Lee Parks gloves - How do you like them?

[Go2Trackdays]

I'm considering the DeerSports or the DeerSports Pci style.

http://www.leeparksdesign.com/default.asp

I would like comments from riders that use these. :)

[mrc]

Very comfortable and allow for good finger dexterity. Big ol' gauntlet w/ a good strap design. Didn't bleed much dye compared to some gloves. Never crashed in them.

My dad has a pair of the PCI-lined ones in addition to his normal pair, and he likes both. It's noticeably bulkier w/ this lining, but they're still pretty close-fitting.

That said, I don't wear mine much anymore. I ordered them a little larger than I should have, and after ~ 20k the wiggle room was putting weird stress on the stitching, causing some little tears in the leather (not thread failures) near the seams in a couple places.

My less-than-optimal cleaning schedule probably sped up the process, as my gloves were always getting sweat-soaked and drying out again.

When my current gloves finally go (or when I get bored), I'll probably go for another pair of Deersports (a little smaller) that I'll take better care of. I've currently got a pair of these http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Aerostich-Deerskin-with-Gauntlet-p-16819.html which I like a lot. Much shorter gauntlet, and less securely fastened. These did bleed a lot of black dye onto my hands, which is kind of a pain. I'd probably get the non-dyed ones if I had to do it all over. I like the thumb squeegee.

[therok229]

I like the feel of the deer skin.

but I think they could use more protection, like memory foam or something on the knuckles and palm. Also wished they had a patch of swede or something for better grip again the throttle, as they are now it gets a bit slippery without it.

[mrc]

The aerostich gloves I linked to have a little strip of memory foam across the knuckles. I think you're right- the Lee Parks gloves could incorporate sth. like that w/o too much of a sacrifice in the no-frills approach.

[Go2Trackdays]

I decided to try a pair. They ARE very soft and supple, and there are NO seams anywhere near the inner parts of your fingers. :cool

On a short ride (and they are new and therefore not totally broken in yet) I noticed that there's a seam that runs along the side of my index finger back towards the thumb that bugged me a little bit.

The main thing I wasn't used to is the thickness of the deerskin between my fingers and the bars. My old gloves have a very thin Kangaroo hide palm, and the difference is noticeable.

I also couldn't get around the lack of armor of any kind on the knuckles and outer part of the glove, so I'm going to send them back. I emailed about the issue but so far got no response. I'll post again if any problems come up when I return them.

[vato_loco]

I'm on my 2nd pair (the first was stolen). Very comfortable. They run small but stretch quickly enough. The quality is excellent and I expect they'd hold up well in a crash, but a little extra padding would be nice.

Made in USA (not China or Pakistan), if that makes any difference to you.

[hogkrazy]

gone through 2 summers with mine i i like em a lot. Very comfortable and they don't bleed much colorwhen new. I'm fine with the extra layer of elkskin on the knuckles for the street.

[tzrider]

I would like comments from riders that use these. :)
I've got the Outlast lined ones for colder riding and they are nice and warm. I use those Goretex camel-toe over-mitts when it rains or gets below 30 degrees and the combination has been comfy in all conditions we get around here.

As others have mentioned, they offer next to no impact protection. I've just decided not to fall down in them!

[hogkrazy]

I hav ethe 21 tone deersports and they are the most comfortable glove i've ever worn. i feel secure on the street with em but wear held profi's on the track

[therok229]

I'll sell my pair of smalls if anyone wants them cheap :)