Top 5 Motorcycle Gloves in 2021
- Alpinestars SP-2
- Five RFX1
- Dainese Blackjack
- Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2
- Rev’it! Boxxer 2 H2O Gloves
Alpinestars SP-2 V2

Style: Racing | Mid-Cuff
Certification: CE KP 1
Material: Full Premium Leather
Ventilation: Knuckle Gussets | Perforation Panels
Waterproof: No
Knuckle Protection: Yes | TPU Injected
Palm Sliders: Yes | Advanced Elastomer
Touchscreen Compatible: Yes
Sizes: S-3XL
+ Highly attractive design
+ TPU injected knuckle protection
+ Touchscreen compatible fingertip
− Takes a couple of weeks to wear in
Mixing mobility with durability, the Alpinestars SP-2 V2 is an efficient and well-ventilated set of gloves. The side of the glove incorporates a suede reinforcement, as it is classified as a critical area. It also has perforation panels strategically placed around the gloves. This along with the vents in the knuckles allows for great ventilation, making the SP2-V2 the perfect summer glove. The knuckles are also made of TPU which is made to absorb and dissipate impact forces, further enhancing the safety of the gloves.
The accordion leather stretch inserts on the fingers and thumb allow you to easily and comfortably grip your handlebars. The interior of the gloves also has 3mm of foam padding at the fingers making them even more comfortable. The double wrist closure system also lets you customise and adjust the fit of the gloves.
There are no compromises in the practicality of the SP-2 V2. The gloves feature touchscreen-compatible fingertips, therefore removing the inconvenience of taking off the gloves when using a navigation device. It also has a finger bridge between the pinky and ring finger, that protects your fingers in a low-slide crash.
To read our full review of the Alpinestars SP-2 V2 click here.
Five RFX1

Style: Racing | Long-Cuff
Certification: CE KP 2
Material: Full-Grain Cowhide Topside/Full-Grain Goatskin Palm
Ventilation: Knuckle Vents
Waterproof: No
Knuckle Protection: TPU Knuckle Shells
Palm Sliders: Carbon
Touchscreen Compatible: No
Sizes: S-3XL
+ Extremely comfortable.
+ Carbon reinforced
+ Lightweight and comfortable
− Fingers are slightly short
− Expensive
The Five RFX1 Gloves are some of the best race inspired gloves on the market. With a full-grain leather construction, carbon reinforcement on the palm and forearm and stretch-Kevlar liner, it’s also one of the safest gloves you can buy. The stretch-Kevlar liner ensures the flexibility and comfortability of the glove whilst also ensuring a lightweight construction. Unfortunately, however, the ventilation in the glove is limited, with the only air intakes on the TPU knuckle shell. There are no perforations on the gloves, so they are best suited for winter and colder climates. However, if you are on a race track, knuckle intakes are more than adequate for cooling because of the speeds you reach.
These gloves use high-quality materials to ensure a level of protection and safety that other gloves can rarely reach. They may not be the best choice for casual wear or your daily commute, but when used in the appropriate setting, such as the track, there’s barely any competition.
Dainese Blackjack

Style: Patrol | Short-Cuff
Certification: N/A
Material: Goatskin leather/Leather palm reinforcement
Ventilation: Perforated Back
Waterproof: No
Knuckle Protection: Padded
Palm Sliders: No
Touchscreen Compatible: No
Sizes: 3XS-3XL
+ Extremely comfortable
+ Stylish
+ Won’t wear down
− May need to size up if you have longer fingers
− Not the best slide protection
A fundamental design, many riders speak nothing but praise
Constructed from goatskin leather and featuring a leather palm reinforcement plus soft leather inserts on the knuckles and back, the Blackjack gloves offer basic protection levels yet are among the top-selling models from Dainese. Comfort is unmatched, and fitment is versatile due to the hook and loop wrist closure.
In short, for what the gloves lack in protection, they make up for in ergonomics, adjustability and style.
Alpinestars SMX-2 Air V2

Style: Sports | Short-Cuff
Certification: CE KP 2
Material: Leather & Mesh
Ventilation: Perforated Back
Waterproof: No
Knuckle Protection: Carbon Reinforced
Palm Sliders: No
Touchscreen Compatible: Yes
Sizes: S-3XL
+ Extreme levels of protection
+ Great value for money
− Palm isn’t very reinforced
Constructed from goatskin and 3D mesh and strategically lined with perforation, these gloves exhibit high durability and unmatched ventilation levels. The mesh construction and extreme ventilation in the gloves make them best suited for warmer climates.
The Alpinestars SMX-2 Air V2 gloves are very ergonomic. This is due to the fingers’ pre-curved shape and elastic inserts between the fingers for exceptional flexibility. The carbon-reinforced, ergonomically moulded and abrasion-resistant knuckles ensure the highest level of safety and comfort.
The SMX-2 Air V2 gloves have a Neoprene Velcro-operated wrist cuff for simple and flexible fitment plus a TPR closure for added impact protection. Much like the SP-2, these gloves are touchscreen compatible.
Rev’it! Boxxer 2 H2O Gloves

Style: Urban | Short-Cuff
Certification: CE KP 1
Material: Goatskin/Suede leather
Ventilation: N/A
Waterproof: Yes
Knuckle Protection: Hard Shell
Palm Sliders: Temperfoam
Touchscreen Compatible: No
Sizes: XS-4XL
+ Very comfortable
+ Warm & waterproof
+ Touchscreen compatible
− Not for use in Summer
The Rev’it! Boxxer 2 gloves are constructed with a heavy-duty goatskin outer layer and a knitted cuff with a Velcro adjustment strap. The waterproof construction and well-insulated design make these gloves most suitable for cold climates and wet conditions. A waterproof Hydratex membrane ensures your hands stay dry and warm in rainy weather.
These warm and comfortable gloves are also flexible enough to ensure that handling the bike is simple. Offering a hard-shell knuckle, palm slider, padded fingers, and padded palm, these gloves offer a good degree of protection on top of the comfortability. The accordion stretch leather on the finger also adds to the comfortability of the gloves.
Final Thoughts
Alpinestars is the choice product for practicality and features, with touchscreen compatibility, effective ventilation, and satisfactory protection. However, the Boxxer 2 gloves are a sensible choice if protection and comfortability are the main features needed in a cold climate. Five Gloves are a much lesser-known brand, and their quality is absolutely top-notch despite this. The only downside is the cost. The Dainese Blackjack is a great option for the rider looking for gloves to match their vintage-style bike, although lacking slide protection.