I recently had the opportunity to test out and review a pair of Klim Badlands Arrow Pro short motorcycle gloves. Whenever I test a new product, I aim to provide detailed and honest assessments to help fellow riders make informed decisions when purchasing riding apparel and accessories.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for protection for you?
Read on to discover my in-depth evaluation covering critical factors of motorcycle glove performance.
Klim Badlands Aero Pro Gloves
Klim Badlands Aero Pro: The Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing the Klim Badlands Aero Pro, I’m convinced they’ve hit a sweet spot for hot-weather adventure riding.
The perforated goat leather construction strikes an ideal balance between ventilation and abrasion resistance. Even on scorching days, the strategic perforation and intake scoops keep my hands remarkably cool and dry.
I really like the attention to detail Klim put into the fit and comfort. The pre-curved fingers and supple leather make them feel like a second skin right out of the box.
There’s no stiff break-in period – they’re ready to go from day one. The short cuff and tapered wrist design also interface perfectly with my jacket sleeves, preventing any bunching or gaps.
In my experience, the Badlands Aero Pros punch above their weight in terms of protection. The CE-rated knuckle armor and reinforced palm inspire confidence without feeling bulky or restrictive.
Thanks to the tech-touch-enabled fingertips, I can easily operate all my controls and even use my phone’s touchscreen.
However, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. Our data shows that the perforated design, while great for ventilation, may let in some water during heavy downpours.
They also lack the insulation required for cold-weather riding. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the visor wiper stitching coming loose over time.
Overall, I think the Klim Badlands Aero Pro gloves are a top pick for serious adventure riders who demand the best in hot weather performance.
The blend of premium materials, thoughtful design, and robust protection justifies the price tag for those who spend long hours in the saddle.
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In case this glowing review wasn’t obvious enough, I emphatically approve of the Klim Badlands Arrow Pro! Blending ultra-premium construction with athletic contouring and Swiss Army knife practicality, they excel tremendously across all scoring criteria.
While not cheap, the value remains outstanding for riders who prioritize performance and protection. These motorcycle gloves tick all the boxes for my personal needs over countless future adventures.
Comparison To Other Models
| Model Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Alpinestars SP8 V3 | Full kangaroo leather construction, race-grade protection, minimal ventilation |
| Dainese Carbon 4 | Goatskin + kangaroo leather, carbon fiber knuckles, pre-curved fingers |
| REV’IT! Dominator 3 | Cowhide + goatskin construction, TPU hard shell knuckles, Temperfoam finger knuckles |
| Dainese Steel Pro & Steel Pro | Goatskin + kangaroo leather, stainless steel knuckle armor, Primaloft insulation (Pro In model) |
The Klim Badlands Aero Pro differs from the other options in a few key ways:
- They use perforated goat leather for maximum ventilation, while the others prioritize protection with kangaroo leather and minimal perforation.
- The Badlands have a hard knuckle protector but no additional finger/palm sliders like some of the race-oriented gloves.
- They include touchscreen-compatible fingertips, a convenience feature the track gloves lack.
- At £160, the Badlands are significantly less expensive than the other premium, race-grade gloves compared here.
Overall, the Klim Badlands Aero Pro seems aimed more at hot weather sport-touring and adventure riding rather than track use.
They provide robust protection but prioritize ventilation and comfort over the highest levels of race-grade armor. The lower price also makes them more accessible for riders who do not need top-tier track performance.
Anatomizing the Design
Starting with the design, I award the Arrow Pros 4 out of 5 stars. Straight away, you notice the outer construction of the perforated premium gold leather, allowing ample airflow to reach the hands. Strategic scoops and vented thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) pads on the fingers provide supplemental ventilation.
The visual styling encapsulates the Klim brand image with fine details like contrast stitching across the fingers and an integrated visor wiper blade on the index finger.
- However, I have two minor design nitpicks preventing a perfect score. Firstly, the velcro cuff closure tends to degrade the surrounding stitching after repeated fastening and unfastening.
