| With so many different gloves on the market it can be | | | | likely you will not be putting a lot stress onto the glove |
| a little overwhelming at times. | | | | and enjoy your gloves for many years. However, if |
| Here's a short list to ask yourself:a) - What are you | | | | you race, then you placing a great deal of stress on |
| looking for (fit and feel)?b) - What do you desire the | | | | the glove due to pressure, temperature, sweat - then |
| most (protection/quality)?c) - Does it really matter | | | | repeat. Race gloves take a beating and their life is |
| what brand it is - and why?d) - What's your riding style | | | | accelerated by hard use or crashing. An interesting |
| (cruiser/street/track day/race)?e) - Is price your | | | | reality of glove "life" is also related to sweat and |
| motivation? | | | | temperature. Yes, I said sweat! Sweat is either alkaline |
| Let's begin with the basics. Gloves are intended to be | | | | or acidic; either way both will break down the leather |
| worn, so they must feel right when you put them on. | | | | and can accelerate its deterioration. A quick remedy is |
| "Feel right" means that they are comfortable. If they're | | | | to rinse your gloves out with water after a ride; let |
| not comfortable, chances are you won't wear them or | | | | them dry and them apply a quality mink oil (remember, |
| they will be a distraction while you ride (not good). It's | | | | leather is skin; so clean and add moisturizer often for |
| ok if they're a little snug, most gloves will break in with | | | | long life). |
| time and use. However, you must have the ability to | | | | Surprisingly, a lot of big name brands on the market |
| articulate your fingers and also have a snug, but | | | | are using lower grade materials such as nylon vs. |
| comfortable fit on your palm. | | | | Kevlar stitching or buffalo vs. cowhide to shave cost. |
| In addition to fit and feel; you need to take a good look | | | | Keep in mind, we all want a good price; however the |
| at what protective features are included. What type of | | | | fact is that gloves are intended to protect your hand |
| leather are the constructed of? Ask what kind of | | | | and fingers; after all, you can't replace them. If they're |
| leather the gloves are made of (a lot of gloves today | | | | badly hurt in a crash because inferior materials were |
| use buffalo; goat and other less than desirable | | | | used and failed, chances are high that you'll never ride |
| materials that will not hold up in a crash). Yes, the type | | | | again and have to work very hard in physical therapy |
| of leather does make a difference! Cowhide (top grain | | | | and spend a lot of money to regain normal function of |
| or full grain) is preferred for the overall structure | | | | your hand. This is a reality that most riders never really |
| because it is very durable and easy to maintain. So, | | | | consider, but happens more often than you would think. |
| make sure you look over the gloves thoroughly to | | | | Price - one of the big reasons to purchase. Price is |
| understand how they are made as quality control is | | | | subjective for all consumers. Some people buy |
| also an important feature. Other nice features to | | | | because of style or the fact that they perceive it to be |
| consider is Kevlar stitching, padding in the palm, | | | | a "good deal". Remember, it's your hands we're talking |
| composites on knuckle/fingers, extra layers of leather | | | | about, so do your homework and know what the |
| in the palm or even Kevlar panels on the palm or on | | | | gloves are made of and also see if you can find some |
| the pinky (or both). You need to also ask if there is | | | | testimonies on them; YouTube or Google is a good |
| reinforcement in the critical areas to avoid road rash. | | | | source. After all, it's your hard earned money - do your |
| Also, check the closure system. Is it a Velcro tab or | | | | homework so you can make in informed decision. |
| strap? Does it offer a dual enclosure system with a | | | | At the very least, research and consider Komodo |
| latch, snap or Velcro? You need to make sure the | | | | Gear for your next set of motorcycle gloves. Komodo |
| glove is secure when it's on your hand. | | | | Gear manufacturers products for all different types of |
| The type of riding you do is also important. For | | | | riding and for every budget. Because Komodo Gear is |
| example, riders who just cruise around usually do not | | | | factory direct to the public, their motorcycle gloves are |
| stress their gloves a great deal because they are not | | | | built to the highest standards of quality to meet your |
| putting much pressure on the grips. You know what | | | | needs and do their job - at an affordable price. |
| kind of rider you are. If you do general riding, then it's | | | | |