Finding the right pair of riding motorcycle gloves is crucial. Your hands take a beating while riding, so having gloves that provide flexibility, protection, and comfort is a must.
I recently tested out the new Icon Automag-2 gloves to see if they could stand up to my riding needs. In this comprehensive review, I’ll break down whether these mid-range gloves, which cost around $80, check all the boxes.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for the summer for you? Let’s find out!
Icon Automag 2 Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Good summer glove
- Flexible, not weatherproof
- D30 knuckles provide protection
Final Verdict on the Icon Automag-2 Gloves
The Icon Automag-2 gloves (1) hit a sweet spot for performance and value. They lack the insulation and weather protection required for cold or wet riding, but the dexterity and airflow make them ideal for warm-weather street use.
For around $80, they offer ample protection, a great tactile feel, and cycling-specific features lacking in typical work gloves. Ultimately, they earned a permanent spot in my summer riding kit.
When Should You Consider the Automag-2 Gloves?
For riders dealing with summer heat who log a lot of miles, I highly recommend the Icon Automag-2 gloves. They offer plenty of airflow to keep hands cool even in hot weather. The overall value is tough to beat for the quality.
However, cold-weather riders and those dealing with winter rain should consider one of Icon’s insulating glove models instead. But for temperate climates, you can comfortably use the Automag-2 gloves from spring through fall.
So if your rides stay dry with temps above 50 degrees, these gloves will serve you well. They provide tons of dexterity without compromising critical impact protection during a slide. For casual riders cycling mainly in warm weather, they are tough to top.
A Quick Overview of the Icon Automag-2 Gloves
The Icon Automag-2 gloves provide a combination of goatskin leather, abrasion-resistant synthetic leather Ax Suede, and stretch panels. The main goal of these gloves (1) is to deliver maximum comfort and flexibility while still protecting your hands.
Key features include:
- Goatskin leather construction
- Ax Suede synthetic leather palm
- Pre-curved design
- D30 armor at knuckles
- Perforated back panel
- Touchscreen-compatible index finger and thumb
So, do these sporty, short-cuff gloves stand up to the hype? Let’s take a closer look at the details.
Construction and Materials
The first thing I noticed when trying on the Icon Automag-2 gloves is how supple and flexible they feel. The palm features Icon’s Ax Suede synthetic leather, which feels smooth and allows great grip and control.
Although not quite as durable as cowhide, the Ax Suede strikes a nice balance for a short-cuff glove in this price range.
The backhand utilizes abrasion-resistant goatskin leather, which should withstand slides in a crash while staying pliable for comfort.
Strategic stretch textile panels between the fingers and thumb provide exceptional dexterity when operating controls.
For impact protection, D30 armor covers the knuckles. This advanced shock-absorbing material stiffens on impact to disperse energy before instantly returning to flexibility. It certainly beats basic foam for protection.
Comfort and Breathability
Riding in warm weather calls for ventilation, and the Automag-2 gloves deliver. The entire backhand features perforations to allow airflow directly to the skin. The light color also reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it.
The interior lining utilizes soft Bemberg microfiber that feels great against bare skin. This adds to the glove’s overall comfort, even during multi-hour rides.
So far, the Automag-2 gloves check the boxes for ventilation and flexibility. But how about weather protection and insulation?
How the Gloves Perform in Cold or Wet Weather
Here is where I noticed some limitations. The perforated backhand offers zero insulation against cold winds, while the goatskin leather lacks any water resistance compared to synthetics.
In heavy rain or temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the Automag-2 gloves leave hands vulnerable.
For riders in temperate climates, these gloves work well for much of the year. But cold-weather riders may want more insulation and weatherproofing from Icon’s winter glove lineup.
Additional Features
Beyond the core construction, the Icon Automag-2 gloves incorporate some rider-focused features:
Touchscreen Fingertips
The index fingertip and thumb use conductive thread stitching, allowing the operation of touchscreen devices without removing the gloves. This lets you handle calls, route directions, music controls, and mobile payments on the fly.
Pre-Curved Design
Finger joints curve slightly inward to reduce fatigue by conforming to natural grip positions. Many riders overlook this aspect when considering gloves, but pre-curving adds long-term comfort.
Wide Range of Sizes
Icon offers their Automag-2 gloves from size small up to 3XL in five color choices. An added bonus is that their size chart lists specific hand measurements, so you can dial in the ideal fit.
Pro’s & Cons
Pros
- Flexible Ax Suede palm
- D30 knuckle armor
- Perforated backhand
- Touchscreen compatible
- Pre-curved fingers
Cons
- Minimal weather protection
- No insulation for cold temps
Comparison With Other Gloves
| Klimb Induction Glove Review | Revit Dirt 3 Gloves Review | Bilt Spirit 3 Gloves Review | Alpinestars SMX1 Air V2 Gloves Review | Joe Rocket Super Moto Gloves Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goatskin leather, no armor | Goatskin leather, carbon knuckles | Synthetic leather, foam armor | Goatskin leather, rubber knuckles | Textile, foam armor |
The Icon Automag 2 gloves have a similar construction to the Klimb and Alpinestars gloves with goatskin leather and various forms of armor.
However, the Icon gloves seem to provide better ventilation with perforations. The Revit and Joe Rocket gloves offer less abrasion resistance with textile materials. The Bilt gloves are more affordable but also cut back on protection.
Overall, the Icon gloves compare favorably and offer a nice balance of quality, protection, and value. Let me know if you need any other comparisons!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose motorcycle riding gloves?
Protecting your hands should be a top priority for any rider. Your hands control the bike, operate critical switches, and help break your fall.
Yet they remain exposed and vulnerable. Quality motorcycle gloves defend against abrasion, impacts, flame burns, and other hazards. Don’t hit the road without them!
How much do I need to spend for good protection?
You can find decent riding gloves starting around $30, but I typically recommend investing at least $50-80.
This unlocks better construction, armor, insulation, and generally superior protection. Of course, premium options run over $200, but mid-range seems to be the sweet spot.
Does glove type vary by bike?
Not necessarily. The most significant factors are climate and riding intensity. For example, cruising slowly in town calls for basic, uninsulated short gloves. But highway touring requires full gauntlets with weatherproofing and insulation.
Off-road riding demands serious protection with carbon knuckles and palm sliders. Adapt your gloves to your specific riding.
Why are leather gloves better?
Leather stands above other glove materials for abrasion resistance. In a slide, it takes much longer to grind through leather compared to textile, vastly reducing injury.
Leather also better withstands heat, making it the material of choice for track riders. For street use, leather palms with textile backs combine durability and ventilation.
And Finally… No Single Glove Does It All
The Icon Automag-2 gloves serve me well for flowing country backroad rides on hot summer days. But when winter rolls through, dropping temps and spitting sleet, they no longer make the cut. The perfect glove depends entirely on your bike, climate, and riding style.
Evaluate your individual needs, from protection requirements to expected weather conditions. Only then can you determine the ideal mix of safety, comfort, and versatility. A glove that excels in one scenario may prove woefully inadequate in another.
Rather than searching for a mythical one-pair solution, embrace having different gloves tailored for different situations. Your hands will thank you!
So consider adding the Icon Automag-2 gloves to your riding kit. But make sure to pair them with more specialized options to cover your year-round motorcycle needs fully.
Ultimately, employing the right glove for the right side is the key to safe, comfortable cruising on two wheels.
Let me know your thoughts and experiences finding your perfect motorcycle gloves in the comments below!
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Sources: Motorcycle personal protective equipment (1)