Spidi Rain Shield gloves in black

A summer-waterproof glove is one of the three typologies that make up the motorcycle glove category. Summer gloves have no membrane. Winter gloves have a membrane and thermal insulation. Summer waterproof gloves have a membrane, but no thermal component.

 

The Spidi Rain Shield is a summer-waterproof glove, but it's a particularly lightweight and breathable one. Yes, the glove will keep your hands dry in the rain, but they are more predisposed to summer rain in Spain rather than spring or autumn rain in Scotland or Wales. And that's because they are particularly well vented, with mesh panels on the fingers and thumbs, and at the wrist. But also because the glove is entirely unlined.

 

But don't think that the slight lack of weight or heft means that these gloves won't perform in the rain. They will do; and that is going to be down to the 2-layer, laminated membrane. And what this tells us is that this is a glove that will never 'wet out'.

 

The glove is made up from panels of what Spidi calls 'Elastic Flex Tenax'. As you would expect, this is very stretchy. But you also get areas of Neoprene. Again very comfortable.

 

For protection, you get a large, hard, plastic, knuckle protector. There are rubber bumpers on four of the fingers. The palm is a microfibre material that passes for genuine suede, although it's not. There's a large, rubber slider on the palm. On the palm you'll also find panels of a digi-leather lookalike that is designed to give extra purchase on the bars.

 

Other details include a Velcro closure flap at the wrist and some reflective detailing. What you don't get is touchscreen sensitive fingertips or a visor wipe. And really things like this have been sacrificed in the interests of lightness and simplicity.

 

The Rain Shield has not been shorn of features in order to keep the price down, although, it is very well priced for a laminated, waterproof glove. Rather, the glove has been kept simple, in order to keep it light and easy to wear. AS with all Spidi gloves, it offers good value for money.

 

This is not the glove for chilly, British autumn or spring mornings. This is a waterproof glove for those on tour; tours that are going to take you south rather than north. They are going to be perfect if the rain that descends is warm. They are not going to be quite so good if the rain that descends is freezing cold!