Motorcycle forums reveal that loads of new riders are in doubt when it comes to buying gloves. Should you go for the gauntlet long gloves? Or should you buy the short cuff gloves?
What is better? Gauntlet gloves or shot cuff motorcycle gloves?
Gauntlet gloves offer better protection than short cuff motorcycle gloves. The disadvantage of gauntlet gloves is that they might be quite hot during summer days.
Gauntlet gloves vs short gloves
So before we go any deeper into this, allow me to explain the difference between the two types of gloves. You’ll see my gauntlet motorcycle gloves just under the title of this article. Scroll a little bit down to see my short-cuff motorcycle gloves.
Gauntlet gloves are a longer type of glove which also covers the wrist area, whereas short-cuff motorcycle gloves are shorter and don’t cover the wrist area.
Both gloves have their own pros and cons, which I will be explaining in this article.
What type of glove do I personally use
I personally have two types of gloves. I started my motorcycle journey with a pair of Alpinestars motorcycle gloves and bought a pair of short-cuff REV’IT gloves in my first summer season.
So when do I use what type of gloves? Let me start by saying that the gauntlet gloves have my preference. Safety should go before anything else and they are
My short-cuff motorcycle gloves are worn during hot summer days. You would say that that’s just a small part of the year, which is true, but that’s also the part of the year where I ride my bike the most. Distance-wise, I think I wear both of my gloves 50% of the time.
I know that I should wear my gauntlet gloves more often, but the ventilated short-cuff gloves are just a blast on those summer days. I don’t even have sweaty hands because the fresh wind blows through my gloves. I guess that’s where comfort wins from the safety issue.
I wear my gauntlet gloves during fall, winter, spring, and early summer. Depending on the weather, I wear them in or over my jacket sleeves.
Should you wear gauntlet motorcycle gloves in or over the jacket sleeve
One of the pros of the gauntlet gloves is the fact that you can wear them in or over your jacket sleeves.
Wearing your gloves inside your motorcycle jacket sleeves allows air to blow into the sleeves. This can be extra comfortable on hotter days when every piece of refreshment is appreciated.
Wearing the gauntlet gloves over the sleeves blocks all the air out. I personally love this because it keeps me from getting cold during colder days. It also prevents water from running into your sleeves in case you ride through heavy rain.
Do Gauntlet gloves offer better protection?
There is a very simple and clear answer to this question. Gauntlet motorcycle gloves generally offer more protection than short-cuff motorcycle gloves.
This rule can be applied when you compare the same type of gloves, with the same level of protection. There might always be very
The gauntlet motorcycle gloves offer protection of your wrist. The first thing you do in a crash is reaching out with your arm to break your fall. There is a fair chance that your jacket sleeves will move up, revealing your wrists. That’s where the wrist protection from the gauntlet gloves comes in.
Which type of glove is more comfortable
The comfort of these gloves is a matter of personal preference. I like the fact that the gauntlet gloves keep we warm during spring or fall. On the other hand, the short-cuff ventilated gloves keep my hands cool during the summer. So it really depends.
I would personally advise you to buy two types of
Summary: What is the best choice? Gauntlet or short motorcycle gloves?
It really depends on your priorities and I can’t make the decision on which gloves are best for you. Do you want to go for the safest type of gloves? Definitely go for the gauntlet gloves. Do you live in a warm area with hot summers and do you value fresh air in your gloves? In that case, you might want to go for the short-cuff gloves.
Frequently asked motorcycle gloves questions
How tight should my gloves be?
Motorcycle gloves shouldn’t be too tight. But at the same time, they shouldn’t be too wide. Make sure you can comfortably grab your handlebars, clutch, and break at all times. Buy too wide motorcycle gloves, and you might end up with cold fingers.
How do I wash motorcycle gloves?
The outside of the glove can always be washed with a wet cloth. Want to wash the complete glove? Check the label on your gloves. In my case, they can be washed at low temperatures. I may not put them in the dryer.
Why do motorcycle gloves have knuckle protection?
Many motorcycle gloves offer knuckle protection. Not all of them, but most do. The knuckle is a part of the hand that is very exposed, plus it’s a part that breaks quite easily. That’s why most gloves offer knuckle protection. After a crash, you’ll see that the hand palm and/or knuckles are the most damaged parts of the gloves.
Can you stretch leather motorcycle gloves if they don’t fit?
It is possible to (slightly) stretch leather motorcycle gloves in case they don’t fit. However, it’s absolutely not advisable. You put extra force on the stitching, which is not ideal. Always switch your gloves for a bigger pair if you still can without being charged extra.
Got short fingers? Check out this article about gloves for short fingers.
What are the best gloves for numb hands?
Loads of riders struggle with numb hands. We’ve had this question so often, that I decided to write an article about the best gloves for numb hands.