These gloves arrived the day before I left on a 2000 mile journey to Virginia this summer....so I thought it would be a great way to test them out!
I will be totally honest....I wore them every day without hesitation.
Initial observations
- similar to other reviewers - the fingers are at odd lengths...but don't let that dissuade you. It will sort itself out. My middle two fingers touched the end when I tried them on, but my pinky, index and thumb had a lot of room.
Within 8 hours of riding I found all fingers were sliding forward nicely to meet the ends of the glove (the middle finger openings stretched nicely to accommodate).
Construction
- I didn't like the material they used on the back of the glove. That took a while to win me over. I felt like I was looking at winter snow gloves at first...but the material was quite flexible and comfortable.
The manufacturing of the palm is fantastic. Let's be honest...when it comes right down to it...that is the only part that matters. The connection with the grips is excellent. Very tactile and flexible...yet well stitched and sturdy. It will definitely hold up. And after 2000 miles I can tell you that no stitches have frayed and all seams are solid.
Safety
The gloves are very well thought out. The back fabric seems flimsy...but then you realize that it doesn't factor in for safety. Chances are...when you go down...you have palms forward. The pinky and thumb are wrapped in leather, and there are several layers of leather on the heal of your palm to protect if you go down. The knuckles have soft padded protection which are very comfortable, yet protective (how many times can you say that with protective gear).
Ventilation
Excellent ventilation on these gloves. Just fan your fingers while riding for 3 seconds, and a shot of air comes in through the perforated leather between the fingers. I was really impressed. These gloves were off and on throughout 6 hour riding days, even in warmer weather, and they never felt tacky or sweaty.
Gimmicks
Others are touting the magnets in the gloves and the finger tip flips. That is cool...I admit....but I honestly don't care about gimmicks...if the gloves fit and feel comfortable.
I see myself as someone on the endless search for the best gloves at a reasonable price. The magnets are cool, and I used the thumb tip flip a few times...but the quality of these is what sold me.
What can I say? I kept all the packaging when they arrived...thinking they would be going back ( I really didn't like that back fabric at first...haha).
But here we are. They are my favorite gloves.
