Product test
Five Stunt Evo review: tested at 0 to 500 km
by Dominik Bärlocher
Klim Induction Gloves on test: 500 kilometres with expensive leather gloves
27.8.2020
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Thomas Kunz
After 500 kilometres with the almost terribly expensive Induction Gloves, I can say that a glove has never been so comfortable from the outset. But questions remain. Among them: "Why is there only one wiper?"
In the world of motorcycling, trendy brands pop up from time to time. One brand that does everything better than the others. Apparently. Currently it's Klim. Klim, from Rigby in the US state of Idaho, makes not just motorbike gloves, but pretty much everything you need on the bike; as well as on the snowmobile and off-road. Technologies are used throughout the product assortment.
I'm particularly impressed with Klim's Induction Gloves. For the simple reason that I've never before worn gloves that fit me straight away.
I'm particularly impressed with Klim's Induction Gloves.
That's how I spent 150 quid, sat on my Harley and rode 500 kilometres.
Dull carbon and lots of leather
Compared to the Five Stunt Evo I recently tested, on the tool/style scale the Klims definitely come closer on the style side. The Induction has more in common with a classic "I'll keep your fingers warm" glove than the Stunt Evo.
The Induction Gloves Klim are sober, but don't forget their primary function. The thumb and forefinger of both hands can be used to manipulate a smartphone. They have a separate section that closes the circuit between a capacitive touchscreen and your gloves. A conductive wire is generally used to pass signals from the finger to the screen. I can't tell you whether this is the case with Klim; after all, I don't want to unstitch my 150-franc gloves.
From above, all the fingers of the glove are identical: leather, perforations, padding. Between, a bit of thin elastic fabric for ventilation. On the left index finger is fitted a windscreen wiper, or a plastic element. On the back of the hand, you'll find the focal point of this glove: the matte carbon phalanges. Behind this element, you'll find a sort of leather accordion for greater mobility. This is followed by mesh all the way to the wrist.
On the underside of the glove, the seams are positioned so you don't feel them when you're holding the handlebars of your bike. The palm has reinforced aramid padding, which should offer a little extra security in the event of a fall. Hopefully you'll never find out if that's the case. A second layer of leather is used on top of the fingers for added comfort. Between them is a perforated surface. Inside, the glove is lined with a soft fabric that finishes at the base of the fingers.
Ideally, the velcro on the wrist should only be used once. Because at the top, the glove has a zip, making it extremely quick and easy to put on. What's more, the tab to help put the glove on makes the task even easier.
The finger question
After riding 500 kilometres with the gloves on, one question comes to mind: why is the wiper only on the left hand? It just doesn't make sense. Klim almost forces you to clean the visor while you're riding, because when you're stationary, you usually hold the clutch lever with your left hand in first gear. Or am I the only one who doesn't shift into neutral at every junction?
A simple solution: put the piece of plastic over both gloves. For 150 francs, I think the request is justified.
To be honest, it doesn't really matter, as the wiper only works halfway when it's raining. I can see better for a short time, but basically riding in the rain is closer to riding blind than the magical experience of riding a motorbike in good weather. The gloves aren't particularly waterproof either, as they're only made from a single layer of leather perforated at the thinnest point. The Klim Induction gloves are designed more to protect you in the event of a fall than in the event of rain. Because after ten minutes, your fingers will feel like they're wet. At least they're not soaked after 20 minutes in the pouring rain. I haven't tested them longer, but I don't think they'll last more than thirty minutes. At least they don't fade.
Good weather, good experience
I wear size XL for most gloves. But with Klim, L fits. The finger and thumb length is ideal. Therefore, if you're ordering online, I'd recommend ordering the gloves in your normal size and a pair one size down, then sending back the model that didn't fit. If you're buying the Klim Induction Gloves in shop, then... give them a try.
The Induction Gloves show all their strengths on a clear day. In the end, I think comfort is the main argument in favour of buying the gloves. They go straight on, you don't have an adaptation phase with a carbon slider in the palm of your hand or anything like that. The Inductions protect you and are comfortable, but they don't help you when driving, like the Five Stunt Evo do with their carbon slider.
They perform their function during outings. When it's 30°C outside, your hands won't get too hot, but your fingers won't freeze either when it's down to 20°C. The Klim Induction Glove is discreet in terms of its design - unless you choose the blue/white version - and its use. But not in terms of price. For 150 CHF I was hoping to at least get two wipers.
Nonetheless, the Induction Glove deliver a solid job. They don't reinvent the wheel, they don't offer any significant driving advantages other than the fact that they're very comfortable. I'm sure they'll suit you, whatever your riding style. And with the matte carbon on top, the gloves are really hot.
Journalist. Author. Hacker. A storyteller searching for boundaries, secrets and taboos – putting the world to paper. Not because I can but because I can’t not.
E-mobility
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