Knox Urbane Pro Gloves Review: Safest Summer Gloves Under $150?

Combining multiple armor components with leather and textile construction, do these Knox Urbane Pro gloves hit the sweet spot for warm-weather riding?

But, the main question I will answer in this Knox Urbane Pro Gloves review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for the summer for you? I put them to the test to see if they’re worth the $130 price tag.

Knox Urbane Pro Gloves: Our Verdict

Comparison to Similar Models

Model	Description of Features
REV’IT! Volcano	Goatskin leather construction, TPR knuckle protection, touchscreen compatible fingertips, short cuff design
Alpinestars Mustang V2	Full-grain leather construction, TPR knuckle protection, reinforced palm and thumb, pre-curved finger construction
Dainese MIG 3	Goatskin leather construction, carbon fiber knuckle protection, reinforced palm, pre-curved fingers, touchscreen compatible
Dainese Blackshape	Perforated cowhide leather, D3O foam armor, touchscreen compatible fingertips, pre-curved finger construction

The REV’IT! Volcano and Alpinestars Mustang V2 gloves both feature short cuff designs and TPR knuckle protection, making them suitable for warm-weather riding. However, the Volcano uses goatskin leather, which is generally more supple than the full-grain leather of the Mustang V2.

The Dainese MIG 3 and Blackshape gloves both offer touchscreen compatibility, but the MIG 3 provides more robust protection with its carbon fiber knuckles compared to the D3O foam armor in the Blackshape.

The MIG 3 also uses goatskin leather, which may offer a better feel and flexibility than the Blackshape’s cowhide construction.

All four models feature pre-curved finger construction for improved comfort and control, but they differ in their level of ventilation.

The Blackshape gloves, with their perforated leather, likely offer the best airflow among these options, making them ideal for hot weather riding.

What About Protection?

The Knox Urbane Pro contrasts with these options by focusing more heavily on ventilation through the 3D spacer mesh.

The Urbane Pro armor also looks less robust than the full carbon or TPU shells of the higher-end track mits.

So, while the knox urbane gloves option sacrifices some protection, it remains a strong choice for riders prioritizing ventilation over racing performance during warm weather.

The Knox Urbane Pro incorporates multiple protective elements to help safeguard your hands while riding. This includes:

• TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) knuckle protector – This hard plastic shell helps shield the vulnerable knuckle area from impact.
• SPS slider – A reinforced slider located on the palm provides abrasion resistance in the event of a slide-out. This helps prevent serious hand injuries.
• Additional TPU slider at the base of the hand – This extra TPU slider provides further abrasion protection.
• Amara leather palm – The palm is made from abrasion-resistant Amara leather, offering good durability and slide protection.

While not designed specifically for track use, these protective features make the Urbane Pro a reasonably capable street/canyon mitt. The armor is focused on key impact zones without overly compromising flexibility and dexterity.

The combination of the TPU knuckle guard, palm sliders, and leather construction provides a good balance of protection and comfort for general riding use.

This makes the Urbane Pro a sensible choice for riders prioritizing ventilation over maximum hardcore armor.

Weather Performance

The Knox Urbane Pro gloves shine in hot weather, but how do they hold up in other conditions? Let’s break it down:

Hot Weather Heroes

These gloves are summer stars. The spacer mesh fabric on the backhand lets air flow freely, keeping your hands cool even when the mercury soars.

I’ve worn them in 90°F+ (32°C+) heat, and my hands stayed surprisingly comfortable. The perforated leather palm adds to the ventilation, making these gloves a godsend during scorching rides.

Light Rain Resilience

While they’re not waterproof, the Urbane Pro gloves can handle a light drizzle. The leather palm provides some water resistance, but don’t expect miracles.

In a sudden summer shower, your hands might get damp, but not soaked. The quick-drying spacer mesh means they’ll dry out fast once the rain stops.

Cool Weather Capabilities

As temperatures drop, these gloves start to show their limitations. They’re designed for airflow, which becomes a drawback in cooler weather.

I’ve found them comfortable down to about 65°F (18°C), but below that, you’ll want something warmer. They don’t block wind effectively, so chilly breezes can make your hands cold on longer rides.

Unexpected Versatility

Surprisingly, the Urbane Pro gloves work well in humid conditions. The breathable design helps wick away sweat, preventing that clammy feeling you get with some summer gloves. This makes them great for tropical climates or muggy city riding.

The Trade-off

The excellent hot weather performance comes at a cost. These gloves offer minimal insulation, making them unsuitable for cold rides. They also lack any water-resistant coating, so they’re not your best choice for wet weather.

In essence, the Knox Urbane Pro gloves are specialized tools. They excel in hot, dry conditions but fall short when the weather turns cool or wet.

For summer riding, they’re hard to beat. But for year-round use, you’ll need to pair them with a more weather-resistant option in your gear collection.

Optimized for Ventilation Without Compromising Feel

I’ve observed firsthand how they sacrifice a tactile feeling in the quest for ventilation. However, the Urbane Pros maintain an excellent feel through the hand and gel padding at the pressure points.

The backs feature 3D spacer mesh for airflow. This advanced textile maximizes air intake while avoiding pressure points. Furthermore, ventilation perforations prevent an overly warm grip.

The breathable stretch fabric wrist closure and neoprene cuff seal out debris without restricting movement. Hence, Knox succeeded in blending protection and flexibility.

While not waterproof, they resist light moisture. For cold or wet conditions, the Knox Handroid and Orsa offer better weather protection with beefier armor.

