The Best Gauntlet Motorcycle Gloves For 2025
We’d Know: We’ve Hands-On Tested 2500+ Pieces Of Riding Gear Since 2000
Our picks are based on gloves that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price.
Last updated February 2025 by Devan Martel
About Our Glove Recommendations
Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.
wBW is funded by our audience. Our recommendations and reviews may contain affiliate links that earn us a small comission if you make a purchase after clicking them. This is the primary way we fund our website and pay our review team (and comes at no additional cost to you). We disclose our relationship with brands or manufacturers for transparency. For more information about our extensive review process, see our review policies.
Best Entry Level Motorcycle Gauntlet Gloves
Priced under $150.
REV’IT! RSR 4
Price: $150
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The REV’IT RSR 4 is a mostly leather glove that offers great protection, with a price tag that just (barely) makes it under the entry-level list. It’s a great option for a gauntlet glove that provides far more protective features than most gloves in this price range.
REV’IT describes them as being “For the summer rider looking for a race fit and ventilation without having to compromise safety”. It’s a basic sentiment that could suit a hundred pairs of gloves, but we really can't complain - those are all great things when it comes to keeping comfy while still keeping your hands safe & sound.
Key Specs
• Outer Shell: Cowhide, goatskin, PU coated fabric
• Tri-fleece liner
• Fit: race fit
• Adjustability: Adjustment strap and Adjustment tab
Protection & Safety
• Carbon hard knuckle protector
• Hard-shell palm slider
• TPU wrist protector on the double closure long cuff.
• Excellent abrasion resistance thanks to the hearty leather construction.
Dainese Impeto
Why?
The Dainese Impeto sport gauntlet is one of the best gloves to come out of the Italian manufacturer in years, and it shows with the subtle details. One of the biggest details is that the entire palm area, including up to the blade edge of the hand, is all one single piece of leather, reducing multiple points of failure where panels stitched together may split.
Multiple impact foam zones and hard TPU sliders, as well as the split, hard TPU knuckles, protects the hand against both impact and abrasion. A heavily padded wrist closure holds the ulna and radius bones in line in case of a palm first hit to the ground, and through it all, the gloves are also highly ventilated to keep your hands cool and dry.
These gloves have also achieved CE Category II Level 1 certification, making them viable for track use if you want a “cheap” glove to attend novice track days with.
Key Specs
• Drum-dyed goatskin leather
• Single leather panel reinforces side of the hand to palm
• Polyurethane slider on the palm and joints of the fingers
• Dainese branding on wrist closure
• Impact-absorbing soft inserts
• Elasticated insert on thumb and fingers
• Micro-injection reinforcement on the palm
• Pre-curved fingers
• Gloves certified to CE – Cat. II – EN 13594/2015 Standard Category II Level 1
Protection & Safety
• Hard TPU over finger joints, knuckles
• Double wrist closure to keep the bones of the wrist aligned and stable during impact
• Multiple slide zones and padding zones
• Bottom layer of the palm is one single panel all the way out to the blade edge of the hand, increasing structural stability.
Cortech Apex RR
Price: $110
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Apex RR takes design elements from Cortech's best racing gloves. The goat skin hide at the palm provides great feel, and the microfiber overlay adds durability.
The finger, knuckle and palm sliders are genuine carbon fiber, and there is a touch sensitive tip for a phone or navigation system. Plenty of perforation in the leather will keep the air cooling your hands.
This is a race inspired glove at a fantastic price.
Key Specs
• Goat leather backhand and palm construction
• Fully perforated backhand, fingers and thumb
• Pre-curved fingers for increased comfort
• Reversed seam finger construction
• Leather palm, thumb and fourth finger overlay
• Microfiber palm overlay
• Accordion stretch paneling across fingers and thumb
• Hook and loop wrist strap and cuff closure
• Touchscreen compatible index finger and thumb
Protection & Safety
• TPR ulna protector on gauntlet cuff
• Carbon fiber knuckle, heel slider and finger protectors
• Goatskin leather is soft and comfortable, as well as highly abrasion resistant
Best Mid-Range Motorcycle Gauntlet Gloves
Priced $150 - $250.
Dainese Carbon 4
Why?
One of the “big two” in high-quality motorcycle gear, any list wouldn't be complete without a few entries from Dainese. The Carbon 4 gloves sit firmly within our mid-range category, which honestly, isn't particularly common for this Italian manufacturer.
The Carbon 4 model, which, as Dainese puts it, balances everyday street comfort with features and design from the racetrack, are an excellent choice for street & track riders alike. The fact that they come in just a shade over $200 is also a huge bonus, as the amount of safety (& style) you get for the price is quite literally insane.
Key Specs
• Drum-dyed goatskin leather super soft palm
• Micro sheep leather
• Available in two unique colourways
• Perforation at fourchettes
Protection & Safety
• Reinforcement in goatskin between thumb, index and palm
• Carbon fiber knuckles guards
• DCP system at fourth finger
• Polyurethane slider on the palm and joints of the fingers
• Thermoplastic resin slider on fourth finger
• Gloves certified to CE - Cat. II - EN 13594/2015 Standard Category II Level 1
Alpinestars GP Plus R V2
Why?
