Dress for the slide and not the ride, right? Well, that’s what they say. And one of the most important pieces of motorcycle gear when it comes to the slide is gloves, specifically gloves with palm sliders. Let’s take a look at why this little feature makes a huge difference, and we can dive in and take a closer look at what are some of the best motorcycle gloves with palm sliders.
Why Choose Motorcycle Gloves with Palm Sliders?
Motorcycle gloves with palm sliders are designed with safety and performance in mind. Palm sliders are reinforced pads positioned on the palm of the gloves to protect against impact and abrasion. Here’s why they’re essential:
- Enhanced Protection: Palm sliders absorb and distribute impact forces, reducing the risk of injury in case of a fall or slide.
- Reduced Abrasion: They prevent the palms from grinding against the pavement, minimizing skin abrasion.
- Improved Comfort: Modern designs ensure that the sliders provide protection without compromising comfort or dexterity.
Key Features to Consider
When shopping for motorcycle gloves with palm sliders, it’s important to consider several key features to ensure you get the best protection and comfort:
Material
Look for high-quality leather or advanced textile materials. Leather offers excellent abrasion resistance, while textiles can be more breathable.
Palm Slider Material
Palm sliders are typically made from hard plastic or carbon fiber. Carbon fiber sliders offer superior protection and durability.
Fit and Comfort
Gloves should fit snugly but not restrict movement. Features like adjustable straps and pre-curved fingers enhance comfort.
Ventilation
For longer rides or warmer climates, choose gloves with adequate ventilation to keep your hands cool.
Touchscreen Compatibility
If you frequently use your smartphone or GPS, consider gloves with touchscreen-compatible fingertips.
How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Gloves With Palm Sliders
Choosing the right motorcycle gloves with palm sliders involves more than just selecting a popular brand or model. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the best choice:
- Assess Your Riding Style: Different gloves cater to different riding styles. Adventure and touring riders might prefer gloves with weather protection, while sport riders might prioritize flexibility and aerodynamics.
- Check for Proper Fit: Ensure the gloves fit snugly without being too tight. Proper fit is crucial for both comfort and protection.
- Evaluate Protection Features: Look for gloves with adequate palm sliders, knuckle protectors, and additional reinforcement in high-impact areas.
- Consider Material and Ventilation: Choose gloves made from durable materials that offer adequate ventilation for your riding conditions.
- Test for Comfort and Flexibility: Make sure the gloves allow for natural hand movement and provide comfort during long rides.
The 5 Best Motorcycle Gloves With Palm Sliders
Here’s a closer look at my top picks.
1. REV’IT! Sand 4 Gloves
The REV’IT! Sand 4 Gloves are a top pick for adventure and touring riders who need a blend of protection, comfort, and versatility. Featuring a combination of breathable mesh and durable leather, these gloves offer excellent ventilation and abrasion resistance.
The incorporation of protective features like knuckle guards and reinforced palms enhances safety, while the adjustable straps ensure a secure fit. The palm sliders here are the company’s PWR|shield material, which is a special Aramidic fiber. The lightweight and flexible design provides good dexterity and comfort for long rides.
Ideal for various weather conditions, the Sand 4 Gloves strike a great balance between protection and breathability, making them a reliable choice for adventure enthusiasts.
Check it out at Revzilla
2. Alpinestars SPX Air Carbon v2 Gloves
The Alpinestars SPX Air Carbon v2 Gloves offer a winning combination of protection and ventilation for serious riders. Constructed with a mix of leather and mesh, they provide excellent abrasion resistance and breathability.
The gloves feature carbon fiber knuckle guards and strategically placed TPU sliders, delivering robust impact protection while maintaining flexibility. Their pre-curved design and ergonomic fit ensure comfort and dexterity, making them ideal for both track and street use.
With effective airflow and high-quality construction, the SPX Air Carbon v2 Gloves are an excellent choice for riders seeking performance and safety in warm conditions.
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
3. REV’IT! Cayenne 2 Gloves
The REV’IT! Cayenne 2 Gloves are a smart choice for riders who need both protection and comfort in a versatile glove. Constructed from a mix of leather and textile, these gloves offer excellent durability and abrasion resistance. The integration of hard knuckle protectors and finger sliders ensures robust protection without compromising flexibility.
The ventilation panels are well-placed, providing effective airflow to keep your hands cool during warmer rides. Additionally, the gloves feature a secure fit and good dexterity, making them suitable for a variety of riding conditions.
The palm sliders on these are a hard TPU material and there are plenty of other touches of this material throughout the gloves, providing excellent protection. Overall, the Cayenne 2 Gloves deliver a great balance of safety, comfort, and practicality.
Check it out at Revzilla
4. Alpinestars GP Pro R4 Gloves
The Alpinestars GP Pro R4 Gloves are a top-notch choice for serious riders seeking premium protection and performance. Crafted from high-quality leather and featuring advanced protection like carbon knuckle guards and TPU reinforcements, these gloves excel in safeguarding your hands during high-speed rides.
The ergonomic design and strategically placed stretch panels provide a snug, comfortable fit while ensuring excellent dexterity and grip. Perforated panels enhance ventilation, making them suitable for a range of conditions. With their blend of style, protection, and comfort, the GP Pro R4 Gloves are a standout option for both track enthusiasts and road riders alike.
The palm sliders are small but hard plastics and there are leather and some extra padding on the inner part of the glove.
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
5. REAX Castor 2 Perforated Gloves
The REAX Castor 2 Perforated Gloves are a solid choice for riders seeking a blend of comfort and protection. The perforated leather design ensures excellent ventilation, keeping your hands cool and dry during long rides. The fit is snug yet flexible, offering good dexterity and grip on the handlebars. Reinforced areas provide decent protection without sacrificing mobility.
The stylish design and high-quality materials make these gloves both functional and visually appealing. Overall, they’re a reliable option for both casual and serious riders looking to enhance their riding experience.
The palm sliders in these gloves aren’t huge, but they are purposefully placed and provide ample protection for the slide. Pair that with all of the gloves’ other top-notch materials and features, and you have one of the best pairs of gloves out there.
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
If you’re looking for other articles on motorcycle gloves, check out my archives. I’ve got reviews, guides, roundups, and more.
