About Our Glove Recommendations
Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.
wBW is funded by our audience. Our recommendations and reviews may contain affiliate links that earn us a small comission if you make a purchase after clicking them. This is the primary way we fund our website and pay our review team (and comes at no additional cost to you). We disclose our relationship with brands or manufacturers for transparency. For more information about our extensive review process, see our review policies.
Best Entry Level Motorcycle Gauntlet Gloves
Priced under $150.
REV’IT! RSR 4
Price: $150
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The REV’IT RSR 3 is a mostly leather glove that offers great protection, with a price tag that just (barely) makes it under the entry-level list. It’s a great option for a gauntlet glove that provides far more protective features than most gloves in this price range.
Key Specs
Protection Features:
• Outer Shell: cowhide, goatskin, PU coated fabric
• Protection: TPU hard-shell palm slider, EVA foam, PWR|shield knit, TPU hard-shell little finger protector, TPU hard-shell knuckle
Ergonomic Features:
• Fit: race fit
• Adjustability: adjustment strap, adjustment tab
• Ventilation: ventilation panels
• Features: outside stitching, stretch lips, elastic, regular cuff
Protection & Safety
• EVA foam provides protection throughout the gloves
• TPU armor added to the protection of the little finger and the knuckles
• TPU hard-shell palm slider for added protection and to eliminate abrasion concerns in a slide
Dainese Impeto
Why?
The Dainese Impeto sport gauntlet is one of the best gloves to come out of the Italian manufacturer in years, and it shows with the subtle details. One of the biggest details is that the entire palm area, including up to the blade edge of the hand, is all one single piece of leather, reducing multiple points of failure where panels stitched together may split.
Multiple impact foam zones and hard TPU sliders, as well as the split, hard TPU knuckles, protects the hand against both impact and abrasion. A heavily padded wrist closure holds the ulna and radius bones in line in case of a palm first hit to the ground, and through it all, the gloves are also highly ventilated to keep your hands cool and dry.
These gloves have also achieved CE Category II Level 1 certification, making them viable for track use if you want a “cheap” glove to attend novice track days with.
Key Specs
• Drum-dyed goatskin leather
• Single leather panel reinforces side of the hand to palm
• Polyurethane slider on the palm and joints of the fingers
• Dainese branding on wrist closure
• Impact-absorbing soft inserts
• Elasticated insert on thumb and fingers
• Micro-injection reinforcement on the palm
• Pre-curved fingers
• Gloves certified to CE – Cat. II – EN 13594/2015 Standard Category II Level 1
Protection & Safety
• Hard TPU over finger joints, knuckles
• Double wrist closure to keep the bones of the wrist aligned and stable during impact
• Multiple slide zones and padding zones
• Bottom layer of the palm is one single panel all the way out to the blade edge of the hand, increasing structural stability.
Cortech Apex RR
Price: $110
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Apex RR takes design elements from Cortech's best racing gloves. The goat skin hide at the palm provides great feel, and the microfiber overlay adds durability.
The finger, knuckle and palm sliders are genuine carbon fiber, and there is a touch sensitive tip for a phone or Nav system. Plenty of perforation in the leather will keep the air cooling your hands.
This is a race inspired glove at a fantastic price.
Key Specs
• Goat leather backhand and palm construction
• Fully perforated backhand, fingers and thumb
• Pre-curved fingers for increased comfort
• Reversed seam finger construction
• Leather palm, thumb and fourth finger overlay
• Microfiber palm overlay
• Accordion stretch paneling across fingers and thumb
• Hook and loop wrist strap and cuff closure
• Touchscreen compatible index finger and thumb
Protection & Safety
• TPR ulna protector on gauntlet cuff
• Carbon fiber knuckle, heel slider and finger protectors
• Goatskin leather is soft and comfortable, as well as highly abrasion resistant
Best Mid-Range Motorcycle Gauntlet Gloves
Priced $150 - $250.
Dainese Carbon 3
Why?