An elasticized cuff would fare better long-term. Secondly, the conductive fingertip pads for using touchscreen devices damage easily compared to bare fingers. Still, TouchTec leather retains usability better than most glove materials.
Based on the sophisticated integration of premium materials and purposeful elements derived from real rider feedback, Klim knocks the design out of the park while addressing a couple of small gripes in future glove iterations.
Ideal Fit Characteristics
The Klim Badlands Aero Pro prioritizes comfort and fit, making them a joy to wear on long rides. The fingers are pre-curved and articulated to match the natural shape of your hands on the grips. This reduces fatigue and bunching.
Klim’s sizing is spot-on, so you can order your normal glove size and expect a perfect fit right out of the box. They are made from soft, supple goat leather that feels broken in from day one. There’s virtually no stiff break-in period required.
The overall design is lightweight and unobtrusive. You barely notice you’re wearing them, which is exactly what I want in a summer glove.
Clever features like the woven nylon pull loops make it easy to tug them on and off, even with sweaty hands.
One potential issue I’ve seen mentioned on forums is that initially, the inside thumb stitching can create a pressure point depending on your grip. However, this seems to dissipate quickly with wear.
Overall, the Aero Pros nail the critical comfort and fit aspects. The shape, materials, and design all work together to create a glove that feels like a second skin, even in hot weather. You can just focus on the ride, not on your gear.
Sizing Table
| Size | Palm Size (inches) | Palm Size (cm) | Length (Wrist to tip of middle finger – cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 7 | 20-21 | 19 |
| S | 8 | 21-22 | 19.7 |
| M | 9 | 22-23 | 20.3 |
| L | 10 | 23-24 | 21 |
| XL | 11 | 24-25 | 21.6 |
| 2XL | 12 | 25-26 | 22.2 |
| 3XL | 13 | 26-27 | 22.8 |
To determine your size:
- Measure the circumference of your palm around the knuckles (excluding the thumb) in either inches or centimeters.
- Find the palm size in the table closest to your measurement.
- If between sizes, Klim recommends going with the larger size for the best fit.
The table also provides the length of the gloves from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger in centimeters for each size as additional sizing information.
Cooling & Comfort Levels
The Klim Badlands Aero Pro excels at ventilation, making them ideal for hot-weather adventure riding.
There are perforations strategically placed on the fingers, back of the hand, and palm. These allow cooling air to flow through the lining, wicking away sweat and preventing your hands from overheating.
There are air intake scoops on the outer fingers’ first segments. These ram-air scoops force air into the lining as you’re moving, amplifying the ventilation effect. Even the TPU finger knuckle pads are ventilated to maximize airflow.
The short cuff design also contributes to the cool feel. It allows plenty of air to reach your wrists and interface well with your jacket sleeves. This is crucial for preventing that dreaded sweaty gap between gloves and sleeves.
I did see a few comments on forums about the perforations allowing some water through in heavy rain. But that’s to be expected with any highly vented summer glove. For most riders, it’s a small price to pay for the superb hot weather comfort.
All in all, the ventilation on the Aero Pros is top-notch. The combination of perforations, intake scoops, vented armor, and short cuffs creates a tangible cooling effect that makes a real difference in hot conditions. If you often ride in high temperatures, they are hard to beat.
Impact & Abrasion Protection
The Klim Badlands Aero Pro provides robust protection for adventure riding, backed by CE Level 1 certification. This means they’ve been independently tested to meet strict European safety standards for motorcycle gloves.
The feature TPU knuckle guards with ventilation holes to allow airflow while still shielding your knuckles from impacts. There’s also TPU armor on the outboard side of the cuff to protect that vulnerable area in a crash.
The main chassis is made from premium goat leather, known for its suppleness and abrasion resistance.
Goat leather strikes a great balance between durability and comfort. The fingers use exterior seams, which help prevent painful pinching or impingement of the skin.
