Ducati Monster Forum

Thinking of buying some Held Phantom 2 gloves or something similar.  Love the combination of kangaroo and stingray that they use and the glove looks extremely well made.  They also look to flow some air.

What are you guys riding these days?

I've worn Helds for some time.

I think the one's I have are the 'Steve' model.

You might need to try on more than oone pair of the same size.

They vary.

I bought Held Evo Thrux this year and like 'em much more than my previous Rev'it pair (don't know model). The kangaroo skin is nice and when I go back to the rev'its on a rare occasion I can really notice how thick and bulky they feel.

Held has longer fingers than most brands, which for me is great.  Like them enough that i'm going to order their Sambia short cuff gloves soon.

As a non-track rider, I'm rocking the new REV'IT! Strikers. I love everything about them... Slightly padded palm, minimal styling, hard knuckle that has SOME flex, breathable, and even a bit of a cuff. They are perfect for my type of riding, and don't make me look like a gixxer racer boy.

Also have a well-designed smart phone compatible index finger and thumb... that actually WORK.
Note that since this picture was taken, the smartphone fingers have been redesigned... they electro material is now on the TIP of the finger, in between the seems, rather than on the pad of the finger tip.

(http://images3.revzilla.com/product_images/0045/6799/revit_striker_gloves_detail.jpg)

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/revit-striker-gloves (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/revit-striker-gloves)

I have a pair of a* gp-plus gloves for very spirited riding days.

Wasn't there some recent interweb items to the fact that the U.S. Held distributor was no longer going to handle them? Seems that their with their popularity and reputation there would be no problem signing up a new distributor. My dealer no longer carries them, but he relies heavily on one supply house and rarely varies from it.

My gloves of choice are Dainese, AlpineStar, and Ducati factory store, in that order.

Yes, I've also heard they lost or ended their relationship with their US distributor and are currently looking for a new distributor and so there has been some trouble getting gear not held in stock.  I order most of my gear from Revzilla, which still carries Held, and I've found their sales folks to be knowledgeable and current on what the Held situation is (i.e. their ability to get what they didn't have in stock and sense of timing).

Helimot - great gloves

And a dianese

Make sure to get full gauntlet.  I have seen riders lose the small gloves during a wreck. Useless.

Think I have decided on some Dainese Druids ST gloves.  At least looking online at options those seem to be a good balance of street-able and protective.  I can try them on and that is always a better choice than mail order.  Especially as I just blew a hole in the fingertip of my Alpinestars GP2's

I don't ride without full gauntlet gloves, not ever.

I wear Held Titan gloves and they are amazing!

I've got the Roland Sands Design Barfly gloves for street duty. They have been awesome. Good for transitioning from cool spring riding, to hot summer, and back again in the fall. Look discreet, super comfortable, great quality.

Hmm.  I have a RS jacket which is nicely made and I enjoy it quite a bit.  However, when I looked at their gloves online they seemed to be light on protection and functionality.  I can't quite tell from the site, but do those gloves have any hard protection on the knuckles or anywhere?  Also, how is the airflow?

I have a set of RSD Diesel gloves - all leather but no hardpoints.  I prefer my Icon Overlord Shorts despite the ugliness because (1) Seems: the RS gloves have a seem that can be annoyingly felt between your ring and pinkie fingers whereas the Icon seems are on the outside and not between knuckles (2) the Kangaroo palm on the Icon Overlords is pretty comfy... where as I think I need to put in a few hundred miles with the RSD Diesel pair for them to get comfortable.

No hard protection, wasn't a deal breaker when I was buying my street/commuting gloves. Airflow is decent. As I stated, I use them pretty much all riding season long. From 30 degrees F, up to 90, and all the way back down. Are they the most breathable in hot conditions? No. Are they the most insulated? No. I just find that they do a lot of things well.

I once broke a hand in a pair of old school Fieldsheer gloves (metal studs for palm sliders) in a 35mph low side.   Back of my hand hit the pavement so hard it broke all four fingers.  The gloves had a little bit of padding on the knuckles but not even close to enough.

Now it is full gauntlet with lots of protection every time I ride.  Can't quite buy into the $350.00 top of the line racing gloves as they are more than I think is needed for the street.  However one step down from that seems about right.

Thankfully I only ride for fun so it is pretty easy to avoid high heat and weather.

