As an experienced rider logging thousands of miles yearly, I wondered—could these retro-styled gloves really provide ample impact buffers and abrasion resistance equal to bulkier hard-knuckle options?
After extensive testing, do they deliver seamless flexibility and ventilation to justify their budget price tag?
In this detailed Klim Rambler Gloves review, I’ll evaluate whether the KLIM Rambler meets expectations for all-season motorcycle use.
But the main question I will answer in this review is: Are these the best gloves for all seasons? Let’s find out!
Klim Rambler Review
Key Takeaways
- Perforated dextrous fingers
- Weatherproof with ventilation
- Deerskin leather, molded knuckle armor
Our Verdict On The Klim Rambler
After logging hundreds of miles, I’m thoroughly impressed at how they blend supple leather comfort with strategic protective padding.
The deerskin offers a perfectly broken-in feel right out of the box while providing serious abrasion resistance.
I expected sweaty hands, but the perforations allowed decent airflow to keep me cool in most conditions.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:
My only gripe is that water eventually penetrates the seams in sustained wet weather. They handle light rain fine but get soaked in lengthy downpours.
For all-season versatility, I prefer a waterproof Gore-Tex liner, but that would sacrifice some breathability and add cost.
- Limited weather protection: These gloves aren’t waterproof, so they’re not ideal for wet-weather riding.
- Moderate protection: While they offer decent safety features, they may not provide enough protection for high-speed or track riding.
- Touchscreen incompatibility: I’ve found that using my phone or GPS with these gloves on is challenging, as they’re not designed for touchscreen use.
- Potential stretching: After getting caught in the rain once, I noticed the gloves stretched a bit, which could affect their protective qualities over time.
For the budget price, I think they strike an ideal balance of flexibility, protection, and value. But it means keeping an emergency rain glove handy in my saddlebags for sudden storms.
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Blending Old School Cool with New Tech
The Rambler gets its name from combining that retro ‘rambling’ look of plain leather mits while incorporating some old-school style with new technology.
Many hardcore riders still love leather over more modern synthetics as it forms your hand over time. It also doesn’t harden too much when getting wet.
The injection-molded Poron XRD foam across the knuckles sets them apart from others.
This advanced molecular armor foam dampens impacts much better than cheap foam or padding. So, while they maintain a classic, low-profile look, they pack some serious shock absorption right where you need it most—over your knuckles.
The only other visible piece of technology is the adjustable Velcro wrist closure strap. This helps dial in the fit for secure everyday wear, whether commuting to work or bombing down the highway. The clean design hides the protective features almost invisibly until you need them most.
Durable Enough for the Long Haul
The material used throughout the majority of the mitts provides long-lasting comfort, while 3⁄4 ounce cowhide leather panels used as reinforcements in high-wear zones boost durability.
I especially appreciated the extra piece of dense foam stitched into the heel of the palm, which helps isolate some of the road vibration transmitted through the bars and controls.
After a full day of riding, my hands feel much less fatigued compared to my previous summer mits.
The independently articulated fingers provide a great unrestricted range of motion for operating controls. Between the combination of flexible calfskin, 3⁄4 ounce cowhide in high-stress areas, and injection molded padding, they provide impressive abrasion resistance without restricting mobility or adding excess bulk.
Ventilated for Warm Weather Riding
One of my big concerns about testing them was overheating my hands due to bad ventilation once the temperatures climbed.
However, the perforated fingers, along with the moisture-wicking crafted leather, helped my hands breathe adequately, even riding for hours in 80+ degree summer heat.
The only time I thought about taking them off due to heat was while sitting at stoplights in direct sun during mid-day rides—and that Superman mesh wouldn’t have fared much better! Once I started moving again, the ventilation was perfectly fine.
So, these perforated gloves perform admirably for all-season usage besides the absolute dog days of summer.
