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.
Icon Hooligan Gloves Review
Key Takeaways
- Mesh Back Ventilation
- Lightweight Construction
- Versatile Warm Weather Use
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