Aerostich Elkskin Roper 2.0 Motorcycle Gloves Review

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Aerostich Elkskin Roper 2.0 Motorcycle Gloves Review

Gloves are the unsung heroes of motorcycle apparel. Some people, those who might be charitably described as the dimmest bulbs in the box, forego gloves altogether, bare-handing the grips without a care in the world. Others, those with slightly more wattage, wear fingerless fashion gloves. To each their own, freedom and all, I suppose. Some insist on learning lessons the hard way.

When it comes to motorcycle apparel, we cover the body parts we hope to protect, and hands are anything but optional in this regard.

On the other end of the spectrum are roadrace gloves with long gauntlets, knuckles encased in carbon fiber, a Rubik's cube of straps and snaps, and palms double-layered with the hide of a cow, goat, deer, kangaroo, or other animal that gave up its skin to save ours, sometimes adorned with metal or plastic sliders. When it comes to sudden, unexpected contact with pavement, gravel, or any other unforgiving surface, there's no such thing as too much protection.

A happy medium are Aerostich's Elkskin Roper 2.0 Gloves. They may look like run-of-the-mill gardening or work gloves, but they're much better than those cheapos from your local Ace Hardware store.

The biggest advantages of Elkskin Roper 2.0s over other gloves come from the inherent properties of the material itself. Elkskin offers more abrasion resistance (i.e., durability during a fall or slide) than deerskin or cowhide. It's also supple, requiring no break-in and staying soft and pliable in a wide range of temperatures.

Elkskin also plays nice with water. For the best fit, Aerostich first recommends buying the exact right size (see website for how to measure your hand correctly). Next, it recommends "custom sizing" the Elkskin Roper 2.0s by soaking them completely in water, wringing them out, then wearing them to dry on a long ride. As your hands work the controls, the elkskin shrinks or stretches as needed and the gloves conform to your hands. I've done this, and it works like a charm.

And when your gloves get dirty or sweat-soaked, you can wash them using warm water and mild soap. This actually helps the gloves last longer.

I've been wearing Elkskin Roper 2.0 motorcycle gloves for about a year. Their natural tan color reminds me of Jon Baker from CHiPs, and since none of my other gear is that color, I can always find them. (Can't say the same for my keys.) The gloves are all-day comfortable, and they offer plenty of grip, flexibility, and feel at the controls. They have a short gauntlet that secures with a metal snap and a black hook-and-loop strap, and the left thumb has a sewn-in rubber squeegee for clearing your faceshield when it's raining.

Read all of Rider's apparel reviews here

Aerostich Elkskin Roper 2.0 motorcycle gloves are made in the USA, available in a range of sizes (7, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 12, and 13), and priced at $107. Grab a pair!

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