Tweet
Overview
In case of an accident, most people put their hand out as primary instinct. The asphalt or the dirt trail has the capacity to tear your hands within no time. We use our hands for varied reasons, so it’s unfair to jeopardize them by not protecting with something as simple as a motorcycle glove.
Our hands are a hugely complex structure of numerous little bones, ligaments, and muscles, all working in a synchronized manner to make you do remarkable things including controlling your motorcycle.
My first glove was a Cramster Twister, a very basic glove with minimalistic protection. Over the years I have been a fan of full gauntlet gloves and the one that has served the maximum tenure are the Spartan Ares, was so impressed that I made a second purchase of the same glove. Now that the second glove too was in the verge of retirement. Was looking out to try something else. Then came Viaterra with the new GRID and Holeshot. Have been a very happy customer for their luggage systems including the Fly, Claw, Rapide etc. So I was sure that they would not let my hopes go down the drain. Below is my take on the GRID model.
The first thing that you notice when you open the packaging is the attention to detail and prominent branding of Viaterra. The Package also contains a booklet that provides complete information about the glove, care and wash instructions which are quite informative
Gloves Used in the past:
Options Considered for the new purchase:
Total Mileage with the GRID: Appx 5000Kms
Construction
Material: The Grid uses a high-density abrasion-resistant goat leather, as in most Good Quality gloves across the globe. The pre-curved structure provides good ergonomics for the glove.
Palm Protection: KNOX SPS( Scaphoid Protection System or in layman’s terms Palm Abrasion Protection) which adds a lot of value to the gloves, are placed at the strategic position where the impact is the highest in case of a fall. The position is such that that the protector doesn’t come in contact while operating the throttle, brake or the clutch. However, it can be a bit uncomfortable if you are new to using gloves which come with Scaphoid protection. Upon usage, you will definitely get comfortable with it.
For a visual demonstration of SPS:
<font color="#141414"><span style="font-family: &quot">
Knuckle Protection: High-density Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) occupies critical areas such as the knuckles and the wrist. It is like an intermediate component which has both the properties of rubber and plastic. It is highly durable, elastic to an agreeable extent and abrasion-resistant. So because of this nature, it is used in areas where there is minimalistic movement or areas with or lesser degrees of freedom (Knuckles and Wrist). An additional foam layer is provided below the TPU for added comfort
Ventilation: Leather motorcycling gloves generate quite a decent amount of warmth in the tropical climate (like India). Considering the position of the hand while riding there is very little room for ventilation in motorcycle gloves. The Grid has meshed vents on the fingers which offer some relief during long hours on the saddle. Also the upper layer of leather is perforated for additional ventilation.
Enhanced Grip: Good Quality silicone grip which extends from the lower thumb to the middle of the palm helps you have good control over the throttle. The precurved structure adds to the comfort of using the silicone grip.
Wrist Protection: The twin velcro set up hold the glove firmly in your hand, with no compromise on the ergonomics. The gloves is intentional made to snug fit around the wrist for better protection during a fall. It takes a while to get used to the snug fit.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Additional Features
(P.S: Please go through the details regarding the claim carefully on the Viaterra Website before availing the above benefits)
Summary
Safety ****
Comfort and Fit *****
Value for money ***1/2
P.S: I have tried to cover as many points as possible, In case if anybody feels that a certain aspect if left out or if you have clarifications, feel free to post it.
In case of an accident, most people put their hand out as primary instinct. The asphalt or the dirt trail has the capacity to tear your hands within no time. We use our hands for varied reasons, so it’s unfair to jeopardize them by not protecting with something as simple as a motorcycle glove.
Our hands are a hugely complex structure of numerous little bones, ligaments, and muscles, all working in a synchronized manner to make you do remarkable things including controlling your motorcycle.
My first glove was a Cramster Twister, a very basic glove with minimalistic protection. Over the years I have been a fan of full gauntlet gloves and the one that has served the maximum tenure are the Spartan Ares, was so impressed that I made a second purchase of the same glove. Now that the second glove too was in the verge of retirement. Was looking out to try something else. Then came Viaterra with the new GRID and Holeshot. Have been a very happy customer for their luggage systems including the Fly, Claw, Rapide etc. So I was sure that they would not let my hopes go down the drain. Below is my take on the GRID model.
