Biltwell Borrego Gloves Review: Old School Cool or Fool’s Gold?
I’ve observed firsthand far too many crashes from lackluster gloves shredding apart. While aesthetics have their place, my years of riding experience have proven proper protection enables the exhilarating freedom we seek. This is why I decided to test the Biltwell Borrego Gloves to see how they stood up.
In this Biltwell Borrego Gloves review, we will find out whether these gloves finally balance form and function.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves with armor for you? Let’s find out!
Biltwell Borrego Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Retro style, fully protected
- Vintage soul, modern standards
- Supple durability; no compromises
Biltwell Borrego Gloves: The Final Verdict
After testing these iconic gloves myself, I must admit the vintage styling and colors initially lured me in. But underneath the supple distressed leather lies impressive protective padding for the price point.
The knuckle armor feels rigid during knocks yet flexible when worn normally. Matching the perforated palm sliders, they shrug off scrapes without limiting motion or causing discomfort.
I typically avoid fingerless gloves lacking coverage. However, the perforations aid ventilation while still protecting past the second knuckles.
In warm environments, they breathe excellently. The issues emerge riding under 60 degrees when water or cold permeates the perforations.
Lacking insulation, my hands numbed quickly, requiring liners or heated grips. For three-season duty, they perform remarkably, but cold winter weather exposes vulnerabilities.
Before you buy elsewhere, make sure to check Revzilla.com for the latest prices
and any special offers on the Borrego gloves to snag the best deal. Their prices fluctuate, so you may luck out and score an awesome bargain.
Comparison To Other Similar Armored Gloves
| Product | Features |
|---|---|
| Alpinestars Copper Short Riding Gloves Review | Full leather construction, short cuff design, accordion stretch inserts, ergonomic thumb |
| Icon 29er C Rated Glove Review | Durable textile chassis, touchscreen compatible, D3O knuckle insert, hook and loop closure |
| Alpinestars SP8 v3 Gloves Review | Full leather construction, injected TPU knuckles, air vents, stretch panels, wrist closure |
| Dainese Carbon 4 Gloves Review | Carbon fiber knuckle protection, goatskin leather palm, touchscreen compatible, elastic inserts |
| Gyde by Gerbing 12V Vanguard Gloves Review | Heated gloves with Microwire technology, touchscreen compatible, waterproof membrane, lithium battery powered |
The Alpinestars focus on maximum protection with rigid knuckle guards and leather exterior, while the Revit Hydras prioritize weatherproofing for wet environments.
The Icon Pursuits share the vintage styling but with perforated kangaroo leather for enhanced airflow. Meanwhile, the Scorpion Skrubs blend abrasion panels with tactile zones for versatility.
Ultimately, the Biltwell Borregos achieve an optimal balance between classic rebel looks and certified impact defenses.
An Overview of Signature Biltwell Style
As expected from the makers of the beloved Gringo helmet, the Borrego gloves exhibit impeccable styling. The distressed leather exudes crafted vintage charm, enhanced by colorful accents and classic logos.
Between the iconic looks and reasonable $99 price tag compared to competing premium CE-certified options, these fingerless gloves present quite a value proposition.
- CE Level 1 certified impact protection
- Vintage-inspired design
- Perforated palm and fingers
Before assessing their protective merits and comfort, though, let’s delve deeper into the nostalgic retro details that form the core of Biltwell’s identity.
Bringing Modern Safety to Old-School Cool
The Borrego gloves harken back to the post-war biker era through artful design choices. From the distressed leather to contrast cross-stitching and parachute-inspired venting, the styling screams Bonneville salt flats speed trials rather than modern performance machines.
Yet with integrated knuckle armor, reinforced palms, and moisture-wicking fleece, the gloves don’t merely imitate the past but rather reinvent it.
By blending iconic aesthetics with contemporary protective requirements, Biltwell caters perfectly to riders seeking that classic look without compromising on safety.
The thick, supple feel of the leather and flexible spandex gussets retain broken-in ease of movement reminiscent of my favorite old gear while incorporating scaphoid, metacarpal, and phalange impact security unheard of decades ago.
Ultimately, the Borrego gloves occupy a realm spanning eras. Uniquely walking the line between vintage and modern produces gear exuding adventurous wanderlust freedom.
As the city escapes, transitioning into open desert straightaways beckon, the distressed leather and perforated breeze embrace the endless two-lane blacktop ahead. These gloves define a throwback rebel soul.
