BKS GP 2000 Gloves

The BKS GP 2000 gloves are made out of a number of materials that include 1.0 mm goat and calfskin leather, "Suproflex" rubber armor, and "carbon fiber leather," which according to BKS is actually a chemically bonded polyurethane finish, which sounds like a fancy way of saying glued plastic. Reportedly, that last stuff is tougher than leather or carbon fiber. The gloves feature reinforced layers at the thumb, palm, cuff, wrist, and the entire back of the hand, and many of the glove's panels are designed to overlap seams lowering the risk of seam failure. The back of the hand also has an open double layer that provides superior protection while allowing unrestricted movement.

The GP 2000's rubber armor is positioned over the back of the hand and knuckles on each finger, on the outside of the cuff, over the inside wrist bone, on the thumb knuckle, and over the main part of the palm, and it is covered with a layer of leather or that funny fiber-looking stuff in all areas.

Across the lower back of the hand is a restraining strap and there is larger hook and loop type strap on the glove's long gauntlet to keep it snug around the sleeve. The glove has textured leather patches on the palm, thumb, and index finger area for a no-slip grip.

The GP 2000s come in custom colors allowing purchasers to match the gloves to a suit or jacket. The main hand area is limited to black, red or white; but all reinforced areas and overlays are available in all 43 different colors.

For the first couple of days of wearing these gloves, the left one irritated the bone leading to the index finger on the back of my left hand underneath the closure strap. But thinking it best to give the gloves a real chance, I continued to wear them. Within a week, there was no pain, even though I was, by then, pulling the strap tight across the back of my hand. There also had been a little tension on the outside of my fingers because of all of the armor over each finger joint, but after this initial break-in period, the gloves not only stopped causing any pain but actually went all the way in the other direction and are now as comfortable as any glove I have ever tested.

Besides now being very comfortable gloves that allow good feel, the GP 2000s also look as though they offer some of the very best protection available on the market. The armor inside the gloves is flexible and rubbery rather than hard so that any blows against the gloves are absorbed rather than sent through them. Their level of protection looks so good I'm almost looking forward to crashing in these at a high rate of speed. I can't wait.

In short, these BKS GP 2000 gloves have it all: comfort, protection, feel, and damn good looks. They are reported to have some sort of official European safety certification, if that means anything to you. Can you buy a more expensive glove? Yeah, maybe one style from one company. At a retail price of $349.95 made to order, these gloves aren't cheap. But if you'd like to get something special for your best friend, they're worth the money. BKS products are now available through Headhunter Racing: 651-645-9433, url: headhunter-racing.com. Dealer inquiries welcome.