Icon Merc Glove - Long Style Review

Once again we find ourselves reviewing another product by Icon - the Icon Merc glove (long version). The Merc glove enticed us particularly due to it's longer sized version. The extra length adds an extra degree of protection when riding and unlike some gauntlet style gloves the Merc is comfortable to wear and is not as bulky as some other gloves with the gauntlet type.

style

Coming in several different color schemes (yellow, green, red, blue, white, black) the Merc glove offers a match to suit your riding attire no matter what colors your jacket, motorcycle, and helmet may be. Icon's famous logo can be found on the wrist cuff of the glove. Each finger has a stylish star symbol that is also found on the top of glove which Icon claims is 'Laser etched' into the glove for a perfect cut. The gauntlet style of the glove is hardly noticeable due to it's slick look.

features

The Merc glove is fitted with a carbon fiber knuckle protection shield. With all that protection it's tempting to slam your fist down on that cager's side mirror when he failed to check his blind spot as he moves into your lane - but it is not advisable (road rage does not help anyone). Some would argue that metal such as aluminum provides greater protection that carbon - however, carbon has it's benefits. Carbon, unlike metal, does not transfer heat very well - and therefore your hands will stay cooler with a carbon shield opposed to aluminum. Carbon is also lighter than aluminum and has less susceptibility to malleability.

Taking a view at the wrist area the wearer will notice there is a wrist protection plate that protects the wearer from improper positioning of the wrist.

The Merc glove has a dual-layer wrist cuff where the inner layer is taken off and re-attaches at the inside area of the wrist.

safety

The gauntlet style of the long version of the Merc gloves provides the rider with complete protection from finger tip to jacket cuff. With shorter style gloves the space between where the glove meets the jacket may leave some skin exposed - the longer gloves such as the Merc's are designed to fit over top of the jacket sleeve to prevent this scenario from happening. It should be noted though that some bulkier type jackets such as ones designed for colder weather or jackets with a thick liner in use may be hard to slip underneath the glove without bunching.

As previously mentioned the Merc's come with a carbon fibre knuckle protection shield to keep your knuckles nice and safe in case of a fall.

The palm area provides excellent abrasion resistance due to it's material of reinforced goatskin while the chassis of the glove is made from traditional cowhide.

quality

The stitching of the glove is noticeably well done without any frayed threads or loose stitches.

Inside the glove is a thin layer of fleece-like material which do help against cold weather - but do not be mistaken the Merc's were not designed for cold weather riding.

The goatskin material on the palm is of high quality and will most certainly resist any type of abrasion scenario.

If there is one complaint about the Merc gloves it is sizing. Sizing seems to be the most common complaint about these gloves especially in the wrist and fingers area. Try on a size larger than normal to see if the glove is easier to get on/off. One thing to keep in mind is that all Velcro locking mechanisms, like the one found on the Merc's, will eventually loose their gripping ability and you may want a more snug fit around the wrist area to ensure the gloves stay tight on your hands after a dozen or so months of riding.

show me the money

The long Merc gloves retail for USD $100. The shorter versions ring in at USD $80. In our opinion the extra protection is worth the difference in price.

overall

The long Merc gloves are an excellent choice for the street rider who desires added piece of mind knowing their hands are fully protected with a gauntlet style design, carbon fiber knuckle protection, and reinforced goatskin palm protection. The main aspect that is lacking in the Merc's is a universal size that snugly fits everyone, however, if you find a pair that fits 'like a glove' - we recommend the Merc's as an excellent glove for the motorcyclist seeking added protection without compromising style.

rating

• Style: 9/10
• Features: 7/10
• Safety: 8/10
• Quality: 7/10
• Price: 7/10
• Overall Value: 7/10