Street & Steel Scrambler Gloves Review: Style Over Safety?

I’m always on the lookout for stylish vintage motorcycle gloves that can keep my hands safe while complementing my bike’s retro aesthetics.

That’s why I was eager to check out the new Street & Steel Scrambler gloves, which promise premium old-school styling along with decent motor functionality.

But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for protection for you? Let’s find out!

The Verdict? Style Over Substance in Most Regards

If aesthetically pleasing vintage race gloves (1) with modest protective abilities are your jam, the Street & Steel Scramblers admirably fit the bill.

They’ll complement any heritage motorcycle rig flawlessly with supple leather construction and eye-catching detailing throughout.

Just don’t expect hardcore performance on par with track-focused race gloves from Alpinestars or Rev’It. Cold weather insulation and ventilation are also pretty meager.

But sometimes, the form takes precedence over the hardcore function. And for under $100, these handsome motorcycle gloves deliver decent safety specs in an incredibly stylish package.

Premium Vintage Styling with Modest Protective Features

Straight out of the box, it’s clear the Scrambler gloves are gorgeously crafted using soft, supple, full-grain leather in vintage hues. The detailed stitching and rough-looking accents also enhance that rugged retro vibe.

But there are some notable omissions in the protective technology department:

• No Kevlar fabric or durable overlays guarding high abrasion zones
• Minimal insulation and breathability for extensive cold/hot weather riding
• No touchscreen-compatible fingertips for using devices on the go

The gloves do incorporate a foam-padded knuckle protector panel. However, it’s not a rigid shield capable of dispersing serious impact force.

So, while the scramblers showcase impeccable old-school style, they seem better suited for fair-weather urban cruising rather than hardcore ADV touring.

Snug Fingers and Quirky Fastener System

I tried on a size large, which felt pallidly snug in the fingers. The pre-curved shape and internal stitching pressed against my fingertips – likely bothersome during long rides.

Externally stitched seams would alleviate this pressure point issue. But the vintage aesthetic relies on clean, minimalist lines.

While width-wise, the fingers fit my hands perfectly, the stitch termination sits well short of my nail beds, making for an odd truncated sensation. Riders with shorter digits likely won’t notice this discrepancy.

The Scramblers forego the usual wrist velcro closure in favor of double snap buttons. It’s definitely stylish but doesn’t ratchet as securely as hook-and-loop. Also, there is no touchscreen padding here either.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of leather are Scrambler gloves made from?

The Street & Steel Scrambler gloves utilize premium full-grain cowhide leather construction along with textile paneling and protective foam elements. The leather gives the gloves flexibility combined with decent abrasion resistance.

Do Scrambler gloves have knuckle protection?

Yes, the gloves integrate foam-padded panels with light internal reinforcement over the main knuckle zone. However, this cushioning lacks the extreme impact dispersion capabilities of carbon fiber or thermoplastic shields.

Are Scrambler gloves OK for winter riding?

I wouldn’t recommend Scrambler gloves for very cold conditions, as the minimal panels and single-layer construction provide negligible insulation and wind-blocking abilities. They’re optimized for temperate urban environs, not snowy mountain trails.

Can you use touchscreens while wearing Scrambler gloves?

Unfortunately, Scrambler gloves do not incorporate conductive fingertip patches compatible with capacitive touchscreen displays found on smartphones and GPS devices. So you won’t be able to use these high-tech features mid-ride.

What is the usual price range for Scrambler gloves?

The Street & Steel Scrambler gloves cost approximately $70-100, depending on the retailer. This positions them as budget-minded options compared to premium race gloves from top brands exceeding $300+.

And Finally…

The new Street & Steel Scrambler gloves clearly prioritize delivering unique vintage styling cues over maximized protective capacities.

They lack substantial armor, insulation, and weatherproofing compared to hardcore racing gloves. However, the full-grain leather construction still resists abrasion decently while looking fantastic.

For temperate, low-speed cruising on dry roads, they offer satisfactory safety and insane style at a reasonable price.

Just don’t expect track-ready performance without compromises – choose fashion or function depending on your riding needs!

I’m eager to keep testing stylish motorcycle gear that perfectly balances aesthetics with security. Have you discovered any retro moto items that uniquely achieve both? Let me know in the comments!

Previous Article:

Next Article:

Sources: Protective clothing: (1)