You can make an argument for wearing full hockey gear underneath a full leather suit every time you ride. I'm just saying that the Barfly's have been the perfect solution for what I was looking for, and the risk I'm willing to take when I ride. When I was buying my criteria was: all black, short cuff (easy to pull on and off and stuff in a pocket), decent price, multi-season, leather, well made, and comfortable. They've been all of that.

I caved and spent the extra cash on a pair of Dainese full metal RS gloves.  When I tired them on they fit much nicer than the Druid's did.  Not a little bit better, a lot better.

Oh, and they look like I could take on two Range Rovers in NYC now.  [laugh]

FYI, Schuberth NA will be the new distributor of Held according to NewEnough / MotorcycleGear. Had a mail this week about it.

I was going to hold out for Helds but it seems I have skinny fingers and all the reviews said they were rather "roomy in the finger girth department.

I know you all have jokes now.   [roll]

Held makes a glove that has lots of finger options. You might have to order them, but you could get thin, thick fingers, short or long fingers. Almost like a custom fit, stock glove. Once Schuberth NA gets everything worked out you'll see more dealers carrying them. RevIt was the largest USA dealer for Held so I would expect them to be the first to know.

Drive over to Helimot and talk to Helmut...or call him. They'll make semi-custom gloves if you ask, and prices are reasonable for such a nice glove.

I have a pair of H2Os and B-11s. The B11s are semi-custom with L fingers, and XL palms, and a custom color pattern. They fit great. The H2Os are just off-the-shelf larges...they fit well and have survived 3 low-side crashes with minimal damage. They're scuffed a bit but are still in service as back-up gloves.

Dainese Four Stroke. You cant beat Dainese for Quality, Safety and Style.

Right now, to get short or long you'll need to order from over seas. FC-Moto stocks Held in different lengths.

I ordered some Phantom IIs  regulars and disappointingly had to retuns them, as I need a long. They were very comfortable and well made. Though I've heard some rumblings that the sting ray leather can scratch paint... but those may be just rumors.

Some other gloves I'm looking at are the current top models from RS-TaiChi and Racer. I've not gotten my hands on either yet as the Racer 'High Speed' is just coming into stocks - but reviews on Racer gloves have all been good.

One thing that's got my eye on those gloves is they both feature the latest iteration of the Knox SPS (Schaphoid Protection System). Basically sliders at the heal of the palm to help distribute force and minimize the glove gripping the tarmac in the event of a fall - allowing it to slide so your wrist and arm take as little force as possible.

And they are both a bit less than the US retail prices for the Phantom IIs. It would *appear* that the price point from FC-Moto is on par with the Racer High Speeds once the 19% VAT is removed for US buyers

FWIW, had a mail from Schuberth, USA recently and they now appear to have a fairly full line, as does sponsor Motorcycle Gear, but only some models come in short, regular and long. http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/gloves/all_types/held/ (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/gloves/all_types/held/)

Since I need a true German size 8 - 8.5, the last time I ordered a model from them which doesn't come in half sizes, I called out to Texas and one of the reps tried on several pairs until he found a larger one and he sent those. GOOD customer service!  ;)

Oh ho! nice. Thanks for that tid bit

I've been looking at the Racers too and the thing that I dont get is that the High Speeds are more expensive than the R-Safe's but the R-Safes seem to have better features... namely that enormous section of superfabric on the palm.

I'm probably going to pick up the R-Safe's... the only thing I can see that might be the diff is that the High Speeds might breath a bit better but I'd rather have more protection on a track glove vs venting.

For spirited rides, helimot.  Love it.  Worth every penny.

For other dianese (doesn't say what model)

Held dual compartment jobbers.  Inner compartment is waterproof.  Outer compartment is perforated and wearable in the upper 80s°F.

  I've only worn Alpinestars and Spidi gloves as  they make size 3XL. I'm wearing Spidi str gloves. They are very soft and the protection level is great for street.

If anyone was looking at the diff btwn Racer gloves High Speed and R safe versions like I was, check out this review:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-gloves/racer-high-speed-gloves/review.htm (http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-gloves/racer-high-speed-gloves/review.htm)

They pretty much say that the Rsafes are better and cheaper.

I bought a pair of Klim Element long gloves last year and they are awesome if you live in a climate where GoreTex is a requirement.  The left hand also has a swiper.  So comfortable on the inside and warm without feeling like mittens.

