Held Glove Feature Information

Held uses many specialty materials in the manufacture of their fine products. This page lists some of those materials and provides some information about their properties.:

Carbon/Kevlar®: Carbon fiber fabrics are characterized by a combination of light weight, high strength and high stiffness. DuPont™ Kevlar® is the DuPont™ trade name for a unique fiber called Aramid. Low density, high tensile strength and excellent toughness distinguish Aramid fibers. Aramid fibers are used in composites to provide lightweight, strong laminates with excellent resistance to fatigue and impact damage as well as good wear resistance. Carbon/Kevlar® fabrics are composite weaves of both materials, often seen in knuckle protectors on high end race gloves, such as those made by Held.

Gore-Tex®: The original and best waterproof, windproof and breathable climate membrane. The pores in this wonder material are 20,000 times smaller than a water molecule, yet 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule, so rain can’t get in but sweat can get out. Held uses Gore-Tex in many of their waterproof gloves.


Kangaroo hide: Of the 48 species of kangaroo, many are protected. However, the unchecked reproduction of the largest breed has resulted in massive over-population and culls are therefore carried out under the supervision of the Australian government. Fortunately for motorcyclists, the hides make excellent rider equipment. Kangaroo hide is far more abrasion resistant than cowhide of the same thickness. This is because, unlike cows, kangaroos only sweat through their tail and therefore there are no pores in the hide. Kangaroo garments can therefore be lighter and provide more “feel”. Special tanning and drying methods mean kangaroo hide is resistant to moisture and so is less likely to lose its shape or degrade over time. Held gloves commonly use kangaroo hide.

Nomex®: Developed by DuPont in the early 1960s, Nomex® is a flame resistant fiber that is useful across a wide variety of industries – from firefighter turnout gear to transformer insulation. We see it primarily used on the lower legs of pants to protect them (and you) from contact with hot pipes but it is also sometimes used on gloves as well.

Pittards® leather: The hairsheep is a cross between a sheep and a goat only found in the mountains of some African countries. Its hide is soft and comfortable, like goatskin, but it has a more dense – and therefore hardwearing – structure which is ideal for glove making. Pittards® hairsheep leather is world renowned for its supple durability and responsive feel. The WR 100X finish takes it up a notch as it provides permanent water resistance, its beautiful appearance is maintained over time. It also has excellent sweat resistance for longer lasting gloves and it is very breathable for optimum comfort. Held has many glove styles that use Pittards® leather in the palm.

Primaloft® uses unique fibers and technologies to create high-performance synthetic insulation that is light-weight, effective, water-resistant, and durable. It is made to insulate effectively without awkward bulk and its quick-drying hydrophobic fibers work even when wet. Held uses Primaloft® in some of their winter gloves.


schoeller®-keprotec®: Yet another space-age material from schoeller®. Gram for gram this aramid weave is five times stronger than steel and therefore offers outstanding abrasion protection and is ideal for reinforcing high-risk areas on a variety of garments, like the palm area on gloves. (Held uses this fabric frequently, especially in their winter gloves).

Stingray skin is the most abrasion resistant material that is pliant enough to be used in the manufacture of gloves. Selected styles of Held gloves feature Stingray protection on the ball of the thumb, knuckles and wrist, backed with shock absorbing gel pads in order to allow fallen riders to slide more easily with less chance of fractured limbs caused by rolling.

SuperFabric™: A mix of 32% polyester and 68% epoxy resin creates a super-tough material which offers full flexibility as well as extremely high cut and abrasion resistance. It is used to reinforce crash zones on riding garments and gloves. One of the big advantages of this product is how lightweight it is; it’s also extremely supple.

Suprotect is a special open-cell, breathable PU-foam from NASA space research that is often used under hard knuckle protection shells on high end gloves. It is ideal as a comfortable absorption material for shock, impact and vibrations which is why Held is using it on many of their gloves.