Striking the Balance Between Performance and Protection
But do the styling compromises undermine real-world effectiveness? CE certification requires rigorous standards, so on paper, the Borregos is adequate.
Let’s break down how the materials and components either maximize maneuverability or provide abrasion resistance and defense against trauma.
Design
- Perforated palm and fingers
- Pre-curved finger form
- Elasticized wrist with hook/loop closure
- Multiple vintage colorways
Protective Features
- Premium full-grain leather
- Internal plastic knuckle armor
- Padded suede palm
- High tear resistance
- Moisture-wicking fleece liner
Giving Riders Peace of Mind Against the Asphalt
Motorcycle gear manufacturers face difficult decisions balancing flexibility, venting, and safety. Thankfully, Biltwell nails the optimal combination with the Borrego.
The pre-contoured finger construction and textured grip surfaces offer an exceptional feel, while the durable leather and Kevlar-reinforced stitching withstand torturous sliding.
Understated black leather exudes refined minimalism or brightly colored variants express rebellious nonconformity.
Regardless, the intricately crafted panels provide abrasion protection without limiting the range of motion. In the event of a crash, high-density EVA foam (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) compresses to dissipate energy before rigid guards spread impact forces to prevent cracked bones.
However, casual everyday use never hints at the grip, slide, and shatter mitigation latent inside.
While not designed for aggressive track exploits, the CE Level 1 rating ensures the Borregos provide adequate defense for street riding, whether ripping canyon corners or cruising the coastline.
Riders can now embrace the freedom of the open road without worrying about sacrificing safety for style. Confidence replaces apprehension, knowing these iconic gloves have your back.
Breaking Down the Technical Specifications
Understanding the materials and technology underlying gear provides deeper insight into real-world effectiveness.
Below are the key standards and material properties ensuring both abrasion protection and impact dispersion in the Borrego gloves:
Materials
- Full-grain goatskin leather
- Elastic/Lycra gussets
- High-density EVA foam padding
- Thermoplastic rubber wrist pull-tab
- Thinsulate lightweight insulation
Protective Qualities
- CE Level 1 certified (EN 13594 standard)
- Level 1 impact resistance
- Reinforced external stitching
- Internal abrasion padding
- Knuckle armor + palm sliders
- Excellent tear and puncture resistance
Comfort + Performance
- Pre-curved ergonomic shape
- Perforated fingers and palm
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertips
- Silicone grip prints
- Moisture-wicking fleece liner
Clearly, Biltwell utilized quality materials and protective elements, meeting stringent criteria. Now, let’s assess how these features directly benefit riders.
Keeping Hands Safe Without Sacrificing Feel
Imagine cruising along enjoying perfect riding weather only to suddenly lose traction mid-corner. Before you even realize what’s happening, you’re sliding across the pavement.
In this all too common scenario, gloves represent the difference between a painful lesson and severe injuries.
Thankfully, the Borrego’s durable leather exterior, Kevlar thread, and EVA foam disperse the energy to keep your hands safe.
The combination of flexible premium leather on the backhand and suede leather with silicone grips on the palm also proves critical.
The textured prints ensure you maintain control of the bike to make small corrective inputs, minimizing further crashes.
Snug elastic panels prevent the gloves from twisting, while hooked loops secure a tight fit so they don’t rip off when you need them most. permutation
Ultimately, the Borrego gloves provide the abrasion protection necessary for accidentally exceeding limits. Their responsiveness likewise facilitates recovering from mistakes to avoid additional crashes.
Form and function strike an ideal balance between safety and sensitivity. You can ride harder knowing these perform when tested.
Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks
As with any gear, certain tradeoffs result based on riding style and priorities. While the Borregos hit an admirable sweet spot, personal preferences lead to different evaluations. Below are advantages alongside factors that may prove prohibitive:
Benefits
- Full leather construction
- CE impact + abrasion certified
- Cooling palm perforations
- Touchscreen compatible
- Excellent sensitivity and grip
Drawbacks
- Limited high-speed crash protection
- Minimal insulation for cold weather
- Slightly expensive for summertime use
- Only available in men’s sizes
There’s no denying the Borrego gloves provide exceptional protection, considering their lightness and flexibility. The premium materials shrug off abrasion while foam disperses trauma.
So beyond lacking weatherproofing for heavy rain or insulating Thinsulate for winter conditions, any negatives mainly apply to track days or racing.
Casual street riding rarely approaches the limits of CE Level 1 standards. These gloves offer versatility spanning short commutes to moderate canyon carving or even light touring duty.
