Product Review: Ixon RS Circuit HP Gloves - Introduction

Ixon RS Circuit HP Gloves

Let’s start by answering the basic question - Why do we need riding gloves? The importance of a pair of gloves is often overlooked because they aren’t exactly the most comfortable bit of protective riding gear. However, as hands and fingers are your physical connect with the motorcycle, they need to be comfortable and protected at all times. Imagine the pain of nursing a rash on your palms grinded by asphalt, and you would know what I am talking about. Riding gloves should be worn at all times. I have learnt this the hard way, you needn’t.

Protection is necessary not just from injuries suffered in a crash, but also the weather. Gloves play a major role in insulating your hands from the cold and rain, and it is necessary to keep your fingers from getting numb for obvious reasons. The market is flooded with a wide range of gloves and all you need is a bit of research to find ones which make you feel comfortable and safe.

Now that we have established the importance of gloves, introductions are in order. The funky gloves you see in pictures over here are the Ixon RS Circuit HP gloves. These are mid-level racing gloves, which are certified to be used for track riding while being comfortable enough to be used on a regular basis on the street.

The Ixon RS Circuit HP gloves are made of goat leather. The full gauntlet construction comes armed with with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) category 2 protection along with CE certified guards, both of which are stringent European standards for motorcycle armour. The backhand features a knuckle protector as well as small inserts to cover the joints of your fingers. Protection for the palm includes CE certified sliders, similar to the one on the knuckles.

Once you slip on the Ixon RS Circuit HP it, well, fits like a glove. Areas around the index finger, middle finger and the thumb get flex leather to ease movement. Securing the gloves is easy, thanks to an elasticated wrist with a dedicated buckle and velcro tightening on the cuffs. For those who can’t survive without their phones even when they are riding, the Ixon RS Circuit HP gloves come with Sensitive Touch System, which allows the rider to operate touch screen phones with their gloves on.

I am currently using the 2XL size gloves, and for your benefit, we have attached Ixon’s sizing chart. Nevertheless, we would recommend you visit a store and try on the gloves if you are a first time user. If you know your glove size, well, then there are myriads of options for buying these online. While the price tag of Rs 8,000 make them an expensive proposition, we would say that the protection they offer make the Ixon RS Circuit HP well worth the dough. We got ours from Performance Racing Store, Mumbai, who are one of the official distributors for the riding gear manufacturer.

Over the next few weeks, we will be putting the Ixon RS Circuit HP gloves through the routine of daily commute, touring and if possible, some track usage too (I hope the editor gets the hint). We will be back with a detailed report on their performance, comfort and ease of usage in the real world. Stay tuned to BikeWale.