Finding the right fitting motorcycle gloves is essential for both comfort and safety while riding. The right size ensures that you maintain full control over the bike, providing the best grip while protecting your hands from abrasions and impacts. However, many riders overlook the importance of properly measuring their hands before purchasing gloves, leading to a range of issues that can be easily avoided. When you understand how to measure for motorcycle gloves correctly, you not only enhance your comfort during rides but also ensure that your gloves serve their intended protective purpose effectively. This comprehensive guide will delve into the various methods for accurately measuring your hands, the factors to consider when selecting gloves, the types of motorcycle gloves available, and tips for achieving the best fit. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the perfect pair of gloves that suit your riding style, comfort level, and safety needs.
The Importance of Properly Fitting Motorcycle Gloves
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of how to measure for motorcycle gloves, let’s discuss why achieving the right fit matters so much for riders.
Enhancing Safety
Safety is paramount when it comes to riding motorcycles. Properly fitting gloves play a significant role in ensuring you are adequately protected.
- Impact Protection: Gloves designed with padding and hard shells can absorb impact forces. If the gloves are too loose, they may not remain in place during an accident, compromising your protection.
- Control and Grip: Loose or ill-fitting gloves can hinder your ability to grip controls effectively. This impacts your overall command of the motorcycle, especially during critical moments.
Comfort during Rides
Comfort can make or break your riding experience. Gloves that fit well contribute significantly to overall comfort.
- Reduced Fatigue: If gloves fit properly, they prevent unnecessary chafing or pressure points, which can lead to hand fatigue during long rides.
- Enhanced Sensitivity: Fitting gloves allow you to sense the handlebars and controls with better clarity, making it easier to maneuver your bike safely.
Longevity of the Gloves
Investing in a quality pair of gloves requires consideration of their lifespan, which is influenced by fit.
- Durability: Ill-fitting gloves wear out faster due to additional friction points. Properly sized gloves distribute stress more evenly, prolonging their usability.
- Maintenance: Gloves that are difficult to put on or take off because they are too snug or loose can lead to regular handling issues that may decrease their overall lifespan.
Understanding Different Glove Styles
Before measuring for motorcycle gloves, it’s essential to understand the different styles available as each serves specific riding needs.
Full-Finger Gloves
Description: Full-finger gloves provide complete coverage for all of your fingers.
- Advantages: They offer enhanced protection against the elements, abrasions, and impacts. Ideal for colder weather and off-road riding.
- Use Cases: Suitable for all types of riding where full protection is desired.
Half-Finger Gloves
Description: These gloves feature an open design, leaving the fingers exposed while still protecting the palm.
- Advantages: They offer better ventilation and dexterity, making them popular for casual riding or warm weather conditions.
- Use Cases: Ideal for touring and commuting, especially when maintaining a sense of touch is crucial.
Gauntlet Gloves
Description: Gauntlet gloves extend past the wrist for extra protection and seamless integration with riding jackets.
- Advantages: Excellent for providing coverage and protection to the entire hand and wrist area.
- Use Cases: Preferred for sport and touring riders looking for comprehensive protection.
Short-Cuff Gloves
Description: These gloves do not extend beyond the wrist and tend to be more minimalist.
- Advantages: They allow for greater mobility and are ideal for warmer conditions. They are easy to wear and remove.
- Use Cases: Suitable for cruising or everyday rides, where wrist movement is essential.
Guidelines on How to Measure for Motorcycle Gloves
Now let’s dive into the various methods you can use to measure for motorcycle gloves effectively. Accurate measurements will help you identify the best fit to ensure comfort and safety while riding.
Measuring Your Hand Size
1. Gather Your Materials
Before commencing the measuring process, ensure you have the following materials:
- Flexible Measuring Tape: A soft tape measure is ideal for measuring around curves.
- Ruler or Straight Edge: Useful if you want to confirm your measurements with a more rigid measuring tool.
- Pen and Paper: For recording your measurements.
2. Determine Your Dominant Hand
The dominant hand’s size is typically slightly larger, so make sure to measure this hand for the most accurate fit.
3. Measure Hand Circumference
- How To: Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your hand, excluding your thumb. This is usually at the knuckles. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight.
- Record the Measurement: Note down the circumference in inches or centimeters.
4. Measure Hand Length
- How To: Place your hand flat and extend from the tip of your longest finger (often the middle finger) down to the base of your palm at the wrist.
- Record the Measurement: Again, track this measurement consistently in inches or centimeters.
