With so many materials, styles and brands, choosing the right glove can be daunting.
Fitment demystified
Comfort and control are what you want to achieve. You are after snug fitment without loose material bunching up when you are holding the handlebars. The palms should follow the shape of your hand and not be stretched tight across your palm when your hand is open. Ideally the correct fitment should be snug but not tight with your fingertips seated nicely near the end of the glove.
You will be safer, more comfortable and maintain better control of your bike when you have the correct glove fitment.
There are two common ways most manufacturers refer to sizing.
Hand Width
Place a ruler or tape measure flat on a bench and position the widest part of your palm on top. Repeat this process on the other hand and record the largest number from the two hands. Use the larger number when checking the sizing chart for any brand. Just like some people have one larger foot, the same is true about our hands.
Hand Circumference: Grab a soft measuring tape if you have one, otherwise use a piece of string. Wrap the tape or string around your palm at the widest point between the base of your thumb and fingers. If using string, now lay this flat against a ruler. Check both hands and take note of the largest number. Happy glove shopping.
Realistically there is no mystical glove that will suit all riding types and conditions.
For adventure riding in Australia where we might spend hundreds of kilometres on the road just to get to the dirt, a textile/leather hybrid is the likely the most suitable.
A lot of people have a leather pair for the road/transit stage of the journey and then switch to a lighter off-road pair when they hit the dirt. The main decision-making process should result in you having full control and comfort while riding. Comfort and control results in less fatigue, our enemy on long days particularly when riding for more than a few days at a time.
Gore-Tex/Waterproof Gloves
Waterproof gloves, the most recognised type being Gore-Tex will keep you dry. Remember you need to wear these correctly in order to stop water running down your jacket into the glove. Often coming in a gauntlet style glove that stretches up your arm, these gloves offer riders completely water repellent properties. If you ride in all weather conditions, consider this as a great option.
Off-Road Gloves
These are a great option if you ride in technical terrain and want every bit of feel through the bars as well as great ventilation. You won’t get the same level of impact protection or abrasion resistance as Adventure Gloves, but they are also a cheaper and offer a great option if complementing with a set of leather gloves
Adventure Gloves
Waterproof, vented and many different protection levels. There is an adventure glove to suit every rider. Klim offer an extensive range of adventure gloves. There are Gore-tex, vented leather, textile and even windstoppers.
Winter Gloves
If you suffer from cold hands or have been caught in a southern winter, then winter gloves are a must. With extra padding and thermal protection from the cold, these are such a great addition to your glove collection.
Heated Gloves
Why heated gloves, when I have heated grips? Heated gloves while a luxury also keep the top of your hands warm, something no heated grip can achieve. Using the gloves and the grips together also works well as you use less glove battery to achieve the required warmth. This means the battery lasts longer which is great on long rides when you are camping or away from mains power.
The best way to find what is right for you, is to try on many types and sizes suited to adventure riding. Visit a specialist like Adventure Moto or your local Adventure Gear stockist.
Geeves :)
Head Butler.