I used RevIts for a long time but the leather seems to wear through on the fingertips after three or four years.  I also have a pair of Racer kangaroo leather waterproof gloves which are great in the summer.

Icon overlord short summer gloves
Goats skin with Kanga palm CF knuckles .
Absolutely love them  [thumbsup] felt like an old girlfriend the moment I put my fingers into them  [cheeky]
Was a bit worried how thin the Roo palm was but after almost a year they are still perfect.
Makes for a more intimate contact with the grips only downside is running the heated grips on high
gets a bit toasty through the thin Roo leather.
They run larger than other gloves I usually use XXL in Alpinestar these are XL and fit perfectly.
Would I buy again YES but they don't look like waring out any time soon so I hope they are still making them
in a few years.

Held Air N Dry gloves -- awesome.

Currently wearing AGV Sport Telluride for my winter gloves. I like them, warm enough for SoCal riding and have armor protection. Decently priced at under $100

So I was lucky enough to receive a pair of Racer R-Safe gloves as a gift, but they are going back for something else

After wearing a bit around the house and moments of 'Hmmm, the left and right don't feel the same.." I took some closer looks.

QC fail. The left and right gloves have some rather different measures and placements of parts. For examples, one seam is 6mm on one side and 20 on the other. The retention strap D ring has near a cm difference in placement and the total cuff length is different.

I want to like them and they appear like they would offer a lot of protection. But such obvious differences and the quality control level they represent give me concern about issues I cannot see.

Gonna try RS tai chi next

Never wore their gloves, but my Taichi leathers have performed admirably for a long time. They also are extremely comfortable.

Curious to hear about them.

Have been wearing these for a while (since last summer).
http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=39192 (http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=39192)

I won’t repeat what you can read on STG’s web site, but will tell you a couple of important thing.

I’ve been very happy with these gloves. Comfort and feel are one of the best out there. (Compare to Rev’it Jerez, Dainese Full Metal RS, for example, RS Taichi fits better, and operating levers and switches is easier.)

2)What sets these gloves apart from the others (e.g. : Jerez and Full Metal RS) in the comfort and the mobility department is that the armors on the fingers and knuckles are “floating” on the outside of the glove, rather than mounting them inside of the glove or directly outside of the gloves.
Also, the knuckle armor is “split”, that does too make a big difference.

3)Finger length
This is one of the most important things when choosing “motorcycle” gloves.
Look at RS Taichi ‘s sizing guide. (Scroll down all the way. The gloves chart is at the bottom of the page.)
http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Page.bok?template=RS+Taichi+Sizing+Chart (http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Page.bok?template=RS+Taichi+Sizing+Chart)

Over the time, the gloves will stretch a bit in (A), but will shrink in (B).
So, well designed “motorcycle - specific” gloves are built accordingly. When you put on a brand new set of gloves, and feel like the width is pretty snug without the feeling of overly tight, but the fingers are tad too long (NOT an inch extra long, you know that) , then, that is the RIGHT size for you.
In other word, put on the gloves, open your fingers stretched out, and then , if...
A) the tip your finger touches inside of the glove’s finger end
or
B)you feel the pressure at the finger tips
or
C)there’s a space in between your finger crotch and the glove

that gloves is too small.
Not only it is uncomfortable to wear the gloves that are too small, you are risking the glove’s (fingers) seam burst open in the event of crush.

I wear size “M” with these RS Taichi gloves. For the reference, I’m in “M” with most Rev’it gloves, “S” in most Dainese gloves. (I could use “M” size Dainese, but the fingers would be a little bit too long. Rev’it Jerez fits just fine. It’s just RS Taichi GP-Evo feel better.)

wrist closure system
The video is about the older model, but the system is the same. I like this, too. (I’m a bit of paranoid about the idea of gloves coming off when sliding on the pavement.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caL_KpA6Ng0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caL_KpA6Ng0)

I'll update once I have them DP

S21FOLGORE, it seems that the glove makers consider my hands Gorillas. In alpine stars I need a XXL. I find the XXL of Dainese too short in the fingers, and Rev'it... those are a cruel joke. I can't even manage XXXL from them- for length or circunference. Held I need a 10 Long, which is difficult to get in the US recently. But if the RS Taichi gloves (same model you have) don't pan out I may just go with some Phantom IIs.

