The Stratos 3 GTX motorcycle gloves are a stylish mix between leather and textile. Their waterproof properties will delight every motorcyclist and the all-in-one package that is presented as the Stratos 3 GTX is also pretty sharply priced.
Evidently, price is relative. And we’re not even talking about ‘value’ here. But before we become philosophical: the Stratos 3 GTX motorcycle gloves offer – for this budget – more than others do. These are serious candidates to happily accompany you daily, from autumn to late spring. Without winter stop, to be exact.
The outer shell is a sophisticated mix – not a first, especially at REV’IT!’s. The goatskin cannot be dismissed, on the cuff as well as in the entire palm. Smeared out in a thick layer – or so it seems – and this inspires confidence. The rest of the cuff is PWR|SHELL: wear-resistant and ideal to incorporate the large Velcro closure.
There is reflective material, a strip of touchscreen compatible fabric and – last but not least – ‘Flock PU’; we’d like to explain that a little further. In the world of REV’IT, Flock PU is the alternative to rubber or plastic visor wipers. They always start off soft and flexible but sooner or later – according to the REV’IT! R&D-team – they leave marks and stripes on your visor. Plus, that hard strip of plastic is always present, but how often do you use it, really? Hence, REV’IT! opted to attach an L-shaped (left-hand!) piece of Flock PU between thumb and tip of the index finger: softer, more flexible, but with that same wiper function. We had to get used to it in the first two showers. The wiping motion is different than when you use a (protruding) strip of half-soft rubber. Replacing the L-shape by simply holding up your outstretched index finger, can help. It takes a little practice, but it’s definitely an alternative.
Well, (in Belgium) it only rains about 7% of the time so we’re not there yet. Knowing that the Stratos 3 GTX has an integrated GORE-TEX®-membrane (Z-liner) is a relief. And a security. Breathing, waterproof, comfortable too. That waterproof layer is assisted by a fleece lining and 3M™ Thinsulate™. These are – justifiably – no strangers when it comes to insulation, warmth and comfort. Interesting detail: the back of the hand is covered in 300 grams 3M™ Thinsulate™, the palm only requires 80 grams. Heated grips do the trick.
The list is starting to become quite impressive, and that’s how we started this review: lots of ‘value’ for a relatively sharp ‘price’. Motorcycle gloves cannot be called motorcycle gloves until they can take a few blows. The Stratos 3 GTX has a hard-shell knuckle protection. Also the thumb (Temperfoam) and the ball of the hand (Temperfoam) carry visible and perceptible reinforcement. None of that gets in the way of proper motor skills. You are still able to operate all the buttons and you can still feel what your hands are doing at all times.
Oh, the difference with previous versions? That’s limited to a couple of material choices. Ideal for everyone who is already familiar with the Stratos motorcycle gloves and perfect for those who are only just discovering their existence.