Pro & Con
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Soft leather provides excellent comfort | Expensive MSRP around $140 |
| Lightweight and flexible for all day wear | Only available in Black |
| Improved vibration damping to palm | Minimal graphic styling |
| Good airflow from perforated fingers | Not fully waterproof |
| Articulated fingers don’t restrict feel |
Klim Rambler Sizing
Klim is definitely on the pricey side for motorcycle gear, but the quality lives up to expectations, and they follow standard American sizing in terms of width and finger length.
However, I always order a size down in Klim compared to other brands since they seem to run a little long in the palm and fingers.
So, the Italian brand size is smaller overall, but Klim’s palm dimensions run larger than average while staying wider through the hand and fingers.
Once I dialed in the sizing by ordering a large instead of my usual XL, the comfort and control proved superb.
With a budget price, they are at the higher end of the pricing spectrum for most riders.
But when you consider the premium USA-sourced crafted leather construction, Poron XRD foam protection, and durable reinforced stitching, they deliver a lot of value and are built to last for years.
This factor is in Klim’s reputation for quality gear with leading protective technology, and the price seems well justified.
Klim Men’s Sizing Chart
| SIZE | HAND CIRCUMFERENCE (IN) | HAND LENGTH (IN) |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 8-8.25 | 7.5 |
| SM | 8.25-8.6 | 7.75 |
| MD | 8.6-9 | 8 |
| LG | 9-9.5 | 8.25 |
| XL | 9.5-9.8 | 8.5 |
| 2XL | 9.8-10.25 | 8.75 |
| 3XL | 10.25-10.6 | 9 |
The manufacturer provides sizing information and does not guarantee a perfect fit.
A Worthy Upgrade from My Old Faithfuls
So if you ride longer distances or frequently commute on your motorcycle, having mitts you forget you’re even wearing while still protecting your hands is a must.
For riders who prioritize comfort and convenience without compromising safety, they deliver impressively on all fronts.
The premium materials hold up impressively over hundreds of miles while still feeling broken-in and pliable.
Plus, the armor offers supplementary impact and abrasion protection compared to standard fashion mits lacking such reinforcements.
Where To Get Your Hands on a Pair
With such an improvement over my old summer riding mitts, they will now be my new go-to pair.
I enjoyed the flexibility of comfortably wearing them year-round for anything short of a downpour. For additional technical details straight from the source at Klim, you can learn more about the specs on Revzilla.com. With their excellent fitment guide and hassle-free exchange program, you can shop risk-free.
Have you upgraded your old faithful riding mitts recently? Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about the nuances I discovered testing them firsthand. Ride safe out there, everyone!
Armor and Impact Protection
The Klim Rambler gloves offer a balance of protection and comfort, with some key safety features built in.
Armor Placement
They come with PORON protection at the knuckles and palms. PORON is a high-performance foam that absorbs impact energy, helping to shield your hands in case of a crash.
The knuckle protection is concealed, maintaining the glove’s classic look while still offering defense against impacts.
Additional Protection Features
- All-deerskin leather construction provides natural abrasion resistance
- Reinforced palm area for added durability in a slide
- Perforated fingers allow for ventilation without compromising protection
Safety Standards
The Klim Rambler meets the CE EN 13594 certification standard. This European standard ensures they offer a certain level of protection for motorcycle riders, including:
- Impact resistance
- Abrasion resistance
- Cut resistance
- Tear strength
For everyday street riding, they should provide adequate protection. But for high-speed riding or track days, you might want to consider gloves with more extensive armor.
In the end, the Klim Rambler strikes a balance between protection and comfort. They’re designed to keep you safe without sacrificing the supple feel and classic style that many riders love. Just remember, no glove can guarantee complete protection in every crash scenario.
The Klim Rambler meet the CE EN 13594 certification standard. This certification ensures that these riding gloves offer a certain level of protection for motorcyclists.
What CE EN 13594 Means for You
CE EN 13594 is a European standard for protective gloves for motorcycle riders. Here’s what this certification means for your safety:
- Impact protection: They have passed tests for impact resistance, particularly in areas like the knuckles and palms.
- Abrasion resistance: They’ve been tested to withstand abrasion in case of a slide on the road.
- Cut resistance: The materials used can resist cutting to a certain degree.
