Date reviewed: June 2019 | Tested by: Ash Dunning, BikeSocial Test Team | Price: £59:99 | www.spadaclothing.co.uk
I’ve been using these Spada Shadow gloves through late winter and into spring while riding my Triumph Tiger 800, on everything from built-up urban areas to country roads, dual carriageways and motorways in Northumbria and the Yorkshire Dales.
Fit and feel
The gloves are well made and feel god due to the soft shell fabric and leather construction. I would say this is three-season kit, suitable for use in autumn, winter and spring. They’re a touch on the bulky side, with the loss of some feel through the bars, but this in no way stops you from operating the controls effectively.
By using a leather and fabric mix with stretch panels on the fingers, the Shadows are very flexible and offer only a slight resistance when moving fingers from a clenched fist to an open hand.
A good fit all round, but for me there’s just a small gap at the ends of the finger and thumb, though this doesn’t hinder. The silicone accents on the palms are a welcome addition for added grip.
Warm and cold weather use
The Thinsulate and Hipora liner provides good wind and waterproof protection, keeping my hands warm and dry. I’ve used the gloves in temperatures ranging from 2°C to 15°C and found them nice and warm in the lower temperatures – I didn’t need to use my heated grips on rides up to just under an hour, but my Tiger has hand guards that help to reduce wind chill. As the temperature rose, and at lower speeds, my hands were warm and comfortable, but over 16°C they became quite warm and started to sweat.
Protection and certification
There’s no CE protection certification to be found on the tags or packaging, which is unusual in motorcycle gloves. Keprotec inserts are used in the palm for abrasion resistance, with double-layered leather on the palms, and plastic protectors are also fitted over the knuckes. A Velcro wrist strap ensures a secure fit and helps to stop the glove from being pulled off the hand in the event of an accident.
From April 21 2018, all new motorcycle clothing is deemed to be Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). To meet this legislation, it must be tested to a recognised standard. For more information on the law, click here.
Fastening
The cuff is adjusted with a large Velcro tab, which was wide enough to go over my jacket, while the Velcro wrist strap adjuster ensured a comfortable and secure fit; it’s also flared at the end, so it won’t fall out of the buckle.
Wet weather use
After using the gloves on several rides in the rain, they’ve never let any water in. The long visor wipe on the left thumb works well, but is quite shallow, and you have to get it at just the right angle to clear the visor.
Lining
The gloves have a soft Thinsulate and Hipora liner, which is warm and dry. It seems good quality, and I haven’t had any problems with it pulling out.
Conclusion
The Spada Shadows are light weight and have suited me well for my colder rides; they’re decently made with good thermal qualities. The waterproof and breathable lining is soft, warm and comfortable.
I found the gloves to be a good fit, with no pressure points, while the palms offer plenty of feel and grip on the bars and levers. It’s good to see the addition of a visor wipe on the left thumb.
With a two-year warranty if you register them within 28 days, the Spada Shadows offer good value for daily riding and touring.