When I sent the Racer gloves back, some XXXL RS Taichis will be on the way.

Have you considered Helimot?

Not really.  I looked at their site and the gloves seem rather dated.  Of course that's only my impression from looking at their website... But it is what it is.

So no we have the RS Taichi GP-EVO Racing Glove NXT054 on the block now after returning a set of Racer R-safe gloves due to dubious quality control

As (well) known they run very small. The RS TaiChi 3XL is sized about the same in all measures as AlpineStars 2XL that I've worn to date. 3XL comes in black only.

Close inspection after the Racer (R-Safe model) gloves shows better QC here. The glove has more complex construction, despite that I didn't spot any mismatched sizes, alignments etc.

The split knuckle design on the TaiChi gloves is more comfortable than the more common solid 4 knuckle set up that just about every other glove uses. I don't feel the same pressure I commonly get with the solid knuckles when I make a (somewhat exaggerated) grip.

An other nice feature is that the retention strap end has Velcro on both sides, and is intended to be pulled back to the gauntlet closures to further adjust the fit. One can close it normally, perpendicular to the wrist or pull down to the gauntlet closure.

Speaking of the gauntlet closure, it's a two part deal. There's a smaller, medial flap with velcro on both sides and the larger lateral flap. I've seen other gloves use this two flap design, but have not owned any to date, so I'm not sure how it'll impact things.

One item I'd like to have, but these gloves do not have is the 3-4 finger bridge. There's no form of attachment at all.

They do have the newest version of the Knox SPS sliders. The Racers had the previous generation. While I'm not sure if it was the previous gen SPS or the Racer glove itself, it was a lot more noticeable on the Racer gloves. It wasn't in an area that would be on the bars and wasn't uncomfortable, just notable in comparison to gloves without or to the TaiChi gloves. On the TaiChi gloves i don't really notice the SPS plates at all.

TaiChis choices of materials is a little more traditional than Racer.  Moo and Roo leather, while Racer added quite a bit of super fabric. On the Racer the whole outer edge of the hand and the Palm area that supported the SPS was super fabric vs leather on the TaiChi gloves.  Don't know if/what difference this would make during a get off.

So far the TaiChi gloves are looking pretty good

Helimot stuff is as good as it gets, regardless of their website. I can wear any gloves I want racing, and I wear Helimot. One pair has been through three crashes, and they're still perfectly functional.

That's not to say there aren't other great gloves out there, as there most definitely are...but don't underestimate Helimot's stuff. RS Taichi makes great stuff as well. A* is generally shit across the board...I've personally seen their "race" gloves split at the seam from normal use (and in crashes). Their boots are well known to fall apart without ever hitting the ground.

I'm thinking of getting a pair of these, I want something that works on a touchscreen..  I currently have a pair of Five Airflow for summer (great ventilation), Five HG1-WP for winter (heated!!) and Rev'it Zenith H2O for in between.
(http://www.mcas.com.au/products/large/FIVE-AIRFLOW_LRG.jpg)(http://five-gloves.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/HG1_bk_red_face.png)(http://images0.revzilla.com/product_images/0015/7695/REVIT_Zenith_H2O_Gloves__zoom.jpg)

I've been wearing the same pair of Held Phantom's since 2006 and crashed in them 3 times.  They're still good to go.  The rain squeegee is pretty cool and they are really comfortable.

Question: what are we supposed to be doing to our Helds to take care of the kangaroo?

I think mine are overdue for some care.

Held recommends washing with warm water and drying to remove the salts.

http://www.revzilla.com/held-glove-wash-n-care (http://www.revzilla.com/held-glove-wash-n-care)

Clicked link.  Man, those are some comprehensive directions.  Ok, I guess I'll need to clear out a 7-8 hours this weekend to wash my gloves.

I find it easier to buy new ones. :P

I've never done anything to maintain mine.  Ever.

They get rained on sometimes. Does that count?

I agree with both of the last two posts!

I had bought some Fly CoolPro gloves about the middle of last year but they lasted all of about 2 weeks before I returned them (Revzilla). The velcro closure immediately started coming unstitched.

