Klim Badlands Aero Pro Gloves Review: Too Airy for Crashes?
Finding the right balance between ventilation and protection defines the dual sport glove category. Excess airflow brings vulnerability, while overbuilt construction sacrifices feel and mobility.
I’ve tested my share of hot weather moto gloves, but the Klim Badlands Aero Pros take perforated design to the extreme.
Do the gigantic holes provide necessary cooling for desert rides without weakening crash endurance? In this review, I’ll break down whether these summer motorcycle gloves hit the mark for aggressive summer off-roading.
But, the main question I will answer in this Klim Badlands Aero Pro Short Gloves review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for the summer for you? Let’s find out!
Klim Badlands Aero Pro Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Heavy Ventilation
- Goatskin Durability
- Multi-Stage Knuckle Protection
Did the Klim Badlands Aero Pro Gloves hit the mark?
In my opinion, the Badlands Aero Pros excel in hot weather but go too far, sacrificing durability for airflow.
The perforated goatskin and mesh-backed fingers provide exceptional ventilation, no doubt. However, the giant holes leave the palms and fingers vulnerable in a get-off.
I’ve tested my share of vented adventure summer motorcycle gloves (1), but none have perforations this substantial. Superior cooling brings a real risk of shredded leather after an off-road tumble.
And damping down those parameters ruins the airflow that defines this glove. Perhaps the porous construction wouldn’t concern me as much for street riding.
Ultimately, the Aero Pro’s cooling abilities shine during sweaty motocross sessions but give me pause for rugged dual sport days. I’ll sacrifice some breathability for leather integrity to protect my paws over unpredictable terrain.
While the knuckle protection seems ample, I’m wary of paper-thin palms in the event of an endo dismount.
The cooling would feel great. All-day desert rides or Moab rock crawling? I’ll grab my sturdier Gorillas.
Comparison To Other Summer Gloves
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Klim Induction Glove Review | Mid-weight adventure touring glove with Gore-Tex waterproofing |
| Alpinestars SMX1 Air V2 Gloves Review | Perforated racing gloves with external seams for added airflow |
| Revit Dirt 3 Gloves Review | Heavy-duty motocross glove with mesh panels and triple-layer palms |
The Klim Badlands Aero Pro has much more aggressive airflow from perforations than the standard Induction glove. Palm wear resistance suffers as a result.
While the SMX1 Air focuses ventilation on the backs, the Aero Pro perforates the entire glove for maximum airflow but has external seams.
Finally, the Ripstop shell of the Dirt 3 provides more tear resistance than the perforated goatskin leather of the Aero Pro glove.
Klim Badlands Aero Pro Tradeoffs
The Arrow Pro puts protection first at the knuckles with beefy TPR armor and Poron XRD foam, plus extra articulation for flexibility.
The knuckle design features smaller holes despite the ventilation focus, maintaining more structure. Further safeguards come in the form of finger TPRs, mid-digit flex panels, and TPU slider shields running down the ulna.
While not fully waterproof, the perforated goatskin withstands light wetness and sheds water better than cowhide.
Serious storms still call for rain gloves; however, touchscreen-compatible fingertips, reflective details, and a Velcro wrist closure round out the features.
Pros and Cons of the Klim Badlands Aero Pro gloves
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive perforations enable maximum airflow | Large perforations leave leather prone to tearing |
| Touchscreen compatible fingertips | Not fully waterproof |
| Flexible TPR knuckle and finger armor | No seam reinforcement on lateral edge |
| Grippy goatskin leather palm | Minimal insulation for cold weather |
| Strategic foam padding | Lacks wrist closure strap |
| Reflective details for visibility | |
| Velcro cuff closure |
FAQs
Is the Large Touchscreen Patch Effective?
Absolutely! The conductive patch spans multiple fingers and activates with light pressure. Just don’t file down the padding too far, or airflow will deteriorate effectiveness.
What is the Expected Lifespan of These Gloves?
The heavy-duty outer construction should last multiple seasons unless subjected to continual crashes. Like any glove, finger pucks and seam stitching eventually require replacement after years of hard riding.
Could These Gloves Work for Adventure Touring?
The perforated leather and extensive venting make these ideal for blazing desert navigation, not so much cold weather expeditions. Supplement with a waterproof insulated glove liner once temperatures drop.
How Does the Protection Compare to Other Off-Road Gloves?
With ceramic knuckles and dense Poron foam, the Arrow Pros provide robust shielding on par with premium dual sport gloves for technical riding. They may fall short of full racing gloves but excel for aggressive trail use.
Finally
Overall, the Badlands Arrow Pro navigates the line between cooling airflow and impact protections nicely. The extensive perforations make them best for fair weather riding rather than cold snow or rain.
While not quite full-on motocross gloves, they supply ample security for aggressive trail and dual sport exploits when climbing temperatures.
What has your experience been with ventilated off-road gloves? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Sources: MOTORCYCLE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: (1)
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