Table of contents

• Test: sports gloves up to 130 euros From Alpinestars to XTU – 14 motorcycle gloves put to the test
• What are the characteristics of good sports gloves??
• Hein Gericke Racing Extreme
• REV’IT SLR
• XTU Monte Carlo
• Conclusion
• Buying and care tips
• Security, grip, fit and workmanship
• Residual force values: protectors on the test bench

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Test: motorcycle gloves up to 130 euros

Test: sports gloves up to 130 euros
From Alpinestars to XTU – 14 motorcycle gloves put to the test

Content of

Sports gloves up to 130 euros – can they do what? Hopefully, because most buyers make use of this segment. PS tested 14 models with sometimes surprising results.

Volkmar Jacob

03/11/2012

“Remain seated!” Given thousands of times, such advice naturally does not prevent departures. There is no absolute protection against them anyway. It is therefore important to be prepared for the worst and to wear safe clothes. Of course, this also applies to gloves. But do they have to be the most expensive? Or does the middle class already offer sufficient security, good workmanship and a high degree of accuracy of fit?

To find out, PS tested 14 pairs of sports gloves between 100 and 130 euros. The downward price outlier is the “Racing Extreme” from Hein Gericke for 69.95 euros. As a private label, Gericke does not have a pure sports glove in the specified price range. The Racing Extreme illustrates what quality you can expect for little money. In contrast, the hero model forms “titanium” for 239 euros the reference from the top league. The test winner from 2009 runs out of competition and shows whether and what differences exist to medium-sized companies.

What are the characteristics of good sports gloves??

“They have a long cuff that bridges the area between the extensions of the elbow protector of the leather suit up to the wrist”, says Stefan hero from the company Held Biker Fashion. “In addition, good specimens offer a crystal-clear feel, the so-called tactility. The palm is made of thin, abrasion-resistant kangaroo or goat leather.

Pre-curved fingers also improve the grip and the fit. Sports gloves are also ventilated, so water resistance is irrelevant. Another feature concerns the protectors. Sports gloves are more extensively equipped with them than, for example, touring gloves.” This is immediately noticeable in the test candidates, especially on the back of the hand. There, some monumental elevations protrude above the knuckles. Pure show or real utility? Surprisingly the latter, because the best values ​​in the impact test were achieved by test persons with pronounced bulges.

All candidates have at least one double layer of leather on the top of their fingers. Some manufacturers process additional protectors there and in some other places.
In contrast to some of the top competitors, the knuckle protection is on the back of the hand “X-Clinch Rocket” of the company IXS not made of carbon, but made of an imitation plastic with pronounced humps. This design absorbs the impact energy very effectively, the Rocket achieved the best values ​​at this point – closely followed by the carbon competition.

The models from Kushitani, BMW and Spidi are completely different. Their plastic protectors are too soft, have an unfavorable shape or the material is undersized. As a result, they only insufficiently absorb the impact energy, which results in a hefty point deduction. Manufacturers also go different ways when it comes to protecting the heels of the hands. Like the knuckles, the palms of the hands need special protection. Reason: Depending on the fall, the hands reflexively snap towards the ground to protect the body from a hard impact. Therefore, we tested these two important points on a protector test bench.

The best in the impact test are equipped with foam-lined plastic protectors. Again “Super sport” from FLM and the Rev’it “SLR”. With the latter, the protector extends to the edge of the hand and offers additional protection. In the impact test, it was also convincing “Monte Carlo” from XTU. Although it has no plastic protectors, it is extra thickly padded on the heel of the hand. Disadvantage: The protector touches the handlebars minimally when driving, which slightly affects the grip feeling. In the impact test, gloves with double layers of leather, which are either not underlaid at all or only underlaid with thin, soft foam, did less well. The models from renowned manufacturers such as Dainese or Kushitani.

“I am not aware of any company that still produces motorcycle gloves in Germany”, says Nico Frey, managing director at clothing and accessories specialist Louis, confirming our statement that all test candidates are made in Asia. “Even if a company had the opportunity to do so, customers are unwilling to pay the higher production costs.” Even so, the processing quality of the test copies is good – at least in most cases.

You can find out more about the results of the other test criteria on the following pages. The conclusion gives a general overview of all models.

mps photo studio

Alpinestars SP-1.

