn them in temperatures ranging from freezing up to the mid-80s°F. The elastic Spandex back and stretch panels also help maintain a snug fit without compromising flexibility.
While no glove is perfect for every situation, the weather protection offered by the Held Sambia 2in1 Evo is hard to beat.
Their versatility makes them a go-to choice for multi-season adventure touring in unpredictable conditions. Just be prepared for a bit of a wrestling match to get them on if your hands are already wet!
Ventilation
The Held Sambia offer excellent ventilation, making them a great choice for riding in warm weather.
The key to their breathability is the dual-chamber design, which allows you to switch between a perforated, unlined “summer” side and a waterproof, insulated “winter” side.
Perforated Leather
When temperatures climb, I simply flip them inside out to expose the perforated goatskin on the back. The tiny holes allow air to flow through freely, providing a nice cooling effect even on hot days.
I’ve worn these gloves comfortably in temperatures up to around 85°F (29°C) without my hands getting too sweaty.
Moisture-Wicking Lining
The Pique-Push-Pull lining in the “summer” chamber also helps manage moisture. It’s soft, lightweight, and does a decent job of wicking sweat away from my skin.
On longer rides, I do find my hands getting a bit clammy, but it’s not nearly as bad as with some other gloves I’ve tried.
Keep in mind that the perforated side isn’t waterproof, so you’ll want to switch to the “winter” chamber if rain is forecast.
But for hot, dry conditions, the ventilation provided by the Held Sambia is tough to beat. It’s one of the main reasons I reach for them time and again during the summer riding season.
Touchscreen Compatibility
The Held Sambia have touchscreen-compatible fingertips, allowing you to use your smartphone or GPS without taking them off. It’s a handy feature, but in my experience, the execution is a bit hit-or-miss.
Conductive Leather
Held uses conductive leather on the index finger and thumb of both gloves. In theory, this should allow you to swipe, tap, and navigate touchscreens just like you would with your bare fingers.
And when it works, it’s great – I can check my phone or adjust my GPS settings without exposing my hands to the elements.
Inconsistent Performance
However, I’ve found the touchscreen sensitivity to be somewhat inconsistent. Sometimes, it works perfectly, while other times, I have to press harder or make multiple attempts to register a touch. It seems to depend on factors like screen size, device sensitivity, and even the angle of your finger.
I’ve had the best luck with larger screens like my iPhone 11 Pro Max or my Garmin Zumo XT GPS. Smaller devices like my old iPhone SE were more finicky. And forget about trying to type on a virtual keyboard – it’s just too cumbersome with them on.
While the touchscreen compatibility of the Held Sambia is a nice bonus, it’s not a feature I would rely on heavily.
It’s great for quick, occasional use, but for anything more involved, I still find myself taking them off. Just manage your expectations, and you won’t be disappointed.
Who They Are For
The Held Sambia are an excellent choice for riders who value versatility and protection in a wide range of conditions. They’re particularly well-suited for adventure touring, sports touring, and commuting.
Adventure Touring
If you’re the type of rider who likes to explore off the beaten path, the Sambias is a great companion. The dual-chamber design allows them to adapt to changing weather conditions, while the rugged construction stands up to the rigors of the trail. I’ve worn them on multi-day trips through all sorts of terrain, and they’ve never let me down.
Sport Touring
The Held Sambia gloves offer a nice blend of comfort and protection for riders who prefer sticking to the pavement.
The kangaroo leather palms provide excellent grip and feel on the handlebars, while the hard knuckle armor and reinforced fingers offer peace of mind in the event of a spill. I’ve taken them on long highway stretches and twisty mountain roads alike, and they perform admirably in both scenarios.
Commuting
The versatility of the Sambias also makes them a solid choice for everyday riding. The touchscreen-compatible fingertips are handy for checking your phone or adjusting your GPS at stoplights, while the waterproof “dry” chamber keeps your hands warm and dry on chilly morning rides.
