I recently discovered a new pair of motorcycle gloves from Held called the Touch and was eager to see if these perforated goatskin motorcycle gloves could really hold up in summertime weather.
In this Held Touch Women’s motorcycle Gloves review, I’ll provide a detailed overview of the construction and features of the Held Touch gloves, assess their ventilation and temperature regulation abilities, and determine if they provide sufficient safety for summer motorcycle use.
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 Touch Women’s Gloves Review
Key Takeaways
- Goatskin breathes very well overall
- Molecular armor disperses impact forces
- Touchscreen fingertips are extremely functional
Held Touch Women’s Motorcycle Gloves – Final Verdict
How Well Do They Handle Hot Weather Riding?
Now for the big question: how do the Held Touch motorcycle gloves (1) really perform in hot, humid summer conditions? I evaluated them in 85+ degrees Fahrenheit weather across multiple long-distance rides.
And the bottom line is…these are some of the most breezy, well-ventilated motorcycle gloves I’ve ever worn!
The perforated kangaroo leather palm stays cool even on hours 3 or 4 of a ride. Furthermore, the mesh-like Superfabric and flexible TPR materials breathe exceptionally well. The gloves allow tons of airflow and moisture wicking.
Overall, humidity seems less oppressive compared to most non-perforated leather motorcycle gloves. Temperatures feel 5-10 degrees cooler thanks to the strategic ventilation. They handle summer heat as well as any leather glove possibly could.
So, in terms of beating the heat for warm weather riding, the Held Touch women’s motorcycle gloves perform fantastically well.
Comparison to Similar Women’s Gloves
| Glove | Description |
|---|---|
| Alpinestars SPX v2 | Full-grain leather construction with injected TPU and rubber sliders for impact protection |
| Icon Anthem 2 Stealth | Abrasion-resistant Battlehide goatskin with molded PU knuckles and finger armor |
| Held Sambia 2-in-1 Evo | Waterproof 2-in-1 system glove with Primaloft insulation and Hipora waterproof breathable insert |
| Sedici Lucca | Budget-friendly option with goatskin leather palm and mesh backhand for ventilation |
| Alpinestars Cayenne 2 | Kangaroo and goatskin construction with injected TPU sliders and knuckle protection |
The Held Touch gloves compare favorably for their combination of airflow from perforated kangaroo leather and palm Superfabric reinforcements.
The molecular SAS-TEC knuckles also provide excellent impact dispersion compared to standard plastic or foam.
However, options like the Alpinestars Cayenne 2 and Icon Anthem 2 may edge out the Held gloves for safety due to their rugged sliders and armor.
For budget-conscious riders, the Sedici Lucca delivers decent goatskin abrasion coverage at a fraction of the price.
So, while the Held Touch is competitively priced, other gloves can potentially match or exceed its performance in certain areas.
What Type of Rider Are the Held Touch Gloves Made For?
Held designed the Touch gloves for sports touring and commuting use in warmer weather. They optimize airflow while retaining critical impact defenses like Superfabric armor and molecular SAS-TEC knuckles.
The gloves strike a nice balance between hardcore race gloves and lightweight summer options. They work well for riders seeking ventilation and touchscreen compatibility, along with serious abrasion and burst resistance.
An In-Depth Breakdown of the Held Touch Gloves
Now, let’s analyze the specific materials and components that make up the Held Touch gloves:
Abrasion-Resistant Kangaroo Leather Palm
The entire palm of the Held Touch gloves features perforated kangaroo leather, which offers exceptional abrasion resistance, lightweight strength, and breathability.
Kangaroo leather significantly outperforms cowhide in durability while allowing an excellent feel at the handlebars.
The palm perforations enhance airflow to the hands, reducing sweat buildup. I’ll evaluate the glove’s ventilation effectiveness later on.
Molecular SAS-TEC Knuckle Armor for Impact Dispersion
Instead of standard plastic or foam, Held chose molecular SAS-TEC armor for the Touch glove’s knuckles. This advanced German armor technology flexes naturally with the hand but hardens instantly upon impact to disperse energy.