Near MotoGP levels of protection in a glove that is affordable.
Constructed from full-grain leather, the gloves feature the same Dynamic Friction Shield knuckle guard and finger bridge as found in top tier race gloves in Alpinestars’ lineup.
These gloves are pre-curved nicely and have excellent stretch panels in all the right spots to minimize finger fatigue. Once broken in, they will give you plenty of happy miles. Good luck deciding which of the 5 color choices you want.
Key Specs
• Supple and durable full-grain bovine leather main construction
• Localized perforations on palm and backhand
• Ventilated fourchettes
• Ergonomic engineered leather reinforcements on the palm and outer hand landing zones provide maximum abrasion resistance in key impact zones
• Ergonomic stretch insert on palm
• Pre-curved finger construction reduces rider fatigue
• Molded knuckle protection air intakes and exhaust ports for improved hand ventilation
Protection & Safety
• Alpinestars Dynamic Friction Shield (DFS) knuckle protection system features dual density mold construction for superior resistance to repeated impacts
• Internal top surface hand and thumb lining made with DuPont™ Kevlar® fiber fabric
• Alpinestars patented third and fourth finger bridge prevents finger roll separation in the event of a slide
• Alpinestars Dynamic Friction Shield (DFS) knuckle protection system features dual density mold construction for superior resistance to repeated impacts
REV’IT! Quantum 3
Price: $229
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The newest addition to the beloved Quantum line, the Quantum 3 gloves have all the same, much-adored, features of the Quantum 2's but in a refreshed look. Much of the spec's are the same, such as the cowhide and goatskin outer shell, while boasting new TPU hard components it's predecessor's didn't have.
Key Specs
• Outer shell: Cowhide | drum-dyed stay soft goatskin | PU-coated fabric
• E-touch microfiber and connect fingertip leather for device compatibility
• 3D air mesh ventilation
• Wrist and cuff adjustment system
• Textured grip and control panel
Protection & Safety
• TPU hard-shell knuckle, finger knuckles, palm slider and thumb protector
• Temperfoam underneath knuckle protector
• SEESOFT at palm
• Little finger protection bridge
• TPU cuff protector
• CE Level 1 knuckle protection
Best High-End Motorcycle Gauntlet Gloves
Priced over $250.
Alpinestars GP Pro RS4 Gloves
Price: $289.95
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
It can be hard to justify spending close to $300 on gloves when there are so many good options for less, but the GP Pro RS4's are a no-brainer.
These high-performance gloves are the newest edition to an overwhelming favorite pick in the gauntlet glove category. The Pro RS4's have been designed to provide riders with an optimal fit, comfort, and most importantly, protection.
Key Specs
• Blend of bovine and goat leather on the backhand, goat leather on the palm and fingers
• Inner seam palm construction for superior level of comfort
• DFS race cuff for abrasion-resistance
• Dual closure system on the wrist and cuff
• Perforated knuckle panel for enhanced ventilation
• Accordion leather on the fingers, thumb and backhand for improved fit and comfort
• Little finger bridge
Protection & Safety
• Dual density DFS race knuckle protector
• Aramidic lining on the back hand and landing zones
• Side reinforcements on the palm hard slider and finger sliders
• TPU finger protection
• CE certified level K2
Knox Handroid MK5
Price: Up to $330
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Easily the most unique-looking gloves on this list, if not on the market as a whole, The Knox Handroid MK5 is the (you guessed it) 5th iteration of the Handroid line that has been out for a little over a decade now. They feature exposed “exo skeleton” finger spines, which cover the tops of the fingers for impact protection, and a very unique boa-style closing method - which we have been told is a hit with some and a miss with others.
These gloves offer riders the chance to stand out while keeping their hands safe & in one piece. We commend Knox for this product because riding, for many, is a way to express themselves & live by their own tune - so why not translate that into your gear?
Key Specs
• Long cuff style
• BOA wrist closure system with lifetime guarantee
• Wrist retaining strap for added security
• Ethically sourced 0.8mm Kangaroo Palm
• Lightweight 0.8mm drum dyed leather, contemporary printed hexagon design
• Touch Screen enabled
• Available in three unique colourways
Protection & Safety
• New single-sided LDPE wrist cuff with added Micro-Lock for impact absorption
• Patented Knox SCaphoid Protection System (SPS) Impact technology with added Micro-Lock to help eliminate the grab effect that occurs when a leather palm makes contact with the road.
• Unique Exoskeleton spines on the fingers for abrasion and impact
• CE Certified EN 13594
Dainese Full Metal 7
Price: $499
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Full Metal 7 gloves were created to guarantee riders with the maximum amount of protection and performance possible in a riding glove. Dainese went all out on the Full Metal 7's with premium features such as titanium inserts on the knuckles, aramid fiber inserts on the palm, fingers, and back of hand, as well as reinforcement on the little finger.
If you want a pair of gloves that'll out perform you, the Dainese Full Metal 7 gloves should be your top pick.