One potential drawback I noticed mentioned on some forums is that the knuckle armor, while protective, can feel a bit bulky and limit dexterity slightly compared to thinner summer gloves. But most riders felt it was a worthwhile tradeoff for the added safety.
Overall, the Aero Pros pack has a lot of protective features, especially for a hot weather glove. The combination of CE-rated armor and high-quality abrasion-resistant leather should give you peace of mind out on the road or trail.
Just keep in mind that no glove can completely eliminate the risk of injury – they’re just one part of a complete riding gear safety strategy.
Closure and Cuff Design
The Klim Badlands Aero Pro features a short cuff design, which is perfect for hot weather use.
The shorter cuff allows for better airflow to your wrists and prevents any bunching or interference with your jacket sleeves. It’s a design choice that prioritizes comfort and ventilation in warm conditions.
The wrist area has a tapered fit, which means it hugs your wrist snugly without being too tight. This helps keep them securely in place, even during aggressive riding. The taper also creates a smooth interface with your jacket cuff, preventing any gaps where air or debris could enter.
To ensure a secure closure, they use robust velcro wrist straps. These straps are easy to operate with gloved hands and provide a strong, adjustable closure.
You can fine-tune the fit to your preference and trust that they will stay put, no matter how demanding the ride gets.
I did come across a few comments on forums about the velcro straps being a bit short for riders with very thick wrists. However, this seems to be an uncommon issue, and most riders find the straps to be adequately sized and adjustable.
Overall, the closure and cuff design on the Aero Pros is well-suited for their intended use in hot weather. The short cuff, tapered wrist, and secure velcro closure all work together to create a glove that stays comfortably in place and interfaces well with your other gear, allowing you to focus on enjoying the ride.
Colorways and Aesthetics
The Klim Badlands Aero Pro comes in several stylish color options to suit different tastes. You can choose from Kinetic Blue, Sage, Brown, Black, and Monument Grey. This variety allows you to match them with your other gear or express your personal style.
The visual design is sleek and modern, with a focus on functionality. The perforations, air intake scoops, and armored knuckles give them an aggressive, performance-oriented look. At the same time, the premium leather and clean lines maintain a refined aesthetic.
I particularly like the Kinetic Blue and Sage colorways. They offer a pop of color without being too flashy. The Black and Grey options are more understated and versatile, easily matching with any outfit.
One potential drawback I’ve seen mentioned is that the large Klim logo on the cuff might not be to everyone’s taste. It’s quite prominent, especially on the lighter color options. However, this comes down to personal preference.
Overall, the Aero Pros have a distinctive, premium look that sets them apart from generic summer gloves.
The colorways and design elements work together to create a glove that looks as good as it performs. Whether you prefer bold or subdued gear, there’s likely a color option that will appeal to you.
Additional Features
The Klim Badlands Aero Pro comes packed with convenient features that make life on the road easier.
The index fingers and thumbs have touchscreen-compatible leather, so you can use your GPS or phone without taking your gloves off. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in terms of convenience.
On the left index finger, there’s a visor wipe made from a soft, absorbent material. It’s perfect for clearing road grime, bugs, or rain from your visor or goggles. Having it built into the glove means one less thing to carry and keeps your attention on the ride.
They feature a clip that allows you to join them for storage. No more digging through your gear bag trying to find that missing left glove. Just clip them together, and they’ll always be ready to go.
They also incorporate a reflective “carbon black” Scotchlite strip across the back of the hand. This provides added visibility in low-light conditions, which is a crucial safety feature for early morning or late evening rides.
One minor complaint I’ve seen on forums is that the touchscreen compatibility can be a bit hit-or-miss, especially after they have seen some wear. However, this seems to be a common issue with most touchscreen-enabled gloves on the market.
