Beginner Motorcycle Gloves Below $100

Updated on Aug 22nd, 2022 | By Mohit Chauhan

As a beginner when you finally decide to ride a motorcycle, it is important that you set aside some budget not only for your beginner motorcycle, but also for your riding gear.

As we all know, helmets are mandatory for motorcyclists and not just because these are governed by law, but also because they are essential for rider’s safety. Sooner or later, the same principle would apply to motorcycle gloves as well. And even though many dedicated bikers wear gloves on a daily basis, and are aware of their importance, some casual bikers prefer not to wear them at all. But if you are reading this, you have probably realized their importance and would like to choose one for the first time.

Nonetheless, before jumping straight to our list, we recommend you first take a look at our detailed beginners guide to choosing the right motorcycle gloves, which includes buying guide, size guide, material types and their advantages.

So, in today’s article, we will be discussing about some of the best beginner motorcycle gloves that will protect you from all kinds of basic crashes and impacts, and yet are priced below $100 mark to keep your expenditure low. Let’s check them out!

Best Motorcycle Gloves Below $100

Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon V2

You can consider the Alpinestars SMX as a pair of dual-purpose gloves, which can serve very well as a street and as an off-road glove. This is because they fall in between the MX gloves and street gloves. You get more protection than in any other motocross gloves, but considerably less than a street glove.

This is a definite advantage for riders who are looking for a high-performance pair of gloves that are ideal to operate around the handlebars, especially useful among beginners since they are much less used to riding with their gloves on!

The primary feature of the SMX is the carbon fiber knuckle protection. This is an additional security feature that prevents the fingers from injuries caused by impact (something that is quite common among beginners). You also get premium quality suede palm, pre-curved finger construction, Velcro® closures, touchscreen assist fingertips, PU grip inserts, and EVA padding around the thumb for additional impact protection.

Plus, you get the brand’s reliability: We all know that Alpinestars is one of the top manufacturers of motorcycle gear and they commit themselves in producing quality equipment with a high level of precision.

Price: $89

O'Neal Butch Carbon

O’Neal is a trusted name in the world of motorcycle gear & accessories. For the past 50 years, they have been the epitome of high-end engineering, innovation, and commitment.

With the Butch Carbon, O’Neal differentiates itself a bit from the competition, and it’s not the first time they have done so. While most of the gloves are made of leather and textile, this one is made from a combination of synthetic leather, nylon, TPR, cotton, and neoprene. This combination of materials serves several purposes; the most noteworthy being their light weight characteristic, something you can feel the moment you wear them.

However, being light does not mean that you are lacking in protection. With this off-road glove, you do not have to compromise between comfort, safety, and performance. Thanks to the pre-shaped carbon knuckle protectors, integrated finger and wrist guards, and Nanofront® material around the palms, your hands are protected come what may.

The internal lining is engineered to be comfortable. It is neither too stiff nor too soft allowing an easy movement of both the fingers and thumb so that the rider can easily manoeuvre around the controls.

Some other noteworthy features include; 4-way stretchable Lycra® panels, hook-&-loop closures, silicone prints for additional grip, ergonomic padding, and extended cuffs for secure hold. Plus, these gloves are ideal for both men & women.

Price: $49

Alpinestars Megawatt

Megawatt is a rugged all-rounder glove featuring hard knuckle protectors, lightweight construction, and high-quality reinforcements for maximum performance and comfort. The glove benefits from its pre-curved finger construction that reduces hand fatigue, and padding around the thumb and palm that ensure a better grip.

Its robust knuckle protection makes them ideal for cross-country and enduro riding. These gloves are packed with reinforcements and are made from perforated leather and stretch polyamide that offers optimum level of durability, protection, and flexibility. This synthetic suede glove has a Clarino® palm, leather on the back, 4-way stretch, and TPR all over. So basically, what you have is an extremely flexible motorcycle glove that can be used in a wide range of applications.

As for the knuckle protection, the carbon reinforcements have been swapped for hard plastic ventilated knuckles. This permits better breathability allowing you to enjoy your ride with utmost convenience. Also, you get a little accordion stretch around the fingers that provides sufficient freedom to operate the levers.

But that’s not all you get from Megawatts! These are equipped with silicon prints for better grip around the handle bars, abrasion resistant protectors on key impact areas, pre-curved finger construction, reinforced thumb, and Velcro® closures for a secure and snug fit.

