I tested the Knox Handroid MKIII motorcycle gloves
6 min. read
27/09/2018
Hello everyone!
Today, no tips, but a review of the rider gear test!
Following a few low-side slides, my gloves (a pair of Five RFX1s) had taken a beating, although they had effectively protected my hands! I therefore had to replace them and, thanks to iCasque, I was able to try the Handroid MKIII motorcycle gloves from Knox.
To start, a few words about Knox. Founded in 1981, this brand specializes in manufacturing motorcycle gear. It is recognized in the field of protection for motorcycling, ATV riding, and outdoor sports. Over the years, thanks to its experience, it has become a supplier of armor for many clothing brands, such as Bering and Rev'It, while also developing its own product ranges.
The British gear manufacturer is also known in the motorcycle community for its Handroid glove range, featuring numerous protectors, even over the knuckles with composite rods reminiscent of an exoskeleton. Very active on social media, you will find many videos on its Facebook page.
The leather feels very soft to the touch, both inside and out. On the inside of the fingers, it is perforated for ventilation. The seams are not turned inside out on the sides of the fingers, but this is not an issue. The leather is reinforced.
The protectors on the palm, on the wrist side, are rigid and slider-style, but do not get in the way once the glove is on. Compared to other brands and within the same range of racing gloves, they have the advantage of protecting the scaphoid bone in the wrist much better in the event of a fall with the hands outstretched.
The cuffs are very high, I would say twice as high as a standard track glove, and feature rigid armor on the right and left, as well as that famous "Boa" closure, which is very convenient, like on some snowboard boots.
In terms of size, I chose a pair in size M, the "men's" model. Compared to other models such as the FIXE RFX1, they are not too wide in the palm, but the finger length could have used a few extra millimeters to be just a little more comfortable once the hand is closed!
To start, a few words about Knox. Founded in 1981, this brand specializes in manufacturing motorcycle gear. It is recognized in the field of protection for motorcycling, ATV riding, and outdoor sports. Over the years, thanks to its experience, it has become a supplier of armor for many clothing brands, such as Bering and Rev'It, while also developing its own product ranges.
The British gear manufacturer is also known in the motorcycle community for its Handroid glove range, featuring numerous protectors, even over the knuckles with composite rods reminiscent of an exoskeleton. Very active on social media, you will find many videos on its Facebook page.
Discovering the Handroid MKIII gloves
Upon unboxing and at first glance, the gloves are rather bulky, especially around the cuff. They have a very distinctive and unique style with their exoskeleton on the back of the hand.
The leather feels very soft to the touch, both inside and out. On the inside of the fingers, it is perforated for ventilation. The seams are not turned inside out on the sides of the fingers, but this is not an issue. The leather is reinforced.
The protectors on the palm, on the wrist side, are rigid and slider-style, but do not get in the way once the glove is on. Compared to other brands and within the same range of racing gloves, they have the advantage of protecting the scaphoid bone in the wrist much better in the event of a fall with the hands outstretched.
The cuffs are very high, I would say twice as high as a standard track glove, and feature rigid armor on the right and left, as well as that famous "Boa" closure, which is very convenient, like on some snowboard boots.
In terms of size, I chose a pair in size M, the "men's" model. Compared to other models such as the FIXE RFX1, they are not too wide in the palm, but the finger length could have used a few extra millimeters to be just a little more comfortable once the hand is closed!
Testing them out
They prove to be very comfortable during braking and acceleration. On the palm and under the index finger, the reinforced kangaroo leather strip features silicone grip that provides good feel for the controls. There may be a few pressure points on the small wrist strap around the metal buckle if it is tightened too much. The ventilation on the palm is noticeable and limits perspiration around the fingers. However, for "racing" range gloves, it is a shame that the last two fingers (ring and pinky) are not linked to prevent the pinky from turning back in the event of a fall. Indeed, the pinky is the most exposed in the event of a fall and is often the victim of fractures or sprains. In short, the Handroid MKIII is certainly an investment, but these high-end sports gloves with an original design are ultra-protective, flexible, and comfortable.
By Charlotte
