Reddit mentions: The best powersports gloves

Any and all questions about materials, methods, and possible complications are very welcome! I will be at work all day but when I get home I will be sure to answer as many as I possibly can!

I got almost everything from Amazon in one big order (I looked through each product's list of prices and origin to find the cheapest one). Everything else like the athletic tape, brads for the belts, the old white T-shirt for the arm wrap, boots and makeup I already owned or are very easy to find.

The pants were a pair of orange Stone Touch cargo capri shorts from Amazon, slightly lighter orange than I wanted but it would still look fine without the tea staining like I did. They could also just be dirtied up with some makeup or real dirt to get a good effect.

The gloves were brown, unlined leather driving gloves from Amazon. Amazon has a universal sizing chart they use to size jackets, pants and gloves, and I found it to size pretty true, if not a bit small for gloves. I got the smallest size that would still fit me so they would be skin tight and just broke them in. Note: these were the gloves that matched the psycho's best, but I saved a bit buying ones that were close enough.

The knee and elbow pads were Alta Tactical Superflex/AltaFlex pads from Amazon (one size, if I remember correctly)

The shins guards I got at Dick's Sporting Goods before I started looking online for all of the supplies. They were a pair of Umbro GT soccer guards (could only find the youth guards online, but any hard plastic shin guard will do).

As I said in the pictures, I used a plastic primer on the guards before the silver paint. There are probably many options for these paints, but the primer I used was Krylon Fusion For Plastic (Gloss, White). It said "Bonds to Plastic" at the top and "No Sanding or Priming" towards the bottom, both things I wanted. The paint I used was Krylon Dual Paint + Primer (Hammered Silver). For the paint to get the ideal texture, you need to get a good medium coat on; too light a coat and the effect doesn't happen, too heavy and the effect is flooded. You get a good idea after doing a couple of coats, it isn't too difficult.

The leather straps were made from some cheap buckle-less leather belts from Amazon. They were size 44 so I could have a lot of extra for vertical straps as well. I had enough, but I'm a skinny guy, so I guess it depends on how wide your thighs are.

The snaps for the arm wrap were a bit difficult to find, only since I had no idea what I was looking for. I went to a Michael's arts and crafts store, had to ask a couple people where I could find snap fasteners. They have a kind that you sew on (do not want) and the kind that you need a press or a tool for (these are the ones). As a word of advice, I needed to use needlenose pliers to spread the head of the protruding bottom section before hammering it down or else it just basically wanted to go back through the hole in the top part (you'll know what I'm talking about here only once you've tried to install a snap already).

And finally, the mask was the cheap latex one by Neca. I got it from Amazon along with pretty much everything else, but it's the only oficially licensed latex mask and you can find it at a lot of different places (I got it when it was on sale for $30).

As for the markers I used for the body lines, I used some black artist pens that I already owned (Faber-Castell 1,5 was the most useful, then M). I got them in an 8-piece pack from Michael's. The only reason I mention this is because the lines came off fairly easily in one shower (except near my arm pits, for some reason), and I don't know if you'd be able to say that about Sharpie lines.

One last note, I'm naturally a very hairy guy, and if you're like me, please shave your chest/stomach before trying to draw any lines on yourself; it won't work and you won't look like a psycho. Just a fuzzy weirdo. If you've never shaved your chest before, don't be ashamed to look up some tips, because it can go bad if you have no idea what you're doing and just jump into it (wicked razor burn, bleeding, ingrown hairs, etc).

Good luck and have fun!

Edit: Sorry if it seems like I'm karma-whoring, I just didn't want the How-To to get lost in the comments of my first post

Edit 2: I accidentally a spelling

In general, it's a good idea to have the following if you follow the ATGATT philosophy:

• DOT helmet - $40 - $500
  
• Reinforced Gloves - $100?
  
• Jacket - $150
  
• Boots - $30 - $200
  
  Some accessories you may consider getting later down the rode:
  
  
• GPS/Phone Mount - $50
  
• GoPro - $400
  
• Bluetooth Headset - $150
  
• Backpack - $150
  
  While you may be tempted to save as much money, I wouldn't spend less than $100 on a DOT helmet, at least for your primary helmet. Amazon has some nice helmet choices. I have two different sets of gloves, reinforced biker gloves and winter gauntlet gloves.
  
