Knox Handroid Gloves - Review http://www.bikechatter.net/media/reviews/photos/thumbnail/320x320s/04/4e/72/1058_knoxhandroidwhiteLG_1279368235.jpg Hot

After first seeing the gloves at the NEC show prior to launch it was obvious Knox were trying to push innovation in glove technology with Boa lacing previously found in a number of other sports such as snowboarding and the all new exoskeleton armour rather than staying with traditional knuckle and finger pads, the Handroid was one product that got our attention so now we get to be the first test it out with a UK web exclusive review.

Initial Thoughts

The initial impact on seeing the Handroid offers mixed opinions, those of a techy or forward thinking nature seem to be really struck by the futuristic look and feel while traditionalists are not so enamoured, being of a geeky disposition though the handroid tick all my boxes on how a sporty glove could look. With soft and pliable leather out of the bag you can see Knox has researched the common problem of leather being made extra thick and difficult to break in quickly, the exo skeleton looks as though it might be cumbersome with its long rubber 'tendons' but once you try the glove for the first time you see this is absolutely not the case and they move smoothly and freely.

Construction

The Knox Handroid is the first release in the all new Knox Handroid range which looks to expand on Knox's expansive armour range and offers the very leading edge of their expertise and thinking on how to protect a motorcyclist, the British company is renowned worldwide and worn by thousands of riders across the globe - a fantastic affirmation in itself. Starting from the ground up Knox have looked at the traditional ways of adding protection to gloves and in their typical way have done it totally differently, the centrepiece of the Handroid glove is the exo skeleton which takes the idea of protecting the knuckle and expanded it along the length of the finger with a soft rubber 'tendon' which absorbs impact across a longer area, fastening the glove is a combination of the normal wrist velcro strap which stops the gloves sliding down in the event of an off but adds to this with a full TPU wrist armour section that utilises the Boa lacing system - if you have yet to try this system you need to give it a go as it offers the best way to fit across the entire diameter of the wrist rather than having areas tighter than others.

As I have mentioned I have been using Boa lacing systems in Snowboarding equipment which is a real testing ground for durability and it works brilliantly, a quick pop up and the tension is removed instantly, pop back down and twist the dial until you get the right fit for you. One of the areas the Handroid will not be as universally suitable as other gloves even in the Knox Hand Armour range though is with the TPU wrist armour, on certain jackets you may find the wrist zip does not allow you to get the glove underneath and in the case of a few textile jackets I tried wearing the glove externally adds a bit of bulk you may not be used to - however on the majority of my riding gear I can fit the wrist closure over the top and fasten it down perfectly so you should go and try if you have any concerns.

In terms of quality the Handroid does not disappoint, I have had a couple of remarks about the external stitching looking untidy in places but looking at other glove ranges the more recent constructions seem to be leaning toward external stitching rather than folded inwards, this in itself removes any uncomfortable seam which then leads me on to comfort - WOW! Personally I love the fit and feel and not since I reviewed the Spada Vortex have I been so blown away by the initial and lasting fit of a glove, the leather is super soft and on the first day of wearing them I spent 8 hours going round Silverstone without feeling any pinching, rubbing or tough spots, the gloves too zero breaking in to be comfortable and even after a few weeks wear the leather has not stretched too much from brand new - they feel exactly as they did when I first put them on. On the palm the Handroid features Kangaroo leather and Knox's own SPS (Scaphiod Protection System) which was developed a couple of years ago to combat injuries to the Scaphoid when a rider falls on to the hand, SPS has been adopted by most high end manufacturers as it works well and remains unintrusive in its application though the little block of plastic is noticable initially if you have not had it before - this goes away very quickly though.

On to the price then which remains the area that most people comment on, £160 for a set might seem expensive and in some ways it is compared to other gloves out there but what you are paying for is the very bleeding edge of glove technology borne of extensive research and development from Knox, questioning the value of the gloves is akin to questioning the value of a top of the range Arai helmet versus a low end budget brand. All I will say is try the Handroid for yourself and see if you feel the technology earns the cost of the glove - I reckon you will.

• Knox Handroid live exoskeleton finger & knuckle protection on fingers and thumb
• Knox metapod protector
• Knox Sport styled scaphoid protection system
• Knox wrist & cuff sliders
• “Dialled in” Boa lacing system
• Kangaroo leather palm
• Amara grip pad with silicon print for improved control
• Japanese race quality drum dyed Aniline leather
• Japanese polyester high tenacity thread
• Superior fit and comfort