Are deerskin motorcycle gloves better than cowhide?

Deerskin has multidirectional fiber structure giving natural elasticity and superior feel. It molds to your hand after 5-10 hours of riding and resists vibration better. Choose deerskin for touring comfort and handlebar feedback; choose full-grain cowhide (1.2mm+) for maximum abrasion resistance at lower cost. Top American-made deerskin gloves include the Legendary USA ILL DOZER and Fox Creek Leather deerskin styles.

What is CE Level 2 for motorcycle gloves?

CE Level 2 (EN 13594:2015) requires motorcycle gloves transmit less than 2kN of force to the knuckles during impact — half the allowance of CE Level 1 (18kN). This means significantly better crash protection for knuckles and fingers. CE Level 2 is recommended for all highway-speed riders. Look for the EN 13594 Level 2 marking on the glove label.

Gauntlet vs short-cuff motorcycle gloves — which is better?

Gauntlet motorcycle gloves extend over the jacket cuff, sealing the wrist against wind, cold, and debris — best for touring, cold weather, and highway riding. Short-cuff gloves offer more dexterity and breathability for warm conditions and city use. Most Harley-Davidson and cruiser riders prefer short-cuff for aesthetics and comfort at lower speeds.

How do I measure for motorcycle glove sizing?

Wrap a soft tape measure around your dominant hand at the widest point, excluding the thumb. Under 7.5 inches = Small, 7.5-8.5 inches = Medium, 8.5-9.5 inches = Large, 9.5-10.5 inches = XL. Deerskin stretches slightly — size down at boundaries. Cowhide fits true to measurement. Always refer to the specific brand's size chart.

What is outseam glove construction and why does it matter?

Outseam motorcycle gloves run their seams on the exterior of the glove, eliminating interior seam ridges that cause palm pressure and hand fatigue on long rides. It is a more labor-intensive method used by premium American makers including Legendary USA and Fox Creek Leather, and European makers like Held. Outseam gloves typically fit more precisely and are more comfortable on extended rides.

What leather makes the best motorcycle jacket?

Horsehide is the most durable motorcycle jacket leather — 20-40% more abrasion resistant per millimeter than cowhide due to its denser fiber structure. Full-grain cowhide at 1.2mm or thicker is excellent and most available. Avoid split leather (below 1.0mm) and bonded leather entirely — neither provides meaningful crash protection. Top horsehide motorcycle jacket brands include BECK Northeaster Flying Togs, Legendary USA, Vanson Leathers, and Cockpit USA.

Do motorcycle jackets need CE armor?

Yes. Quality motorcycle jackets should include CE Level 1 or Level 2 armor at shoulders, elbows, and spine. CE Level 2 absorbs twice the impact energy of Level 1. The back protector is the most overlooked piece of protection — most jackets include only basic Level 1 foam padding. Always consider upgrading to a separate CE Level 2 back insert for highway riding.

How should a motorcycle jacket fit?

Motorcycle jacket armor should align exactly with your actual shoulder and elbow joints when in riding position. Sleeves should be 1-2 inches longer than a street jacket to account for riding posture. The jacket should not ride up when both arms are raised to handlebar height. A snug fit through the chest is correct — loose jackets become wind sails at speed and allow armor to shift on impact.

How long does a quality leather motorcycle jacket last?

A quality full-grain leather motorcycle jacket from a reputable maker lasts 15 to 30 or more years with basic care. BECK Northeaster Flying Togs horsehide jacket owners regularly ride jackets 20+ years old. Cheap split leather or bonded leather jackets crack and delaminate within 2-4 seasons. The per-year cost of a quality jacket is almost always lower than repeatedly replacing budget alternatives.

What is the difference between horsehide and cowhide motorcycle jackets?

Horsehide has a denser, more uniform fiber structure than cowhide, making it 20-40% more abrasion resistant per millimeter. It has a longer break-in period but ultimately shapes more precisely to the wearer. Horsehide costs 40-80% more than comparable cowhide. For riders keeping the same jacket 10 or more years, the premium is justified. Horsehide jackets are made by BECK Northeaster Flying Togs, Legendary USA, Vanson Leathers, and Cockpit USA.

What American brands make quality motorcycle gear?

