Product test: all-round gloves

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Product test: all-round gloves
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Product test: all-round gloves

Product test: gloves
All-round gloves in comparison

Anyone who wants to play the piano with sensitivity and speed, at a comfortable temperature – even in the rain – needs first-class all-round gloves. Twelve models are compared.

Thorsten Dentges

08/05/2010

Another strange word creation from the advertising poetry: X-Trafit. What shoud that? Freely translated perhaps: “particularly suitable”? Well, not exactly imaginative, but in this case actually applicable. And so the test result is already anticipated. The four best gloves in comparison are “X-Trafit”. Since such information in the form of patches, labels or tags is usually as irrelevant to the buyer in the shop as a TuV inspection sticker in Albania, some clarification is allowed at this point. It is a technology from clothing and membrane specialist W. L. Gore, in which the upper material, the climate membrane and the lining of each individual glove are three-dimensionally bonded using heatable metal hand molds. This construction is primarily intended to provide a better grip. Says Gore. But one can only confirm, even if the piano lesson should be done without overcoat. On the other hand, sporty driving with heavy braking and a lot of coupling processes works much better than with conventional, often bulky touring gloves, the three layers of which can slip when fully used. The layers that are firmly connected to each other in X-Trafit, on the other hand, ensure a similarly good grip feeling as with just one layer, and even fiddly actions such as operating a navigation device are easy to handle.

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All-round gloves in comparison

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In contrast to pure sports gloves, the more touristy designed Xtrafitter also offer good weather protection (waterproof climate membrane) and warm, depending on how sensitive you are to the cold, even in very spring-like temperatures. However, that does not mean that the other gloves are without “X-Trafit” no good. On the contrary, some specimens are similarly crisp to the touch and offer great wearing comfort (Rev‘it, Buse, Bikers). More good news: Almost without exception, the top all-rounders passed the MOTORRAD wetness test with flying colors, only the Ixon clearly weakened. A mix of abrasion-resistant leather and quick-drying textile fabrics is typical of this type of glove. This is generally good for wearing comfort, but not for safety, which is why some models are made almost entirely of leather. But it is important that with a glove that should score points in every discipline, at least for the fall zones, you should pay attention to proper material doubling, padding or protectors. In some cases, manufacturers are making savings in precisely these areas. While it is still acceptable that the most inexpensive Buse (around 45 euros) was set for the material and quality of the red pencil, should be more in it at prices between 50 and 100 euros than for example with the extremely comfortable, but less secure Bikers or Dainese.

There is no question that investing in a comparatively expensive all-rounder is worthwhile, because good products – whether now “X-Trafit” or cleverly constructed in some other way – nowadays they create a considerable balancing act between sport and touring. Nevertheless, there is still enough development potential (see box on the right). It will be interesting to see whether the top all-rounders, which are already very good, will be replaced by tip-top all-rounders in the near future.

Alpinestars Apex


Product test: all-round gloves


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Alpinestars Apex

providers: Alpinestars, phone 0039/04235286, www.alpinestars.com
price: 79.95 euros
To dye: Black, black with red
Sizes: S to 3XL

Plus:
Sporty construction with high protection against stripping thanks to the well thought-out Velcro strap (easy to use!) And a tight fit. Very good protection against accidents for the edge of the hand thanks to the double layer of leather and a stiff ankle protector. The cuff can be adjusted very flexibly.

Minus:
“Teddy lining” plush, but not particularly warming and uncomfortably sweaty in summer temperatures, shifts easily (annoying when putting on and taking off with wet hands), spongy feel. Leaks during the filling test.

Conclusion:
At first glance, the Apex looks like a racing glove. And feels so secure with a tight fit. It shows good all-rounder qualities in wind and weather – even despite the mistake in the wetness test. However, the wearing comfort is only moderate.

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

Bikers Munich


Product test: all-round gloves


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Bikers Munich

providers: Polo, phone 0180/5225785, www.polo-motorrad.de
price: 62.95 euros
colour: Black
Sizes: XS to XXL

Plus:
Easy entry, pleasantly light to wear thanks to the high textile content. Wet test passed without any problems, Gore-Tex membrane. Well padded ball of the hand.

