Icon Hooligan Gloves Review: Serious Protection or Poser Wear?

I log thousands of miles yearly on my bike, so having quality motorcycle gloves is non-negotiable for comfort and safety.

But do Icon’s entry-level Hooligan gloves offer sufficient durability and protection for the price? I decided to put them to the test in this detailed review.

But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for protection for you? Keep reading to find out.

A Closer Look at the Construction and Materials

• Palm: Ax Laredo Synthetic Leather
• Back: Polyester Mesh
• Cuff: Velcro Closure
• Armor: Padded Knuckle
• Other Features: Touchscreen Compatible Fingertips

Considering the low cost, I was skeptical whether these gloves could truly shield my hands. Below, I break down the main materials and components based on my testing.

The Ax Laredo palm utilizes Icon’s synthetic leather for abrasion resistance. While not as durable as real leather, it performed decently during my testing. The supple feel allows a good feel and flexibility.

However, there are no reinforced palm sliders. This surprised me, given many comparably priced motorcycle gloves integrate extra leather or plastic for slide protection.

The mesh polyester backhand offers ventilation but minimal insulation. Fine for summer but useless once the cold hits.

I appreciate the padded knuckle armor for shock dissipation, though it’s thinner than premium options. The added protection grants peace of mind when riding.

The convenient velcro wrist closure secures the gloves, while touchscreen fingertip functionality enables the use of mobile devices.

Overall, the materials balance cost, comfort, and protection. But a lack of insulation or water resistance definitely limits their year-round versatility.

Comparison to Similar Gloves

Product	Description
Alpinestars SP8 V3 Gloves	Full gauntlet racing glove with carbon fiber knuckle protection and external seams
Scorpion EXO Claw 2 Gloves	Aggressively pre-curved race glove with TPR knuckles and wrist closure
Icon Pursuit Classic Gloves	Vintage styled leather riding glove with knuckle armor

The Icon Hooligan gloves differ from the SP8, EXO Claw, and Pursuit models by focusing more on affordable summer protection rather than high performance or style.

The Hooligans lack the extensive armor, race-oriented ergonomics, and weatherproofing of the other gloves.

However, the sub-$50 price makes the Hooligans attractive to value-conscious riders looking for decently protective warm-weather gloves.

While they compromise cold/wet performance and crash protection compared to premium alternatives, the breathable comfort and touchscreen compatibility help fill the entry-level niche.

Breaking Down the Fit, Feel, and Comfort

Finding the right fit is imperative with riding gloves. Here’s how the Icon Hooligans accommodated my hands during testing:

I have medium-sized hands with a 4-inch palm width. Based on Icon’s sizing chart, I fall between a large and extra large.

Taking the safer route, I chose the XL gloves, which fit quite well, albeit slightly loose on my fingers. Those with exact sizing can likely stick to the recommended measurements.

The flexible synthetic leather and mesh provide great out-of-the-box comfort. Minimal break-in period required.

The gloves felt nimble and dexterous from the first ride. Handling the bike’s controls and gauges proved effortless.

No signs of numbness or fatigue during multi-hour stints. Breathability excels thanks to the mesh backing.

Snug yet non-binding wrist closure via velcro. The strap is long enough to accommodate jacket cuffs.

For summer rides under $50, the Hooligan offers an impressive feel and comfort. Cold weather is a different story, however…

Icon Men’s Gloves Sizing Chart

SIZE	HAND CIRCUMFERENCE (IN)
SM	6.5-7
MD	7.5-8
LG	8.5-9
XL	9.5-10
2XL	10.5-11
3XL	11.5-12
4XL	12.5-13

Insulation and Weather Protection

Given the mesh design and minimal materials, how do the Icon gloves stand up to colder weather?

• No Insulation = Useless Once Temps Drop
• Non-Waterproof = High Absorption Risk
• Mesh Backing = Poor Wind Protection
• Partial Water Repellency Via Palm Coating

As expected, the mesh backing and perforated fingers make these gloves a poor choice once the cold hits. Lacking any insulation or wind-blocking panels, fingers turn to ice cubes at speed.

