10 Great Motorcycle Gloves For Under $100
You don't have to spend a lot to protect your hands
Yeah, we know that we constantly say that you should buy the best gear you can afford. We think it’s time to show you some glove bargains. So, we’re gonna pull back a little and show you how nice gloves that cost less than a C-note can be. In fact, some of these motorcycle gloves are almost inexpensive enough to buy two pair without breaking our self-imposed ceiling. Our reason for undertaking this exercise is to illustrate the breadth of gear available to riders who maybe just spent all their scratch on a new motorcycle and don’t have much left for gear.
Second to your helmet, gloves are probably the most important piece of gear you can buy, because it is a natural human reaction to put out your hands to break your fall, and having bare hands as you tumble towards the asphalt at 30 mph (or more) won’t keep you from sticking those poor hands out, either. We’ve seen the results too many times.
So, dive in, dear rider, and see what we’ve rooted out (in alphabetical order, no less) from the tubes of the internet. Here are 11 great motorcycle gloves under $100. (Yes, we threw in a bonus pair because that’s how we roll.)
Aerostich Competition Elkskin Ropers
Price: $70.00
Size: 8-12
Aerostich’s Competition Elkskin Ropers address all the downsides of riding with standard work gloves. First, elkskin is extremely durable – just ask any working cowboy. Second, the inclusion of TF3 impact-foam knuckle pad protects your joints in a tumble. Finally, the wrist closure keeps the gloves in place when you need them. Oh, and there’s a squeegee on the left thumb to clear your visor. Order direct from the Aerostich website
Alpinestars SPX Air Carbon
Size: S-3XL
The SPX Air Carbon is a precurved-fingered short glove that offers features seen in more expensive gloves. The carbon compound and injected TPR knuckle protector offers impact protection and style, while the carbon compound and injected TPR sliders on palm and fingers handle abrasion in sensitive areas. The main shell is constructed of full-grain leather with a 3D mesh on the back of the hand for airflow. Alpinestars gear can be ordered here.
Dainese Tempest Unisex D-Dry Short Gloves
Price: $99.95
Size: 3XS-2XL
Both men and women can appreciate a glove that can be worn in almost any weather condition. The Tempest features a waterproof/breathable D-Dry membrane and a visor wiper to handle rainy rides. Smart Touch fingertips will enable you to fondle your vital electronics. The CE Certification means that you can ride with the knowledge that they will protect you in a mishap. Order yours on here.
Icon 1000 Axys Black
Price: $85.00
Size: S-4XL
Designed for mild to cold weather, the Icon 1000 Axys Black is constructed of goatskin for a soft, supple fit that doesn’t compromise abrasion resistance. Protection of your hands and digits comes courtesy of D30 knuckle inserts while your palms receive multiple layers of the aforementioned goat hide. The hook-and-loop closure features expansion gussets to allow for free movement. Order them here.
Olympia Gloves 330 Protector
Price: $59.95
Size: S-2XL
Olympia Gloves is known for making value-priced hand protection, and the 330 Protector is no different. From the “Super Fabric” leather to the pinky slide protectors and reflective piping, the bonafides are there when you need them. Add in Olympia’s famed anti-vibration gel-padding on the palms, and you’ve got a prescription for all-day comfort in the saddle. Buy them direct from Olympia Gloves’ website.
Pilot Motosport Ventor Gloves
Price: $55.00
Size: S-3XL
While primarily known for its racing suits, Pilot Motosport also makes a line of reasonably-priced street-focused gear. The Ventor Gloves are a prime example. With calfskin providing the abrasion resistance on the palm and fingers, a carbon fiber knuckle mold protects the joints and the back of your hand. Because riders can get hot when the temperature climbs, the back of the hand is a 3D foam mesh, and fingers have air intake vents that double as protectors. The fingers also support touchscreen use. You can buy the Ventor Gloves direct here.
REAX Castor Gloves
Price: $89.00
Size: S-3XL
REAX is new to the motorcycle gear scene, but the brand’s initial offerings appear to be well thought out. With an ergonomic pre-curved construction, Castor Gloves will feel natural when wrapped around the grips. Protection is provided by the durable goatskin palm and cowhide backing to the shell. Fingers are shielded by TPR inserts over the knuckles and feature reflective material for conspicuity. The wrist closure is adjustable via hook-and-loop. You can buy the REAX Castor Gloves here.
Rev’It Striker 2 Women’s Gloves
Price: $89.99
Size: XS-XL
The Rev’It Striker 2 Women’s Gloves offer a great mixture of protection and comfort. The outer shell is constructed of drum-dyed goatskin which is combined with with 2-way stretch spandex fabric. Protection of your hard parts comes from 3D Seesoft knuckle armor and TPR-injected finger knuckle protectors. The fingers even have ventilation panels and smartphone-ready connect fingertips on index finger and thumb. The wrists closes with hook-and-loop fastener. Go here to order yours. The Rev’It Striker 2 Gloves are also available for men.
Spidi STS-R Glove
Price: $99.90
Size: S-3XL
Spidi’s STS-R Glove offers performance-minded styling and protection for less than you might expect. Constructed of a combination of 0.6-0.8 mm thick cowhide and goat leather with a gauntlet to securely cover the rider’s sleeve openings, the gloves also utilize EVA padding for a slide. The solid knuckle protectors help to spread out the force of impacts. Five colors are available to match your leathers. You can purchase the STS-R Glove here.
Tourmaster Dri Perf Gel
Price: $94.99
Size: XS-3XL
Can a glove really be both perforated and waterproof? According to Tourmaster, the Dry Perf Gel glove pulls off this feat, thanks to its perforated goatskin outer and waterproof, breathable E-Dry inner membrane. Additionally, EVA foam padding on the outside of the fingers combine with a hard knuckle armor for impact protection. The index finger and thumb feature touchscreen compatible overlays, and the whole shebang is held in place with a hook-and-loop gauntlet closure. Buy direct here.
Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.
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Like the list. Right before Roadgear closed they had a 70 % off sale. Bought a pair of short cuff vented for $35 and waterproof winter for $39 both of which are well made and comfortable and are at or near the top of my go to list among the, ahem, dozen + pairs I have. Yes I have a glove fetish...
I love my Competition Elk Skin Roapers. On my second pair. For warm to cool weather, they are excellent, on and off road.