  I spent $100 on the pro gloves
  
  I spent $35 on the gauntlets
  
  As far as boots, I personally think it doesn't matter what type of boots you get. You can spend $100+ on reinforced biker boots, but I bought a pair at Walmart for $30 that are slip resistant. So I can wear them to church, work, and when biking. I tend to like things that are multi-purpose like that. But go with what fits your style.
  
  Leather Jacket I got this jacket, and absolutely love it! Way better than a tactile jacket in my opinon. A leather jacket is going to be a good choice as it's going to provide more protection, and is better for the winter as well. On the other hand, a tactile jacket will be slightly less hot (though I feel that the leather jacket is cooler than my tactile jacket but I'm probably having selective bias because I like it more)
  
  For a helmet, I recommend getting a DOT modular helmet. Amazon has a pretty good selection, but you might want to consider going to dedicated bike websites to find something else. Revzilla is pretty good on helmets.

That bike will likely be just fine for you. how much gear you want to wear just translates how much risk you want to take. Some days, I grab groceries in nothing but my skivvies and a helmet, sue me.

Most people on r/moto will recommend whatever expensive ass stuff turns up on a google search query "motorcycle gear". Now, I'm not saying that good gear is a bad investment, but, I rode protected in a suit that cost me less than $200 total. You just have to get a bit creative.

HELMET- As cheap as I am, here, I still recommend a good helmet. The bell qualifier is on sale right now for $100 USD. Its a good all rounder at a good price. get one. (FORGIVE ME IF DOT DOESNT CUT IT OVER THERE) http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/bell-qualifier-helmet?gclid=Cj0KEQjwjem-BRC_isGJlJ-0h-MBEiQAbCimWH3MHqfiWpzlEOmeOt0_QdhAz-LHk4F7Qd2kRZDVDCUaArGK8P8HAQ

PANTS- You have the correct idea here. sturdy jeans will prevent burns and minor scrapes without sacrificing mobility. best of all, they're pretty much free, since most blokes own a pair of jeans. If you fall and slide, your ankles and hips/back/torso are going to get much more abuse on the asphalt.

JACKET- This is where the savings are. a decent jacket is 200-300 dollars, and who wants to spend that? Here's where I got creative. This $30 suit of body armor has lasted me three years, and saved me from many bumps and scrapes.
https://www.amazon.com/Motorbike-Motorcycle-Protective-Bicycle-Motocross/dp/B00LE61UAI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1473943906&sr=8-2&keywords=motorcycle+body+armor
you look like a power ranger, but hey. It works, and don't let anyone here tell you otherwise.

SHOES- Hiking boots are your friend. ankle support and thick walls will be all you need. for a steeper price of $80-100 USD, you can find a shittier pair of racing/riding boots that will do you even better

GLOVES- this is the most polarizing part. i like shitty, $10 chinese gloves with plastic skid plates because the way i ride, i go through a pair of any glove every year anyway. been using this particular glove for the past 2 years. https://www.amazon.com/TCBunny-Pro-Biker-Motorcycle-Motorbike-Powersports/dp/B00GBVHPNW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1473944390&sr=8-3&keywords=motorcycle+gloves

Avoid these jeans like the plague

wtf... they used to say kevlar in the title. Why did that disappear?? Even a review says "Kevlar covers the crucial areas". I swear it said kevlar before.

Also avoid these gloves. I don't even know where they went after the crash. Probably shredded on the road.

I had their all-weather version too, but those sucked. It started raining and they immediately started soaking up all the water, soggy cold fingers.

These are the gloves I wear now. I went on revzilla and tried to find high rated gloves and then checked amazon to see if I could find any of them. These feel way tougher and they offer pinky/ring finger support which I wanted since I broke my 4th and 5th metacarpals in that fall.

This spine/chest armor worked really well, except for my ribs, but not sure you can do too much there. Spine was fine, most importantly.

Also, this leather jacket did not even rip. It got a little roughed up, but it's still perfectly good. It might not be aesthetically perfect anymore but I really trust that jacket now.

Really taught me a lot about gear. The helmet needs to perfectly fit, and it felt like I got punched in the face since it was just a tiny bit loose. I got a tighter fit now. Also, spine protector, full face helmet (slide marks all over my visor), good riding boots, and real leather are essential. The gear that worked, REALLY worked.