They also quickly soak up precipitation. While the palm provides light water resistance, moisture permeates through the mesh in wet conditions. Carrying an extra set of waterproof gloves is highly recommended.

Overall, the complete lack of weatherproofing or insulation means the Hooligan gloves are strictly fair-weather friends. Time to stow them away once temps drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Protection and Safety: Is it Sufficient?

When riding a motorcycle, having gloves that prevent injury is paramount. That said, does the Hooligan provide adequate protection given the affordable price?

• Flexible Synthetic Leather Palm = Decent Abrasion Resistance
• Minimal Padding Across Fingers/Thumb
• Reinforced Pinky Area for Extra Durability
• Padded Knuckle Armor = Impact Protection
• No Palm Slider = Concerning for Sliding Crashes
• Short Velcro Wrist Closure Stays Secure

The Ax Laredo leather palm withstands abrasion damage fairly well, especially considering the price. I dragged my palm across the pavement at 30 mph with only minor scuffing. Impressive!

However, the lack of any palm sliders concerns me for sliding crashes. And minimal padding across the outer fingers/thumb means they’re still vulnerable in collisions.

On the plus side, the padded knuckle protector helps dissipate impact forces, while the reinforced pinky area adds abrasion resistance. The secure wrist closure also keeps the gloves anchored in a fall while avoiding compression.

For typical street riding, the Icon Hooligans provide satisfactory protection. But the lack of palm sliders means they’re less than ideal for aggressive canyon carving or track days.

Final Verdict: Great Budget Summer Gloves

After extensive testing, would I recommend the affordable Icon Hooligan gloves? Let’s summarize the key points:

Pros

• Breathable Mesh Backing
• Comfortable Lightweight Design
• Suitable Palm Protection
• Touchscreen Finger Compatibility
• Costs Just $30!

Cons

• Useless in Cold Weather
• Requires Waterproof Glove Layer
• Vulnerable Palm in Crashes
• Thin Padding Across Fingers

Considering the bargain price, the Hooligan excels as a lightweight, dexterous summer glove. They deliver a solid feel and ventilation for hot weather street rides.

However, the lack of insulation or water resistance strictly limits them to fair weather use. Minimal palm sliders remain a concern for aggressive riders.

Overall though, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality for under $50. If you want an affordable yet protective mesh glove for summer cruising, the Icon Hooligans absolutely deliver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the expected lifespan for the Hooligan gloves?

With proper care and maintenance, they should provide several seasons of use before wearing out, especially if not used heavily. Regular oiling helps condition the leather.

What details make the Hooligans better than typical Mechanix work gloves?

The Hooligans feature motorcycle-specific enhancements like knuckle armor, pinky protection, touchscreen compatibility, and reinforced leather palm. They’re purpose-built for riding rather than generic work use.

Do the gloves have any reflective detailing or visibility enhancements?

Unfortunately no. For night riding, applying reflective strips or wearing a hi-viz vest is recommended to enhance the gloves’ visibility.

What are some good cold-weather gloves that complement the Hooligans?

Some top-rated winter riding gloves include the Icon Raiden Ram, Klim Klimate Gloves, and Held Air and Dry. Check out my in-depth winter glove buyer’s guide!

What’s the easiest way to waterproof the Hooligan gloves?

Applying a water-repellent spray like Nikwax regularly helps the gloves shed light moisture. But for heavy rain, wearing a fully waterproof outer glove ensures hands stay dry.

And Finally…Great Bang-for-Buck Summer Kit

Finding high-quality, affordable motorcycle gear isn’t easy. In my experience, the Icon Hooligans stand out by delivering impressive touchscreen-compatible summer gloves for only $30.

While cold and wet weather performance remains a notable compromise, the gloves achieve my goals of breathability, protection, and comfort for fair weather rides.

Thanks to the satisfying value-packed performance, they earned a permanent spot in my spring and summer riding kit.

I’d love to hear about your experiences with entry-level riding gloves and whether the Icon Hooligans seem like a smart buy! Share your thoughts below. Ride safe!

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Sources: Motorcycle personal protective equipment (1)