Here is a section on sizing for the Knox Urbane Pro:

Knox Urbane Pro Sizing

Getting the right fit for your Knox Urbane Pro Gloves is crucial for comfort and safety. Here’s my detailed guide to help you nail the perfect fit:

Measurements Matter

To find your size, you’ll need two key measurements:

1. Palm Circumference: Wrap a tape measure around the widest part of your palm, just below your knuckles. Make a fist when you do this.
2. Hand Length: Measure from your wrist crease to the tip of your middle finger.

Here’s a quick reference table:

Size	Palm Circumference (mm)	Hand Length (mm)
S	215	186
M	230	193
L	245	200
XL	260	207
XXL	275	214
XXXL	290	221

Achieving the Perfect Fit

The Urbane Pro Gloves should feel snug but not restrictive. Here are some tips:

1. Your fingertips should just touch the end of the glove fingers.
2. The knuckle guard should align with your knuckles when you make a fist.
3. The scaphoid protection system should cover your palm’s base when gripping handlebars.

Between Sizes?

If you’re between sizes, consider these factors:

1. For summer riding, go with the smaller size for a tighter fit.
2. If you plan to wear liners, choose the larger size.
3. Remember, leather stretches slightly with use.

Common Fit Issues

Some riders report the thumb being too long in certain sizes. If this happens, try the next size down or consider a different model.

The cuff leather should close securely around your wrist. If it’s too loose, the gloves might not stay in place during a slide.

Breaking In

New gloves might feel stiff. Wear them around the house to break them in. The leather will soften and mold to your hand shape.

By following this guide, you’ll end up with gloves that fit like a second skin, giving you the protection and comfort you need for those long summer rides.

Long-term Durability

The Knox Urbane Pro gloves are built to last, but like any motorcycle gear, they’ll face wear and tear over time. Here’s what I’ve found about their long-term durability:

Material Performance

The leather palm holds up well, resisting abrasion and maintaining its shape even after extensive use. The spacer mesh fabric on the backhand, while excellent for breathability, can show signs of pilling after a few seasons of heavy use.

Weak Points

The perforated neoprene cuffs are a potential weak spot. Some riders report that these cuffs can start to fray or tear after a year or two of regular use. This doesn’t affect the gloves’ protective qualities but might impact their appearance and comfort.

Stitching and Construction

The stitching on the Knox Urbane Pro gloves is generally robust. Double stitching in high-stress areas helps prevent seams from coming apart.

However, the thread used for the touchscreen-compatible fingertips can wear down faster than other areas.

Protection Elements

The scaphoid protection system and knuckle guard maintain their protective qualities well over time. The Micro-lock armor doesn’t degrade or lose its impact-absorption properties, even after years of use.

User Experiences

Many riders report using these gloves for 2-3 years before needing replacement. Some have even stretched that to 4-5 years with proper care. However, those who ride daily in harsh conditions might find they need to replace them annually.

Care Impact

Proper care significantly extends the life of these gloves. Regular cleaning and conditioning of the leather parts can prevent premature aging and cracking.

Avoiding exposure to extreme heat or direct sunlight when not in use also helps preserve the materials.

While the Knox Urbane Pro gloves aren’t indestructible, they offer solid durability for their category. They strike a balance between longevity and the lightweight, breathable design that makes them popular for summer riding.

Does the Knox Urbane Pro Justify Their Price?

Given the protective components incorporated into a lightweight and dexterous package, I believe the cost is reasonable. They compare favorably to competitors like the $150 Dainese 4-Stroke EVO.

While not cheap, value exists in the balance between safety, cooling, flexibility, and daily riding practicality. As my temps rise over the summer months, the Urbane Pro will see regular use.

Pros & Con’s

Pros

1. Breathability: The spacer mesh fabric keeps hands cool in hot weather.
2. Protection: CE-approved with Microlock armor and scaphoid protection system.
3. Comfort: Soft leather palm and seamless finger end to enhance comfort.
4. Versatility: Works well in various riding conditions, especially in summer.
5. Touchscreen compatibility: Use your phone without removing gloves.

Cons

1. Weather limitations: Not suitable for cold or wet conditions.
2. Durability concerns: Some users report fraying on the cuffs.
3. Fit issues: Thumb length might be too long for some riders.
4. Price: More expensive than some comparable summer gloves.
5. Break-in period: Leather can be stiff initially.

I’ve found these gloves excel in hot weather riding. They’re my go-to when the temperature climbs above 75°F (24°C). The airflow is fantastic, and I don’t get that clammy feeling I’ve experienced with other summer gloves.

The protection feels solid without being bulky. I especially like the scaphoid protection system – it gives me peace of mind without sacrificing flexibility.

However, they’re not perfect. I’ve noticed some fraying on the cuff after a season of use. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to watch out for. Also, if you’re between sizes, you might find the fit a bit tricky – especially in the thumbs.

Overall, if you’re a warm-weather rider looking for a balance of protection and comfort, these gloves are worth considering. Just be prepared to pair them with a more weather-resistant option for cooler or wetter days.

FAQs

Could I wear these year-round with a liner for winter?

You could attempt to layer the Urbane Pros; however, I believe their light mesh construction makes them better suited for warmer weather. For year-round use, the Orsa or Handroid mits would be better choices.

How does the sizing run?

I found they run true to size. Order your normal size based on hand circumference. There’s enough waterproof stretch to fine-tune the fit.

Do they fade or degrade from washing?

I haven’t observed fading or breakdown after gentle hand washing and air drying. However, machine drying could compromise materials over time.

And Finally…

The Knox Urbane Pro hit a sweet spot between high-level protection, ventilation, and flexibility. While not the most hardcore option, they work well for flowing canyon rides and general street use.

Have you tried the Urbane Pro or Urbane? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

Previous Article: Biltwell Borrego Review

Next Article: REV’IT! Taurus GTX Review

Sources: Motorcycle personal protective equipment (1)