As an avid motorcyclist, having a good pair of riding gloves is essential for protection and comfort. But with so many options on the market, deciding which winter motorcycle gloves are right for your needs and budget can be tricky.
In this Klim Togwotee Gauntlet Gloves Review, I’ll provide a detailed breakdown of one of my favorite all-around winter gloves – the Icon Axis – to help you determine if they could be a good choice for your next upgrade.
But, the main question I will answer in this review is: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for cold weather for you? Let’s find out!
Klim Togwotee Gauntlet Gloves Review
Key Takeaways
Secure wrist closure stays tight
D3O foam absorbs impact forces
Durable goatskin withstands abrasion
Table of Contents
Motorcycle gloves might seem like an afterthought, but they serve several critical functions:
Protect hands in a crash through materials that resist abrasion
Grip handlebars firmly using tactile or sticky palms
Control the motorcycle precisely via flexibility and sensitivity
Safeguard against weather through insulation and water resistance
Upgrading to quality motorcycle gloves makes a huge difference in comfort, safety, and overall riding experience.
Before getting into the pros and cons, let’s look at how these gloves are constructed:
Durable diamond goatskin leather main chassis
Neoprene paneling on knuckles and finger backs
Reinforced diamond cowhide leather palm
D3O impact armor on knuckles and fingers
Hook-and-loop and elastic wrist closure system
This combination of materials provides an ideal balance of protection, flexibility, and ventilation for street riding.
Based on my experience testing these motorcycle gloves, here are some of their standout benefits:
Exceptional feel and feedback through minimalist palm
D3O foam absorbs impact energy in a crash
Goatskin withstands abrasion from tarmac or debris
Neoprene stretches to allow hand movement
Secure wrist closure keeps glove tight in a slide
For a reasonable price point, these gloves check all the major boxes for street and commuter riding.
While I’m overall a big fan of these gloves, there are some downsides to note as well:
Limited insulation makes them cooler weather only
Not fully waterproof in heavy rain
Touchscreen compatibility wears out over time
Only one color option is available.
If all-weather versatility or hi-viz colors are important to you, other gloves would be a better choice.
The Icon Axis gloves shine for street, commuter, and other warm/dry condition riding. The glove materials provide excellent abrasion resistance, flexibility, and impact protection, which are ideal for these applications. However, the lack of insulation and waterproofing makes them less suitable for cold or wet rides.
I’ve found the goatskin leather and overall construction provide durability on par with premium gloves costing significantly more. The D3O foam also maintains its shock-absorbing properties even after multiple impacts. With proper care, these gloves should last for multiple seasons of riding.
Yes, the sizing runs very consistent with Icon’s other glove models. I wore an extra large which matched my usual Icon size, and the fit felt precise right out of the box with no break-in required. If you already know your size in Icon gloves, the Axis will fit the same.
Due to the mix of materials, I recommend gentle hand washing only using a small amount of mild detergent and warm water. Let the gloves air dry completely before storing to prevent any moisture damage to materials. Proper cleaning helps maintain the leather suppleness and lining comfort.
For riders needing more insulation or waterproofing, some excellent cold-weather gloves include the Icon Raiden Drys, Alpinestars Winter Gore-Tex, and Firstgear Kathmandu. But the Axis remains a top choice for temperates above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.Prices
For riders seeking a durable and protective street glove with an excellent feel, the Icon Axis gloves deliver tremendous bang for the buck.
I would recommend them to any rider looking to upgrade from lower-end gloves without breaking the bank. Have you tried the Icon Axis or other similar gloves? Share your thoughts in the comments!