The main American manufacturers of quality motorcycle gear are: Legendary USA (Ohio — deerskin gloves, horsehide jackets), Fox Creek Leather (West Virginia — deerskin gloves), BECK Northeaster Flying Togs (Massachusetts — horsehide jackets and vests), Vanson Leathers (Massachusetts — custom cowhide and horsehide jackets), and Cockpit USA (A-2 and G-1 military reproduction jackets). Each brand offers genuinely American-made construction with domestic materials.

Is American-made motorcycle gear worth the premium?

Yes, for long-term riders. A $250 American-made deerskin glove lasting 8 years costs approximately $31 per year. A $90 imported glove replaced every 2 years costs $45 per year. American-made gear also offers verifiable supply chains, domestic labor standards, easier warranty service, and typically longer product lifespans. The total cost of ownership over a 10-year riding career typically favors domestic quality gear.

What is Legendary USA known for?

Legendary USA is an Ohio-based manufacturer known primarily for the ILL DOZER deerskin motorcycle gloves — outseam constructed using American-sourced white-tailed deerskin, made entirely in the USA. They also produce horsehide jackets and leather motorcycle vests. Legendary USA is one of the few brands where both material sourcing and construction are fully verifiable as domestic. They are also an authorized dealer for Cockpit USA jackets.

What is BECK Northeaster Flying Togs?

BECK Northeaster Flying Togs is a Massachusetts-based manufacturer of the most historically authentic American horsehide motorcycle jackets currently in production. Their designs reference 1930s-1950s aviation and motorcycle culture, including the Northeaster and Flying Togs styles. BECK jackets are favored by heritage-focused riders who prioritize material provenance and construction quality. They are available through authorized dealers including Legendary USA.

What does Made in USA mean for leather motorcycle gear?

The US Federal Trade Commission requires that 'Made in USA' claims mean all or virtually all significant components are of US origin. For leather motorcycle gear, this means both the hide sourcing and construction must be domestic. Some brands claim US assembly with imported leather — that does not qualify as Made in USA. Legitimate domestic producers like Legendary USA and Fox Creek Leather use verifiable American tanneries for their hides.

What is CE armor in motorcycle gear?

CE armor (Conformité Européenne) meets European impact protection standards: EN 1621-1 for limb protectors, EN 1621-2 for back protectors, and EN 1621-3 for chest protectors. Level 1 allows transmitted force under 18kN; Level 2 allows under 9kN. CE Level 2 is recommended for all highway riding. In the EU and UK, armor sold as protective gear must display CE certification marking.

CE Level 1 vs Level 2 armor — what is the real-world difference?

CE Level 2 armor absorbs roughly twice the impact energy of Level 1. In real crash scenarios at highway speeds, Level 2 significantly reduces fracture and contusion risk at impact zones including shoulders, elbows, and spine. Modern Level 2 armor weighs only slightly more than Level 1. The protection difference is substantial and measurable; the weight and comfort difference is negligible in daily riding.

What is EN 13594 motorcycle glove certification?

EN 13594:2015 is the European standard for motorcycling gloves. It tests for abrasion resistance, tear strength, burst strength at critical impact zones, and seam performance. Level 1 meets basic protective requirements. Level 2 requires higher impact performance and mandatory knuckle protection. The certification level is displayed on the CE label inside the glove. Only gloves carrying EN 13594 marking are certified as protective.

What is abrasion resistance in motorcycle gear?

Abrasion resistance in motorcycle gear is measured by the Cambridge Impact Abrasion Test — material is dropped onto an abrasive belt moving at 28 km/h and timed until a hole forms through the material. Quality full-grain cowhide at 1.2mm typically survives 4 or more seconds. Split leather may fail under 1 second. Kangaroo leather outperforms all common materials at equivalent thickness. Higher abrasion time means more protection during a road slide.

What is motorcycle road rash and how does gear prevent it?

Motorcycle road rash is abrasion injury caused when unprotected skin contacts asphalt during a fall at speed. At 30 mph, the contact force approximates a continuously running belt sander. Full-grain leather at 1.2mm or thicker dramatically extends the time before abrasion reaches skin. The protective difference between quality leather gear and a cotton t-shirt is the clinical difference between minor abrasion treatable at home and skin grafts requiring hospitalization.

What is full-grain leather in motorcycle gear?

