News

Sirius 2 H2O riding gloves review: Thoughts post multiple rides in rain

19th July 2022, 14:32 by Rahul Nagaraj

Not once have I ever felt that I have compromised on tactile feel or manoeuvrability of my fingers, by going for a pair of waterproof gloves.

BHPian neil.jericho recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

A few months ago, I picked up the Rev'it! Sirius 2 H2O gloves. I do have a pair of A* full gauntlet gloves (for track use, I tell myself!) and a pair of SPRS full gauntlet gloves (for all other users). However, neither of them is waterproof. Given the extended monsoon season here in Kerala, it was best to move towards waterproof riding gear. Only then would I be comfortable riding all around the year. Step one was to get me the Falco Oxegen 3 WTR boots.

When it came to gloves, I was disappointed by the Royal Enfield A* Syncro Drystar gloves. Unfortunately, waterproof gloves aren't very popular in India, so finding options in a Tier 2 city like Cochin is not easy. I tried out a couple of options from Rev'it! and found the Sirius 2 H20 gloves to be just what I wanted. It cost serious money though! Rs 12,000 for a pair of gloves that I would use for less than half the year, did seem to be a very steep price to pay. After thinking about it for a few weeks, I picked up the Sirius 2 H20 gloves over the more affordable Rev'it! Anderson H20 gloves.

For technical specifications on the Sirius H20 gloves, here is what is posted on the High Note Performance website.

Protection Features
Outer shell: Goatskin drum dyed with WR finish, PWR|shell twill stretch, synthetic PU leather, flock PU
Insulation: Thinsulate G, Thinsulate C, high loft poly fur liner
Lining: Tri-fleece liner
Waterproofing: Hydratex | Z-liner (5000mm H2O)
Breathability: Hydratex | Z-liner (5000g/m2/24hrs)
Protection
TPU hardshell knuckle protector
TPU hard-shell palm slider
Temper foam at finger knuckles and little finger knuckles
Visibility: Laminated reflection at cuff
Ergonomic Features
Fit: Tour fit
Adjustability: Adjustment strap at the wrist, adjustment tab at cuff
Features: Elastic at the wrist, stretch lips at fingers and backhand, connect fingertip at index finger and thumb, visor wiper, regular cuff.

First things first, why the Sirius 2 H20 gloves over the Anderson H20 gloves and other lower-priced options?

I found that the lower-priced waterproof gloves lacked that all-important "feel" that riders yearn for. They come across as being mittens for riders. In simpler terms, the more affordable waterproof gloves feel like they are waterproof gloves with protection and some feel baked in. On the other hand, the more expensive options like the Sirius 2 H20 and the Sand 4 H20 gloves, are proper riding gloves with complete feel and protection, that happen to be waterproof, as well. The difference in "feel" is tangible.
Rev,it! makes high-quality riding gear. It makes sense to pay a premium today, to get a world-class product that gives you complete peace of mind for several years.

Now that I've used it for a few thousand kilometres, here are some thoughts on the gloves:

I've ridden in heavy rains with the Sirius H20 gloves. They work as advertised! My fingers were absolutely dry at the end of every ride.
While touring, I was initially riding with my regular gloves, while keeping these as a standby for when the rains hit. Now, I've moved to ride all the time with these Sirius H20 gloves, while my regular gloves are kept on permanent standby.
If you are someone who needs (not wants) airflow through your gloves, then this pair of winter and rain gloves, might not be well suited for all-day riding. For the last 14 years, I've been riding with perforated gloves. However, I've easily adapted to riding with these gloves. YMMV.
I haven't ridden with these gloves in the summer. I'm sure they will feel stuffy and sweaty. These aren't going to be all-weather gloves for our Indian conditions.
Not once have I ever felt that I have compromised on tactile feel or manoeuvrability of my fingers, by going for a pair of waterproof gloves.
In many ways, you get what you paid for.

Most Indian motorcycle enthusiasts ride all around the year with a single pair of gloves. I too have been there and done that, for years. Wearing damp gloves and commuting to work is no fun, at all. If you can afford to get yourself a second pair of waterproof gloves, do seriously consider it.