Introduction
These are the Syncro Drystar waterproof, mid-cuff riding gloves. Priced at Rs 6,500, these are one of two riding glove models that the Royal Enfield x Alpinestars collaboration currently has on offer. The other is the short-cuff, airy, summer riding pair called the SMX-1 V2. Also, unlike the Syncro which is available only in black, the SMX can be had both in black and brown.
The Basics
The Syncro, even though waterproof, isn’t a bulky pair. And that’s because it uses textile for its outer construction instead of leather. According to Alpinestars, the glove uses synthetic suede and stretch fabrics, which help achieve a snugger fit. And, save weight.
The palm area of the glove is, again, all synthetic. There’s no leather reinforcement here to improve abrasion resistance. And, Alpinestars also hasn’t used plastic inserts around the heel of the palm. The latter is generally used to ensure that the sliding palms don’t catch anywhere in a crash.
It’s not that Alpinestars is averse to using these components on its waterproof gloves. It does employ both leather and plastic sliders on the Valparaiso for instance. The only reason it hasn’t used it on the Syncro, we imagine, is because the Syncro is an urban or city-centric pair wherein riding speeds aren’t high, to begin with.
But, to protect the rider’s hand in a slow speed fall, the Syncro does offer knuckle protection and some mild enforcement around the heel of the palm. There’s a patch of leather on the pinky finger, nonetheless, which should help against abrasion burns.
The Features
Like we said at the start, these are waterproof gloves. And that’s courtesy of Alpinestars’ Drystar waterproof but breathable membrane. It is bonded with the glove’s chassis to improve the membrane’s effectiveness, and to make the gloves less cumbersome to wear. With Drystar, Alpinestars claims, the gloves are 100 per cent waterproof, and reasonably airy, which makes them handy not only in the monsoon but throughout the year. A claim we will test over the next three months.
The Syncro also comes with conductive fingers. This means one can operate any touch-sensitive device while wearing the gloves by using the thumb or forefinger, or both. And that should come in handy during daily commutes. In terms of adjusting the fit, all you get is one simple velcro closure on the wrist.
What’s Next?
With the monsoon fast approaching, we will be able to test Syncro's claims of it being 100 per cent waterproof. We will also tell you if these gloves are a good option for daily commutes on the days it doesn't rain. And of course, if they have the longevity one expects from the price tag they command.
Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi
