BearTek Bluetooth Gloves Review

Tom Roderick
by Tom Roderick

Bluetooth control literally at your fingertips

Until now motorcycle gloves have had a single function: protection. BearTek is changing that by introducing Bluetooth connectivity into its line of motorcycle street gloves.

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Installed into the left glove are contact points, one on the thumb and two on each the first three fingers. In the gauntlet pocket of the same glove resides a Bluetooth module. After syncing the BearTek Bluetooth module to a smartphone, a rider can answer and end phone calls as well as play, pause, forward and rewind music by touching the contact point on the thumb to a particular contact point on one of the fingers.

On the outside of the thumb is the power button. The glove automatically locks 10 seconds after the most recent action. Tapping the power button unlocks the glove.

As far as being a hands-free enabler, the BearTek gloves allow a rider to access the above mentioned smartphone operations without even uncurling their digits from around the handlebar. Once accustomed to the function of each button and its location on the glove, simply tap the two together and you’re listening to your latest track, answering a phone call, etc.

Adjusting volume, however, is problematic as BearTek gloves are unable to do so via Bluetooth, meaning you have to reach up and adjust the volume directly on the helmet mounted communication device. Beartek says it is working to incorporate this function, but for now the inability to adjust volume largely defeats the hands-free claim.

The Bluetooth and Wifi modules (sold separately) reside in the gauntlet pocket of the left-hand glove. The zipper is waterproof but leather is not. BearTek recommends drying the gloves immediately because the electrical components may become damaged if left wet for too long.

BearTek also offers an optional Wifi module devised to manipulate the functions of a GoPro camera by using the same process of touching the contact point on the thumb to particular contact point on a finger. Currently, GoPro is the only compatible camera, but BearTek says it is working on adding additional camera brands.

BearTek claims an 80-hour battery life. With no window for the gauntlet pocket it’s impossible to see when the unit stops flashing, meaning it’s turned off. When plugged into a wall socket the module makes no visual notification that it’s charging or when it’s finished charging.

While negating the need to reach up to your helmet-mounted communication device is a small benefit, we can see that having the Wifi module will allow for better control over your GoPro camera. Because the camera is oftentimes inaccessible while riding, you’re forced to hit the record button and keep recording until you stop riding. With BearTek gloves a person can more precisely record when and what you want, or take photos with the GoPro’s snapshot option.

The leather gloves are manufactured in Pakistan from 100% cowhide with (real) carbon fiber knuckle and finger protection. Double stitching is present while Velcro secures the glove at the wrist and the gauntlet opening. Reinforced leather is used on the palms, and extra wrist padding will soften some impacts.

We found the BearTeks to be a more general purpose motorcycle glove rather than sport-specific. While the sizing fits correctly, the fingers are thick and cumbersome, and the gauntlet diameter small. Either module’s firmware is upgradable via connection to a computer with internet access. Hardware upgrades will require the owner to purchase a new module.

Manufacturing a good motorcycle glove is difficult, and BearTek put forth a commendable first effort. While lacking some of the fit, comfort and quality of equally priced name-brand gloves, the Bluetooth/Wifi connectivity is a technology no one else can claim.

Pricing for the gloves is only $145, while Bluetooth and Wifi modules cost $140 a piece. Purchase a gloves/module package, and you save $10, bringing the total to $275 – nearly equivalent to a pair of Alpinestars’ GP Tech leather gloves.

BearTek gloves come with a 30-day, no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty against manufacturer defects. For more information or to purchase a pair of BearTek gloves, go to www.beartekgloves.com.

Tom Roderick
Tom Roderick

A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.

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  • Bakker46 Bakker46 on Mar 29, 2014

    I'd say almost April 1th

  • Dustysquito . Dustysquito . on Mar 31, 2014

    It isn't just talking on your cellphone that this is for. Only one of the controls in question is actually for phone calls. What this is really good for is listening to music while riding. As it is right now, I have to take my left hand off the controls to skip to the next track in a play list if I want to skip forward. With this, you just touch your thumb to your middle finger, and you're done. Yeah, it'd be technically safer to not listen to music while road tripping and commuting, but you might as well also make the argument against any kind of amenity that makes the ride more enjoyable if you're going that far.

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