• Axo Vortex gloves
• £45.99

While not as heavily-armoured as some gloves out there, Axo’s Vortex gloves are definitely at the end of the riding spectrum that demands a sturdier glove. Most noticeable is the carbon fibre knuckle protector, almost an essential accoutrement for any heavy-duty glove these days. There’s a healthy bit of shock-absorbing foam padding behind it, and it’s more flexible than it appears.

Finger protection is limited to rubbery panels on the backs. The palm is super-supple Pittards leather with a Kevlar panel on the oft-abraded heel of the hand. Extra grippy patches are provided across the base of the fingers and on the tips of the first two fingers. A Velcro closure keeps things secure and there’s a pull-tab to help you get your hands in there.

In use, they’re comfortable and feel light for the style of glove. We’ve crashed a few times and failed to either damage them or our hands. There’s a short length of stitching between in the crook of one thumb that’s come apart, though, which is a little disappointing for a high-end glove.

Positives: Good protection without going overboard, top-notch materials, comfy

Negatives: Expensive, less finger protection than some rivals, slightly suspect stitching

Verdict

We like the Vortex gloves for comfort and relatively lightweight protection. But they seem expensive for what you get, and we’re a little disappointed that a bit of the stitching has started to come apart. We’ll keep using them and keep you posted…

Performance: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5