GEAR
GOLDTOP ENGLAND
When the guys at Goldtop England suggested we take
a pair of their Predator leather gloves, first impressions
were a little washy, comments like ‘they look a bit weird’
were heard through the Traverse office.
SLAP! There, you
deserve that. Never judge
something based on its
looks.
Those of us in the office
have several pairs of leather
gloves, none compare to
those made by Goldtop,
most are thin and offer
very little protection at all.
As soon as you handle the
Predator’s by Goldtop you
can feel the difference.
The ‘weird’ look of the
Predator is due to the
armour plate offering
protection to the knuckles,
unlike other brands with
similar protection the
Goldtop Predator utilises a
‘floating’ plate that prevents
the usual pull or tightness
that something stiff sown
into the leather creates.
The armour construction is
Knox Microlock … some of the best on the market.
Similar armour is found in thin strips down the length
of the fingers and a small section of the hands heel.
There’s also section that covers the back of the hand and
across the wrist. It might not be much, but it is there.
It’s the leather that perhaps offers the best protection.
Immediately you can feel the quality of the 1mm hand
R
oiled hide which is double reinforced across the palm
and forefinger / thumb area, all these stressed seams are
triple stitched … a rarity from most glove manufacturers.
Once past the look of the ‘floating’ knuckle protection
it’s hard not to like the
styling of the Goldtop
Predator gloves … classic
yet very functional. If
you’re into looks then
these gloves will match any
bike or riding style … at
home on any cruiser right
through to an adventure
bike.
The gloves fit like, well
… a glove! Sorry about
the pun. They’re snug and
comfortable while offering
the right amount of feel.
The palm is not lined, it
doesn’t need to be. The
upper or back of the hand
is lined with 100% silk …
wow, is this what real silk
feels like? Apparently,
it offers great wicking
properties if you sweat a
little.
These gloves are not
winter gloves, an average Australian winter day was
enough to let the cold pass through to the hand. We’re
pretty sure Goldtop wouldn’t suggest they’re winter
gloves; the backs are heavily perforated to let heat pass
through. It’s a great look that compliments the overall
style.
Although initially stiff (quality leather) the gloves do
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