Minus:
Offers little impact protection and only moderate abrasion resistance on the back of the hand. Wiping protection is seriously restricted by a flap elastic band instead of a proper Velcro strap. Lining feels synthetic, not very skin-friendly, indoor climate sweaty even at moderate temperatures (around 15 degrees), thermal output rather modest. Cuff cut too short. Lining shifts when it is pulled out.

Conclusion:
Waterproof, easy to use, attractive price. When trying on the bike for the first time, the biker flatters himself immediately, but on closer inspection and a longer trial, he reveals some weaknesses, especially in terms of safety.

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

Buse Nordkapp


Product test: all-round gloves


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Buse Nordkapp

providers: Buse, phone 02471/12690, www.buese.com
price: 44.95 euros
To dye: Black
Sizes: 6 to 14

Plus:
Offers proper security thanks to the firm Velcro strap on the wrist, tight fit, successful closure of the cuff and large leather pads as knuckle protection on the back of the hand. Comfortable to wear.

Minus:
Fingers not perfectly cut, somewhat annoying wrinkles on the palm with frequent braking and coupling actions. A test pattern during the filling test with leaks. Processing, material quality and equipment below average. Thermal output on fingertips is not very convincing even at temperatures around 15 degrees.

Conclusion:
The cheapest representative in the test does well. Features and workmanship are rather modest, and the Buse stumbled easily in the wet test. In turn, a good fit and protective effect fit. Decent all-rounder.

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

Dainese axon


Product test: all-round gloves


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Dainese axon

providers: Dainese, phone 089/35396766, www.dainese.com
price: 99 euros
To dye: Black, black with gray or red
Sizes: XXS to XXL

Plus:
Fit overall good, wet test passed without any problems, also insulates well at temperatures around ten degrees. Dries comparatively quickly after driving in the rain. Impeccable workmanship, high-quality leather on the palm, Gore-Tex membrane.

Minus:
The lining shifts, and the palm of the hand slips back and forth when braking heavily. Wiping protection despite the wrist strap is only moderately due to its elastic structure and only comparatively thin textile material on the back of the hand without effective reinforcements. On warm summer days (over 20 degrees) a very sweaty indoor climate quickly develops.

Conclusion:
The expensive Axiom is comfortable, lightweight, and waterproof. However, it has some security flaws and is more like a loose leisure glove than a full-fledged motorcycle glove. Too expensive for average performance.

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

Dane Staby


Product test: all-round gloves


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Dane Staby

providers: Motoport, phone 04451/915200, www.motoport.de
price: 84 euros
colour: Black
Sizes: XS to 3XL

Plus:
Very precise and secure grip during braking and coupling processes (also and especially with two-finger technology). Good protection of the edge of the hand thanks to the surrounding material doubling with high-quality cowhide leather, clearly visible reflectors, bomb-proof wrist strap, X-Trafit technology. Well-proportioned cuff length, comfortable lining, great indoor climate even in midsummer temperatures. Wet test passed easily.

Minus:
The palm has a comparatively sparse padding, the seam presses, but only becomes annoying in the long run. Heat output rather modest, but still acceptable around 15 degrees. Thumb in the fall area insufficiently protected by thin textile material.

Conclusion:
It’s not cheap, but it’s absolutely worth the money. The Staby is an athlete and a tourist in one. It is characterized by an extremely successful fit and offers good safety reserves if you should shoot over the target.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

Hein Gericke Tour Lt X-Trafit


Product test: all-round gloves


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Hein Gericke Tour Lt X-Trafit

providers: Hein Gericke, phone 0180/5229522, www.hein-gericke.de
price: 79.95 euros
colour: Black, black with red
Sizes: XS to XXL

Plus:
Great grip, almost super sporty, only applies thinly. Good grip in the palm. Very neatly processed, beautifully light and high-quality mix of leather and textile on the backhand. Also suitable for warm summer days due to the good indoor climate, overall very comfortable to wear.

Minus:
The cut is more geared towards slender hands, with strong hands a size larger than usual fits better, but the proportions are no longer correct (glove fingers cut a little too long). Isolation already at temperatures around 15 degrees borderline.

