As an avid motorcyclist, having a good pair of riding gloves is essential for protection and comfort. But with so many options on the market, deciding which winter motorcycle gloves are right for your needs and budget can be tricky.
In this Klim Togwotee Gauntlet Gloves Review, I’ll provide a detailed breakdown of one of my favorite all-around winter gloves – the Icon Axis – to help you determine if they could be a good choice for your next upgrade.
But, the main question I will answer in this review is: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for cold weather for you? Let’s find out!
Klim Togwotee Gauntlet Gloves Review
Key Takeaways
- Secure wrist closure stays tight
- D3O foam absorbs impact forces
- Durable goatskin withstands abrasion
What makes motorcycle gloves important?
Motorcycle gloves might seem like an afterthought, but they serve several critical functions:
- Protect hands in a crash through materials that resist abrasion
- Grip handlebars firmly using tactile or sticky palms
- Control the motorcycle precisely via flexibility and sensitivity
- Safeguard against weather through insulation and water resistance
Upgrading to quality motorcycle gloves makes a huge difference in comfort, safety, and overall riding experience.
Overview of Klim Togwotee Gauntlet Gloves
Before getting into the pros and cons, let’s look at how these gloves are constructed:
- Durable diamond goatskin leather main chassis
- Neoprene paneling on knuckles and finger backs
- Reinforced diamond cowhide leather palm
- D3O impact armor on knuckles and fingers
- Hook-and-loop and elastic wrist closure system
This combination of materials provides an ideal balance of protection, flexibility, and ventilation for street riding.
Key benefits of Icon’s Axis gloves
Based on my experience testing these motorcycle gloves, here are some of their standout benefits:
- Exceptional feel and feedback through minimalist palm
- D3O foam absorbs impact energy in a crash
- Goatskin withstands abrasion from tarmac or debris
- Neoprene stretches to allow hand movement
- Secure wrist closure keeps glove tight in a slide
For a reasonable price point, these gloves check all the major boxes for street and commuter riding.
Potential downsides to consider
While I’m overall a big fan of these gloves, there are some downsides to note as well:
- Limited insulation makes them cooler weather only
- Not fully waterproof in heavy rain
- Touchscreen compatibility wears out over time
- Only one color option is available.
If all-weather versatility or hi-viz colors are important to you, other gloves would be a better choice.
FAQ
What types of riding are the Axis gloves best suited for?
The Icon Axis gloves shine for street, commuter, and other warm/dry condition riding. The glove materials provide excellent abrasion resistance, flexibility, and impact protection, which are ideal for these applications. However, the lack of insulation and waterproofing makes them less suitable for cold or wet rides.
How does the durability compare to other similar-priced gloves?
I’ve found the goatskin leather and overall construction provide durability on par with premium gloves costing significantly more. The D3O foam also maintains its shock-absorbing properties even after multiple impacts. With proper care, these gloves should last for multiple seasons of riding.
Is sizing consistent with other Icon gloves?
Yes, the sizing runs very consistent with Icon’s other glove models. I wore an extra large which matched my usual Icon size, and the fit felt precise right out of the box with no break-in required. If you already know your size in Icon gloves, the Axis will fit the same.
How easy is it to wash and maintain the Axis gloves over time?
Due to the mix of materials, I recommend gentle hand washing only using a small amount of mild detergent and warm water. Let the gloves air dry completely before storing to prevent any moisture damage to materials. Proper cleaning helps maintain the leather suppleness and lining comfort.
What are some good cold-weather alternatives to the Icon Axis?
For riders needing more insulation or waterproofing, some excellent cold-weather gloves include the Icon Raiden Drys, Alpinestars Winter Gore-Tex, and Firstgear Kathmandu. But the Axis remains a top choice for temperates above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The final takeaway
For riders seeking a durable and protective street glove with an excellent feel, the Icon Axis gloves deliver tremendous bang for the buck.
I would recommend them to any rider looking to upgrade from lower-end gloves without breaking the bank. Have you tried the Icon Axis or other similar gloves? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Sources: MOTORCYCLE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: (1)