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Motorcycle gloves are not an indulgence, they’re a necessity. Beyond the safety factor, the proper pair of motorcycle gloves can make your ride a more comfortable one. Each season and each type of riding calls for a different type of glove. Short-cuff motorcycle gloves are less bulky and are more flexible and breathable than gauntlet gloves. Short cuffs pair well with summer riding gear and allow for better wrist movement. They’re also easier to store, since they’re smaller.
This guide will help you find a comfortable pair of the best short-cuff motorcycle gloves.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Scorpion EXO Klaw II Gloves
- Best Value: Bilt Sprint Gloves
- Best Knuckle Protection: Alpinestars SMX-1 Air Street Motorcycle Gloves
- Most Stylish: Dainese Blackjack Gloves
- Most Breathable: Alpinestars GP Air Gloves
- Best Racing Style: Dainese MIG C2 Gloves
Types of Motorcycle Gloves
Summer
Summer is one of the most popular times of the year for riding a motorcycle, and your gear should match the weather. Short-cuff gloves are designed for summer riding with lightweight, breathable materials and venting. They typically aren’t waterproof but will dry quickly. They often come in a wide range of colors and designs, so it’ll be easy to find a pair that matches the rest of your gear.
Fingerless
Fingerless gloves protect your palms and the back of your hands. There are openings for each of your fingers. These gloves may be cooler because you have maximum airflow. However, there’s no protection for your fingers, so they’re not recommended for motorcycle riding.
Winter
Winter short-cuff motorcycle gloves are designed to withstand colder temperatures. These gloves will have varying levels of insulation to make them suitable for different temperature levels. These gloves tend to lack breathability, so they can make your hands sweat if it’s too warm. The short cuff tends to be the downfall of winter gloves. It can leave a gap between your gloves and jacket, allowing cold air to get in.
Racing
If you attend track days or race your motorcycle, you need gloves with extra protection. Race gloves are made of leather with extra reinforcement pads on the palm to give you a better grip. Your knuckles will also have extra protection. The most protective option is a Kevlar knuckle guard and additional protection plates down each finger.
Best Short-Cuff Motorcycle Gloves: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Scorpion EXO Klaw II Gloves
Best Value
Bilt Sprint Gloves
Best Knuckle Protection
Alpinestars SMX-1 Air Street Motorcycle Gloves
Most Stylish
Dainese Blackjack Gloves
Most Breathable
Alpinestars GP Air Gloves
Best Racing Style
Dainese MIG C2 Gloves
Our Verdict
You can’t go wrong with the Scorpion EXO Klaw II Gloves. Their pre-curved palms reduce fatigue, while the flexible goatskin and TPU molded knuckle guard give your hands plenty of protection. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Bilt Sprint Gloves. They have an aggressive design, sporty fit, and hard knuckle guard.
What to Consider When Buying Short-Cuff Motorcycle Gloves
Types
Summer
Summer is one of the most popular times of the year for riding a motorcycle, and your gear should match the weather. Short-cuff gloves are designed for summer riding with lightweight, breathable materials and venting. They typically aren’t waterproof but will dry quickly. They often come in a wide range of colors and designs, so it’ll be easy to find a pair that matches the rest of your gear.
Fingerless
Fingerless gloves protect your palms and the back of your hands. There are openings for each of your fingers. These gloves may be cooler because you have maximum airflow. However, there’s no protection for your fingers, so they’re not recommended for motorcycle riding.
Winter
Winter short-cuff motorcycle gloves are designed to withstand colder temperatures. These gloves will have varying levels of insulation to make them suitable for different temperature levels. These gloves tend to lack breathability, so they can make your hands sweat if it’s too warm. The short cuff tends to be the downfall of winter gloves. It can leave a gap between your gloves and jacket, allowing cold air to get in.
Racing
If you attend track days or race your motorcycle, you need gloves with extra protection. Race gloves are made of leather with extra reinforcement pads on the palm to give you a better grip. Your knuckles will also have extra protection. The most protective option is a Kevlar knuckle guard and additional protection plates down each finger.
Key Features
Fit
Look for gloves that will come in a size that fits your hand. They should be snug but not too tight. They shouldn’t shift or bunch while on your hands. They also shouldn’t be so tight that they restrict your hand movement or blood flow. The glove should also have a cuff that secures around your wrist to ensure the gloves stay on your hands in the event of a fall.
Material
Short cuff gloves come in leather and textile construction. The material you choose will depend on what you find comfortable, the weather you’ll ride in, and your budget. Some gloves also use a combination of materials, such as textile fabric on the back of your hand and sides of your fingers. Then there’s leather on the palm and on the back of the knuckles.
Ventilation
Without ventilation, there’s nowhere for moisture to escape. Whether you buy winter or summer gloves, there should be a certain amount of ventilation to keep your hands dry. This prevents sweat buildup and gives you a better grip. There could be molded vents built into the back of the fingers and hand. The material used to construct the gloves could also be breathable. Leather gloves will have perforations and some textiles have a weave that allows for airflow.
Other Considerations
- Armor. Some brands of short-cuff motorcycle gloves feature armor on the knuckles and the back of the hand. This is important, as it will protect your hands from abrasion and injury during a crash. Carbon fiber is a popular material as a protective shell across the knuckles. Others will use thermoplastic rubber. The most protective gloves will have armor on the back of the hand and down each finger.
- Finger feel. Put your gloves on and pay attention to how they feel on your fingers. Are the fingers the right length with a small amount of fabric extending beyond each fingertip? There should be enough room for your fingers to move without there being too much space. Your gloves need to be big enough to allow your fingers to swell and still be comfortable. There shouldn’t be too much on the inside at the seams.
- Style. Your gloves should reflect your style and the type of riding you do. Some gloves have a retro-inspired design. Others are brightly colored with multiple accent colors. Some gloves look sleek and modern, with decorative branding stitched into the glove material.
Pricing
You don’t have to spend a lot of money for decent-quality motorcycle gloves. Products for less than $50 provide moderate protection but likely won’t be as durable as pricier gloves. If you want the best short-cuff motorcycle gloves on the market, you’ll have to invest a little more money. Gloves for between $50 and $100 are longer lasting and are made of higher-quality materials than their cheaper counterparts. You can spend as much as a couple of hundred dollars for high-end short-cuff motorcycle gloves. These gloves are usually reinforced with armor and designed for people who race or need gear to withstand hard frequent use.
FAQs
Short-cuff motorcycle gloves are much more convenient to use than mid-cuff and gauntlet gloves. They are easy to put on and take off and ideal for everyday commuting. Plus, you’ll be able to retain dexterity and flexibility through your hand and wrist.
Use a measuring tape to measure the width of your hand. Lay your hand flat with the fingers together. Wrap the tape around your hand below the knuckles, excluding the thumb. This is the measurement. You can round it off to the nearest half inch.
It depends on the material. Check the product manual for detailed washing instructions. Leather absorbs liquid, and once it’s dried, it gets stiffer and loses its shape. Therefore, it is inadvisable to wash leather gloves in a washing machine.