Held Glove Features Information
There are a lot of different specialty materials used in the making of motorcycle gear, some of it for increased protection, others for greater comfort in the different weather conditions you might encounter while out on the road. We get a lot of questions about these different materials and thought we’d try to provide a brief overview of many of them and what they’re commonly used for.
Carbon/Kevlar: Carbon fiber fabrics are characterized by a combination of light weight, high strength and high stiffness. 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 and Alpinestars.
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. Many Sidi and TCX boots feature a Gore-Tex membrane, we also see it in Alpinestars and Held 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 and we see it in some of the high end gloves from AGV, Alpinestars and Icon.
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. Tour Master uses it for some of their rain pants; it’s ideal for use on lighter weight fabric like that used for rain gear.
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, FirstGear, Alpinestars, Icon, AGV and Joe Rocket have 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). It is also used for stretch panels, so that comfort and movement do not compromise safety. Speed and Strength is using it on their one piece suits and some of their jackets.
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. AGV Sport has also begun using Stingray skin on their high performance gloves.
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. Cortech, Held and Scorpion are some of the manufacturers using SuperFabric™ in their products.
Suprotect is a special open-cell, breathable PU-foam from NASAspace 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.