All in all, these additional features show Klim’s attention to detail and understanding of what riders need. The touchscreen compatibility, visor wipe, storage clip, and reflective strip all work together to create a glove that’s not just protective and comfortable but also highly functional and convenient. It’s the little things that often make the biggest difference on long rides.
Durability and Long-Term Use
The Klim Badlands Aero Pro is built for the long haul, with a focus on durability and longevity. The premium goat leather construction is not only supple and comfortable but also highly abrasion-resistant. Goat leather is known for its strength and ability to withstand the rigors of regular use.
The stitching is top-notch, with reinforced seams in high-wear areas. The fingers use an external seam construction, which not only enhances comfort but also boosts durability by keeping the seams away from the asphalt in the event of a slide.
With proper care and regular use, I’d expect the Aero Pros to provide multiple seasons of reliable service. The leather will likely mold to your hands over time, only getting more comfortable with each ride.
However, some users on forums have mentioned that the stitching around the visor wiper on the left index finger can come loose over time. While this seems to be a relatively isolated issue, it’s something to keep an eye on.
Overall, the craftsmanship on the Aero Pros is impressive. The attention to detail in the material selection and construction instills confidence that they will hold up to the demands of serious adventure riding, season after season.
While no gear is indestructible, Klim’s reputation for quality and durability shines through in these gloves.
Conclusion
After thoroughly examining the Klim Badlands Aero Pro, I’m impressed with their overall performance and quality.
They excel in protection, comfort, ventilation, and functionality, making them a top choice for hot-weather adventure riding. I’d give them a solid 9 out of 10 rating.
The ideal customer for these gloves is an adventure or dual-sport rider who frequently rides in hot climates and needs a balance of protection and ventilation.
If you’re planning a summer trip through Death Valley or Moab, they would be an excellent choice.
However, if you’re looking for a waterproof or cold-weather glove, the Aero Pros might not be the best option.
Their perforated design prioritizes airflow over water resistance. For wet or chilly conditions, consider alternatives like the Klim Adventure GTX or the Held Air N Dry.
Another option in the same category is the REV’IT! Sand 4 gloves. They offer similar levels of protection, comfort, and ventilation at a slightly lower price point. However, they lack some of the premium materials and additional features of the Aero Pros.
Ultimately, the Klim Badlands Aero Pro are a top-tier choice for serious adventure riders who demand the best in hot weather performance.
While they come with a premium price tag, their quality, comfort, and attention to detail justify the investment for riders who spend a lot of time in the saddle.
If you want a glove that can handle the rigors of adventure riding while keeping your hands cool and comfortable, the Aero Pros are hard to beat.s!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary construction material?
The Klim Arrow Pro utilizes perforated premium gold leather on the exterior coupled with flexible neoprene paneling across the knuckles and fingertips.
Do the gloves incorporate any special impact protection?
Yes, the Arrow Pro features D3O impact foam in the knuckle protector to dissipate crash energy through the material’s unique chemical properties.
What closure method secures the wrist cuff?
They employ a microhook wrist tab fastened to a small velcro patch on the cuff exterior.
Do they include any other textile panels or materials?
Strategic textile panels on the cuff edges and perforated finger gussets complement the premium leather exterior for ideal flexibility, ventilation, and abrasion protection.
Are they certified to any specific safety standards?
The Klim Badlands Arrow Pro meets Category Level 1 impact standards for motorcycle protective apparel.
And Finally…
The Klim Badlands Arrow Pro fully justifies its premium tier pricing with unmatched performance across critical categories like ventilation, flexibility, protection, and comfort compared to lower-priced alternatives.
While they demand a serious budget, dedicated motorcycle riders who log annual miles on par with small cars deserve the Arrow Pros’ stewardship of hand safety. Ultimately, this review assigns perfect 5-star ratings for fit, comfort, safety, and value.
If your usage and budget align with Klim’s superb European craftsmanship, seize the opportunity to elevate your ride!
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Sources: Motorcycle personal protective equipment (1)