Key Specs
• Track-level full gauntlet glove with titanium reinforcements
• Safety and design elements from MotoGP
• Fully encompassed in aramid
• Drum-dyed goatskin leather
• Super soft, tactile palm panel
• Perforation on the finger backs, fourchettes and wrist
• TPR grip system at the center of the palm
• Adjustable cuff strap
• Pre-curved fingers
Protection & Safety
• Full goat skin construction
• Race length
• Aramid fiber liner paired directly to goat hide that covers the entire hand
• Titanium Pro-Tek sliders
• TPU Pro-Hand sliders
• DCP system on the little finger
• CE Level 2 EN 13594 rater
Frequently Asked Questions About Gauntlet Motorcycle Gloves
What makes a gauntlet motorcycle glove different from a racing glove?
While a racing glove is designed to maximize armoring, using the highest quality materials, and being over-engineered in a sense, gauntlet gloves, often called street sport gloves, are simpler beasts. Many feature significant amounts of armor, but the biggest difference is that these gloves do not have the ring and pinky fingers attached together, and are generally more flexible in the wrist area.
Are gauntlet motorcycle gloves safer than short-cuff motorcycle gloves?
The answer to that question is one of the big debates in the motorcycle community. In the purest sense of covering the entirety of the wrist, as well as the ulnar bump and part of your lower forearm, they are “safer” in that sense. The tradeoff is that many gauntlet gloves are not quite as well ventilated as many short-cuff gloves are, and they close off the wrist of your jacket, not allowing air to flow up it on particularly hot days.
Do gauntlet motorcycle gloves work with all types of jackets?
For the most part, yes. Only if you’re getting into full four-season jackets with thick thermal liners for winter use do you start to run into issues with being able to close the wrist area. Otherwise, they work as well with mesh, textile, leather, and ADV jackets.
What are gauntlet motorcycle gloves commonly made from?
By far the most common material is cowhide leather due to its high abrasion resistance, but microfiber is starting to make significant inroads. For palms and grips, goathide or kangaroo hide leather are the most common. Armor on gauntlet gloves is almost always some form of “hard” armor like TPU, with carbon fiber covers or impact foam backing.
Are gauntlet motorcycle gloves suitable for off-road riding?
In general, a definite maybe. There are ADV specific gauntlet gloves, such as the Klim Handroid 5 recommended above, but gauntlet gloves for the most part are oriented towards sport riders. There is nothing preventing you from using a gauntlet glove off-road, but unless it is ADV specific, you will likely get much better results and comfort out of an ADV short-cuff glove.
Do gauntlet motorcycle gloves need to be broken in?
If the glove is made from leather for the most part, then there is a definite break in period. Due to being oriented towards sport riders, the leather is often thick and needs to get flexed and stretched in to conform to your hand. Wearing the gloves around the house for a couple of hours will generally get them to the point of being comfortable for riding, but it will take a few rides before they are completely broken in.
What To Look For When Shopping Motorcycle Gauntlet Gloves
Gauntlet gloves are often the best type of protection you can get for your hands and are expected to provide the highest level of protection and abrasion resistance, at the same time as allowing a full range of motion with your hands and wrists.
Things you want to look for in a good pair of gauntlet gloves are materials, armor, the closure type, and ventilation.
Material: Full-grain leathers such as cowhide, kangaroo hide, and goatskin are all adequate. Synthetic leathers such as microfiber are also becoming common. Some gauntlet-style gloves are made of textiles, but those are primarily made for ADV riding, and have their own list. You will also want all seams to be at minimum double stitched for extra structural strength. Gauntlet gloves are commonly made out of leather or synthetic leather, and may feel quite stiff during the first few days of riding with them. This is because unlike pre-stressed leather jackets or tumbled-leather cruiser chaps, the leather of the gloves hasn’t been “worked in.” That is specifically because everyone’s hands are different, and allowing the glove to stretch and conform to its owner’s hand shape allows the glove to provide the best protection and fit.
Armor: Armoring on a gauntlet glove should always be “hard” armor on the major points such as knuckles, fingers, thumb, and blade edge of the hand. You can get away with non-Newtonian impact foam in the palm, but you will want those gloves, such as the Dainese Full Metal 6’s recommended above, to have an extra layer of material to prevent it from being worn away too quickly.
Closure Type: Closure types on gauntlet gloves really do matter. At minimum, you want two closure devices, one around the wrist proper, and one for the wrist cover. 99% of the time, the wrist proper closure is a thin strap that is tightened and then fixed to a velcro pad, while the wrist cover can be closed with a velcro pad, a BOA cable system, or another strap. You do not want gauntlet gloves that only have one closure device, as they can come off during an accident.
Ventilation: Due to how much armor many carry, ventilation is not quite as good as short cuff gloves. You will want to look for gloves with intake vents hidden between the bumps of the knuckle armor, have microperforations, and/or have some type of exhaust vent to wick heat away from the back of your hand.
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We’re value-focused—Why pay $500 if something for $250 is just as good? Our review scores and recommendations reflect best value. Brand only goes so far—the gear has to stand on its own.
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