Deerskin Gauntlets: The Most Underrated Motorcycle Glove Style
Ask most riders what style of motorcycle gloves they wear, and you'll get one of two answers: short wrist or gauntlet. The vast majority say short wrist. And while short-wrist gloves are excellent daily riders, the gauntlet style is significantly underappreciated — and for certain riding contexts, it's the clearly superior choice.
What Is a Gauntlet Glove?
A gauntlet-style motorcycle glove extends beyond the wrist to cover the lower forearm — anywhere from 2 to 6 inches past the wrist depending on the design. This extended cuff does two things: it provides additional coverage and protection to the wrist joint and lower forearm, and it creates a windproof seal that keeps cold air out on touring rides. The gauntlet design dates back to the earliest days of motorcycling and remains a staple of touring riders.
Why Wrist Protection Matters
The wrist is a common injury point in motorcycle crashes. When hands hit the ground, wrists absorb significant impact and rotational stress. While gloves alone can't prevent all wrist fractures, extended coverage that keeps the glove in place and protects the wrist joint reduces the severity of wrist injuries in slide scenarios. Gauntlet coverage means the glove can't ride up the arm and expose the wrist in a slide — something short-wrist gloves can do.
Gauntlets for Cold Weather and Touring
The windproofing benefit of gauntlets is underappreciated. At highway speeds, cold air finds its way into the gap between a short-wrist glove and jacket sleeve. Gauntlets eliminate this gap entirely, creating a sealed system that keeps hands significantly warmer without requiring a heated glove or bulky insulation. Long-distance touring riders almost universally appreciate gauntlet gloves once they've experienced them.
The Legendary USA Deerskin Gauntlet
The Legendary USA Classic American Whitetail Deerskin Gauntlet is the reference point for American-made deerskin gauntlets. It's built from the same American whitetail deerskin as the rest of the Legendary USA lineup, with an extended wrist cuff that provides both protection and weather resistance. It pairs naturally with touring bikes, classic cruisers, and any riding where long-distance comfort and coverage matter.
Compare the Gauntlet against short-wrist options in the full Legendary USA motorcycle gloves collection.
When to Choose Short Wrist Instead
Short-wrist gloves are better for summer riding when ventilation matters, city commuting where on-and-off frequency is high, and riders who want gloves that slide easily under a jacket cuff. Gauntlets sit on top of or outside the jacket sleeve — fine for touring, slightly awkward for constant daily commuting where you're constantly putting gloves on and off in urban environments.
FAQ
Q: Do gauntlets go over or under a jacket sleeve? A: Typically over, sealed over the jacket cuff. This creates the weather-sealing effect that gauntlets are known for. Q: Are gauntlets harder to put on and take off? A: Slightly. The extended cuff adds a step. For commuters removing gloves frequently, this matters. For tourers, it doesn't. Q: Are deerskin gauntlets warm enough for winter riding? A: Unlined deerskin gauntlets are good to about 40-45°F. Below that, lined or heated gloves are recommended. Q: Do gauntlets provide more crash protection than short-wrist gloves? A: The extended cuff protects the wrist area and prevents the glove from riding up in a slide. It's a meaningful protection upgrade. Q: Can I use gauntlet gloves on a sport bike? A: Yes, though the extended cuff can feel less natural in the forward riding position some riders prefer.
