Büse Carbontec Gloves

Büse Carbontec Gloves

CW EVALUATION

Heavy-duty hand protection

CARBON-FIBER, ONCE AN EXCLUSIVE material rarely seen on anything not bearing the NASA moniker, is weaving its way into the hands of the common motorcycle rider. Quite literally, in the case of the Carbontec gloves from German leather-maker Büse.

As the name suggests, carbon-fiber panels are used on the backs of the hands, fingers and wrists. There’s double kevlar stitching in critical seams, and a kevlar-lined palm for further protection. The gloves’ precurved fingers and molded knuckle armor provide a comfortable fit, and an accordion expansion panel across the back-of-hand areas offers plenty of flexibility, necessary when you’re twisting the throttle to its stop. The gauntlets easily fit over jacket sleeves and have velcro closures. Wrist-straps provide added security.

The gloves’ top-grain cowhide construction is notably thicker than that of many other sets we’ve worn, and re-

quired a bit of break-in time before fitting, well, like a glove. After a few rides and a bit of sweat, however, fit and feel for the controls improved dramatically. Unlike with some sport gloves seem to be more of a fashion statement, the Carbontecs inspire confidence that, in the event of pavement contact, your digits will come through okay. Good thing, too, as a dozen SuperTT race outings provided at least four unexpected meetings with the asphalt. While the gloves now show some battle scars, our rider’s hands remain unscathed. Neither roadracer nor street rider could ask for more.

DETAILS

Acerbis USA 13200 Gregg St. Poway, CA 92064 858/679-5220 www.acerbis.com Price..........

$210

Excellent protection Cool carbon look Available in red, black or blue

Break-in time required May outlast current carbon fad