Merlin Mahala D3O Raid Glove

The fit of this model is consistent with the major brands we carry so choose the size you normally wear. If you have no previous experience at all with glove sizing, go here for help

The MAHALA RAID D3O® EXPLORER GLOVE from Merlin falls in to their explorer collection and are suited for people who are looking for a classic, well protected adventure or touring style glove. Overall construction of the gloves is a mix of Exclusive Cordura® Outer With DWR Water Repellent Treatment, Kangaroo leather at the Palm (therefore can’t be shipped to CA as they don’t allow the use of Kangaroo), SuperFabric® Reinforcement Panels, and Polyester lining. The overall look and feel of the gloves is that of a denim jacket, especially in the black color way. Speaking of colors the options are black, tan or green, personally I am partial to the green.

Outside all of the abrasion resistance provided by the above mentioned materials, protection comes from the D3O® Knuckle Protection, SuperFabric® Reinforced Impact Areas, the padded piece added to the wrist as well as the slide inducing, padded material on the palms. Overall the Mahala Raid gloves have earned a CE Level 1 KP rating. Additional features include punched leather on the inside of the gloves for added breathability, accordion stretch panels on all fingers with multiple panels on the two big fingers, external finger seams, Digital Touch tips on both the index fingers and thumbs (which in testing performed well with both Android and iPhone devices), a polyester internal lining as well as a mid length cuff with a single cuff restraint system that features a hook and loop closure.

Overall the Mahala Raid gloves are more of a premium offering from Merlin with a higher price point than many of their other gloves as well as the use of some higher end materials such as kangaroo and Cordura®, this is definitely a you get what you pay for scenario. I am a fan of all of the stretch panels for additional comfort, as well as the highly adjustable closure at the cuff. Also the inclusion of some sliding bits and some additional protection on top of the wrist is a nice touch, definitely can’t complain with the protection decisions made here. My only real complaint is that I am not a huge fan of the jean material, personally I would love the features and protection of these gloves but would much rather that they looked more like Merlin’s Clanstone gloves, to me that would be the best of both works. But keep in mind that is purely subjective on my part. I think if you are looking for a glove that offers a good combination of looks/style, protection, and comfort/dexterity then the Mahal Raid gloves are a solid place for you to start looking. These are definitely in the upper ranks of Merlin’s line up. :: Damir 6/13/24