The Dainese Carbon 3 is the perfect everyday glove that incorporates comfort features needed for daily commuting and packages them with a hefty side of racetrack-derived safety technology. Much like the Yamaha R6 you are perhaps riding, Dainese took a product for the track and repurposed it for the roadways. These gloves look great and offer awesome protection.
Key Specs
Fit:
• Runs slightly small, order the larger size if you are between sizes
Features:
• Drum-dyed goatskin leather
• Sheepskin leather at palm for added tactile feel
• Reinforcement in goatskin between thumb, index, and palm
• Carbon fiber over knuckles
• DCP system at fourth finger
• Single leather panel reinforces side of the hand to palm
• Polyurethane slider on the palm and joints of the fingers
• Dainese branding on wrist closure
• Impact-absorbing soft inserts
• Elasticated insert on thumb and fingers
• Micro-injection reinforcement on the palm
• Pre-curved fingers
• Thermoplastic resin slider on fourth finger
• Perforation at fourchettes
• Gloves certified to CE – Cat. II – EN 13594/2015 Standard Category II Level 1
Protection & Safety
• These gloves feature a full drum-dyed goatskin construction so no square inch of the glove will sacrifice slide resistance
• The knuckles of these gloves are reinforced with real carbon fiber (many companies will put a TPU panel with a carbon wrap, this is the real deal)
• Sliders can be found on the palms and finger joints for further abrasion resistance in the event of a ‘hands first slide
• Having an official safety certification is always nice, these gloves are certified to CE – Cat. II – EN 13594/2015 Standard Category II Level 1 – meaning that they have gone through the wringer to prove their worth
Alpinestars GP Plus R V2
Why?
Near MotoGP levels of protection in a glove that is affordable.
Constructed from full-grain leather, the gloves feature the same Dynamic Friction Shield knuckle guard and finger bridge as found in top tier race gloves in Alpinestars’ lineup.
These gloves are precurved nicely and have excellent stretch panels in all the right spots to minimize finger fatigue. Once broken in, they will give you plenty of happy miles. Good luck deciding which of the 5 color choices you want.
Key Specs
• Supple and durable full-grain bovine leather main construction
• Localized perforations on palm and backhand
• Ventilated fourchettes
• Ergonomic engineered leather reinforcements on the palm and outer hand landing zones provide maximum abrasion resistance in key impact zones
• Ergonomic stretch insert on palm
• Pre-curved finger construction reduces rider fatigue
• Molded knuckle protection air intakes and exhaust ports for improved hand ventilation
Protection & Safety
• Alpinestars Dynamic Friction Shield (DFS) knuckle protection system features dual density mold construction for superior resistance to repeated impacts
• Internal top surface hand and thumb lining made with DuPont™ Kevlar® fiber fabric
• Alpinestars patented third and fourth finger bridge prevents finger roll separation in the event of a slide
• Alpinestars Dynamic Friction Shield (DFS) knuckle protection system features dual density mold construction for superior resistance to repeated impacts
REV’IT! Quantum 2
Price: $220
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
When we looked back over 2021 to see what gauntlets we were recommending for 2022, we honestly did not receive that many to test. This is mostly because the gauntlet style is either for the track, or for snowmobile riding in the winter. Yet, when we reviewed the Quantum 2 gauntlets from Rev’It, we were blown away by just how feature-packed and comfortable these gloves were!
Here you have a track-style gauntlet glove, that would be happy on any track, yet designed for the street rider. You have carbon fiber-backed TPU everywhere that there is a slide zone, and the TPU hard armor is also very comfortable on the fingers and knuckles. Cowhide for the main chassis provides the best abrasion resistance, why a goatskin and synthetic leather palm gives great bar feel and is soft and flexible enough to comfortably reach all thumb controls.
We could wax on here about these gloves, yet we simply recommend that you read the review, and see why we have voted these gauntlets as one of the best value-for-the-price gauntlets we’ve seen in years.