Contact: Alpinestars Italy, Asolo / Veneto, phone 00 39/4 23/52 86, www.alpinestars.com
price: 119.95 euros
Sizes:  S to 3XL
To dye: Black, black / white, red / blue
Leather palm / palm: Beef / beef
Pair weight:  292 g (size L)

Total score: 85 (out of 120)

Conclusion
The SP-1 is characterized by a comparatively high level of security and good workmanship. In the wet test, it showed zero discoloration. The Italian leaves a little feathers in terms of grip and the criteria of fit / comfort. It is easy to put on and take off, but when you grip the handlebars, the SP-1 presses a little on the finger joints. Nothing can be felt from the ventilation.

mps photo studio

BMW Pro Sport .

Contact: BMW Motorrad, 80809 Munich, phone 01 80/5 00 19 72, www.bmw-motorrad.de
Price: 110.00 euros
Sizes:  6 to 12.5
To dye: Black / gray
Leather palm / palm: Beef / beef
Pair weight: 282 g (size 9)  

Total score: 73 (out of 120)

Conclusion
Great grip, great fit, good workmanship, zero discoloration: the Pro Sport 2 could play at the forefront if it didn’t fall significantly behind in terms of safety – normally BMW pays special attention to this. Its name is misleading, the Pro Sport 2 is a lightweight touring glove equipped with limited protection.

mps photo studio

Buse Motegi.

Contact: Heino Buse GmbH, 52159 Roetgen, Tel. 0 24 71/1 26 90, www.buese.com
Price: 119.95 euros
Sizes: 8 to 13
To dye: black, white / black, red / black, blue / black
Leather palm / palm: Beef / beef
Pair weight: 316 g (size 9)

Total score: 87 (of 120)

Conclusion 
Decent impact values, convincing fit, top workmanship: the Motegi impresses across the board. However, it is a bit behind the best when it comes to grip. In addition, the ventilation hoods built into the top of the fingers are more likely to serve as a show – a function cannot be felt. When testing the color fastness, the Motegi shows no nakedness, the price / performance ratio is right

mps photo studio

Dainese Pro Carbon.

Contact: Dainese D-Store, 80807 Munich, Tel. 0 89/35 39 67 66, www.dainese.com
Price: 119.00 euros
Sizes: XS to XXL
To dye: black, white / black, white / black / red, white / black / blue, white / black / green
Leather palm / palm: Beef / beef
Pair weight: 230 g (size 42)

Total score: 75 (out of 120)

Conclusion
The Pro Carbon is characterized by its excellent fit – the glove fits like a second skin. There is some point deduction in terms of comfort, as the ventilation does not work. The Dainese leaves more feathers in the safety chapter: average protection of the knuckles, worst impact values ​​for the heels of the hand, low safety equipment

mps photo studio

FLM Supersport.

Contact: Polo GmbH, 41363 Juchen, Tel. 0 21 65/8 44 02 00, www.polo-motorrad.de
Price: 99.95 euros
Sizes: M to XXL
To dye: black-and-white
Leather palm / palm: Beef / kangaroo
Pair weight: 305 g (size 9 / L)

Total score: 74 (of 120)

Conclusion 
A quick jerk and the wrist latch loosens its attachment – the seam is torn! Same game with the cuff. The FLM is processed very negligently in some areas and leaves a mediocre impression in this criterion. The plus side: good fit, easy to put on and take off, great ventilation, excellent impact values ​​on the palm of the hand. When it comes to processing, Polo has to do it again.

Hein Gericke Racing Extreme

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Hein Gericke Racing Extreme.

Contact: Hein Gericke GmbH, 40589 Dusseldorf, Tel. 02 11/9 89 89, www.hein-gericke.de
Price: 69.95 euros
Sizes: S to XXXL
To dye: black, black / red, black / blue
Leather palm / palm: Goat / kangaroo
Pair weight: 280 g (size L) 

Total score: 74 (out of 120)

Conclusion
The cheap Racing Extreme ends up in the lower midfield. His strengths lie in the impact test, where he achieves respectable values. Rubber bands on the inside of the ring and middle finger are supposed to bend the fingers more strongly, but they affect the grip feeling and the wearing comfort somewhat. The fit is average. The model shows slight weaknesses in terms of color fastness: the leather stains especially between the fingers.

mps photo studio

Hero Chikara.

Contact: Held GmbH, 87545 Burgberg-Erzfloble, Tel. 0 83 21/66 46-0, www.held.de
Price: 129.95 euros
Sizes: 7 to 13
To dye: black, black / red, black / azure, black / white
Leather palm / palm: Beef / kangaroo
Pair weight: 321 g (size 9 / L)  

Total score: 91 (of 120)

Conclusion
Together with the Kushitani, the hero spoils you with the best grip in the test – it almost seems as if you are holding the handlebars directly in your hand. The Chikara is lonely at the top when it comes to fit / comfort, where it gets almost the maximum number of points. In the impact test and processing, however, the Held model is in the middle of the field. Minimal discoloration on the little finger means a point is deducted.

mps photo studio

IXS-X-Clinch Rocket.

