I think we can all agree that driving barehanded can become a literal pain in the palms. This is why racing gloves are, without a doubt, an essential gear no seasoned sim racer should overlook.
To truly immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of sim racing, you need to gear up appropriately. One of the critical components? Sim racing gloves. A well-chosen pair can enhance your comfort, making each ride smooth and more enjoyable.
By the time we reach the end of this succinct guide, you’ll gain insight into why this accessory is a game-changer in enhancing your racing performance and mastering control over your racing wheel.
Keep reading to unravel why every savvy sim racer needs a solid pair of gloves in their arsenal!
Are Racing Gloves A Must For Sim Racing?
It’s a firm yes. Gloves are essential in sim racing.
When you look at any professional racer, you’ll see them suiting up from head to toe in safety attire. In sim racing, however, safety is not measured by the same parameters, but it still takes the center stage.
This is where racing gloves come into play.
No, they won’t protect you from fires and explosions. Nonetheless, they’ll provide the racer with a tactile grip and comfort during your race. Besides, we’ve looked at Racing Boots, so what’s wrong with gloves?
Can You Wear Karting Gloves?
Yes. If you’re looking for a low-budget pick, but you still want to keep the quality and make a successful purchase, go for karting gloves.
These models tend to be cheaper primarily because they don’t requite FIA approval. These gloves are made from synthetic leather and stretch fabric, fitting your fingers tightly as opposed to some other gloves. Also, they’re much lighter and not so durable because of the lack for fireproofing.
Whilst being lower in price, karting gloves are much thicker than you initially need them to be, and they don’t have touchscreen compatibility.
What About Mechanics Gloves?
The good news is, you can rely on mechanics gloves as well in sim racing.
Although they’re meant to be used for a completely different purpose, you can still see a lot of sim racers using these gloves as sim racing gloves.
No wonder; these gloves are next level, and they’ve got some promising features.
For instance, they provide the racer with an outstanding amount of grip thanks to their leather palms. They’re highly recommended because they tolerate heat well (if the race get tense), and they’re the most durable gloves out there.
They’re great behind the wheel, but there’s one thing this brand of gloves is missing. Just as with karting gloves, mechanics gloves are missing the touchscreen compatibility.
Gloves For Your Steering Wheel: Our Top Picks
I don’t want to keep drivers in the dark for too long. So, let’s move on to a few examples that I would wholeheartedly recommend to all sim racers out there looking for a solution.
Sparco Hypergrip
Sparco 002094 Nrrs10 Hypergrip Gloves, Black & Red
Features
- Model Number: 002094NRRS10
- Item Package Length: 2.5cm
- Item Package Width: 14.0cm
- Item Package Height: 30.0cm
Sparco Hypergrip gloves are revolutionary for sim racers and gamers. This brand is designed to be used for steering wheels, PC consoles and controllers.
As far as construction of the glove, the microfibre suede palm provides ventilation and the rubbered patches won’t compromise your grip. For a fair price, these gloves guarantee comfort and excellent grip.
OMP KS-3 Kart Gloves
OMP XS KS-3 Gloves MY2018 Black/W./Green
Features
- OMP Karting Gloves
- High quality
- High-quality product
- Fit type: Universal.
Just as I’ve pointed out earlier, if you’re on a budget, karting gloves make a good replacement.
This brand is made from stretch fit fabric that allows your hand to fit perfectly and significantly reduces hand fatigue. Certain areas on the gloves have an anti-skid rubber patches that enable tactile grip.
These go-kart gloves are flexible and they’re the perfect fit for racers that are just starting out behind the wheel, and need something to protect their bare hands.
Sim Hound Gloves
This model was designed with comfort and grip in mind.
Features
- Microfibre Suede Palm With Rubberised Grip
- Lightweight Breathable Fabric On The Back Of The Glove of The Glove
- Adjustable Wrist Strap
- Touchscreen Compatible Index Finger
- Stylish Design
Sim Hound Gloves are perfect for sim racing because their breathable and textured rubberised design allows the person wearing them to stay cool and comfortable – all in one.
The microfibre suede palm allows complete force feedback while you’re racing. Moreover, the wrist fastening tab prevents irritation and restriction.
Unlike other gloves, the index finger has a touchscreen tip that enables you to press any controls while you’re racing.
If you find this gloves to be on stock – don’t miss you chance and buy a pair!
4 – Alpinestars Tech-1 K Race V2
Alpinestars TECH-1 K RACE V2 GLV - WHITE/RED
Features
- Touchscreen compatible fingertips.
- Mesh and lycra fourchettes promote comfort, airflow and durability.
- Pre-curved finger and palm aids fit while reducing material bunching.
- Gauntlet cuff incorporates a 180° elasticated wrist for easy entry and a secure fit.
- Digital print on surface for an aggressive aesthetic.
Down to the fourth choice, the shape of these gloves promote comfort, airflow and durability.
Their light and thin construction contributes to the optimum feel. They’re pretty much breathable, and their pre-curved finger and thumb reduce material bunching.
This model also has touchscreen compatibility, so if there’s a phone emergency – you can go ahead and answer, without having to step off the pedals.
5 – Sparco Arrow Kart Gloves
Features
- Microfibre Suede Palm With Rubberised Grip
- Lightweight Breathable Fabric On The Back Of The Glove of The Glove
- Adjustable Wrist Strap
- Touchscreen Compatible Index Finger
- Stylish Design
This is the latest Sparco Meca model with new HTX material that is designed for optimum comfort and fit.
Besides the touchscreen compatible material on the thumb and index finger, these gloves reduce fatigue in the areas where there is the highest impact absorption.
Another great thing about this model is that it comes in sizes from 8 to 12.
The Pros Of Wearing Sim Racing Gloves
I have walked you through the essential information regarding sim racing gloves, but there is no harm in concluding this topic with some specific benefits you can get from a purchasing pair.
Whether you’re just a beginner at simulated racing, or you’ve been doing this for quite a while now, wearing gloves will help you get that real feel of the wheel. Not only will you have a better grip of the wheel due to the material, but your race will be an overall smoother.
Next, the fabric and stretch of these gloves will contribute to reducing hand fatigue. You may spend hours behind the wheel, and your hands will surely get tired. If you decide to wear gloves, however, you can avoid the problem of fatigue and sweating, but not only that, but also redness and blisters.
Is Wearing Gloves Necessary? The Final Verdict
Most definitely! Sim Racing gloves are one of those untold tips, ones that you see but never really hear of!
Sim racers need a pair of these racing gloves. They’re not just a comfortable fit, they’re lightweight gear that provides racers with maximum grip over the steering wheel and durability.
For a fair price, you can come across some high-quality choices.
Even more importantly, racers need to wear these accessories if they don’t want to end up with blisters and swollen palms.
I’ve even singled out some of the best gloves that you should consider, so get your hands on your keyboard and order a pair if you haven’t already!
After that, we can move on to a comfy pair of racing shoes.