REV’IT! Dominator GTX gloves fit the natural curve of my hands from the first time I put them on—no “break-in” required. These all-leather gloves effectively cover and cradle the hands and fingers, thanks to the strategic design and assembly of selected construction materials, including cowhide, goatskin, “cabrito” leathers, composite hard parts, aluminum plate, and GORE-TEX.

The box-construction padded fingers leave plenty of room, while maintaining the feel needed for adjusting controls, picking up tools, or punching a GPS receiver or smartphone’s touch screen. Fastening the gloves to the wrist, a unique dual-strap system both secures the gloves and allows custom-fit tightening each time the gloves are worn. The straps, one extending behind the hand below the fist knuckles and one encircling the wrist front, provide stability and support when fastened with Velcro tabs.

Gripping the handlebars is where the gloves’ complex composition can be appreciated. They readily permit all the “degrees of freedom” necessary to manipulate the controls confidently. Palm and inner finger material, Pittards “cabrito” leather (made from hair sheep hides), ensures the traction needed for adhering to the handgrips, switches, and levers.

This leather is diamond-embossed and specially treated for water resistance by Pittards, the long-established English leather producer. A full GORE-TEX liner ensures wind and water protection, while maintaining breathability. Does it work? You bet! Relentless Appalachian mountain springtime showers could not penetrate these gloves at Interstate speeds.

There’s no thermal insulation as such, but the multi-layer construction should provide some insulation in cool temperatures. The breathable GORE-TEX, and the natural porosity of the leathers, allow evaporative internal moisture management at higher temperatures. Riding for 200 miles in 90°F-plus temps, sweaty hands were not a problem. There was no sogginess or clammy effect, even when worn in hot temperatures.

Cowhide is used for stretch lips of the fingers and hand back. Drum-dyed, water resistant goatskin covers the back of the hand and fingers and a palm grip insert. Abrasion protection, fortunately, was not tested! However, the strategically sewn combination of cowhide, goatskin, and Pittards “cabrito” leather of the outer shell appear to be a countermeasure to road rash.

Formidable crash protection comes from dual-compound honeycombed hard part sliders integrated into the glove at the thumb knuckle, the heel of the palm, and covering the knuckles. An internal aluminum plate is also incorporated, and the entire structure is ventilated for moisture management.

Armored components of the glove are certified by CE. Other features: A light-reflective appliqué appears on the little finger, improving night-time visibility. A four-inch flexible visor-wiping blade runs along the inside of the left index finger.

Workmanship is superb. Using REV’IT! special yarn thread, the multiple intricate pieces are sewn together with smooth, even seams. REV’IT! claims Dominator GTX gloves have been developed for “around-the-world riding.” With robust impact and environmental protection, high wearability and comfort levels and I can’t argue with that! MSRP: $269.99 RevitUSA.com

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