Price: $59

Alpinestars Stella SMX-1 Air V2

Stella SMX-1 Air V2 is a short street riding glove that utilizes a blend of leather and textile fabric in its construction. The glove uses the same technology that Alpinestars have incorporated into their racing gloves. For instance, a stretchable panel on the thumb and the index finger has been added to increase the comfort as well as operability.

Although Stella SMX-1 Air V2 was designed and manufactured for female genre, however, it is also available for men with a slightly different ergonomic fit.

The main material of the glove is leather and it is ideal for summer use. It also comes with protectors on the fingers while the back is made in such a way to ensure utmost comfortability with a secure hold on the grips.

Also read: Best Summer Motorcycle Gloves

Some of the significant features include; poly-blend reinforcements and synthetic suede reinforcements for impact and abrasion resistance, ergonomic stretchable inserts, hard plastic knuckle protectors, hook & loop closures, and CE level 1 certification as per European safety standards. Moreover, if you like touch screen compatibility, these gloves offer that as well on the index finger.

All in all, these entry level gloves are ideal for couple of seasons giving you a reasonable measure of protection and benefits.

Price: $59

Alpinestars SP-8 V2

The next model we are going to talk about is a sports glove made entirely of leather, evidently from Alpinestars, which is available in many color variations including pure black and combinations of dark gray, red, white and yellow. In short, there really is something for everyone.

Designed to resist strong impacts against the hard surface in case of a collision, the SP-8 V2 model features a polymer knuckle protection and reinforced EVA foam throughout, which enhances both comfort as well as durability to abrasion. Ventilation is also taken care of, thanks to its design incorporating perforated leather on the fingers, center, and sides of the glove. Moreover, it has a fantastic touchscreen assist feature on the index finger so that you can use your mobile devices on the go.

A state-of-the-art grip made of microfiber and polyurethane around the palm and thumb areas allows you to have a better control over the handlebars of the motorcycle. They also exhibit special ergonomics that provide more relaxed hand movements and better sensitivity to motorcycle controls. Their fitting is practical and easy to adjust as the wrists are closed with Velcro® straps & extendable cuffs.

All together, these gloves are ideal to protect your hands as you ride your motorcycle around the city or while practicing extreme sports. Their premium quality and multitude of protective features guarantee a high level of protection. All of which makes it quite popular among bikers.

Price: $99

REV'IT! Hydra 2 H2O

Lined with Thinsulate G, the Hydra 2 H2O gloves feature a fleece lining, especially designed to cope up with both cold and damp weather, suited for the most urban scenarios. The Hydratex® membrane, which acts as a waterproofing layer in the gloves, is implemented by utilizing a Z-Liner construction with McFit® technology, so that it provides a more comfortable fit and keep the hands dry at all times.

Besides, its outer shell is made of specially engineered fabric, which includes goatskin leather that is finished with Drum Dyed abrasion-resistant coating. And for added protection, they are equipped with a hard knuckle reinforcement, and Temperfoam around the palm as well as fingers that make them more durable and resistant towards any kind of abrasion.

Some of the features include; waterproof & breathable membrane, PWR|shell that allows great tactile feedback, and an integrated Thinsulate G & tri-fleece lining that keeps you warm in cold weather conditions.

Altogether, the Hydra 2 H2O gloves combine comfort and durability to the highest standards while keeping you warm and protected. They are an absolute must-buy if you are looking for a budget motorcycle glove. Plus, they come in a wide variety of size, to cater both men as well as women riders.

Price: $109

Scorpion EXO Cool Hand II

Scorpion Cool Hand II is a very basic and affordable motorcycle glove that is priced just under $35. It features a simple mesh construction (vented nylon mesh) and shortened cuff design that is ideal for hot weather riding since it allows for plenty of breathability and ventilation.

As for the latest version of the Hand II, it features an upgraded knuckle protector that is coated with neoprene. This makes these gloves both soft & flexible unlike the TPR’s used in older models.

A reflective stripe (NightViz reflective piping) on the back of the glove ensures maximum visibility even in low light conditions. In addition, these gloves offer a high degree of flexibility around the fingers allowing for adequate freedom of movement. Furthermore, they are equipped with TPR’s around the wrist, leather palm with Clarino® inserts, and tamper foam on the heel of the palm as well as on the base of the thumb.

