Having relied on the previous Sand 3 gloves for years, providing versatile protection across street, dual sport, and adventure riding, I was curious if Revit could truly improve on such a staple piece.
After thoroughly evaluating the Sand 4 gloves, I discovered Revit succeeded in elevating the style and implementing smart ergonomic tweaks.
However, enhancing the aesthetic seems to have led to decreased flexibility and comfort compared to the beloved honeycomb knuckle armor of the Sand 3.
While the Sand 4 still serves as a competitive offering in the ADV glove market, is it the best gloves for adventure motorcycles in the summer? Let’s find out!
Revit Sand 4 Motorcycle Gloves
Revamping The Revit Sand 4 Style Without Sacrificing Protection
Revit markets its Sand glove line as the ultimate blend of flexibility and protection for on and off-road motorcycling.
The previous Sand 3 delivered on this promise for several years, utilizing 3D mesh, PWR500 abrasion-resistant stretch panels, and durable goatskin leather construction. The new Sand 4 carries over these fundamental materials while revamping the style.
Gone are the signature honeycomb knuckles from the Sand 3, replaced by a rigid TPR armor system on the backhand and palm.
For enhanced visibility, subtle reflective detailing adorns the knuckles alongside perforated leather fingertips, allowing airflow.
These modern updates lend a more premium look compared to the utilitarian Sand 3. However, the pursuit of style has led to diminished flexibility and comfort — areas the old sand excelled at.
Improved Ergonomics Aid Motor Control
Beyond elevating aesthetics, Revit introduced intelligent ergonomics and design tweaks to improve glove performance.
The articulated fingers sport stretch accordion panels across the index, middle, and ring fingers, boosting flex during bike operation.
Formerly rigid TPR armored tips on the middle two fingers were removed, eliminating contact interference with controls.
The updates enhance the feel and fine motor control without compromising safety. Leather outseam overlays on the pinky finger retain coverage.
Touchscreen-compatible fingertips on the thumb and forefinger allow easy GPS usage, an expected feature vital for ADV riding. So, while armor flexibility suffered in the redesign, ergonomics and coverage saw subtle but meaningful improvements.
Evaluating the Revit Sand 4 Gloves
Assessing the new Sand 4 offering from multiple angles provides a comprehensive perspective on intended usage, crucial deciding factors, and direct competition.
Riding Disciplines Suited For Sand 4
- ADV touring – On and off-road terrain protection
- Street/Sport Touring – Lightweight summer glove with safety
- Casual Dual Sport – Versatile minimalist option
Key Strengths
- Lightweight with ventilation
- Active-use stretched materials
- Coverage and abrasion resistance
- Touchscreen finger compatibility
Potential Drawbacks
- Reduced flexibility from rigid new knuckles
- Lacks waterproofing for wet conditions
- Slightly cramped finger box fit
Notable Alternatives
- Klim Dakar – $64.99 – Budget friendly
- Alpinestars Oscar Brutale – $99.95 – Carbon knuckle protection
- Held Air n Dry – $189.99 – Goretex waterproofing
Armor Flexibility Downgrade Disappoints
While the Sand 4 introduces smart enhancements like improved ergonomics and reflective accents, the loss in flexibility from the updated TPR armor system proves disappointing.
Where the distinct honeycomb flow-mesh knuckle armor on the previous Sand 3 allowed complete freedom of movement, the new Sand 4 arrangement feels comparatively rigid and constrained.
The lack of flex hampers clutching and brake control – crucial abilities for aggressive ADV and dual sport riding. Underhand and wrist flex while grasping bars also feels restricted.
Considering flexibility ranked as a hallmark of the Sand glove pedigree, this aspect of frustration remains the Sand 4’s chief drawback.
Summarizing Armor Design Changes
- Old Sand 3 Honeycomb – Extremely maneuverable, unlimited flex
- New Sand 4 Rigid TPR – Restricts flex, feels confined
For ADV loyalists and off-road riders seeking maximum flexibility, the outdated Sand 3 curiously now outperforms the next-generation model.
While admirable gains came from ergonomic tweaks and stylish updates, core flexibility shockingly regressed thanks to Revit’s pursuit of aesthetics on the Sand 4 platform.
Balancing Style and Substance in Gear Evaluation
As riding gear technology continues evolving, manufacturers often face difficulty balancing innovations in style against trusted functionality.
Revit clearly felt improving the Sand visual design took priority, given the prominence of updated TPR knuckles across the Sand 4 glove’s aesthetic.
