The Rev it Monster gloves were the hype back in the 2000s. But could the new Monster 3 edition recapture the magic? After saddling up with the latest iteration, I have some thoughts on whether Rev it regained its mojo.
In this in-depth review, I’ll break down the Monster 3’s construction, features, and performance during testing.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best-armored motorcycle gloves for you? Let’s kick the tires and find out!
REV’IT! Monster 3 Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Durable full goatskin leather
- Cowhide palm reinforcements
- Streamlined flexible armor panels
The REV’IT! Monster 3 Gloves in Action
Over years of testing gear, I’ve found Revit consistently delivers well-designed gloves. The Monster 3 is no exception. The minimalist look conceals some clever design choices that enhance comfort and functionality.
The mix of leather and flexible textile panels allows your hands to move freely while riding. Cowhide reinforcements add abrasion protection without compromising the feel. Streamlined knuckle armor retains flexibility while still absorbing impacts.
Despite the full gauntlet construction, the gloves never feel overly bulky or restrictive. The elastic wrist panel and microhook closure also help the Monster 3s fit close to the wrist opening of your jacket.
During testing, I wore the Monster 3s for everything from commuting to backroad touring. The supple leather and stretch panels make them flexible enough for all-day wear. Just don’t expect hardcore track levels of protection.
Comparison to Similar Gloves
| Product | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon v2 Gloves | Full leather construction, injected carbon knuckle protection, pre-curved fingers |
| Dainese Steel Pro Gloves | Goatskin leather, carbon fiber knuckles, Kevlar stitching |
| Icon Pursuit Classic Gloves | Vintage styling, full goatskin leather, molded knuckles |
The Rev’It Monster 3 strikes a balance between protection and comfort with its leather and textile construction. It offers decent abrasion resistance for the street without being too bulky.
The Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon focuses more on performance with injected carbon knuckles and Kevlar reinforced palms. This makes them better suited to aggressive riding.
The Dainese Steel Pro provides the most rugged protection of the bunch with carbon fiber knuckles and heavy duty leather. They prioritize safety for the track.
The Icon Pursuit trades outright protection for heritage styling. The full leather build looks great but doesn’t offer the armor of the other gloves.
So the Monster 3provides a versatile option, while the Dainese and Alpinestars jackets cater to aggressive riders needing max protection. The Icon Pursuits appeal more to style conscious urban riders.
A Blast from the Past
For those of us who have been riding for 15+ years, the name Revit Monster likely evokes fond memories. When the original Monster gloves first launched in the mid-2000s, they quickly became must-have gear.
I still recall saving up to buy my first pair back in the day—they were the first truly high-end set of riding gloves I owned.
I got years of use out of them before the gloves finally wore out. When Revit later released the Monster 2 with changes to the design, I wasn’t a fan. The new quilted pattern and stretch panels just weren’t the same.
How do the Monster 3s compare?
The Monster 3 brings back many features riders loved about the original, including:
- Full goatskin leather construction
- Perforated fourchette panels
- Short cuff length
- Velcro closure
Gone are the quilted panels and many other changes made in the Monster 2. The Monster 3 harkens back to the classic minimalist style.
Monster 3 Construction and Features
The primary outer construction is goatskin leather, with flexible accordion panels on the knuckles and fingers. The palm incorporates cowhide reinforcement for extra abrasion resistance.
D3O foam in the knuckle protector dissipates impact, while an elastic wrist panel and microhook closure ensure a secure fit. Generous perforations balance protection and ventilation.
In addition to classic styling, the Monster 3 brings modern updates like touchscreen-compatible fingertip patches. The glove also seems to fit truer to size than some past Revit models. Sizing ranges from small up to 3XL.
Key Features:
- Full goatskin leather construction
- Cowhide palm reinforcements
- D3O knuckle protection
- Perforated fourchette panels
- Touchscreen compatible fingertips
- Elastic wrist panel w/ velcro closure
The Verdict?
In terms of merging classic style and modern technology, Revit nailed it with the Monster 3 gloves. They pay homage to the minimalist original Monster while enhancing key features. Cowhide reinforcements and updated armor increase safety without affecting feel.
For less than $150, the Monster 3s provide a surprising amount of functionality. Riders looking for a versatile short-cuff glove should give them serious consideration. They manage to balance heritage styling with smart design updates.
So, are the new Revit Monster 3 gloves worth it? If you want a solid all-around glove that handles commuting, touring, and even casual track days, I give them a hearty thumbs up. Seeing the Monster name return to form gives me hope for the future of Rev’It’s glove lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the Monster 3 gloves fit?
I found they run true to size. If in between, size up for a roomier fit. They fit me perfectly in a size 2XL when I measure 9.5 inches hand size.
What types of riding are the REV’IT! Monster 3 Gloves best for?
They work great for street riding, commuting, and touring. With cowhide palm sliders and knuckle armor, they offer decent protection for casual track days.
How durable is the leather on the REV’IT! Monster 3 Gloves?
The full goatskin leather construction seems quite durable, given it’s designed for abrasion resistance. I managed no tears through testing. The cowhide palm sliders also resist wearing well.
Do the REV’IT! Monster 3 Gloves work with touchscreens?
Yes, conductive fingertip patches allow the use of touchscreen devices without removing the gloves. This is a handy feature missing from the original Monster.
Are the REV’IT! Monster 3 gloves fully waterproof?
No, they are not marketed as waterproof. The leather construction resists light moisture, but for cold/wet weather riding, I’d recommend a waterproof glove liner underneath.
And finally…
Revit looks poised to win over riders once again with the Monster 3 glove. The new iteration feels like an instant classic by retaining the best elements of previous Monster editions. The Monster 3s again set the standard for premium short-cuff riding gloves after straying in recent years.
For riders seeking versatility, protection, and heritage style, the Monster 3s check all the boxes. While no single glove can perfectly satisfy every need, these come impressively close for less than $150.
So, if you ride a motorcycle, you may just want to add Monster 3 gloves to your kit!
Share your impressions below! Do you agree they successfully rebooted an icon of mid-2000s motorcycle gear? I’m excited to hear your thoughts.
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Sources: Motorcycle personal protective equipment (1)