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Sportex Storm Gloves
rrp £39.99
Written by Phil Skinner.
Construction
The body of these gauntlets is formed from decent quality supple leather. All
the panels are sewn in with double rows of stitching and kevlar thread is used for all exposed stitching. Additional
weather protection is provided by a Hipora lining and warmth courtesy of Thinsulate.
Protection
Protection is generous for a glove of this price. The knuckle and back of the hand is covered by thick foam and
a kevlar weave. The backs of each finger are covered by an additional layer of leather, as is the edge of the palm.
There are further foam/kevlar panels over the wrist and at each side of the cuff with some additional padding in
the upper half of the cuff. All the kevlar panels are set in leather then attached to the body of the glove rather
than the inferior method of attaching them directly.
Fit & Comfort
Adjustment and security is where these gloves excel. The wrist is elasticted with
a velcro strap on the upper giving a large degree of adjustment; a small amount of further adjustment is available
from the small flap at the wrist. Cuff adjustment is achieved by two gusseted velcro flaps on the upper and lower
sides, the flap on the lower portion being elasticated. Articulation is aided by a concertina panel across the
knuckles. Fit is, as ever relative, I reckon my hands are of fairly average size and the fit feels quite good,
the length from finger tip to the elasticated part of the wrist is perhaps a tad short (maybe 1/8”) but I don’t
really notice it. Feel is usually compromised by warmth and is always a problem with lined gloves, I’m quite happy
with the level of feel and don’t feel too restricted.
Weather protection
With a name like ‘Storm’ you might expect something suitable for Arctic use, however the moniker is somewhat optimistic.
I would class these gloves as ‘mid-season’, i.e. they are fine for use most of the year but if you’re regularly
riding more than 2-3 miles in very cold weather these gloves won’t keep you happy. Waterproof and gloves are not
two words I really associate together, especially at this price. Keep them treated and they’ll stay shower proof,
but again, if you expect to do a lot of foul weather riding perhaps you should look elsewhere.
Wear & Tear
I’ve used the Storm’s for just under a year with little complaint. A couple of months ago a velcro patch for one
of the elasticated wrist restraints (sounds a bit kinky) came partially loose from the stitching. This part of
the glove probably gets the most punishment through daily use and is one of the few parts not double stitched,
go figure. My gloves have also kissed the tarmac (gently) without any appreciable damage.
Summary
At forty quid I’d say you get a lot of glove for your money. I’m pretty impressed and the criticisms I’ve leveled
are no strangers to gloves with much higher price tags. A pair of Sportex Storm’s will likely keep you happy for
most of the year without impacting your wallet too much, which can’t be bad. I’ve knocked off a point for the bad
design of the velcro patch (double stitching please) and the waterproofing should be a bit better – 3½ out
of 5 spanners.
If you have any specific questions you can email me at phils.hoose@ukgateway.net
Phils has done some in-depth product reviews of his riding gear.
Check them out...
FM F101Helmet | Swift Cabon-pro race gloves | CoolViZion visor inserts
Sirius Jeans | Tattoos | GSB Zoom Boots | Sportex Storm Gloves
Power Bronze Belly Pan
Phil Skinner
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