I’ve even worn them for short trips around town and found them to be perfectly comfortable and practical.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a do-it-all glove that can handle just about anything you throw at it, the Held Sambia 2in1 Evo is worth considering.
They may be overkill for casual weekend warriors, but for serious riders who demand top-notch performance and protection, they’re hard to beat.
Comparison to Similar Gloves
Here’s a comparison table with five randomly selected gloves, including the Held Sambia 2-in-1 EVO GTX gloves:
| Model | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Held Sambia 2-in-1 EVO GTX | Dual-chamber design, Gore-Tex waterproofing, touchscreen compatibility, kangaroo leather palm | $299.99 |
| Alpinestars Stella SMX-1 Air V2 | Perforated leather construction, TPR knuckle protection, touchscreen compatible fingertips | $89.95 |
| REAX Women’s Superfly Mesh | Mesh and leather construction, TPR knuckle protection, touchscreen compatibility | $69.00 |
| Sedici Avventura WP Women’s | Waterproof and breathable membrane, goatskin leather palm, touchscreen compatible | $89.99 |
| REV’IT! Fusion 3 GTX Women | Gore-Tex waterproofing, goatskin leather construction, TPR knuckle protection | $169.99 |
The Held Sambia 2-in-1 EVO GTX gloves stand out with their unique dual-chamber design, offering versatility for different weather conditions.
They are the most expensive option but provide high-end features like Gore-Tex waterproofing and kangaroo leather palms.
The REV’IT! Fusion 3 GTX Women’s gloves also offer Gore-Tex waterproofing at a lower price point, but lack the dual-chamber design.
The Alpinestars Stella SMX-1 Air V2 and REAX Women’s Superfly Mesh gloves are more budget-friendly options, focusing on ventilation for warm weather riding. They both offer touchscreen compatibility and knuckle protection but lack waterproofing.
The Sedici Avventura WP Women’s gloves provide a middle-ground option, offering waterproofing and touchscreen compatibility at a moderate price point, making them a good all-around choice for various riding conditions.
Comparison to the Previous Model
The Held Sambia 2in1 Evo are a significant upgrade over the original Sambia model I reviewed nearly a decade ago. Held has taken an already great glove and made it even better with a host of new features and improvements.
Enhanced Versatility
One of the biggest changes is the addition of the dual-chamber system, which essentially gives you two gloves in one.
The “breezy” chamber is perfect for hot summer rides, with its perforated kangaroo leather palm and unlined construction providing maximum airflow and tactile feel.
When temperatures drop, or rain threatens, you can simply slip your hand into the “dry” chamber, which features a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex membrane and a warm Pique-Push-Pull lining.
This versatility makes the Sambia 2in1 Evo a true multi-season glove, capable of handling a much wider range of conditions than its predecessor.
Whether I’m riding in the scorching heat of summer or the unpredictable weather of spring and fall, they have me covered.
Improved Protection
Held has also beefed up the protection on the Sambia 2in1 Evo. The knuckle armor has been upgraded to a hard plastic shell that’s both vented and ergonomically shaped.
The palm and scaphoid area are now reinforced with SuperFabric, a highly abrasion-resistant material backed by Armaprotec for even greater slide protection.
These enhancements give me greater peace of mind when I’m out on the road, knowing that my hands are well-protected in the event of a crash.
Yet despite the added protection, they remain remarkably flexible and comfortable, thanks to stretch panels on the back and special “step” seams that eliminate pressure points.
Other Notable Upgrades
A few other improvements worth mentioning:
- The Sambia 2in1 Evo now has touchscreen-compatible fingertips, a feature lacking on the original model.
- The visor wiper on the left index finger is more substantial and effective.
- Fit and finish are even better than before, with higher-quality materials and more precise craftsmanship.
Having logged thousands of miles in both versions, I can confidently say that the Held Sambia 2in1 Evo gloves are a worthwhile upgrade for any serious rider.
