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If you ride a sports bike, the big question is whether you need a gauntlet like the track gloves, or whether a short sports glove is enough. These two represent each option.
Head to head
| Spec | Dainese Carbon 4 Long | Alpinestars SP-2 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 8.5 | 8.1 |
| Protection | 9.2 | 8.3 |
| Comfort | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Feel | 8.2 | 8.2 |
| Weather range | 7.0 | 7.2 |
| Value | 7.8 | 8.6 |
| Certification | EN 13594:2015 Level 1 KP | EN 13594:2015 Level 1 KP |
| Use | Sport and track | Sport |
| Cuff | Long | Short |
| Material | Sheepskin with goatskin palm | Goatskin with synthetic suede reinforcements |
| Protection | Carbon fibre knuckles, polyurethane inserts, little-finger anti-twist (DCP) | TPU knuckles, finger bridge, palm reinforcements |
| Waterproof | No | No |
| Touchscreen fingertip | — | Yes |
Highlighted in orange: the winner of each measurable spec. Manufacturer data.
Certification: a draw
Both are certified to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 KP. Hardly any road glove is Level 2: see how to choose motorcycle gloves.
The big difference: the cuff
- Dainese Carbon 4 Long: gauntlet cuff. It covers the wrist and part of the forearm and closes over your sleeve, so no air gets in and it is harder to pull off in a crash.
- Alpinestars SP-2 v3: short cuff. It closes at the wrist and goes inside your sleeve: more comfortable and quicker to put on.
Protection: advantage Dainese
- Dainese: carbon fibre knuckles, polyurethane inserts and the DCP system linking little and ring fingers to prevent twisting.
- Alpinestars: TPU knuckles and Alpinestars’ patented finger bridge.
Price and comfort: advantage Alpinestars
The SP-2 v3 is more affordable and, being short, more comfortable for everyday use.