Read our in-depth review: REV’IT Quantum 2 Gloves
Key Specs
Protection Features:
• Outer shell: cowhide | goatskin | synthetic PU leather | 3D air mesh
• Lining: tri-fleece liner
• Composition: 72% leather, 15% polyester, 13% polyurethane
• Protection: TPU hard-shell knuckle | TPU hard-shell little finger protector | TPU hard-shell palm slider | TPU hard-shell thumb protector | TPU Cuff protector | Temperfoam ® finger knuckles | safety stitching
• Visibility: Reflection at little finger
Ergonomic Features:
• Fit: sport fit
• Adjustability: wrist and cuff adjustment system
• Ventilation: zones of perforation
• Features: outside stitching | long cuff | textured grip and control panel | stretch fourchettes
Protection & Safety
• TPU hard-shell knuckle | TPU hard-shell little finger protector | TPU hard-shell palm slider | TPU hard-shell thumb protector | TPU Cuff protector | Temperfoam ® finger knuckles | safety stitching
• Outer shell: cowhide | goatskin | synthetic PU leather | 3D air mesh
Best High-End Motorcycle Gauntlet Gloves
Priced over $250.
Alpinestars GP Pro R3
Price: $270-$280
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
The Alpinestars GP Pro 3 uses a variety of different materials in strategic locations to provide riders with the ultimate in protection, comfort, and tactile feedback.
Key Specs
• Mix of cow and goat leather with kangaroo leather on the palm
• Outer seam palm construction
• Long cuff
• Hard knuckle
• Knuckle panel perforated gusset for better ventilation
• Print on finger
• Finger bridge
• Double closure system with Cuff DFS protection
• Side reinforcements with palm hard slider
• Accordion panels in leather on fingers thumb and backhand to increase fit and direct comfort
• Thumb and palm reinforcement for a superior grip
• TPU finger protection
• Soft padding protection on fingertips
• Ergonomic stretch insert on palm
• CE certified CAT II Level 2
Protection & Safety
The protection offered by the Bryce Gore-Tex is exactly what riders have come to expect from Alpinestars in safe yet comfortable armor.
• Armored knuckles with a panel of perforations for better ventilation for added grip
• Armor on the gantlet for added abrasion protection in the event of a slide
• Side reinforcements with a palm slider
Held Air N Dry
Price: $300
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Air N Dry gloves might very well be the ultimate warm weather gauntlet glove. It boasts two chambers inside the glove, one lined with GoreTex to keep your hands dry, the other unlined and with perforated kangaroo leather for airflow and cooling.
On top of that, these gloves also feature Cordura accordion flex zones, massive SuperFabric ceramic palm heel, ring finger, and outer edge of pinky finger zones, fully ventilated TPU knuckles, and even a visor wipe on the index finger should you get caught in the rain! It literally has everything a warm-weather glove needs.
Key Specs
• Highly abrasion-resistant kangaroo leather palm
• DuPont CORDURA (100% polyamide), leather detailed back lining
• Waterproof compartment with Pique-Push-Pull lining
• Unlined, non-waterproof compartment
• GORE-TEX membrane (100% polyester with 100% polyurethane coating)
• GORE-TEX 2in1 technology (1 waterproof chamber, 1 unlined non-waterproof chamber)
• VELCRO® brand closures adjustment at wrists & cuffs
• Visor wipe on index finger
• Elasticated leather panels on back, thumb & fingers (100% polyamide)
• Perforated leather back
• Perforated hand for maximum ventilation, feel and comfort
• Hard plastic knuckle protection
• SUPERFABRIC reinforcement on edge of hand
• 3M SCOTCHLITE reflectors
Protection & Safety
• SuperFabric on the palm heel, ring finger outer, and pinky finger edge provide maximum abrasion resistance
• Molded TPU knuckles are also vented to force cooling air down around your hand
• Double fasteners, velcro and strap, ensure the glove stays on
• Full Cordura accordion flex zones provide protection even where other gloves might not
Dainese Full Metal 6
Why?
