Best Motorcycle Gloves For Cold Weather

Hey there! Riding a motorcycle in cold temperatures is a daunting task for most riders including myself.

The cold wind, along with the reduced insulation on a motorcycle, makes it difficult to keep body temperature at a comfortable level.

This is where heated motorcycle gloves come in.

In this article, I will investigate the various heated gloves offered by manufacturers and determine the essential features and materials for cold-weather riding.

By examining the options available, I will help you make an informed decision when choosing heated gloves for your next ride.

Whether you’re looking to extend your riding season into the winter or want to hit the road earlier this year, heated gloves can make all the difference in making your ride more comfortable and enjoyable.

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7 Motorcycle Winter Gloves Reviewed

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Cold Weather Motorcycle Gloves Buying Guide

When buying cold-weather motorcycle gloves, consider the following factors:

1. Insulation: Look for gloves that are insulated with materials such as Thinsulate or Gore-Tex, which will keep your hands warm in cold temperatures.
2. Waterproofing: Make sure the gloves are waterproof to keep your hands dry in wet conditions.
3. Breathability: gloves with breathable lining prevent hands from overheating and sweating.
4. Durability: gloves made with durable materials will last many years and withstand wear and tear from riding.
5. Fit and Comfort: gloves should fit well and be comfortable to use motorcycle controls and handlebar switches.
6. Additional protection: Some cold-weather gloves come with extra protection for knuckles and wrists.
7. Heating option: gloves with internal heating elements are most comfortable but cost more and weigh more.
8. Brand reputation: Consider buying from a reputable brand known for producing quality motorcycle gear.

Insulation and Wind Protection

When it comes to insulation for motorcycle gloves, there are a few common materials used including Thinsulate, Gore-Tex, Primaloft, Down, and Fleece. It’s important to note that if you ride in cold conditions, consider gloves specifically designed for wind protection, such as gloves with a windproof membrane or a windproof and waterproof membrane.

Thinsulate: Designed to trap heat inside the gloves and keep hands warm. However, it may not provide as much protection against a strong wind as some other materials.
Gore-Tex: Designed to be waterproof and breathable, which can help to keep your hands warm in windy conditions. However, it may not provide as much insulation as some other materials.
Primaloft: This material is designed to trap heat inside the gloves and keep your hands warm. It’s also water-resistant and can retain its insulating properties even when wet. Provides decent wind resistance.
Down: Down is an excellent insulator and can provide great warmth, but it may not provide much wind resistance.
Fleece: Fleece is a synthetic insulation that is lightweight, breathable, and can be very warm, but also may not provide much wind resistance.
Polyester: A synthetic fabric that is water-resistant and wind-resistant, but it is not breathable.
Nylon: A synthetic fabric that is water-resistant and wind-resistant, but it is not breathable.
Polyurethane: A synthetic material that is water-resistant and wind-resistant, but not breathable.
Elastane: A synthetic fabric that is stretchy and flexible, but it is not waterproof, windproof, or breathable.
Thinsulate: Thinsulate is an insulation material that is designed to trap air and retain heat, but is not waterproof, windproof, or breathable.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane: Flexible and durable, but is not waterproof, windproof, or breathable.
LIMDRY-tech: It’s a technology that allows the material to be waterproof, breathable, and windproof.
Lambskin: A natural material that is soft and durable, but does not provide waterproof, windproof, or breathable properties.

Waterproofness and Breathability

Waterproof motorcycle gloves typically feature a waterproof and breathable membrane, such as Gore-Tex or eVent, that allows perspiration to escape while preventing water from entering the glove. Other features include adjustable straps for a secure fit.

Waterproof motorcycle gloves materials include:

1. Leather: Leather is a popular choice for motorcycle gloves because it is durable, abrasion-resistant, and offers good protection in the event of a crash. However, leather is expensive and in not as breathable as other materials. To make leather gloves waterproof, manufacturers apply a water-repellent coating or sealant.
2. Textile: Textile gloves are made from synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester. They are lightweight and breathable but don’t provide as much protection as leather gloves. To make textile gloves waterproof, manufacturers use a breathable, waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex or eVent.
3. Synthetic materials: Some manufacturers use synthetic materials like rubber and neoprene to make motorcycle gloves waterproof. These materials are less expensive than leather or textile gloves and provide a good level of waterproofing.

