Review: Scala Viper Gloves – Black Neon
I am reviewing this late, but this is the first gear that I bought when I decided to restart motorcycling. I still think that, after you get a decent helmet (in my case, borrowed), you should get a decent pair of gloves. I have never bought or worn motorcycle riding gloves. I have had a pair of regular gloves that I also used for riding, mainly to protect against friction-induced skin rashes.
Requirements
- Good knuckle protection
- Scaphoid Protection System
- Bright, reflective
- Touch Friendly
- Comfortable to wear
- Affordable
Solution
I got myself a Scala Viper Gloves in Black and Neon. It kind of suited all my needs except maybe price. I had no prior experience with using riding gloves. I went by what I read and the suggestions from a couple of friends.
Things I like
- SAS-TEC – LEVEL -2 protectors at knuckles
- KNOX® Patented Sport SPS-301 (Scaphoid Protection System)
- 3M Reflective piping
- Touch screen friendly tap Fingertips on index fingers
- Cuff length and pre-curved fingers for comfort fit
- Soft viper on the left hand, you can use it to clean the helmet visor in the rainy season.
Things to Improve
Inner lining is not that great. A stitching or seam leaves marks on my hands after a long ride, which isn’t great. After a bit of research, I found a pair of trekking silk liner gloves MT 500 Black at Decathlon. I use this as an inner lining for gloves, and it works really well. It does reduce touch sensitivity, but it doesn’t bother me. It’s stretchy, breathable, and also keeps your hands warm and dry. Also its easy to wash and keep this liner gloves clean. That way I don’t have to clean the inside of riding gloves often.
Conclusion
At around INR 4000, it’s not very cheap. But I have bruised my hands/palms before, so I think it’s a good investment. It has undoubtedly increased my confidence. I have also used it for more than 2000 km now, and it’s not bad. With inner-lining gloves, it’s been great.