The Dainese Full Metal 6 gauntlet gloves are a race quality piece of gear that brings comfort and innovation to every rider who wears them, though a price point over $400, they might not fit into the budgetary constraints of many riders.
The Dainese Full Metal 6 is almost like wearing a full exoskeleton that has been seamlessly integrated into a soft, yet durable, goatskin glove. All of the technology and innovation of the Dainese Full Metal 6 make them one of the best gloves money can buy.
Key Specs
Protection:
• Carbon fiber inserts at the joints of the fingers and the head of the ulna bone
• Composite inserts in carbon fiber and titanium on the knuckles and back
• DCP system on little finger
• External thermoplastic resin inserts on side of little finger
• Gloves certified to CE – Cat. II – PrEN 13594 Standard lev. 1
• One single leather panel to the size of the hand
• Polyurethane insert on the palm
• Quadruple elastication between knuckles and back of the hand
• Reinforced leather palm
• Reinforced preformed cuff construction
Ergonomics and Comfort:
• Aramid fiber stitching
• Drum-dyed goatskin leather super soft palm
• Goatskin Leather
• Internal reinforcements with aramid fiber jersey
•Adjustable cuff strap
• Elasticated inserts
• Micro-injection reinforcement on the palm
• Microelastic elasticated inserts
• Palm Super Touch in goatskin
• Pre-curved fingers
• Precurved wrist
• Tightening strap
Other Features:
• Cover on the tightening strap
• Elasticated cuff inserts
• Soft inserts
Protection & Safety
The protection in Dainese Full Metal 6 sounds like something from a futuristic movie but here it is…
• Carbon fiber inserts at the finger joints and at the head of the ulna bone, (that’s basically the outside bone in your lower arm where it meets your wrist) work as a suit of armor
• Knuckles and back of the hand are covered by carbon fiber and titanium inserts and there is a polyurethane insert to protect the palm
• Little finger is protected by the DCP system and an external thermoplastic resin insert
• Gauntlet cuff is reinforced and pre-curved for added safety
• Overall, these gloves are certified to CE – Cat. II – PrEN 13594 Standard Level 1
Other Best Gloves Lists
See all our recommended riding gear.
What To Think About When Shopping For Gauntlet Gloves
Gauntlet gloves are a bit of a Griffin, in that they are tasked with two duties that are almost polar opposites. These gloves are expected to provide the ultimate level of protection to the hands and wrists, this is their lion side, while also allowing for a full range of motion, dexterity, and a light touch, much like an eagle.
But these gloves manage to meet both of these demands while also being comfortable and extremely durable.
With the extended cuff reaching well above the wrist in most cases, the gauntlet glove uses a dual closure system to ensure a secure fit. There is a strap or cinch type closure at the wrist and the additional closure on the gauntlet portion of the glove. The closure at the gauntlet allows for a variety of shirt or jacket cuffs to be secured inside the glove for added protection and to the wrist and lower arm.
Be sure to check back regularly with us here at wBW to read about our latest hands-on reviews of gauntlet gloves and other great products for riders.
At WBW, “Best” Actually Means Something
Remember when you could open up a review of something, and when the publication—magazine, car show, whatever—said “best” they stood behind it? Yea, we remember, and we’re bringing it back.
Here’s how we do things:
We disclose our affiliate relationships—We make money via advertising and affiliate relationships on our website. It’s how we pay our team and invest in things like sending Jim to Italy. And Japan. And France… wait… why do we always send Jim places?
We obsessively hands-on test—We wear and ride with gear before reviewing it, and we update reviews down the line if our opinions change. We look at real-world situations because that’s the world we live in.
We’re objective—Good gear is good gear, regardless of who made it.
We’re value-focused—Why pay $500 if something for $250 is just as good? Our review scores and recommendations reflect best value. Brand only goes so far—the gear has to stand on its own.