I don't agree with that article for a few reasons. If you're just getting into motorcycling, you don't really need a full suit. Leather is always a plus. You can buy leather jackets on clearance from Cycle Gear right now (U.S.) for $150 (about 50% off). If there are a few things you definitely DON'T want to cheap out on, its the jacket, gloves, and helmet. Cheaping out on these early in the game just means you're probably going to buy them down the line anyway (like I did). Lucky for you a lot of gear is on closeout right now so $1100 is reasonable for good gear. Here's my $0.02:

1. Helmet: Arai or Shoei (SNELL / DOT Approved). You can save money by buying a normal design (around $450-$500). The graphics versions are usually like $600+. look here
   
   
2. Jacket: Most leather jackets come with the back protector, but I'd suggest switching it out for a higher quality one. Leather is far more superior than textile 90% of the time. Personally, I have a Dainese which is amazing fit and built quality (so is Alpinestars), but Bilt makes cheaper versions that are probably going to serve the same purpose for street use (make sure it has some kind of armor in it). A back protector replacement will run you about $50. look here
   
   
3. Gloves: Spend a good amount on leather gloves. You can grow back the skin on your body, but you don't want to mess up your hands. I use Alpinestars SP2 Gloves, they're phenomenal and have palm sliders (around $120 bucks). look here
   
   
4. Shoes: Get some kind of hightop riding shoes or boots. They don't necessarily have to be racing boots, but as long as they cover the ankle. Should cost around $100. For example
   
   
5. Jeans: I'm not very versed in the Jean/pants department honestly. I have a pair of armored leggings that I started out with and have for longer trips, but I rarely wear them. this is what I have.
   
   Most of these are just examples, but this is the prime gear I ride with every time.
   
   TL/DR: Don't cheap out at all on your helmet, jacket, or gloves and go with leather over textile. Closeouts and clearance sales can put your budget at $900 or less. If you MUST spend less, at the very least put money into your helmet and gloves.
   
   

For pants you are going to need navy cargo pants which can be picked up from amazon or your local army surplus store. Your best bet for the shirt would be under armor or similar compression shirt. Unless you're willing to settle for black, the shoulder holster is going to be tricky. This is what I could find on amazon Brown Black. Leg holster Gloves.
A rock climbing harness can be expensive and now look like you want it to, I would suggest leaving it out (you will be more comfortable walking around, trust me) or getting some nylon webbing and making your own. Good luck with your gender bent Leon!

Yeah, that's realistic.

You can get a cheap ones online.

https://www.amazon.com/TaoTao-50cc-Sporty-Scooter-Green/dp/B015NKNB52/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491241855&sr=8-1&keywords=50cc%2Bscooter&th=1

$500 with free shipping in like new section.

Taotao scoots usually work pretty well as long as you service them properly. (easy $25 toolkit does the job)

You'll want a helmet, a half helm is good enough, leather gloves and thick ones for coldish weather. if it gets really cold you'll regret driving it, even 2 miles. Gear should cost you about $100.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TK7CYM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

those are some great goggles.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001URVKS8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

good cold gloves

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0024GIWDK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

helmet

the rest is up to you.

Here is a list of gear I have tested personally.

HELMET: Yema Modular I bought this as a back up helmet in case a passenger wanted to ride or my main helmet needed washing or replacement. Turned out the quality is amazing for the price and noise levels aren't too bad.


GLOVES: ILM Blackjacks badass pair of gloves that offer good protection for damn good price.


JACKET: Xelement
I look good in it and it is warm and cool year round.

I will go from the top down,

My helmet:

[1] http://i.imgur.com/9W7xG.jpg

I put "cat crap" on the visor to keep it from fogging. Works great and keeps me relatively warm.

I have ordered this snowmobile balaclava:

[2] http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MQAWOY

I dont think I will need it for another month, I also have a neck warmer from my snowboard kit.

I have this jacket:

[3] http://www.amazon.com/Joe-Rocket-Motorcycle-Large-Tall-851-4015/dp/B0025YIK2Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1320407840&sr=8-2

I wear it with a hoodie under it and it keeps me warm. I have a really heavy DNA coat (I'm a snowboarder) that I can wear if it gets extremely cold, but to date I havent needed it.

Gloves:

[4] http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UROUJO

They work ok, still new so I am getting the feel for them.

Pants:

[5] http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/41/37261/ITEM/Frogg-Toggs-Classic-Tekk-Toad-Pants.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch

I bought a cheap pair of wind proof/water proof pants. I havent needed them yet, I keep them on the bike in case I get caught in rain @ work.

Since I now live in the Shenandoah Valley I dont really need to get extreme like the people that live in the north. The nights get pretty dang cold though.

Some experience here from the rainy PNW.

