Taken from Dirt issue 63, May 2007
Gloves are a bit of a personal one, and finding the best pair isn’t made any easier by the sheer number on offer to you. Fox alone seem to produce about a thousand different designs (OK, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration), and they’re only one of many, the choice is verging on ridiculous.
The first and obviously most important quality to look for in a glove is fit, and considering the fact that I don’t think I’ve ever come across two pairs that fit the same, I would never buy mine without trying them on first. Sod trying to save a few pennies on the internet, just go to a shop, that’s why they’re there.
The type of glove is just as personal, some of you will prefer a thin and lightweight pair, while others will want a thick padded palm and lots of protection. I personally prefer a thinner glove, but that said in the colder months I do use some slightly thicker ones.
There are a few things like full–fingers (I can’t see why anyone would want to ride in mitts) with grip aiding rubber on the end of them, good quality construction/materials, and a nice bit of terry towelling to wipe your nose on, which everyone is going to want, but pretty much everything else comes down to personal taste.
![](https://storage.googleapis.com/fm-coresites-assets/dirt_new/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/gloves-4-340x279.jpg)
The Dirt race team glove of choice; minimal palm padding, great fit, and so unrestrictive that it feels like you’ve got nothing on. Perfect for everything except full–on winter.
2014 Model Price: £23.490 (RRP £ 25.95), available from Chain Reaction Cycles
![](https://storage.googleapis.com/fm-coresites-assets/dirt_new/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/gloves-9-340x266.jpg)
These fit me absolutely spot on, feel as thin as any XC offering, and yet with the carbon armour they’ve got all the protection you’re ever going to need. A great summer DH glove.
Price: £27.35 (RRP £37.99), available from Chain Reaction Cycles.
![](https://storage.googleapis.com/fm-coresites-assets/dirt_new/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/gloves-6-340x273.jpg)
Very slightly padded palm, and a long cuff, but these gloves offer great freedom of movement and feel, and they are incredibly well made.
Price: £19.66 (RRP £24.59), available from FC-Moto.
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A great all-round glove, although I reckon they’re best kept for slightly cooler days. The double reinforced heel increases durability without reducing ’feel’.
2014 Model Price: £33.99 (RRP £40.00), available from Freeborn.
![](https://storage.googleapis.com/fm-coresites-assets/dirt_new/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/gloves-340x268.jpg)
Great protection but with an incredible freedom of movement. These feel like they’ll last years, but they start to stink from day one. Not for hot days.
Price: £24.74 (RRP £32.99), available from Tredz.
![](https://storage.googleapis.com/fm-coresites-assets/dirt_new/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/gloves-8-340x258.jpg)
Medium weight, thin palmed glove with Kevlar heel protection and reinforcement in the problem areas, plus a carbon knuckle protector and a good snot wipe.
Price: £19.99, available from Cycle-Route.
![](https://storage.googleapis.com/fm-coresites-assets/dirt_new/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/gloves-5-340x256.jpg)
Simple, durable, comfy, well vented, a nose wipe big enough even for hay fever sufferers, this could well be the perfect summer trail glove.
Price: £27.95, Silverfish
![](https://storage.googleapis.com/fm-coresites-assets/dirt_new/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/gloves-7-340x281.jpg)
Ultra comfortable cuff–less design, very well vented with a durable double layer palm. Quite small sizing, but feels great when you find the right one.
Price: £20.00, Paligap
![](https://storage.googleapis.com/fm-coresites-assets/dirt_new/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/gloves-2-340x270.jpg)
The double cuff design ensures the super thin palm doesn’t bunch, and produces a great fit. Lots of protection elsewhere, just not much room for a ‘mechanics thumb’.
Price: £35.89, available from Patrol Store.
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