Dragon Rider’s web site explains the symbolic significance of the dragon, the company’s logo, which illustrates its mission. Essentially, the dragon represents power, excellence, and safety. Dragon Rider apparel emulates its mascot by using bold lines, vibrant graphics, and strong materials. Take these GP Pro gloves, for example. Made from tough Japanese cowhide, with extra layers on the knuckles and fingers, high-density padding on the outside wrist, white Kevlar double stitching, silver stretch panels, and carbon-fiber knuckle and finger joints, it all works together to form a glove that is super tough, in both looks and quality.

It’s easy to see that extra care was taken to create a durable glove that flexes for rider comfort. The silver flex panels and precurved palm are obvious, but the more subtle spots, such as the black stretch material on the back of the hand and the pocket under the carbon-fiber knuckles allow the wrist and cuff to remain in place when the fingers are flexed. The wrist area is secured with elastic, then an adjustable Velcro strap, followed by a double-flap closure on the full gauntlet. Now that’s security and versatility. It’s this attention to detail that makes the GP Pro a real value for the price.

Sizes currently run very small. The manufacturer uses what it calls Italian sizing. For most people, that means that you need to order one size larger than what you normally would. For example, I usually wear a men’s medium glove, but the XL was the right fit. This is great news for extra-small-handed riders, and with 2Xs and 3Xs in the prototype stage, most of you guys with larger hands will soon be able to find a size that fits you. The company also expects to release a shorty version of this glove — without the full gauntlet — which should become available by August. RB

The double-closure gauntlet provides a superior fit.

Hard Data

Dragon Rider
GP Pro Gloves
$99.99
www.DragonRiderUSA.com