Factors to Consider
While measuring for motorcycle gloves, consider these factors that can influence glove size selection:
- Finger Length: If your fingers are longer or shorter than average compared to your palm size, you may need to adjust glove sizes.
- Palm Width: A wider palm may require gloves with a larger circumference, impacting your overall size selections.
- Wrist Size: Ensure your wrists are comfortably accommodated without feeling restricted, especially if you choose gauntlet styles.
Understanding Glove Sizing Charts
After measuring your hands, the next step involves interpreting glove sizing charts.
Finding the Right Size
Most manufacturers provide a sizing chart that correlates the measurements you’ve taken to sizes, typically labeled as small, medium, large, etc.
- Comparing Measurements: Take your hand’s circumference measurement and consult the manufacturer’s chart to determine the corresponding glove size.
- Consider Manufacturer Variations: Different brands may have slight variations in sizing metrics, so always check the brand-specific sizing information.
Trying on the Gloves
After identifying your size, trying on the gloves packs extra assurance regarding the fit.
- Check the Feel: Make sure the gloves are snug without feeling restrictive. They should allow you to move your fingers freely.
- Finger Length Check: Ensure that the fingertips do not feel too cramped or too loose. If your fingers touch the tips but do not curl too far into the glove, it’s typically a good sign.
Tips for Choosing the Right Gloves
Choosing the right gloves goes beyond just measuring hands. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind while selecting motorcycle gloves:
Consider the Riding Conditions
Different riding environments require specific features in gloves.
- Climate Consideration: If you are riding in cooler weather, consider gloves with insulation or waterproof capabilities. For warmer climates, choose gloves made from breathable materials.
- Type of Riding: Factor in your primary riding style. If you’re primarily commuting, lightweight gloves may suffice, while sport or touring riders may need more robust options.
Evaluate Material Quality
The choice of materials directly impacts comfort, durability, and effectiveness.
- Leather vs. Textile: Leather offers great protection and durability, while textile gloves tend to be lighter and more breathable. Consider your riding style when selecting between the two.
- Reinforced Areas: Look for gloves that have additional padding or reinforced areas in critical spots, such as the knuckles or palm.
Check for Additional Features
Gloves with extra features can provide enhanced functionality and comfort.
- Touchscreen Compatibility: If you use your smartphone or GPS while riding, gloves designed with touchscreen fingertips are crucial for ease of use.
- Ventilation Systems: Perforated designs or venting help with breathability, keeping hands cool on hot rides.
Care and Maintenance for Motorcycle Gloves
Proper care ensures a long lifespan for your motorcycle gloves. Here are some essential tips for maintaining your gloves:
Cleaning Techniques
Regular cleaning is essential to preserve the appearance and functionality of your gloves.
- Leather Gloves: Use a slightly damp cloth to remove dirt and grime. Specialty leather cleaners and conditioners can be applied to maintain flexibility and prevent cracking.
- Textile Gloves: Most textile gloves can be machine-washed or hand-washed gently with mild detergent. Always check the care label before cleaning.
Drying Properly
How you dry your gloves can significantly affect their longevity.
- Avoid Direct Heat: Never place gloves near heaters or direct sunlight, as this can dry out materials and cause damage. Instead, let them air dry naturally.
- Shape Maintenance: If needed, insert a form to maintain the glove’s shape while they dry.
Regular Inspections
Conduct regular checks on your gloves to spot any signs of wear and tear early on.
- Inspect for Damage: Look for weak areas, fraying, or cracks. If you notice significant damage, consider whether it can be repaired or if it’s time for a replacement.
- Replace When Necessary: Particularly for gloves that have experienced accidents, always prioritize safety. If protection is compromised, it’s time for a new pair.
Conclusion
Understanding how to measure for motorcycle gloves effectively is essential to your safety, comfort, and riding experience. With the right fit, gloves can provide the necessary protection without sacrificing control or comfort. An improper size can lead to decreased performance on the bike, discomfort, and in some cases, compromised safety.
By following the guidelines outlined in this article—measuring your hands accurately, interpreting sizing charts, considering factors that impact fit, and selecting the right glove features—you can make an informed choice that meets your specific needs.
Additionally, practicing care and maintenance ensures your gloves will last, maintaining their protective properties for the many miles ahead. As you gear up for your next ride, remember that your hands deserve the best protection you can offer. With proper attention to measuring and selecting the right motorcycle gloves, you’ll enjoy your rides more maximally and securely.