Shock Racing GP1 Gloves

[kross]

I picked up a pair of these gloves (http://www.shockracing.com/products/index.php?ma=SHOCK&c=Gloves&y=2004&mo=GP1&t=Street) for $50 at MotoGP last month, and liked them enough to offer a small review for those who are looking for reasonably priced higher-end gloves.
They had all the things I was looking for in a gauntlet-style glove: Armored wrists, Carbon knuckle guards, Re-enforced palms (these have a second layer of Kevlar impregnated leather), Full Leather, Dual Wrist Enclosures, Decent Ventilation.
I checked out the stitching (double in key areas), and while no expert it seemed a quality job. Here are some pics of mine:
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/kevin-ross/Gloves3.jpg
On the index and middle fingers as well as the thumb are screened vents made of some type of high-density rubber-
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/kevin-ross/Gloves2.jpg
And the cross-hatched looking material is the Kevlar/Leather layer on the palm, and I was pleased to see it covered the blade of the hand and upper area of the palm as well-
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/kevin-ross/Gloves1.jpg
After looking for deals on other sites I had started to despair that I was going to have to keep wearing my shortie textile gloves with holes in them untill I could afford to spend $140 + on a good pair. Even at the listed price of $69.99, these are still a kick-ass deal. The only complaint I have is that the fingers are a little too long for my sausage-fingers, but other than that they're great!

[V4]

:cool

thanks for the reviews and pix..

I saw those gloves and liked them...

[kross]

Just a little update. The gloves have held up very well, aside from a couple pieces of leather losing some of the dye. They look a little brownish instead of black, meh. All the stitching has held up to normal wear and tear. The vents on the fingers that I originally thought were just for show (I was kind of giving the salesman a hard time, asking if they actually did anything)? They worked great in the heat, and now that winter's here I may have to get cold-weather gloves because they really let air in!

Anyway, so far I'd buy another pair with no hesitation, especially when similar gloves go for two or even three times the cost.

[kross]

So unfortunately I found out how the gloves held up in a minor get-off. The first part of the slide was in the dirt, but I was on the pavement for a bit too. Gloves did what they were supposed to:
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/kevin-ross/2008_0121Image0002.jpg
Even though the palm wore through at the thinnest parts, you can see there are no abbrasions on my hand:
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/kevin-ross/2008_0121Image0005.jpg
The extra padding on the wrist closures helped too, I didn't even break my watch!
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/kevin-ross/2008_0121Image0004.jpg
If the right palm hadn't worn out in those couple of spots, the gloves would still be usable since the rest of the glove held up great. As it stands now, unless I find a killer deal on something else I'm planning on ordering another pair of these.:thumbup

[GIXXER_777]

Thanks I was looking at those myself. How fast were you going to create the hole? I have a pair of AGV and have been down on them with just scratches, but I want to replace them due to rain damage.

[kross]

Honestly, I don't remember a whole lot of the crash. Probably under 40 by the time I hit the ground. I think I may have been trying to get up while I was still sliding, since I low-sided on the left side and the glove with the hole is my right one. If you plan on doing track days these might not cut it since the area with holes is single-layer leather. It makes for good feel and grip while riding, but I think if the entire palm had been covered with the Kevlar impregnated leather I could probably still use them. Still, for about half the price of similar gloves from more well known brands I think they did well.

[GIXXER_777]

Thanks for the info. I was going around the same speed when I went down, but I did not even try to get up.

[eddiemcrider]

whoa - I'm glad you are OK. I picked up the same gloves at '06 Laguna GP for $40.

I figured these were going to be a one crash glove, unlike my Nankai NRG35. I paid $200 and it was worth every penny; they survived numerous mini racing crashes and one street get off at 40 mph.

So motorcycle god willing - I will not on crash with the Shock. :twofinger

[Wheelgarage]

Funny I came across this thread......I like those glove since they came out...never got the chance to use them. Glad I didnt...

I've had A*'s and Held's. I've had many insane crashes and NEVER had a glove breakdown like that one.

[kross]

Yeah, this crash was a real lesson in "you get what you pay for". Don't get me wrong, all my gear did exactly what it was supposed to: I came out literally without a scratch. The downside was my textile jacket, pants and my gloves are all compromised to the point where I wouldn't trust them in another get-off. The only things I can re-use are my Oxtars.
The whole reason I was excited about these gloves is that they offered good protection at a price comparable to what other companies charge for shortie gloves. I figured they were a good option for a new rider feeling overwhelmed by the cost of gear.
I think this time I'm going to get at least a leather jacket to start with, but probably still pick up another pair of these gloves to wear until I find a good deal on some higher end gloves.