Adapting to the knuckles’ shape during movement eliminates pressure points and uncomfortable break-in periods.
But you still get exceptional impact and burst performance thanks to the stiffening molecular structure.
Cowhide Finger Construction With Mid-Digit Flex Panels
The fingers consist of abrasion-resistant cowhide leather but incorporate stretch fabric panels at the mid-digit joints. These flex zones allow effortless grip and throttle control, which is crucial for sports riding applications.
Held placed the elastic panels strategically to maximize dexterity without compromising slide protection. The fingers also get light internal seam stitching for structural integrity at speed.
Low-Profile TPR Cuffs for Jacket Compatibility
I appreciate the slender, low-profile wrist cuffs on the Held Touch gloves. They allow wearing under most jacket sleeves thanks to the soft, pliable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPR) construction.
The cuffs are secure firmly with wide Velcro swathes yet include enough room to slide over jacket cuffs comfortably. This ensures proper insulation and weatherproofing through jacket integration.
Visor Wiper for Clear Vision
Like all Held gloves, the Touch incorporates a handy visor wiper blade on the left thumb. It allows clearing water or dirt from your helmet face shield to maintain clear vision.
I’d prefer a bit more rigidity in the wiper for positive contact with visors, but it works fine for wiping away dust or light moisture.
Superfabric Reinforcements Across Palms and Fingers
The palms and outer fingers/pinkies get supplemental Superfabric armor for extreme tear and abrasion resistance. These ceramic composite panels withstand over 14 times more sliding friction than leather before failing.
By armoring high-impact zones with the extra material, Held massively boosts slide and burst protection without restricting feel or adding bulk.
Key Takeaways: Fit, Safety, and Versatility Evaluation
- Slim, Comfortable Fit: The Held Touch gloves run true to size and incorporate slim, pre-curved fingers with no break-in period. The knuckles and palms offer flexibility without binding.
- Serious Safety Reinforcements: From Superfabric palm sliders to molecular SAS-TEC knuckles and cowhide leather fingers, these gloves provide exceptional impact and slide protection.
- Touchscreen Compatible: The index fingertips work perfectly with touchscreen devices like smartphones without losing feel or control.
- Outstanding Ventilation: Kangaroo palm perforations, mesh panels, and TPR cuffs allow tons of airflow for cooler hand temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price range of the Held Touch gloves?
The Held Touch gloves retail between $150 to $180 USD, placing them in the mid-range category between budget and premium glove models.
What safety ratings do they carry?
Held does not provide specific safety ratings or certifications for the Touch gloves. However, the Superfabric reinforcements and molecular SAS-TEC knuckles offer best-in-class impact and abrasion resistance.
How long is the wrist cuff?
The wrist cuffs measure approximately 7 inches in length unfastened. This provides enough overlap for jacket integration.
What color options are available?
Currently, Held only offers the Touch gloves in a black finish with red/white accents. No other color variations exist at this time.
What type of water resistance do they offer?
The Touch gloves have no waterproof membrane and rely on the hydrophobic leather construction to repel light moisture. For heavy rain or storms, wear dedicated storm gloves over them.
And Finally…
The Held Touch gloves stand out with their exceptional balance of ventilation, dexterity, and critical impact defenses.
While not fully waterproof or armored like race gloves, they hit an ideal sweet spot for aggressive sport riding and commuting.
If you demand cooling airflow but refuse to sacrifice key safety components, the Held Touch perforated goatskin gloves deliver. They outmatch competitors in blending protection, breathability, and value.
So escape the oppressive summer heat without losing critical defenses by grabbing your own Held Touch gloves! Let me know how you like them during your warm-weather adventures below. Ride on!
Have you tried the Touch gloves in warm weather? Let me know your experience in the comments below! I’m happy to answer any questions you may have, too. Ride safe out there this summer!
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