However, this emphasis on appearance led to the loss of flexibility – an attribute integral to the Sand name.
The Revit Sand 4 still serves as a versatile, competitive option across multiple riding segments. But for hardcore ADV and off-road riders seeking limitless flex similar to the former Sand 3, the latest iteration disappoints.
Considering the target rider for Sand gloves, restricting maneuverability presents a confounding sacrifice.
This crossroads between style and substance arises frequently within the gear industry – would you rather maintain trusted functionality or risk regression to enhance aesthetics?
It seems Revit chose form over function for their flagship all-around glove, much to the detriment of flexibility.
As riders, we gain incredible value from analyzing new gear developments through multiple lenses. While the Sand 4 succeeds as a handsome glove packed with features, it stumbles in carrying the torch of flexibility passed from the preceding generation.
When evaluating equipment innovations, carefully examine if enhancements in one area led to losses in another.
Understand your personal priorities and riding style to determine if restrictions could become deal-breakers that older models potentially avoided.
This educated scrutiny helps riders select gear that best matches their individual needs, not just the most stylish option.
Prioritize improvements that truly provide superior protection or capabilities over superficial visual changes – your safety depends upon it.
The Takeaway: Style Over Substance Represents a Step Backwards
In my search for the ideal blend of protection, comfort, and flexibility demanded by aggressive on and off-road riding, I found previous Revit Sand versions ticked all the boxes.
Unfortunately, the Sand 4 dropped the ball regarding flexibility. With the intent of forcing a style update, Revit oddly replaced highly maneuverable armor with attractive but restrictive pieces.
While I appreciated smart touches like improved ergonomics and reflective accents, limiting flexibility directly opposes the Sand glove’s adventure pedigree.
As core Sand buyers highly value limitless movement while riding varied terrain, this seems a confounding change in priorities.
My key conclusion is that riders wanting maximum flex and glove feel must stick with the previous generation.
Style-conscious individuals or those with less demanding flexibility needs will find merit in the Sand 4. But despite admirable updates elsewhere, restricting a defining attribute of Sand gloves rewards form over critical function.
I remain eager to see if Revit eventually issues Sand 5 gloves, recapturing flexibility while retaining fresh aesthetics.
But for now, power users must reference the outdated Sand 3 if seeking ultimate control and dexterity. Unfortunately, Revit’s emphasis on style proved overzealous, losing sight of core capabilities that rightfully can’t be compromised.
Frequently Asked Questions on Revit Sand 4 Gloves
Do the New Knuckles Really Restrict Movement?
Yes, compared to the highly flexible honeycomb armor on old Sand 3, the new TPR knuckles limit flex which reduces bar control while riding demanding terrain.
Does the Sand 4 Include Any Waterproofing?
No, the standard Sand 4 lacks waterproofing or a Gore-Tex liner. Riders needing water protection must upgrade to the $140 Sand 4 H20 version.
What Size Should I Order If Between Regular Sizes?
Many riders report needing to size up when ordering Revit gloves compared to the official size chart. If between sizes, it is best to order the larger size for comfort.
Could the Sand 4 Serve as a Winter Glove?
That’s likely not the case, as the Sand 4 remains a lightweight, highly breathable summer glove. While adding liner layers helps, riders needing true winter insulation should consider a different glove.
What Other Revit Gloves Compare to the Sand 4?
The Summit 3 glove offers similar mixed-material construction in a slightly warmer winter glove with PrimaLoft insulation. Costs more around the $160 range.
And Finally…
Evaluating the trade-offs between style and functionality proves vital when studying new gear offerings like the Revit Sand 4 glove.
While important ergonomic and design updates created a more stylish glove, restricting flexibility compared to previous generations leads to disappointing limitations – especially for aggressive ADV and dirt riders.
If maximizing control and dexterity on demanding rides matters most, consider sticking with the tried and true previous Revit Sand 3 model to avoid compromising flexibility.
But more casual dual sport and street riders will likely welcome the modernized style and overall improvements of the fresh Sand 4.
At the end of the day, carefully analyze if the pursuit of aesthetics forced unwanted restrictions on performance.
Finding gear delivering that elusive marriage of form and function still proves difficult – but understanding these development decisions helps riders better match equipment to their personal needs and priorities.
Ride safe out there, and let me know your thoughts on balancing innovations in style or functionality when evaluating new riding gear!
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Sources
Motorcycle Gloves Market: (1) https://www.factmr.com/report/228/motorcycle-riding-gloves-market
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