Conclusion:
The makers of the great Tour LT have understood what it’s about: to bring sporty grip and tourist demands under one roof. A little better warmth and a not quite as tight cut, and the glove would be perfect.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

MOTORCYCLE buyer’s tip

Hero Satu


Product test: all-round gloves


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Hero Satu

providers: Held, phone 08321/66460, www.held.de
price: 79.95 euros
colour: Black
Sizes: 6 to 12

Plus:
Excellent grip, good proportions. With summer warmth, no sweaty indoor climate thanks to comfortable lining, at the same time sufficient heat output up to around ten degrees. The cuff can be put on tightly and integrated well under the jacket. Wet test passed without failures, workmanship and equipment exemplary. Visor wiper lip made of rubber, X-Trafit technology, good anti-wiping protection through efficient wrist Velcro straps and a very comfortable fit overall.

Minus:
Knuckles only protected by the textile upper material, which is not quite as fall-proof, only foam padding to reinforce the fall zones in the upper hand area.

Conclusion:
Very easy to use, absolutely waterproof and adjusted to (almost) any weather condition. In addition, first-class grip and extremely comfortable. It couldn’t be better. The Satu offers outstanding performance for the money.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

MOTORCYCLE test winner

IXS Skogar


Product test: all-round gloves


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IXS Skogar

providers: Hostettler, phone 07631/18040, www.ixs.de
price: 79.95 euros
colour: Black
Sizes: XS to 3XL

Plus:
Very skin-friendly lining, comfortable to wear, snug fit, almost sporty, secure grip even when braking and clutching in quick succession. Wet test passed perfectly, absolutely waterproof. Processing above average, Gore-Tex membrane and X-Trafit technology. Apply extremely thinly, particularly light.

Minus:
Insulation low, glove only suitable for summer. Wrist hook and loop fastener dimensioned a little too weak, sparse padding on the ball of the hand, inadequate hand edge protection.

Conclusion:
The Swiss also rely on the X-Trafit technology and tailor an extremely light and grip-safe glove for active sports tourists. The downside: The Skogar hardly warms at all and is therefore only suitable for the summer.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

Polo mohawk


Product test: all-round gloves


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Polo mohawk

providers: Polo, phone 0180/5225785, www.polo-motorrad.de
price: 49.95 euros
colour: Black
Sizes: M to 3XL

Plus:
Lining made of comfortable fleece material, heat output up to ten degrees, perfect result in the wetness test. Visor wiper, very good wiping protection, padded upper hand and all-round material doubling on the edge of the hand, offers very reasonable safety reserves.

Minus:
Complicated operation of the cuff fastener, the cuff also wears thick, can only be tucked in under narrow sleeves with great effort. Upper material slippery at fingertips, therefore poor operation of brake and clutch levers (deductions with active safety).

Conclusion:
Good approaches, above all the polo all-rounder offers decent security. Price, equipment and workmanship are also difficult to order. But: The complicated handling and mediocre fit spoil a better result.

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

Ixon Pro Apex


Product test: all-round gloves


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Ixon Pro Apex

providers: Shark helmets, phone 04108/458000, www.ixon.com
price: 84.00 euros
colour: Black, black with white
Sizes: XS to 3XL

Plus:
Well-fitting knuckle protection in carbon look on the back of the hand. Edge protection through extensive leather.

Minus:
Very spongy grip thanks to elastic, neoprene-like textile material, which greatly affects the anti-slip protection despite the wrist latch. Overall not good cut, fingers too long. The material and workmanship are very modest and have no relation to the high price. Little breathable, lining not very skin-friendly, sweaty indoor climate from 15 degrees, only moderately insulated. In the wetness test, three test samples failed completely with severe leaks.

Conclusion:
A tough verdict, but the gross blunders in the wetness test hardly allow anything else. In addition, the Frenchman is far too spongy to meet his own sporting demands. The price announcement is wet research.

MOTORRAD verdict: poor

Revit Club H2O


Product test: all-round gloves


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Revit Club H2O

providers: Revit, phone 0031/412696740, www.revit.eu
price: 59.99 euros
colour: Black
Sizes: S to 3XL (men), S to L (women)

Plus:
Supple leather, very light and easy-to-wear glove, sporty to the touch, close-fitting, well-tailored, classic look. Wet test passed without complaints, good indoor climate, very good protection against stripping.

Minus:
Insulation only moderate, but sufficient for shorter tours at temperatures around 15 degrees. With strong braking and frequent grip, the lining shifts and rubs minimally on the palm.