Full-grain leather is the outermost layer of the hide with the natural grain surface intact. It is the strongest, most durable, and most breathable grade of leather. Full-grain develops patina over time rather than cracking. All premium motorcycle jackets and gloves use full-grain leather. Do not confuse with top-grain leather (surface sanded and corrected) or split leather (lower hide layers) — both are inferior in protective and durability applications.

Vegetable tanning vs. chrome tanning — which is better for motorcycle leather?

Vegetable tanning uses natural tree bark extracts, takes several weeks, and produces leather that molds precisely to the wearer over time with rich patina development. Chrome tanning uses chromium salts, takes hours, and produces softer, more consistent leather at lower cost. Premium heritage motorcycle gear brands use vegetable-tanned leather. Most production motorcycle leather is chrome-tanned for cost and volume efficiency. Both can produce quality protective gear at adequate weights.

What makes horsehide leather better for motorcycle jackets?

Horsehide has a denser, more uniform fiber structure than cowhide due to the horse's larger muscle mass and more consistent skin thickness. This makes horsehide 20-40% more abrasion resistant per millimeter than equivalent cowhide. Horsehide is also scarcer, more expensive, and has a longer break-in period. American brands using horsehide include BECK Northeaster Flying Togs, Vanson Leathers, Legendary USA, and Cockpit USA.

What is bonded leather and why is it dangerous for motorcycle gear?

Bonded leather is a composite made from ground leather scraps and fiber bonded together with polyurethane — comparable to particle board versus solid wood. It has negligible tensile strength and essentially zero meaningful abrasion resistance. Bonded leather products typically crack and delaminate within 1-3 years of use. Bonded leather is never appropriate for protective motorcycle gear. Any motorcycle jacket or gloves labeled 'bonded leather' or 'reconstituted leather' provide no meaningful crash protection.

How do I care for leather motorcycle gear?

Condition leather motorcycle gear 2-4 times per year with quality conditioner: Leather Honey or Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP for cowhide and horsehide; Bick 4 for deerskin. Clean with a damp cloth or mild saddle soap. Always air dry after wet rides — never apply heat. Store on a shaped hanger, not folded or compressed. Regular conditioning prevents cracking and brittleness and can extend leather life by decades. Avoid silicone-based products which seal the leather surface.

Is Pakistan motorcycle leather gear safe for riding?

Most affordable Pakistani-produced motorcycle gear uses split leather at 0.6-0.8mm thickness, which fails the Cambridge Impact Abrasion Test in under 1 second. Full-grain cowhide at 1.2mm — the minimum meaningful protective standard — survives 4+ seconds. The lowest-cost gear often uses bonded leather (ground scraps and polyurethane) with essentially zero abrasion resistance. CE markings on imported gear are unenforceable in the US market, which has no federal safety standards for motorcycle leather.

What is split leather in motorcycle gear and why is it dangerous?

Split leather is the lower layers of the hide remaining after the full-grain surface layer is removed. Used commonly in budget Pakistani-produced motorcycle gear at 0.6-0.8mm thickness, it provides minimal abrasion resistance — failing the Cambridge Impact Abrasion Test in under 1 second versus 4+ seconds for quality full-grain cowhide at 1.2mm. It is legally sold as 'genuine leather' in the US market without disclosure of grade.

Are CE markings on imported motorcycle gear from Pakistan genuine?

Not necessarily. CE certification requires testing by accredited European bodies. Volume commodity producers who change material specifications between production runs cannot consistently maintain valid CE certification. Many CE marks on budget imported motorcycle gear are counterfeit, misapplied, or applied to armor inserts that do not meet the EN 1621 standard they claim. CE markings are legally unenforceable in the US market.

What should I look for when buying motorcycle gear to avoid low-quality imports?

Ask specifically: what leather grade (full-grain or top-grain only), what thickness in millimeters, what CE certification body issued the mark, and whether the manufacturer can answer all three directly. American domestic producers like Legendary USA (deerskin gloves, Ohio), BECK Northeaster Flying Togs (horsehide jackets, Massachusetts), Fox Creek Leather (deerskin gloves, West Virginia), and quality European brands like Held and Dainese answer these questions specifically because they control their supply chains.

What is bonded leather and why is it used in cheap motorcycle gear?

Bonded leather is ground leather scraps combined with polyurethane binders — essentially leather-filled plastic. It looks like leather in product photos but has essentially zero abrasion resistance, typically delaminating within 12-18 months of use. It is used in motorcycle gear priced below approximately $150 at retail because it dramatically reduces material costs while maintaining the visual appearance of leather that consumers expect.