The first thing that you notice when you open the packaging is the attention to detail and prominent branding of Viaterra. The Package also contains a booklet that provides complete information about the glove, care and wash instructions which are quite informative
Gloves Used in the past:
- Cramster TRG2
- AGV Sport Intrepid
- Cramster Twister
- Spartan Ares
- Moto Torque
Options Considered for the new purchase:
- Spartan Ares
- Rynox Inferno
- Dianese Carbon Long
- Shima RS1
Total Mileage with the GRID: Appx 5000Kms
Construction
Material: The Grid uses a high-density abrasion-resistant goat leather, as in most Good Quality gloves across the globe. The pre-curved structure provides good ergonomics for the glove.
Palm Protection: KNOX SPS( Scaphoid Protection System or in layman’s terms Palm Abrasion Protection) which adds a lot of value to the gloves, are placed at the strategic position where the impact is the highest in case of a fall. The position is such that that the protector doesn’t come in contact while operating the throttle, brake or the clutch. However, it can be a bit uncomfortable if you are new to using gloves which come with Scaphoid protection. Upon usage, you will definitely get comfortable with it.
For a visual demonstration of SPS:
<font color="#141414"><span style="font-family: &quot">
Knuckle Protection: High-density Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) occupies critical areas such as the knuckles and the wrist. It is like an intermediate component which has both the properties of rubber and plastic. It is highly durable, elastic to an agreeable extent and abrasion-resistant. So because of this nature, it is used in areas where there is minimalistic movement or areas with or lesser degrees of freedom (Knuckles and Wrist). An additional foam layer is provided below the TPU for added comfort
Ventilation: Leather motorcycling gloves generate quite a decent amount of warmth in the tropical climate (like India). Considering the position of the hand while riding there is very little room for ventilation in motorcycle gloves. The Grid has meshed vents on the fingers which offer some relief during long hours on the saddle. Also the upper layer of leather is perforated for additional ventilation.
Enhanced Grip: Good Quality silicone grip which extends from the lower thumb to the middle of the palm helps you have good control over the throttle. The precurved structure adds to the comfort of using the silicone grip.
Wrist Protection: The twin velcro set up hold the glove firmly in your hand, with no compromise on the ergonomics. The gloves is intentional made to snug fit around the wrist for better protection during a fall. It takes a while to get used to the snug fit.
Key Features
- Conductive leather: Enables you to use your touchscreen Phones or GPS devices without having to remove your gloves.
- Little/Pinky finger protection: In any crash, the little finger is exposed in a crash. So a finger bridge is made which connects the last 2 fingers, to strengthen and protect.
- Visor Swipe: Comes in Handy during those rain rides when you feel the necessity to clean your helmet visors for better visibility
- Reflectors: The GRID is equipped with 3M reflectors to enhance night visibility
Pros
- Overall build quality is amongst the best motorcycle gloves available in India currently
- Attention to detail is well thought of
- The packaging is very good as in case of other products from Viaterra
- The user manual along with detailed care instructions is amongst the first by an Indian riding gear/Accessories company
- The workmanship is top-notch
- Viaterra claims that the gloves are made in Indonesia by experts who have experience in Manufacturing for internationally renowned brands like Alpinestar, Dianese, Rev’it, Scorpion, etc
Cons
- The Finger Swipe could have been a bit higher on the index finger as the lower part of the thumb comes in the way, while using the swipe
- As it is mostly leather, will take a lot of time and patience to dry in case it gets soaked during those rainy rides
- Though the fingertips are made of Conductive leather, due to the outer stitching, it can be a hindrance at times. More so if the gloves are damp.
- The GRID, priced at Rs.4799/- is on the higher side against its targeted competition / Segment.
Additional Features
- The gloves come with a 12-month warranty in case of any manufacturing defects
- Risk-free trial offered by the manufacturer
(P.S: Please go through the details regarding the claim carefully on the Viaterra Website before availing the above benefits)
Summary
Safety ****
Comfort and Fit *****
Value for money ***1/2
P.S: I have tried to cover as many points as possible, In case if anybody feels that a certain aspect if left out or if you have clarifications, feel free to post it.
Comment