Comfort and protection of our hands is essential for maintaining dexterity and responsiveness. That’s why gloves are like the best of our riding apparel—when they’re doing their job, we don’t notice them at all. And that includes riding in various weather conditions.

Racer Gloves is taking notice of the rise in the women’s market, providing smaller-sized gloves while addressing the most important features: comfort, durability and protection. I was impressed by their Queens gloves.

The high quality stitching of these goatskin gloves has proven durable after a year of use. Goatskin is known for its abrasion resistance, although I’m happy to say I haven’t tested that feature of the gloves.

What I did test recently was water resistance and cold temperatures when I got caught in a snow blizzard high atop of the Tioga Pass out of Yosemite Valley on my way to the Suzuki Dealer Show in Vegas. Temps plummeted from 60° to 30° within an hour, where, without heated glove liners, I was able to give these gloves a true workout.

The waterproof POLYMAX membrane held up well to keep my hands dry throughout the entire life-and-death situation as rain turned to sleet—then to pelting snow and ice along the wind-torn ridge. My hands stayed warm enough with the fleece liner and ISOSOFT insulation through the higher 48° and up range, but started to chill from 45° and below.

Racer’s Women’s Queens gloves answer all demands of a mid-weight glove, and are amongst the most comfortable out there. That’s why they’ll stay in my kit all year round, along with heated glove liners to help them reach more extreme temps. MSRP: $89.99 RacerGlovesUSA.com

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