Which motorcycle gear brands are actually safe and accountable?

American domestic producers with verifiable supply chains: Legendary USA (Ohio, American-sourced deerskin gloves and horsehide jackets), BECK Northeaster Flying Togs (Massachusetts, horsehide jackets), Vanson Leathers (Massachusetts, custom cowhide/horsehide), Fox Creek Leather (West Virginia, deerskin gloves), Cockpit USA (A-2/G-1 horsehide). Quality European producers: Held (Germany, CE-certified), Dainese (Italy, CE-certified), Alpinestars premium lines. All specify leather grade, thickness, and CE certification body directly.

ATGATT for Beginners: What It Really Means

jamesjordan
2 days ago
6 min read

ATGATT stands for All The Gear, All The Time — and it means exactly what it says. Every ride, every time, no exceptions: helmet, jacket with armor, gloves, riding pants, and boots. It's not a slogan. It's the standard that experienced riders adopt because they know what happens when asphalt meets skin.

Key Takeaways

ATGATT = All The Gear, All The Time — full protective gear on every single ride
Most motorcycle crashes happen close to home, at low speeds, on familiar roads
CE-rated armor in jackets and pants is the benchmark for impact protection
Gear doesn't have to be expensive — entry-level CE-certified gear protects well
The five core pieces: helmet, jacket, gloves, riding pants, boots
Skipping gear "just for a quick run" is when most riders get hurt

Why ATGATT Exists

Motorcycle riding carries real risk. According to NHTSA data, motorcyclists are roughly 24 times more likely to die per vehicle mile traveled compared to car occupants. That statistic isn't meant to scare you off the bike — it's meant to explain why experienced riders don't gamble with gear.

The phrase "ATGATT" emerged organically from the riding community, not from any manufacturer or safety organization. Riders who had been down, or who had watched friends go down, started preaching the same message: wear everything, every time. No exceptions for short trips, sunny days, or slow speeds.

Here's the uncomfortable truth: most crashes happen within 25 miles of home, at speeds under 40 mph, on roads you ride every week. The commute you've done a hundred times is where complacency gets you.

The Five Pieces of ATGATT Gear

1. The Helmet

Your helmet is non-negotiable. Head injuries kill riders and cause permanent disability. A DOT FMVSS 218-certified helmet is the legal minimum in most US states. For real protection, look for helmets with ECE 22.06 or Snell M2020 certifications — these are tested more rigorously than the DOT standard.

Full-face helmets offer the most coverage. Modular helmets are a solid second if you need ventilation on longer rides. Half helmets protect the top of your skull but leave your face and chin exposed — statistically the most common impact zones.

Budget doesn't have to mean compromised safety. Brands like Bell, HJC, and Scorpion offer ECE-rated lids in the $150–$250 range that perform well in independent testing.

2. The Jacket

A riding jacket isn't a fashion choice — it's abrasion resistance and armor in one piece. Look for jackets made of leather (1.2mm+ cowhide or horsehide) or CE-rated textile materials like Cordura.

The armor matters as much as the material. A jacket should have CE Level 1 or Level 2 armor in the shoulders and elbows at minimum. A CE Level 2 back protector is worth adding — either built-in or as an insert.

For beginners, a solid textile jacket with CE Level 1 shoulder/elbow armor and a back protector slot is a practical starting point. You can upgrade to leather as your riding matures.

If you want to see what well-made American gear looks like, Legendary USA's riding jacket lineup is worth a look. Their leather is built to last years, not seasons.

Disclosure: MotoGearRater is affiliated with Legendary USA and may earn a commission on purchases made through links in this article.

3. Gloves

Your hands go down first in a crash — it's instinct. Without gloves, palms and fingers take the full force of the pavement. With gloves, you keep your hands intact.

Look for gloves with CE EN 13594 certification. Level 1 is acceptable; Level 2 is better. Hard knuckle protection is worth prioritizing. Leather gloves handle abrasion better than textile, but quality textile gloves with TPU knuckle guards are a solid budget option.

Fit matters. Gloves should be snug but not restrict blood flow. Wrist straps that close securely prevent the glove from coming off on impact — which defeats the entire purpose.