Having to contend with rain means you have to fight to stay dry, in order to stay warm. If your gear/kit is wet, it's pretty much game over for things like starting a fire, trying to have a morale-boosting edible meal, and being able to change into dry clothes.

Most people would probably suggest a dry bag, the kind of vinyl bag that folds in on itself to make a water tight seal. Problem with those is they don't carry very well IMO, are needlessly heavy, and they don't breathe so you can end up with mold/mildew funk for when water does make it's way inside (and it will). Best method to use IMO is an individual water proofing method, such as putting your firestarter kit inside a zip lock bag or hard plastic container. Clothes would do well to be stored in those vacuum seal bags since they're large enough (don't need to worry about vacuum sealing unless you want to). Any food items not already in their own sealed container would do well in zip lock bags as well.

The whole purpose behind this method is to keep everything separated from the elements until they need to be used. This helps to keep water away from things that need to be dry, and keeps water ingress to a minimum, keeping your stuff dryer when you need it. It won't matter so much if the pack gets wet since the material of a hiking pack is usually water resistant and doesn't get water logged quite so easily. This also mrans it'll dry faster, and with your stuff in waterproof containers you'll be dry in an hour or so instead of days later.

Beyond that, a trash bag or two to act as a poncho for yourself and bag, usual rain shells for pants and coat, some gators for the mud/streams to help keep your feet dry, waterproof boots, and a set of overgloves (such as these that motorcyclists use) will keep you reasonably dry in a torrent of rain.

On my wish list:

Jacket

Pilot is the OEM manufacturer for some of the big motorcycle companies.

Winter Gloves

Someone recommended it off yesterday's gear thread. Good value for money.

Try to buy the helmet locally - they can help you with adjusting the foam etc.

I use these. Expensive, but I love how they look and they look to provide good protection.

I just purchase some gloves off Amazon (have not come in yet, but they were these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M4FIWT9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My commute is very short, so I'm not looking for a full body suit or anything.

Ideally, I just need some warm pants I can wear OVER my jeans that are not too expensive and some layer suggestions for my torso.

My current jacket is technically for the summer, so there are some areas with mesh that allow wind through, but so far I've worn a thin baselayer, a flannel, and light jacket, all underneath the motorcycle jacket and I've been fine.

But today is 20-something degrees with windchill and I'm sure I'm going to feel it.

Have any suggestions? What do y'all wear?

It's getting cold where I live (25-40 F most days) and the $20 gloves I bought at cycle gear aren't up to the task of frostbite prevention. They're not great gloves in general, so I'm looking to buy a nice pair of gloves (max budget is $170ish) that will also keep my hands warm.

Joe Rocket Flexium TX

Alpinestars SP-8

Alpinestars SP-1

Alpinestars Apex Drystar

Cortech scarab 2.0

Fly Racing Street Aurora gloves

I like the Cortech Scarab and the Alpinestars SP-1. Are these any good, both for winter riding as well as in general?

I'm doing just fine with these; they're as good as my budget will allow and all they need was a good break in and some mink oil.

Here's a pair on Amazon that is Prime eligible. It has pretty decent reviews and comes in pretty much every color and size you could want.

I've been using these for over a decade (not driving a BMW). Been through a few pairs by now. Love them.


https://www.amazon.com/BMW-M-Driving-Gloves/dp/B07G2S5TVC

​

I guess if you want them truly all black you can rip off the emblem.

I have no idea why, but my cheap (~$22) FOX racing gloves that I bought on Amazon work great with my touchscreen phone/gps/ipod touch, etc.

link!

Other than stating the obvious, why even buy gloves like that? If I was going to make my own gloves with something fancy, I'd buy something like this. These are actually like Loaded Race Gloves.

With that said, if you want a fancy pair of gloves, it's cheaper to just go with Sector 9 Boxers.

This site tries to create an adjusted rating by filtering out suspicious reviews. There aren't enough for this product, but it's a pretty cool site.

I highly recommend these gloves. They have both winter and summer variants. The winter gloves are super warm. They are pretty clunky but that's what you get with gloves this thick. I'll be picking up the summer version next spring.

Found the link on amazon, decent reviews as well

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N31N4FR/ref=cm_sw_r_other_taa_5jtLDb5HA3A6N

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019U0KREY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_taa_EntLDbAQ6VNVM

Name: "Bluetooth Gloves with a Built-in Mic"

$19

Purchase Link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074TFW6Z6

Bro you have no idea what you're talking about lol.

I have these gloves and they hurt a lot to get punched with them. Because physics