Ricondi R-Tech GP Racing Series Review

[chubb]

Hi all,

I got some new gloves to replace my Dainese Full Metal Pro as they have a nice hole in the palm where the stitching and leather got torn apart. Now the full metal pro has served me well but Dainese is exxy and you are paying predominately for the brand. I decided to try some Ricondi as I've heard good things about them. I got them off Marshy and was easy to deal with him and quick post too!

Santa (postman) delivered them today and opening the package was pleasantly surprised to find them well packaged. Initial impressions are good and looking at the construction of these gloves combination of kangaroo and cow hides and double stitched seams gives the impression of quality. The full metal pro had threads everywhere which they didn't bother to clean up at the factory and first impressions count so plus one to Ricondi.

Putting them on for the first time and it was a snug fit. I was worried as the Dainese was a 8.5 in sizing but the Ricondi was 9. However the size fits perfectly. It needs to be broken in but the comfort felt like you were putting on a pair of merino gloves. They felt like they were padded on the inside. The pinky and the ring finger are also stitched together which is good as the last thing you want happening is to lose your pinky or tip of it or break it or fracture it (you get the point)

Lots of carbon and Kevlar encases these gloves. The palm of your hand is protected by a Kevlar type padding and a carbon fibre slider as well. The edges of your pinky are protected by carbon sliders again. On the overside, your middle and index finger's are protected with carbon sliders as well again! Knuckles have these huge sliver metal bits and more carbon.. who would have guessed?!

The leather that goes over the wrist is a lot longer than that of the Dainese ones. There is another carbon wrist slider that protects you if you tumble. They really seem to have armour in all the right places. The Velcro locking mechanism seem to be fairly straightforward and locks your hand in the glove so the chances of them coming off are going to be very very rare.

The only gripe I have with these now that they are in my hand is that the hole for the thumb seem to be made of swollen thumbs. I mean the rest of my digits are snugly hugged by leather and whatever the padding is made of on the inside, but my thumb feels like it could do with a little fattening up by Maccas. I will get over it and break them in over the next day or so.

The initial riding test will be on the 19th and I will report back with more.

First impressions 9/10

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[windy]

Mate I have the same gloves and have to agree with all that you said.

I can't fault them.

[dan]

Good review. What's the damage to the wallet?

[chubb]

190

[Marshy]

190

With free express delivery as a TARMAC member ;)

[chubb]

Aww I thought I was special

[Marshy]

Aww I thought I was special

You are! I've never offered that deal to anyone else. But now it seems like a good idea for other members (all of whom are also special).

[BoB]

Last year I had an off on turn 4 , losing the fingernail on the rh little finger due to the last 2 fingers not having extra protection and joined together . The leather on the little finger rolled and split exposing the finger , I got off lightly as that was all i did at 100kph .

I looked for another set of gloves but I struggled to find a pair of gloves that i was comfortable in and had the last 2 fingers joined together , up until i tried these ricondi gloves . They feel comfortable , have the protection on the little finger and reasonably priced too.

[Negrogrande]

Last year I had an off on turn 4 , losing the fingernail on the rh little finger due to the last 2 fingers not having extra protection and joined together . The leather on the little finger rolled and split exposing the finger , I got off lightly as that was all i did at 100kph .

I cut that part on my A* gloves I hated the feeling , probably not in my best interest, but couldn't 'come to grips' with my holding the bars with it

[BoB]

I cut that part on my A* gloves I hated the feeling , probably not in my best interest, but couldn't 'come to grips' with my holding the bars with it

Tried the alpinestars with the fingers joined and it felt so uncomfortable. These ricondi ones fit like a glove!

[senator8]

Yeah, I think it depends on the brand and personal fitment. I've got a pair of brand name gloves that fit great, but I just can't ride in do to the restriction in the finger joining. And my other gloves have same but no problem for me.

[chubb]

Very happy with the gloves

One piece suit next

I'll have to hit you up Marshy

[Rusty]

I tried the Ricondi gloves on last Sunday and thought the fit was great. Nelso also tried them and the 3XL was a good fit for him. He usually has problems finding a glove that's big enough, so plus 1 for him.
We are also getting Nelso a custom made Ricondi suit. I have an off the rack Ricondi suit. I should have got a custom made suit as it's hard to get leathers for Females, but I had them modified to fit. They are a very well put together set of leathers and the thing I loved about them was that the first time you wear them you have full movement and don't have to wait or hope that they will stretch to fit.

[Stu23]

The best test of any gear is how it stands up in a crash !! not that i want any of you to test that for me !!! but experiences are welcome of course

[chubb]

Well the only thing I hate about the Ricondi suits are the internal liner..

[Rusty]

I've already crashed in mine Stu. It was a lowside off my 125 and they held up well. Didn't need any repairs done, just some colour touch up and they looked almost brand new again. Hopefully I won't be doing anymore testing on them.

[Stu23]

i hope not too !! But this is the kind of information i seek :) real world testing ..