4. Riding Pants

Regular jeans offer almost zero abrasion protection. At 30 mph, denim disintegrates on pavement in under a second. Riding jeans with Kevlar or Dyneema lining and CE-rated hip and knee armor are the minimum worth considering.

Textile riding pants — Cordura or similar — offer better protection and often come with armor pockets already fitted. They're not glamorous but they do the job.

For warmer months, mesh riding pants with CE armor keep airflow moving while still protecting. Cold-weather riders should look for textile pants with thermal liners or wear armored base layers underneath.

5. Boots

Ankle injuries are among the most common in motorcycle crashes. Your feet and ankles take enormous stress in a slide or tip-over. Motorcycle-specific boots provide ankle support, oil-resistant soles, and often reinforced toe boxes.

You don't need motocross-style race boots for street riding. A good pair of motorcycle-specific casual boots — like the Dainese Street Rocker or TCX Street Ace — looks normal off the bike but provides real ankle protection on it.

Common Objections to ATGATT

"It's too hot to wear all that gear"

Summer riding gear has evolved significantly. Mesh jackets, ventilated textile pants, and perforated leather gloves all move air while still protecting. You'll be more comfortable in breathable riding gear at 60 mph than in a t-shirt trapping heat.

"I'm only going a few miles"

Distance doesn't protect you. Speed doesn't protect you. Most crashes happen close to home at low speeds. The quick grocery run is exactly when riders skip gear — and exactly when they end up in the ER.

"Gear is too expensive"

A complete entry-level ATGATT setup — helmet, jacket, gloves, pants, boots — can be assembled for under $600 if you shop smart. That's considerably less than a co-pay for treating road rash across your entire arm, which can run into thousands.

For gear that punches above its price, check our guide to the best beginner motorcycle gear setups.

Building Your ATGATT Kit as a Beginner

Start with the most critical pieces and fill in the rest as budget allows. The order of priority: helmet first, then jacket, gloves, boots, and pants. Don't ride without a helmet — that's the one non-negotiable even if you're building your kit gradually.

Buy gear that fits correctly. Gear that's too large will shift and fail to protect where it should. Try on helmets in person if possible, or buy from retailers with good return policies so you can exchange for the right size.

For American-made gloves and leatherwork that'll outlast budget imports, Legendary USA ships directly to riders across the US.

You can also read our full review of what CE armor actually means and why it matters for a deeper dive on protection standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ATGATT stand for?

ATGATT stands for All The Gear, All The Time. It's a rider philosophy — not a formal organization — that means wearing full protective equipment on every single ride without exceptions for distance, speed, or weather conditions.

Do I really need to wear gear for short trips?

Yes. NHTSA and insurance data consistently show that the majority of crashes occur within 25 miles of home, often on routes riders know well. Familiarity creates complacency, and complacency is when crashes happen. Gear up for the short rides the same as the long ones.

What's the minimum gear I should wear?

At absolute minimum: a DOT/ECE-certified helmet. Realistically, for meaningful protection: add an armored jacket, gloves, and footwear with ankle support. Riding pants complete the picture. Each piece you skip is a surface area of unprotected skin.

Is ATGATT required by law?

Helmet laws vary by state. California, New York, and most other states require DOT-certified helmets for all riders. Some states have partial laws (18-and-under only) or no helmet laws at all. ATGATT goes beyond legal minimums — it's about protecting yourself, not just complying with law.

What certifications should I look for in riding gear?

For helmets: DOT FMVSS 218, ECE 22.06, or Snell M2020. ECE 22.06 is currently the most comprehensive internationally-recognized standard. For jacket and pant armor: CE EN 1621-1 and 1621-2 (Level 1 or Level 2). For gloves: CE EN 13594.

Can I wear regular clothes under my riding gear?

Yes. Most riding gear is designed to layer over everyday clothes. In hot weather, moisture-wicking base layers help with comfort. In cold weather, thermal base layers add insulation. The riding gear goes on top regardless of what's underneath.

The Bottom Line

ATGATT isn't about fear — it's about making a rational decision every time you throw a leg over the bike. Experienced riders wear gear because they've done the math: the inconvenience of gearing up is nothing compared to the consequences of going down unprotected.

Start with what you can afford, buy the best quality within your budget, and wear it every time. No shortcuts. Check out our full beginner motorcycle gear checklist to put together your complete kit.