Some other important features include; pre-curved palm & finger design that reduces fatigue and assists in grip, Lycra® finger panels, color matching seams, rib-stretch finger expansion panels, and TPR molded wrist closures. Plus, you have the option to choose from 6 different colors and sizes ranging from S to 3XL.

Price: $34

Dainese Blackjack

For those who like to ride in style but do not want to compromise on protection, Blackjacks from Dainese are your go-to gloves.

Made from goatskin leather, the BlackJack gloves are reinforced on the palm and have a very elegant and classic design, with a retro touch, ideal for custom-cruisers and café-racers. These gloves have a very classic design that allows a lot of breathability and ventilation, thus making them an excellent choice for summer riding.

Blackjacks stand out for their elegance and distinctive aesthetics and are particularly comfortable to wear. Thanks to their full leather construction with soft elastic inserts and goatskin reinforcements on the palm, these gloves provide excellent safety, particularly in areas that are prone to abrasion. Plus, soft inserts on the knuckles and back of the hand along with Velcro® closures ensure a snug fit.

Dainese Blackjacks have many of the elements that make a glove especially comfortable. And it starts with the pre-curved finger design, which provides greater ease of riding and, above all, a considerable reduction in fatigue while riding for a prolonged period of time. As a result, they are ideal for long and medium distance tours as well.

Also read: Best Touring Gloves

In fact, once you are used to riding with these gloves, you won’t find any other pair of motorcycle gloves any better!

Price: $95

Dainese MIG C2

A lightweight and comfortable glove that is both practical and smart: Presenting MIG C2, engineered and developed by Dainese to be used on a hot & sunny day.

Featuring a 3D mesh infused with leather on the upper part of the index, middle and ring finger and at the back of the wrist to ensure durability as well as comfortability. And since, the main material used in the construction is cowhide, which is present on the entire back side, as well as on the fingers and the palm, these gloves allow adequate breathability and ventilation.

Also read: Best Leather Motorcycle Gloves

Durable and extremely robust, the MIG C2 gloves guarantee maximum protection to the rider. Plus, they can also be used as sports gloves, thanks to the polyurethane knuckle protectors. They are ergonomically designed, and are equipped with an adjustable cuff strap & soft padded insert.

Plus, their pre-curved finger construction reduces any fatigue that may arise due to prolonged riding. Furthermore, silicone bands have been added to the center of the palm and on the index and middle fingers for optimum grip on the bike’s controls. And that’s not all, these gloves are CE certified as well (Cat. II – Pr-EN 13594/2010 lev. 1).

Price: $99

Scorpion EXO Tempest

For those of you who live in a region where moderate winters are mostly accompanied with rain, Scorpion’s EXO Tempest gloves could become your best friend. They feature a unique double gauntlet, designed to keep the water away from trickling under your sleeve and soaking your hands. Amongst the two gauntlets, the one goes inside your sleeve and the other goes through your jacket, keeping you dry at all times.

Also read: Best Winter Motorcycle Gloves

In addition, a waterproof Hypora® liner, 100 grams of Thinsulate insulation, and high-tech goatskin leather palms have been added for a great tactile feel and comfort.

The back of the fingers have reinforced padding, with elastic inserts around the fingers and wrists. Also, these gloves are covered with 4-way stretch material that provide a comfortable fit. And, you get reflective stripes on the back of the hand, reinforced silicone grip patches on the tips of the fingers of the glove and on the top of the palm.

There is additional padding at the base that allows you to put extra weight on the palm while gripping the handle bars. And lastly, a small Velcro® wrist closure that allows a snug fit while the large Velcro® strap at the base secures the glove completely.

All in all, an ideal waterproof cold weather glove that is worth every penny!

Price: $89

Bottom line: Choosing an ideal beginner glove

Regardless of the law, motorcycle glove is a must. And anyone who rides a motorcycle should know that after the helmet, gloves should be their second priority, regardless of whether they are riding the bike or traveling as a pillion. This is because, in the event of a fall, the first thing to come in contact with the ground will be your hands. Fortunately, when we go to a specialized motorcycle accessories and apparel store we can find a wide range of gloves, and most likely, all of them will meet the safety standards that we need.

But as you already know by now that there are many types of motorcycle gloves. So, you have to know what you are looking for and choose the right one that best suits your needs, keeping a right balance between comfort and safety.

Further reading: Motorcycle Gloves Below $50

That’s all for now folks. Let us know in case you need more information and feel free to write us back. Take care!