Being an advocate for glove wearing due to the many hours my fingers grace the keyboard I was particularly interested in getting my hands into the new Gel glove range from BraveIT when they arrived in the office.

From the first glance they looked sharp with features usually only found on models twice the price, with an rrp guide of $29.90 for the Air Gel and $39.90 for the Force 2 Gel I was intrigued to say the least.  What was the fit going to be like?  Were they going to hold up?

They made a big impression first up with the rating of SPF 50, a must for NZ riding conditions and one most imported brands don't stand up to. 

So I pulled on a pair of the ultra light Force 2 Gels in black and hit the road.  I ride with my bar tops untaped as they have a wing shape to them, in some conditions this can create a sketchy grip, but with the enlarged silicone "B" positioned squarely in the centre of the palm these hands weren’t going anywhere.

The fit was mint, no rippling or bagging, actually better than my usual suspects that accompany me!  If you have never ridden with gel impregnated gloves then you don't know what you’re missing, the 3mm thick pad positioned perfectly took out all of the road vibration without adding overly to the grip thickness. (Interestingly we have been seeing a trend away from the monster gel inserts in road glove palm in recent seasons)

One month on and they are still in great condition, attention has been paid to the stitch quality and finishing around the fingers.  The Amara palm fabric has been especially hardwearing even with multiple tire rubs as one has to do when cycling the central streets.

The quick pull easy-off finger loops made removal a cinch and they were off before the barista had taken my order!

All in all a great glove that ticked all the box’s' and no doubt a plesant surprise at the till!