It is important to note that the materials used to make the gloves waterproof should be breathable as well to avoid any moisture from perspiration build-up inside the gloves which can cause discomfort and can also lead to hypothermia in cold conditions.

Durability

Generally, gloves made from high-quality materials such as leather or abrasion-resistant fabrics will last longer than those made from cheaper materials. Proper care, such as cleaning and conditioning the leather, can also help extend the life of the gloves.

Fit and Comfort of use

Proper fit is essential for safety, as gloves that are too loose or too tight can impede movement and reduce the effectiveness of the protective features.

Comfort is also important for long-distance riding, as gloves that are uncomfortable can cause hand fatigue and discomfort. Look for gloves that are made from breathable materials, have padded palms and fingers, and have a flexible design that allows for the natural movement of the hand.

Some gloves come with extra features such as ventilation and waterproofing which enhance the comfort of use.

Additionally, you can also look for gloves that have adjustable straps or closures that can be adjusted for a snug fit. This will help to keep the gloves securely in place and prevent them from slipping or bunching up while you’re riding.

Cut – Always Choose the Gauntlet type for Cold Weather

CUT of the motorcycle gloves refers to the design and shape of the gloves. There are several different cut styles of motorcycle gloves, including:

1. Short Cuff: These gloves are the most common type and have a shorter cuff that covers the wrist but not the lower arm.
2. Gauntlet: These gloves have a longer cuff that covers the wrist and extends up the lower arm for added protection.
3. Convertible: These gloves can be converted from full-fingered to fingerless by removing the finger sections.
4. 3/4: These gloves are a hybrid between the short cuff and gauntlet gloves, which covers the wrist and about 3/4 of the lower arm.

Shorter gloves are great for hot weather while longer gloves provide better protection in colder weather.

It’s also important to consider the level of protection required for your riding. Gauntlet gloves provide more protection to your wrists and lower arm than shorter gloves.

Grippy Palms

Grippy palms refer to a textured and reinforced surface on the palms to provide a better grip on the handlebars. Specifically, it prevents throttle slip and allows you to simply rest your hand on the throttle to keep it in a fixed position. This reduces hand fatigue during long road stretches.

touchscreen compatibility

The ability to operate your smartphone touchscreen and GPS without taking off motorcycle gloves is very convenient if you need to quickly check navigation on the go or while standing at the red light.

This is achieved through the use of special touchscreen-sensitive materials or conductive fibers in the fingertips of the gloves.

Additional protection

Armor

Reinforced knuckle guards, reinforced fingertips, or padded palms, are designed to provide extra protection for the hands in the event of an accident or fall, and can also provide additional warmth and comfort for the rider’s hands.

CE level

CE, which stands for “Conformité Européene,” is a label indicating that motorcycle gloves have met certain safety and performance standards set by the European Union.

CE-rated motorcycle gloves are assigned a protection level of 1, 2, or 3, with level 1 providing the least amount of protection and level 3 providing the most. The level of protection is determined by a series of tests that measure the gloves’ ability to protect against impact, abrasion, and penetration.

When looking for motorcycle gloves it is highly recommended to look for CE-rated gloves as they have passed EU safety standard tests.

Electric Heating

Electric heating in motorcycle gloves works by using a small battery-powered heating element that is integrated into the glove. The heating element is made of a thin, flexible material that is incorporated into the glove’s lining. When the gloves are turned on, the heating element generates heat, which is then distributed throughout the glove to warm the wearer’s hands. The heat can be controlled using a remote or built-in control, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. The gloves are typically powered by rechargeable batteries, which can be recharged using a USB cable or other charging method.

Brand reputation

When choosing motorcycle gloves, it’s crucial to consider the brand reputation. A reputable brand has likely accumulated decades of knowledge and experience in designing, launching, and testing its products, ensuring that each new product is slightly better than the last. This is especially important for safety products like motorcycle gear, where a mistake in the design or manufacturing could cost you your health or even your life.

For example, a tear in a cheap Chinese glove could result in a lost finger, while a reputable brand is more likely to produce durable, high-quality gloves that have been thoroughly tested and reviewed by customers. This gives the customer peace of mind, knowing they are purchasing a product that has been proven to be reliable and safe. In short, investing in a reputable brand of motorcycle gloves can be the difference between a safe and enjoyable ride, or a dangerous one.