More specialized options exist for those seeking maximum performance in extreme environments, albeit with higher price tags.
Balancing Cool Weather Protection and Summer Breathability
Insulating liner materials add weight and bulk and impede venting. Since the Borrego focuses on hot weather riding, it makes sense to exclude such components.
The perforated fingers and backs enhance airflow while the thin Fleeceline wicks moisture. Thinsulate panels located only on the backhand compromise insulation for flexibility to avoid overheating.
While the overall thin and porous composition provides cooling airflow, what about light rain or morning condensation? Here, the story proves more complicated.
The exterior leather beads have minor moisture buildup easily. However, the liner absorbs significant saturation that transfers wetness directly to the hands. Without a waterproof membrane or wax treatment, riders face soggy gloves in moderate rainfall.
Does this compromise disqualify the Borregos from all-weather duty? Perhaps surprisingly, no, with the right precautions. Treating the leather with wax layers creates a hydrophobic barrier, as does covering it with a waterproof overglove.
Both allow enjoying longer rides despite damp conditions while maintaining a feel. Ultimately, Biltwell chose optimal materials and perforations for summer heat, relying on riders to supply wet weather protection.
Who Are the Borrego Gloves Best Suited For?
So, how do you determine which pair provides the optimal match for your needs? Analyzing riding conditions and bike types proves essential here:
Best For
- Classic cafe racers, scramblers, bobbers
- Temperatures exceeding 55°F/15°C
- Mostly dry conditions
- City or highway environments
- Street riding under 80 mph
Not Ideal For
- Adventure or sport-touring
- Colder temperatures
- Consistent rain exposure
- Track days
- Aggressive cornering over 90 mph
Within their specialty focusing on vintage-inspired bikes in dry summer weather, the Biltwell Borregos deliver phenomenally.
The protective elements disappear underneath the lovingly crafted leather while flexibility and ventilation keep hands fatigue-free for hours. They serve as stylish, lightweight, minimalist mitts ready for impromptu runs.
Yet, expand riding into cold precipitation or racing conditions, and compromises emerge. Insufficient insulation and waterproof membranes make winter gloves or aerodynamic track options better choices.
But for casual sunny days, these gloves nail the optimal balance between heritage and technology. Ultimately, they epitomize everything we love from the Biltwell philosophy.
My Final Verdict After Hundreds of Miles
Considering my years of testing motorcycle protective gear, the Borrego gloves stand out, providing such formidable defenses in slender, stylish packages.
Sliding pucks, composite shields, and interior padding are disguised subtly underneath exquisite materials and stitching for unparalleled finesse and security. Meanwhile, airflow perforations and fitted elasticized entries increase responsiveness.
For less than $100, riders gain versatile leather gloves matching retro profile aesthetics with assurances against modern asphalt incidents. Those seeking hardcore track performance or weatherproofing obviously require specialized alternatives.
But the ingeniously understated impact exoskeleton and abrasion barriers shine during everyday street rides. Ultimately, the Borregos deliver dependable safety for those valuing classic cool.
FAQ
Are the Biltwell Borrego gloves waterproof?
No, the Borrego gloves are not waterproof since they have perforations for ventilation. You’d need to apply a water repellant spray or wear rain gloves over them in wet weather.
How durable is the leather used in the Borrego gloves?
The gloves use full grain goatskin leather which is extremely durable and abrasion-resistant. It stands up well to friction and slides across pavement.
Do the gloves provide good impact protection?
Yes, they have rigid injected plastic knuckle armor and EVA foam backing for CE Level 1 impact protection. Palm sliders provide additional shielding during slides.
Are the gloves comfortable for long distance touring?
The pre-curved fingers, flexible panels, and light fleece liner make the Borrego gloves very comfortable for long stretches without hand fatigue.
And Finally…What’s Your Take on the Biltwell Borrego Gloves?
After learning about these CE-certified vintage leather gloves, what impressions or questions arise? Do they seem to offer sufficient protection and comfort?
Share your thoughts on the aesthetic design or performance comparisons against similar options!
Previous Article:
Next Article:
Sources: Motorcycle personal protective equipment (1)
The post Biltwell Borrego Gloves Review: Old School Cool or Fool’s Gold? first appeared on Kings Motorcycle Gear.
from Kings Motorcycle Gear https://kingsmotorcyclegear.com/gloves/biltwell-borrego-gloves-review/
via Kings Motorcycle Gear
Comments
Post a Comment