- Tear strength: They won’t easily tear apart during an accident.
Protective Features
The Ramblers come with some key protective elements:
- PORON protection at the knuckles and palm
- All-deerskin leather construction
- Concealed knuckle protection
These features translate to better hand protection during a crash or slide without sacrificing the gloves’ classic, understated look.
Comfort vs. Protection Trade-off
While the Rambler offers decent protection, they’re not the most heavily armored option out there. I’ve found that they strike a balance between safety and comfort.
The deerskin leather is supple and allows for good dexterity, which some riders prefer over bulkier, more protective options.
Drawbacks
They feel less protective than I would like for high-speed riding. After riding in the rain, they stretched significantly, which could affect their protective qualities. It’s worth noting that leather care is crucial for maintaining their ‘ protective properties.
Comparison to Other Klim Gloves
Compared to some of Klim’s more adventure-oriented gloves, like the Dakar Pro, the Ramblers offer less extensive protection. They’re more suited for street riding and cruising rather than off-road adventures or track days.
In conclusion, while the Klim Rambler meets basic safety standards, they’re designed more for comfort and style than maximum protection.
They’re a solid choice for everyday riding, but for more extreme conditions or high-speed riding, you might want to consider gloves with additional safety features.
Who Is It For?
The Klim Rambler is designed for riders who value comfort, style, and moderate protection. They’re not for everyone, but they hit a sweet spot for many motorcyclists.
The Everyday Rider
Thes are perfect for the daily commuter or weekend warrior. If you’re someone who rides regularly but doesn’t need extreme protection, the Ramblers might be your ideal companion.
The classic deerskin leather construction offers a blend of comfort and durability that’s hard to beat for everyday use.
Style-Conscious Motorcyclists
With their understated design and classic look, the Ramblers appeal to riders who want protective gear that doesn’t scream “motorcycle glove.” They’re a great choice if you want to maintain a low-key appearance when you hop off your bike.
Warm Weather Riders
I’ve found they excel in hot weather. The perforated fingers allow for good airflow, keeping your hands cool during summer rides. If you often ride in warm climates, you’ll likely find these gloves comfortable.
Short to Medium Distance Tourers
For day rides or short tours, the Ramblers offer a good balance of comfort and protection. They’re not as heavily armored as some adventure gloves, but they provide enough protection for most road-riding scenarios.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere
- Track Day Enthusiasts: If you’re into high-speed riding or track days, you might want more robust protection than the Ramblers offer.
- Off-Road Adventure Riders: For serious off-road use, you might prefer something like the Klim Dakar Pro, which offers more extensive protection.
- Wet Weather Riders: The Ramblers aren’t waterproof. If you often ride in the rain, you might want to consider gloves with Gore-Tex or other waterproof materials.
The Comfort-Protection Balance
The Ramblers strike a balance between comfort and protection. They fit well and allow for good dexterity, which some riders prioritize over maximum armor. However, this means they might not provide enough protection for more aggressive riding styles.
In my experience, they are best suited for riders who want a versatile glove for everyday use, prioritizing comfort and style without completely sacrificing protection.
They’re a solid choice for the majority of street riders but might not meet the needs of those pushing the limits of speed or terrain.
FAQ
What materials are they made of?
The mitts use premium leather for the majority of construction, along with reinforced panels in high-wear areas. Injection-molded Poron XRD foam provides protection.
How is the sizing on the Klim?
Klim mitts run true to American sizing but are a full size down compared to other brands since Klim’s palms run longer.
Are they fully waterproof?
No, they are not guaranteed to be fully waterproof since they use perforated leather. However, they seem to provide decent water resistance for light rain.
What features make them stand out?
They uniquely blend retro-style crafted leather with modern technology like molecular foam armor for impact protection, delivering versatility for performance riding with vintage comfort and aesthetics.
Would they work well for cold-weather riding?
No, they lack full insulation and wind/waterproof membranes for winter riding conditions. They are designed more for temperate spring through fall environments.
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Sources: Motorcycle personal protective equipment (1)
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