Polaris RBS Hoolie Gloves

You can't beat a bit of day-glo for the darker months and Polaris RBS Hoolie gloves are an absolute bargain for general riding thanks to solid, weather resistant construction and effective gel padding. Some have suggested the Scotchlite detailing wasn't generous enough and should extend to the fingertips. I have some sympathy with this argument but was pleased by it's omission having gesticulated at a particularly ignorant driver along a narrow and deserted lane somewhere close to midnight.

Those keeping more sociable riding hours will be pleased to know the Hoolies' "acid house" neon yellow pierces through the daytime gloom and tickles the retinas to around four-hundred yards, one less excuse for the SMIDSY brigade. Polaris are renown for their generous sizing and our medium fitted my large-by-anyone-else's standards-hands perfectly, although punctures and similar roadside mechanicals still dictated their removal.

Nylon/polyester construction with extensive terry towelling isn't the stuff of dreams but makes for a hardwearing, relatively inexpensive and extremely practical, machine washable mix. Just as well since the palm side quickly sullies with dirt and grime.

Now, let's consider the ubiquitous gel padding given the job of protecting our Ulnar nerves from discomfort and more seriously, carpel tunnel syndrome. Having tried dozens of similar, gloves with varying levels of success, I was pleasantly surprised at the Hoolies' effectiveness, isolating road shock and that telltale tingling that creeps along after a few hours riding. Close to pancake flat, the gel inserts are conspicuous by their lack of bulk and very high levels of comfort-even alternating between metalled roads and dirt tracks for nigh on seven hours. Speaking of which, the Hoolie isn't intended as an mtb glove but looks pretty hardy with no evidence of telltale chafing despite brushes with bushes and less friendly foliage.

Rain or shine, grip and control seems faultless come split second gear changes or emergency stops, I'd say the silicone detailing has a lot to do with that.This is equally reassuring in conjunction with glossy handlebar coverings,almost making notoriously slippery Benotto tape viable in the wet. Being water resistant, rather than proof means driving rain leaches through after twenty minutes or so but the one piece laminated construction keeps things toasty without turning clammy or the hassle of exracting a soggy liner at the end of a particularly wet ride.

Verdict

Bargain gloves for general riding and the gel padding works a treat too and they're quite visible… if you hadn't noticed