Lee Parks Design Deersports Gloves
Lee Parks Design DeerSports Gloves
Hides worth seeking
MOTORCYCLISTS TEND TO BE THRIFTY; buck saved on a jar of mayo is another 15 miles on the road. But scrimping on gloves can cost you. How many cheap pairs do you own that are sitting unused in a drawer because of some flaw or another? That same money would likely have been better spent on one pair of long-lasting, functional gloves. But even high-quality cowhide doesn’t stand up to multiple seasons in the rain and sun. That’s why American riders (of both steel and fleshy steeds) have for decades relied on soft, durable deer and elk hide.
Although most gloves constructed from these materials are designed for touring and cruising, Lee Parks Design DeerSports are built for sporting use. Made from hand-washable 2.75-ounce deer hide-with 4-ounce elk hide on the backsthey feature seamless palms, a second layer of hide over the knuckles and on the palms, and velcro wrist straps to hold them securely in place.
These are comfortable and versatile gloves. They’re so soft you’d swear grandma knitted them for you. The leather can be soaked with water for evaporative cooling, yet won’t get stiff or crack when it dries. The gauntlets stay snug, fitting over the bulkiest jacket cuffs, and the lined models-with light-yet-warm Outlast insulation-keep you warm but aren’t too hot when the mercury rises. The made-in-USA quality is top-notch, and you can even send them back to the factory for repair. But they aren’t perfect. The fit of the lined model is a tad loose, and there’s no armor, hard or soft, anywhere. That’s hard to swallow on a glove with the word “sport” in the name; but if comfort and durability are your priority, that’s a small price to pay. Even if a jar of Best Foods is cheaper.
DETAILS
Lee Parks Design P.0. Box 1838 Victorville, CA 92393 800/943-5638 www.leeparksdesign.com Price...$110-180
Ups
DURABLE, repairable four-seam construction HAND-WASHABLE TRIMMED, ironed internal seams increase comfort
Downs
No armor in “sport” gloves? Lined version fits loosely Lee killed Bambi!
