Icon Pursuit Glove Review

[DontTellMom]

Icon Pursuit Glove Review

Originally Posted by RideIcon.com

Fits like a glove... You've heard it a thousand times, so have we. What actually defines how a glove should fit? We think the new standard is Icon's Pursuit glove. Supple sheepskin leather conforms to your hand. Plastic knuckle armor for protection, but hidden for a refined look. All over perforation for all day comfort. Reinforced goatskin palm to combat those nasty encounters with the asphalt. Try it on for yourself and then decide. This is what a glove was meant to be.
• Pittards sheepskin chassis for great fit
• Goatskin leather palm overlay for durability
• Integrated knuckle armor for protection
• Secure wrist closure keeps the glove in place
• Expansion gussets to improve overall flexibility
• Snap to keep gloves together while not in use
• Imported

Several years ago I purchased a pair of Icon Pursuit Gloves online sight unseen for $40 (MSRP is $55). I selected the black regular (perforated) Pursuit gloves (The Pursuit line is available in both solid and perforated leather) and used their size chart to determine my size, large. I decided on the perforated leather as I was planning on using them for summer riding.

I got them, put them on and couldn’t believe I was wearing gloves; they’re that comfortable. The Icon Pursuit glove features armor on the second and third knuckles, individual studs on the second, and a large strip that covers all 4 on the third. The studs (for lack of a better word) seem to be hard plastic, while the strip is either very flexible plastic or some sort of foam, if I had to guess I’d say plastic. All of the armor is stitched between layers of leather for a killer stealth look and feel.

They have a simple Velcro strap that does the job as well as a snap at the bottom allowing you to snap the gloves together when not in use (useful if you’re like me and are always looking for that second glove).

Now for the downside: although they’re extremely comfortable and armored, they don’t offer much protection especially if you fall at highway speed. The leather is very soft and subtle which lead me to believe that it may not hold up very well on impact. Fortunately (knock on wood) I have never tested them in this capacity, however a friend of mine dropped a pair of Stealth (non-perforated) Pursuit gloves onto the highway (I don’t remember how) which resulted in them being decently scraped up for falling with no weight behind them. (I will try to get him to post pics)

I also ran across these pics taken of the regular pursuit gloves (the same ones I have) by vdubvr6 on SVRider, who went down at about 65-70 mph while wearing them.

Before:




After:








*** WARNING GRAPHIC ***
The following pics are of his hands after the crash, not for those with a weak stomach. Pic #1 Pic #2

To sum it up, the Icon Pursuit Gloves are very comfortable and are a great alternative to not wearing any gloves at all, however they do not provide adequate protection for highway riding, and may not provide the desired protection on the street either.

Upside: VERY comfortable like not wearing gloves at all, stealth look with hidden armor

Downside: Do not provide enough protection for highway riding, may not provide enough for regular street riding either

Conclusion: Better than not wearing gloves, don’t provide adequate protection in average riding conditions

[icruze]

Nice write up!

[Jimbo]

I was going to purchase these, but ended up going with the Icon TiMax Titanium Plated gloves...

Thanks!

[Jeremy]

Great review! Jimbo you should post a review of your robocop....er I mean TiMax gloves

[DontTellMom]

Thanks for the kind words guys

Now who do I see about an avatar?

[D]

Originally Posted by DontTellMom

Now who do I see about an avatar?

I think Jeremy may be able to help with that.



My friend has a pair of Joe Rocket summer mesh gloves that didnt fair much better than these in a 15 mph crash. I am hoping he will review them soon along with pictures.

[BeeGee]

I stopped wearing my Joe Rocket summer gloves and just wore full gauntlet ones this summer. I thought about getting these for next summer but now I don't think I am going to anymore



Yeeeeesh!!!

[D]

Originally Posted by BeeGee

I stopped wearing my Joe Rocket summer gloves and just wore full gauntlet ones this summer. I thought about getting these for next summer but now I don't think I am going to anymore



Yeeeeesh!!!

here is my review for the joe rocket phoenix 3.0 summer gloves, they did not fare any better than the icons... Joe Rocket Phoenix 3.0 Glove Gloves Review – Crash Tested

so wearing real leather stuff is still the best option!

[ThatGuyWithTheDRZSM]

that hand looks freakin nasty....I'm gonna have to go get me some real leather gloves. I have a set of Alpinestars textile gloves that don't offer much more than fabric and padding, and some thin leather on the palms. They did me alright in my one wreck but I landed on grass...no high speed pavement encounters.

[BeeGee]

Originally Posted by D

here is my review for the joe rocket phoenix 3.0 summer gloves, they did not fare any better than the icons... Joe Rocket Phoenix 3.0 Glove Gloves Review – Crash Tested

so wearing real leather stuff is still the best option!

Looks like I'm goign with high dollar gloves - dainese full metal (or something similar)