Contact: Hostettler GmbH, 79379 Mullheim, Tel. 0 76 31/1 80 40, www.shop.hostettler.de
Price: 99.00 euros
Sizes: DS to 5XL
To dye: black, black / white, red / white / black
Leather palm / palm: Beef / goat
Pair weight: 234 g (size 9 / M) 

Total score: 75 (out of 120)

Conclusion 
The Rocket leaves an ambivalent impression. On the one hand, it offers the best impact values ​​for the knuckles. On the other hand, the values ​​for the heels of the hand are only in the midfield. The IXS has deficits in terms of fit. The entrance got a bit tight, the hard shell protectors on the outside of the fingers press slightly, but the thumb is too big. In addition, the Rocket showed occasional discoloration on the fingers.

mps photo studio

KTM Vector Glove.

Contact: KTM Sportmotorcycle AG, A-5230 Mattighofen, Tel. 0 043 (0) 77/42-60 00-0, www.ktm.at
Price: 118.01 euros
Sizes: S to XXL
To dye: Black / orange
Leather palm / palm: Beef / beef
Pair weight: 257 g (size L / 10)

Total score: 78 (out of 120)

Conclusion 
The Austrian’s ventilation is great, otherwise it is rather inconspicuous. The palm protection is great on the thumb side, but the Vector Glove has no protector on the other side. The values ​​given are averaged. The small double layers of leather on the inside of the tips of the index fingers are a bit annoying. Slight discoloration on the inside of the thumbs.

mps photo studio

Kushitani Daiki .

Contact: Motoport e. K., 26316 Varel, Tel. 0 44 51/91 55 00, www.shop.motoport.de
Price: 99.00 euros
Sizes: XS to XXXL
To dye: black, black and white
Leather palm / palm: Beef / kangaroo
Pair weight: 214 g (size L / 9.5)

Total score: 67 (out of 120)

Conclusion 
In the impact test, the Kushitani Daiki can neither convince on the outside nor in the palm. Apart from a protected wrist latch, it has little to offer in terms of security. Its biggest plus is the fabulous grip feeling, where it almost gets the full number of points. In addition, the Daiki does not rub off when it rains. Nevertheless, the red lantern goes to him.

REV’IT SLR

mps photo studio

REV’IT SLR.

Contact: Rev‘it Sport Internati. B.V., 5347 JG Oss Netherlands, Tel. 00 31 (0) 4 12/69 67 40, www.revit.eu
Price: 109.99 euros
Sizes: S to XXL
To dye: white / black, white / red, white / blue
Leather palm / palm: Beef / goat
Pair weight: 261 g (size L)
 
Total score: 93 (of 120)

Conclusion
Like the test winner, the SLR collects the most points for safety. The fit and comfort are also great. However, nothing can be felt from the ventilation – slight point deduction. The grip is okay, but not quite as good as the best. The otherwise properly processed Rev`it leaves further points in this category due to clear discoloration in the wetness test.

mps photo studio

Spidi STR-2.

Contact: Shark Helme GmbH, 21224 Rosengarten, Tel. 0 41 08/45 80 03, www.spidi.com
Price: 99.90 euros
Sizes: S to 3XL
To dye: black, black / white, black / red, black / blue
Leather palm / palm: Beef / beef
Pair weight: 208 g (size L / 9) 

Total score: 73 (out of 120)

Conclusion 
Only the Kushitani and the BMW collect fewer points in terms of safety. The knuckle impact test in particular delivers unacceptable values, the cheap and thin protector is a sham. The STR-2 rubs off in the wetness test, especially the thumb. The grip is good, as is the fit. However, the little fingers pinch a bit. the Spidi has very good ventilation – good for hot days.

mps photo studio

Vanucci Profi 2.

Contact: Detlev Louis GmbH, 21035 Hamburg, Tel. 0 40/73 41 93 60, www.louis.de
Price: 99.95 euros
Sizes: S to XXL
To dye: black / white, black / red / white, black / blue / white
Leather palm / palm: Beef / kangaroo
Pair weight: 336 g (size L)

Total score: 96 (out of 120)

Conclusion 
Test victory for the Vanucci Pro 2! Like the Rev’it model, it collects most of the points in the test field in terms of safety and is also convincing in every other category. The Profi 2 also excels in the color fastness test: zero discoloration. He doesn’t know any real weaknesses. However, as with the Buse Motegi, the ventilation scoops are only used for show – cooling air is not noticeable. Still a top glove at a fair price.