So, I just bought a pair of these:
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDAwWDQwMA==/z/oIIAAOxymspSDUh3/$(KGrHqZHJEkFH7odtDNWBSDUh3TJcw~~60_35.JPG)
AGV Sport Mayhem

So far, they seem pretty nice. I normally wear a medium in most gloves, but using their sizing guide, a small was recommended. They are snug, but a assume with break in nicely. Good armor, flow A LOT of air, but I'll have to see how the palms hold up. All in all, for $40, not a bad deal.

BTW, picture kinda looks like chrome knuckles, but it's actually metal mesh.

I finally broke down and and bought some Held Steve's from Revzilla. They're in half sizes plus offered
long or short fingers, since I've had gloves before with a short finger and know how much that sucks.
These fit me fine, my first real gauntlet except W&S heated gloves.

Going crazy also ordered same size Racer Grip Glove for a little perf'ed protection, will chime in when those arrive.

I measure at a 9 1/2 on the dot on the Racer and Held sizing charts and ordered accordingly.

When you get the Steve's, let us know how wide that gauntlet opens. My cool weather jacket is a BMW City Jacket which has a thick sleeve. Only one ancient gaunlet I wear can fit over it. A new Held might be nice.  ;)

If it's that wide, why not tuck the gauntlet inside of the sleeve?

 [roll]

Rather defeats the purpose, i.e. drafty.  ;) The proper gaulet I have which works is probably older than you.  8) Like me, getting a bit long in the tooth.  ;D

(http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq163/bikebits/Misc%20Motorcycle/enlargebmwnewcityjacket.jpg)

My Steve's fit fine over the rather bulky forearm armor in my leathers.

I doubt a textile jacket would be an issue, but I've been mistaken before.

Guess that sleeve is bulkier than it appears. Needs a minimum of 12" opening. Tried a few of my racing gauntlets which fit over full leathers but those are 11". My son swiped my '80's BMW gloves which would have been perfect. Seems glove manufacturers have forgotten the meaning of gauntlet unless you buy the vintage motoring or flying kind. Not really suitable for a bike.  ;)

I bet Helimot would make you a pair.

My KLIM sleeves are big and bulky and even with the velcro strapped cinched to make them tight at my wrist, my Held Evo Thrux gauntlet barely fits over them.  So I just tuck the gauntlet inside of the sleeve.  I agree with you view that it defeats the purpose in theory, but in practice when I cinch the sleeve tight over the gauntlet I really don't have any problems with air flow creeping up my sleeve.  The gauntlet is effectively a gasket.

Of course I haven't tried it in 30* weather where even the tiniest openings are made painfully obvious by the biting cold wind, but I'm happy with my sleeves-over-glove-gauntlet setup.

Just one man's opinion, in case you don't find the option you're looking for.

Thanks for the Helimot suggestion. You never know.  ;) Would prefer the Steve's as I'm a perfect German 8.5 and Steve's come in half sizes. Will wait to hear about the open gusset and gauntlet dimension when seevtsaab gets his.

As for wearing under the cuff, that's not an option with the New City with the liner installed. I wear my short summer Held's under the cuff of my vented jacket but have to be careful to leave them loose or I get bruises on the side and back of my hand on long rides if it's too snug.  :'(

Wondering whether seevtsaab ever knew my son. http://www.wmsbrg.com/sweden/index.html (http://www.wmsbrg.com/sweden/index.html)

Just buy a set of Steve's and take them to a local leather tailor to have the gauntlet made larger if needed.

So the Steve's are working out well, the the regular length 9.5 are a touch long in a few fingers.
I've had short finger gloves before and that is a non starter so I am ok with a touch long.

Curmudgeon - the gauntlets open to an oval about 4"x 5", tiny bit of elastic to make it maybe 5" x 5".
They do fit fine over my Vanson and my BMW Modern Concepts textile with goretex liner.

I also got a pair of  Racer  (http://www.racerglovesusa.com/grip-glove/) gloves, I'd call them slightly perf'd
(airy feeling when my hands are sweaty) otherwise not too breezy - I do have hand guards. Can't say enough good things
about these gloves.

Follow up - Racer Grip Gloves - I love these things. Fit is a bit subjective but I measured perfectly to a 9 1/2 on their site and they fit perfect.
kinda nice that they aren't super airy since I ride in 50F temps almost every day (am) and these are tolerable (with hand guards) and I can live with them
in 80's and 90's. These are well made and fit great, my new fav's.