Finding the right pair of riding gloves is almost as important as finding the perfect bike. I’ve tested my fair share of gloves over the years, searching for the ideal balance of protection, comfort, and affordability. So when I discovered this new option from Icon claiming to check all those boxes, I knew I had to take them for a spin.
In this hands-on review, I’ll provide my take on the Icon Contra 2 gloves after logging hundreds of miles with them in real-world conditions.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best-armored motorcycle gloves for you?
Icon Contra 2 Gloves Review
Key Takeaways
- Leather resists abrasion
- Good value for money
- Padded armor absorbs impacts
Icon Contra 2 Gloves – The Verdict
The Icon Contra 2 gloves managed to impress me across all the categories that matter most: comfort, protection, and durability.
While they don’t offer race levels of security, the armor placement and abrasion-resistant materials provide ample protection for daily commuting and backroad fun. The supple leather also maintains an impressive feel and dexterity for easy bike control.
For riders looking for versatile motorcycle gloves for street use, the Icon Contra 2s checks all the boxes. Choose your size carefully for an ideal fit, and you’ll likely forget you’re even wearing gloves after a few minutes in the saddle.
Considering the reasonable price tag, these might be some of the best bang-for-your-buck riding gloves on the market.
A Quick Overview of the Icon Contra 2 Motorcycle Gloves
When it comes to protecting your paws while riding, you generally get what you pay for. Premium race-grade gauntlets can set you back hundreds of dollars.
While those might be justified for track days or competitive riding, most of us could benefit from something more budget-friendly for everyday use.
The Icon Contra 2 gloves aim to deliver useful features without breaking the bank. This second generation of the Contra glove features a combination of goat leather and synthetic suede panels. Strategically placed padded armor offers abrasion protection. Stretching the textile between the fingers enhances flexibility.
According to Icon, these gloves provide “street-focused protection” at an attractive price point. But does the construction stand up to real-world motorcycle use? I decided to find out.
Putting the Icon Contra 2 Gloves to the Test
To give the Icon Contra 2 gloves a fair shake, I wore them for all my motorcycle rides over a two-week period. Conditions included commuting in the city.
Highway jaunts out of town and some backroad carving just for fun. That gave me plenty of saddle time to evaluate their comfort, durability, and protection capabilities.
Here’s what stood out during my experience with the Contra 2’s:
Comfort and Fit
- I typically wear a size large glove. The Contra 2s, which are large, fit my hands well while allowing some wiggle room. Riders desiring a snugger fit may want to size down.
- The gloves feel nice and broken right out of the box. No uncomfortable, stiff leather.
- Velcro wrist closure allows for easy entry and a secure fit. Soft trim prevents any irritation.
- Stretch textile panels provide flexibility while the leather remains protective.
Protection and Safety
- Strategic padding provides impact absorption with armor at the knuckles and base of the palm.
- Goat leather and reinforced synthetic leather stand up to abrasion while maintaining good grip and feel.
- Reflective details and bright color accents improve visibility.
- I had no touchscreen fingertips, but i could use my phone without removing the gloves.
Durability
- The leather shows no signs of wear after 2 weeks of use. No fading or tearing seams.
- Padding and armor remain perfectly in place with no shifting around.
- Stitching velcro and zippers function smoothly after repeated on/off use.
Comparison To Other Gloves
| Product Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon V2 Gloves Review | Full goatskin leather construction, carbon fiber knuckle protection, foam padding, perforated panels |
| Dainese Steel Pro & Pro Gloves Review | Goatskin leather and cowhide construction, carbon fiber and plastic protectors, adjustable wrist closure |
| Icon Contra 2 Gloves Review | Combination of goat leather and synthetic panels, flexible armor, perforated textile, padded knuckles |
The Icon Contra 2 gloves stand out in this group as a budget-friendly option, retailing for around $60-70. That’s considerably more affordable than premium racing gloves like the $400+ Dainese or Alpinestars models.
However, the Icon gloves use a mix of leather and textile rather than full premium leather. They also lack some of the high-end protection features like carbon fiber knuckles.
So, while the Icon Contra 2s provide good value for daily street use, track riders or those wanting maximum protection may need to spend more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes are available for the Icon Contra 2 Gloves?
The Icon Contra 2 gloves come in sizes ranging from Small all the way up to 3XL. I typically wear a size large glove, and the size large Contra 2s fit me well with a little bit of extra room. Riders wanting a snugr fit may consider sizing down.
How much do the Icon Contra 2 gloves cost?
These gloves retail for around $ 60-70 USD, depending on size and color options. That puts them on the budget side for motorcycle-specific gloves with protective features. Considering the combination of materials, armor, and constructive, they deliver excellent value.
What color options are available?
The Icon Contra 2 gloves come in several colorway options. The most popular choices are black, black with white accents, black with red accents, and an all-black “stealth” variant. There are a few other bright color options as well for riders wanting better visibility.
Are these gloves waterproof?
No, the Icon Contra 2 gloves are not specifically waterproof. The leather construction helps repel light moisture, but they lack any waterproof or water-resistant membrane. For serious wet weather riding, I’d recommend a pair of waterproof winter gloves instead.
Can you use touchscreens with the Icon Contra 2 gloves?
Icon doesn’t specifically claim touchscreen capability with these gloves. However, I was able to use my smartphone screen wearing these gloves, although responsiveness will vary depending on glove and phone fit. Riders needing 100% touchscreen functionality may want to look at other options.
And Finally…
At the end of the day, finding high-quality riding gloves that check all the boxes without destroying your budget can be difficult.
My experience with the Icon Contra 2s has been uniquely positive, and they provide excellent protection and comfort, considering the affordable price.
I appreciate that Icon isn’t cutting corners to keep the gloves inexpensive. For daily motorcycle use focused on the street and commuting, they have my strong endorsement.
Have you tried the Icon Contra 2 gloves or something similar? Let me know your thoughts and recommendations by dropping a comment below! I’d be curious to hear about your experiences finding that perfect pair of riding gloves. Ride safe out there and enjoy the journey!
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