XTU Monte Carlo

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XTU Monte Carlo.

Contact: Bewa Motorsport GmbH, 69427 Muldau, Tel. 0 62 84/92 09 10, www.bewa-motorsport.de Price: 99.90 euros
Sizes: S to XXL
To dye: black / blue, black / red, black / silver
Leather palm / palm: Beef / beef
Pair weight: 429 g (size L)

Total score: 96 (out of 120)

Conclusion 
In particular, its very good values ​​for safety put the Monte Carlo in 4th place. In terms of other properties, it is a good average and does not fail anywhere. He leaves a few points “Fit / comfort” and the grip feeling: the ventilation has no function and the thumb got a little too long. In addition, the thick palm protector sometimes hits the handlebars. The bottom line is that the Monte Carlo is a real all-rounder.

Conclusion

The results of the glove test at a glance.

For around 100 euros there are already sports gloves that offer a high level of security, a transparent grip, a good fit, high wearing comfort and an acceptable workmanship. The differences compared to a high-priced product relate in particular to the workmanship and the materials used.

The test also shows that there are large deviations within the middle class. The taillights offer a lot of room for improvement, especially with the protectors.

Buying and care tips

The safety of a motorcycle glove is not just about the protectors. With the right fit you protect your hands and with the right care you make your bike gloves last longer.

Many contemporaries choose new gloves too big. “Better a bit wider than too tight”, Until recently, even experienced PS testers thought. But that’s wrong! Gloves should be snug when buying a new one, because they expand when worn. Therefore, it is better to ensure the correct length of the fingers when trying them on. The fingertips should not touch the gloves, a distance of a few millimeters is ideal.

So there is a small safety reserve, because sometimes the fingers move a little further forward after entering. In addition, there are noticeable seams on the crests even with top gloves. If the finger cots pinch, squeeze or pinch slightly when trying them on, choose a different pair. Because something that presses something after a short period of time can cause nasty pain in the long run. To check the seat, grasp a door handle or something similar.  

For a perfect fit, the gloves should be soaked before putting them on for the first time. Then roughly wring out, put on and run dry – now they sit like a second skin. Leather gloves occasionally need to be washed with a special detergent or curd soap for care. This washes out the sweat, which damages the leather in the long term. Then do not expose to the sun or any other heat source (heating or similar), but let it dry slowly at room temperature. Then the leather needs a care product such as leather oil. Use substance sparingly and massage in gently.

Security, grip, fit and workmanship

Security (50 points)
PS awards a maximum of 40 points for the impact test values ​​of the knuckles and ball of the hand. A total of 10 additional points are possible for 5 additional safety features: 1) Finger bridge: A little finger sewn together with the ring finger prevents the little finger from spreading in the event of a fall. 2) Kevlar fabric as the inner lining of the upper hand: It offers additional abrasion protection. 3) Internal seams: They tear less quickly in the event of a fall. 4) Wrist lock cover: Thanks to it, the fastening strap cannot get caught when the hands slide on the floor. 5) Extra ball of thumb protector: It also absorbs impact energy.  

Grip feeling (30 points)
The feedback from the handlebars should be crystal clear – important for a sporty pace.

Fit and comfort (20 points)
How easy are the gloves to put on and take off? Are individual fingers too long or too short? Is it pinching in one or more places? Do seams, beads or protectors interfere? How pleasant does the finger cot feel in general?

Processing (20 points)
With this criterion, we pay attention to the quality of the seams, the cutting of the sections and the materials used. Also the color fastness test: Do the gloves stain when wet? We check this with white fabric inner gloves. A deduction of up to three points is possible here

Residual force values: protectors on the test bench

This is where the hammer falls and separates the wheat from the chaff: PS impact test with a flat anvil.

PS completed the impact test on the test stand of the protector specialist Sas-Tec (www.sas-tec.de). For a test that was as practical as possible, we loaded the protectors of the knuckles with 40 joules. This means that an anvil weighing five kilograms crashes onto the glove from a height of 80 centimeters. We only loaded the ball of the hand with 10 joules – here the same anvil falls from a height of 20 centimeters.

Reason for the lower fall height: Some gloves are only weakly padded on the balls of the feet, an impact that is too hard would have serious consequences for the test bench. We cut open the gloves so that no additional layer of leather would falsify the values. The residual force is given in kilonewtons (kN). One kN corresponds to a weight of 102 kilograms

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