Modern, high-tech motorcycle gear is nothing short of amazing. What is available in stores today is dramatically better than the gear bikers had 20-30 years ago, and there are more manufacturers from more countries than ever. So if you are a rider, you should ask yourself what features do you really want and need your riding apparel to have. In this blog post, we will be talking about gloves specifically.
If you are looking to buy motorcycle gloves, probably the biggest decision you will have to make is whether to choose leather or textile gloves. Choosing the right material is crucial – it should provide you with protection, comfort, and be stylish enough to complement your riding attire. Can’t decide which option is best for you? Worry not, I’m here to help you weigh the pros and cons of each type, so you can make an informed decision.
Protection
Leather gloves offer a much better impact protection and abrasion resistance than their textile counterparts. That doesn’t mean that textile gloves won’t protect your hands – they will, but not the same way as leather. It is true that there have been some improvements in the quality of textile gloves, but still, leather wins this case. When looking to buy motorcycle gloves made from leather, make sure to check their thickness – it should be at least 1.2mm thick to offer the proper protection.
Weather Resistance
If you want gloves that you can wear in different weather conditions, textile ones are your best bet. Leather is heavy and does not offer as much ventilation, which makes it not as practical for summer riding. If you still want to ride with leather gloves due to their increased protection, many manufacturers today offer perforated options. For winter, leather is the better option as it is wind-resistant and keeps your hands warm by retaining your body’s heat. Staying warm/cool and dry affects the way you ride and your overall comfort, which is crucial for a pleasant riding experience. Nothing should distract you while riding, so pay attention to the kind of gloves you choose.
Durability
In a worst-case scenario, textile gloves will protect your hands the first time you are in a minor accident, but you will definitely need to replace them after that. On the other hand, you won’t have that problem with leather gloves as they are much more durable. Even if they have a few scuffs here and there, if properly taken care of, they can last for many years. You may have to pay a little more for leather gloves in the beginning, but in the long run, it is a worthy investment that will save you money as you won’t have to replace them every couple of months.
Speed
How fast you drive is also an important factor to consider when choosing a material. The higher your speed, the more protection you will need. Textile gloves are usually recommended for commuting, while leather ones are better for performance riding. Leather gloves cut the wind better and keep your hands warm at high speeds, while textile gloves are better for the everyday motorcycle commuting.
