It doesn’t matter if you’re going to get bread or go around the world; Choosing the appropriate pair of approved motorcycle gloves depending on your type of motorcycle, use and time of year is vital for your safety and comfort on two wheels. Our hands are our main tool for action on the motorcycle and we cannot afford to lose dexterity due to the wrong (or poor quality) gloves.
In this article we propose some criteria so that you can choose your gloves according to your convenience and we propose some models from Louis.es; which, as you probably know, is one of the largest distributors in Europe and has had its own brands for some time, such as Vanucci, Fastway and Detlev Louis.
Regardless of whether this article involves a collaboration with Louis, I personally confirm that the quality of the gloves we have received is simply exceptional, much more so if we take into account that the prices are reasonable.
THE “hieroglyph” of safety: How to read the label of approved motorcycle gloves
Before falling in love with a glove because of its aesthetics or price, it is worth taking a look at the technical label. If you see a hieroglyph of a man riding a motorcycle, it means that we are looking at a glove that complies with European regulations. EN 13594:2015. Without this seal, we could be looking at construction, gardening or snowboarding gloves, but not approved motorcycle gloves, which are the only ones that have been tested to best protect you from being dragged.
On the same label you will see the acronym KP (Knuckle Protection) that indicate that the glove has specific protection on the knuckles. Additionally, the number (1 or 2) indicates the level of said protection; being that most of the gloves we use are level 1, with flexible or rigid protectors attached.
These have been expressly tested for their ability not to come loose in the event of an accident. In addition, the label usually also includes the commercial name of the glove model and the classic (CE) symbol for products regulated by the European Union.
Key criteria for choosing your gloves
When purchasing, the first criterion is always safety: we must go beyond certification and critically evaluate the seams, the materials chosen, the construction in general and the resistance of the materials to abrasion. Sometimes a glove is more expensive than a similar one and we don’t know why, but it may have better quality leather, double stitching or simply a better pattern.
Next, it is worth paying attention to seasonality, since there are specific options for winter or summer, in each discipline. Which, by the way, are infinite, like our love for motorcycles and each person’s ways of enjoying it. So there will be gloves for trial, for trail, for urban use, for motorcycling, for classic and custom motorcycles, for sports motorcycles and practically for any discipline you practice.
Therefore, do not settle for general gloves, which will surely have nothing wrong, but you will be more comfortable with adapted ones. For me, comfort is also very important (safety begins there), and above all the dexterity that allows us to maintain gloves.
In an urban environment, we look for a glove that not only allows us to handle our motorcycle, but also allows us to manipulate everyday objects, such as a backpack or keys, open a door or hold some coins; while a track glove will not open any bag or operate anything other than the controls and that is why it can (and should) be more restrictive.
A good fit is essential to operating a motorcycle. A glove that doesn’t fit “like a glove” can mean clumsiness or a mistake that turns into a bad move on the road. A good way to detect bad brands is when they have irregular sizing throughout their range.
Also problematic are those that have an irregular design that leaves excess on some fingers or those that are presented as unisex, without taking into account the physical differences between the hands of men and women (they generally have a shorter ring finger, among other things).
In short, I recommend that you do not get carried away by aesthetics and price (which also undoubtedly have their importance) and that you take these tips into account so that your motorcycle does not get out of hand!
Louis’ proposals: A model for every biker
Vanucci VUG-5 (summer urban): A glove with a sober and very light design. Its perforated fabric allows maximum ventilation, while its semi-rigid protections and high dexterity make it ideal for the urban environment.
- Personally, I like it because it is discreet and wearable.
Vanucci VUG-1 (waterproof urban): A more elaborate and waterproof model thanks to its McTex membrane. It stands out for its elastic fabric “sleeve” that seals out the cold from entering under the jacket, maintaining a very high feel and comfort.
- Personally I like it because it still offers a short look by having the sleeve hidden under the jacket.
Detlev Louis DL-GM-10 (custom / classic series): High-quality leather gloves (goatskin) with an exquisite retro aesthetic, including diamond stitching and leather extenders, but without giving up hidden knuckle protectors and a perfect fit.
- Personally I like them because the aesthetics are very successful.
Vanucci VAG-1 (touring): It is an ultra versatile glove, robust but light, combining 500D cordura and goatskin. It is waterproof (McTex), includes visor wipers and is the “sweet spot” for long runs in almost any climate.
- It is my personal favorite, for versatility, comfort and dexterity.
Vanucci VC-3 (winter pro): High range for extreme cold. Constructed with Cordura Ripstop and Hipora membrane, it features an extra-long cuff and an elastic inner “gaiter” that guarantees total sealing against water and wind.
- Personally, I don’t usually use such insulating gloves, because I don’t travel through frigid climates often; But if you go to cold climates in winter, a glove like this is essential.
Fastway Winter III (versatile winter): An option with excellent value for money. It uses Thinsulate insulation and Hipora membrane, offering great thermal comfort in demanding winters with a simple and effective closure system.
- I like them because they have an unbeatable price-quality ratio, especially for those like me who only go into the cold occasionally.
Vanucci VSG-1 (Circuit): The most specific model of the item, designed for pure performance. Made with kangaroo leather on the palm for greater feel and resistance, it includes Superfabric reinforcements, carbon and a connecting bridge between the little finger and ring finger to avoid scratch injuries.
- I like them because they are a very complete circuit glove at a knockdown price.
Now it’s in your hands
I hope that this review has given you the necessary criteria to equip your hands with a head. If you liked any of the models that we have shown you or want to explore the enormous variety of products they offer, I invite you to visit Louis’ page; It is certain that you will find something of your interest.