Conclusion:
Classical fans will love the fully leather Club H2O. It offers sufficient weather protection with a very firm grip and a good fit, but feels most comfortable in warmer to hot climates. The price is also hot – a tip!

MOTORRAD verdict: good

MOTORCYCLE buyer’s tip

Vanucci Fun 4 Tour


Product test: all-round gloves


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Vanucci Fun 4 Tour

providers: Louis, phone 040/73419360, www.louis.de
price: 69.95 euros
colour: Black with gray or beige
Sizes: XS to 3XL

Plus:
Absolutely watertight both during the filling test and in the immersion bath. Provides proper fall protection through reinforcements on the edge of the hand and leather padding on the back of the hand.

Minus:
Fingers cut very tight, the knuckles tense and press, the lining shifts slightly with movement. Indoor climate moderate, sweaty quickly at temperatures over 20 degrees. Insufficient heat output for tourist orientation. Processing rather mediocre.

Conclusion:
Light glove with a high textile content and high-quality material ingredients (Outlast, Sympatex). Smaller weaknesses in fit and comfort leave the really good one Vanucci but not at the forefront.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

CONCLUSION


Product test: all-round gloves


Drawing: archive

The results of the glove test at a glance.

An all-rounder doesn’t have to be perfect everywhere, but to rattle through a discipline like the poorly crafted Ixon, that doesn’t work at all. Failed the wetness test, weather protection: inadequate! The other candidates, however, do the strict requirements so properly that they would be anything but a bad buy. A very positive result: Six out of twelve models hit the right mix of grip and comfort as well as security and weather protection so well that you don’t want to take them out of your hand. In the price range around 80 euros, correct defects are the exception and good performance is the rule.


Product test: all-round gloves


archive

Biomechanic and accident analyst Florian Schueler, 63, from the University of Heidelberg.

Attractive: one for all. With the favorites from this test you drive more than well. But there is more. MOTORRAD asked the biomechanic and accident analyst Florian Schueler, 63, from the University of Heidelberg what a perfect motorcycle glove should look like.

“First of all, about active safety: A physiologically-anatomically adapted, weatherproof material would be desirable. Ideally, one should better coordinate how the ergonomics and haptic functionality (grip) fit together between the driver and the specific motorcycle he is using. I could also imagine that in the future gloves will be able to use electronic sensors to display the performance and state of mind of the driver and, if necessary, could issue warnings in comparison with the dynamic state values ​​of the motorcycle (speed, lean angle, braking, acceleration)! In this way, the driver would get better feedback and could adapt his driving style accordingly. Now to the passive safety: On the one hand, gloves must not fly off in the event of an accident-related skidding movement of the arm, or they must not be stripped off when sliding across the road, as far as is known. Good gloves usually already have fixed Velcro straps. On the other hand, in the event of an accident in which the hand is trapped, it should be able to easily detach from the glove and thus from the injury zone. The designer would have to define and implement a predetermined breaking point, so to speak. In addition, the protection against injury should include the risk of impact, entrapment, abrasions and possible subsequent infections of the hand. In this regard, I can easily imagine a structurally functional mix of a stiff outer shell and a dampening layer underneath in the fall zones, basically based on the structure of a helmet.

This is how MOTORRAD tests


Product test: all-round gloves


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Part of the test program: Any leaks quickly become apparent when filling.

To test the water resistance, two test samples per model were filled with water, two more had to be immersed. Points were deducted depending on the severity of the leak. The heat output of the all-rounders was shown at very spring-like temperatures (around ten degrees) during test drives in southern France. In significantly warmer conditions (sunny, around 25 degrees), the testers checked the indoor climate and breathability of the individual gloves (depending on the outer fabric, membrane and lining). They determined the fit and wearing comfort on a clearly defined lap of the country road (around 45 minutes per pair) with numerous bends and fast sections of the route that required many clutch and brake operations. Weaknesses such as pressing bulges or shifting lining usually show up immediately and lead to a devaluation. How much safety the glove offers was shown by a precise assessment of the fall-relevant zones. The protective function was assessed depending on the materials (or even doublings), upholstery and protectors. Also very important: the wiping protection, which primarily results from a tight fit and a tightly lockable wrist latch.

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