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SPRING 2018 ISSUE 01 / VOL . 03
graded on a curve
PRODUCT REVIEWS
Aerostich Elkskin Gauntlet Gloves
WHEN THE AEROSTICH CATALOG shows up in my mailbox , I sit on the couch , put my feet up and pore over it , smiling at the folksy product descriptions and dogearing pages for must-have or wish-list items . For years I ’ ve had my eye on Aerostich ’ s Elkskin Gauntlet Gloves , but I always put off buying them . What a fool I was . Since ordering a pair and falling in love with them , I regret all those missed years of wearing these gloves .
Aerostich ’ s elkskin gloves have a simple design . There are no carbon-fiber knuckle protectors or flashy graphics . They ’ re made of tanned and dyed animal hide , some thread , a bit of hook-and-loop and that ’ s it . But the particular animal hide that ’ s used — elkskin — offers durability , abrasion resistance and flexibility that ’ s superior to cowhide , and it dries soft . The gloves are unlined , and that ’ s a good thing because the suede-like back side of the elkskin is extremely soft and supple .
For added protection , the gloves have an extra layer of leather over the heel of the palm and another over the knuckles backed by foam padding . Elastic on the inner wrist and a hook-and-loop strap on the back of the wrist keep the gloves on securely . The 3-inch-long gauntlet has a wide opening to fit over even the bulkiest riding jacket , and it has a gusset and a hook-and-loop tab for closing it tightly around the forearm . Sewn into the left thumb is a rubber squeegee for wiping water off your face shield on rainy rides .
Although the elkskin is thick , the gloves offer good dexterity and feel on a motorcycle . My only complaint has to do with the hook-and-loop strap on the back of the