They take everything that was great about the original Sambias and make it better, resulting in a glove that’s more versatile, protective, and feature-rich. If you’re in the market for a do-it-all adventure/touring glove, look no further.
Durability and Long-Term Use
The Held Sambia 2in1 Evo are built to withstand the rigors of extended use, thanks to their premium materials and robust construction. I’ve put my pair through the wringer over the past year, and they’ve held up remarkably well.
High-Quality Materials
Held doesn’t cut corners when it comes to materials. The palms are made from durable kangaroo leather, which is known for its abrasion resistance and suppleness.
The backs feature a combination of goatskin and SuperFabric, a highly tear-resistant material that’s often used in motorcycle gear.
These top-notch materials not only provide excellent protection in the event of a crash but also contribute to their longevity.
After thousands of miles of use, my Sambias show minimal wear and tear. The leather has broken in nicely without losing its shape or integrity.
Robust Construction
In addition to premium materials, the Sambia 2in1 Evo boasts a robust construction that’s designed to last.
The stitching is uniform and sturdy, with double stitching in high-stress areas like the fingers and palm. The Velcro wrist closure is burly and shows no signs of weakening or fraying.
I did experience one small issue with a seam coming loose on the index finger of my left glove. However, this was after nearly a year of heavy use, and it was easily repaired with a few stitches. Overall, the construction has held up exceptionally well to the demands of regular riding.
Real-World Longevity
Based on my experience and conversations with other riders, you can expect to get multiple seasons of use out of a pair of Held Sambia 2in1 Evo with proper care.
I’ve talked to owners who have logged over 50,000 miles in these gloves and reported that they’re still going strong.
Of course, durability will depend on factors like frequency of use, riding style, and maintenance habits. But if you’re looking for a glove that’s built to last, the Sambia 2in1 Evo is a solid choice.
With its premium materials, robust construction, and proven track record, it’s an investment that will pay dividends in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between the Held Sambia KTC and Sambia Pro?
The main differences between the Sambia KTC and Sambia Pro appear to be in the cuff design and some minor graphical details. The Pro model is more expensive, but the specific reasons for the price difference are not immediately clear.
What is the purpose of the perforations on the palm?
The perforations on the palm side of the Held Sambia are designed to provide ventilation and improve air circulation around the hands. While it’s true that the palms usually grip the handlebars with little direct airflow, the perforations can still help to dissipate heat and moisture that builds up inside the gloves.
What is the size of the Held Sambia women’s glove?
I recommend ordering one size down from the size chart. I typically wear a size 7 glove, but the size 6 Sambia fits me best with its pre-curved shape.
How do these compare against winter gloves?
They lack the insulation required for true cold-weather riding. However, switching to the GoreTex liner provides wind and water protection down to around 45 degrees when paired with a heated grip accessory.
Would you choose these over sports gloves for aggressive riding?
No – they prioritize long-distance comfort over ultimate feel and flexibility. For track and performance riding, I’d pick a pair like the Held Phantom 2 gauntlet gloves that are designed specifically for speed and responsiveness.
What is the expected lifespan of the Held Sambia?
With proper care and maintenance, they should last 5+ years of steady use before needing replacement. The dual-chamber system essentially doubles their mileage. As long as you wash them regularly and apply a leather conditioner to the palms, you’ll get your money’s worth from these premium gloves.
And Finally…
The Held Sambia 2-in-1 GoreTex gloves show what’s achievable when you incorporate the best materials and technologies into a touring glove.
Beyond the standout dual-chamber configuration, they provide complete coverage across all essential areas – dexterity, protection, comfort, and waterproofing among them.
While the retail price is steep, I see these as a lifelong investment toward safety and performance.
For globetrotting riders who spend more time behind the bars than anywhere else, these gloves will enrich every mile of the ride.
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Sources: Motorcycle personal protective equipment (1)