Kobe "Pro" Gloves Options

[thestumper]

I broke down and ordered a pair of the Kobe "Pro" leather gloves. I've been wearing them for the last couple of weeks (not all the time... that would be odd...) and my initial impressions are favorable. They are a good deal thicker that my Helds, especially in the palms; this is not a bad thing, and it should in theory offer additional protection. I still get good feedback. They will clearly take longer to break in than previous gloves I've owned, which is fine, but at the moment they are a little stiff. Protection seems very good; carbon fiber and double leather where you would expect it. Metal studs on the palm, which is a little 'old-school' compared to what some of the more "common" name brands are offering, but functionally they should slide rather than stick which is the goal. Actually, the whole glove is a little "old-school" in terms of design in that they don't offer a lot of high tech, new features, but they are well made and of a proven design.

Sizing is a little strange; I usually take a 'large' in most brands, and the Held large (9) is about perfect. The Kobe's are somewhere in between. The Mediums were good in the fingers but didn't strap right around my wrist (they actually strapped around my palm which is bad...). The larges are perfect in the palm and strap where they should, but the fingers are a hair long (mostly pinky and 4th finger - the others seem fine). Again, this is minor, and when I'm on the bike I don't notice it.

Pro's:
- Well made (they seem at least as well made as my old Helds)
- Very reasonably priced ($99.00 + shipping, although this seems to change every so often)
- Ventilated between fingers (never had ventilated fingers before - I like it)
- Conservative looks - definitely not obnoxious, and they only come in 3 or four different colors.

Con's:
- Odd fit - at least for me, but everyone's hands are different.
- "Old-School" - If you are looking for the latest, whiz-bang features, then these aren't for you.
- Break in time - My Helds were pretty much broken in after 1-2 rides. These will take a few more.

Thanks to Kenny and Charlie (and everyone else) for the input on these. I figure if the WERA guys wear them, they must be pretty decent. I Think most will have a hard time finding a glove of this quality for less money. You could argue that the high-end Helds at $250 and up are better gloves, and you might be right, but for around $100, the Kobe's are hard to beat.

[ProfessorX]

Very informative review. The sizing info is always welcome.

Kurt