I aim to present the results upfront for convenience. If you're interested in delving deeper, you can continue reading for background information.
Conclusions
To protect the Alcantara steering wheel on a 2019 GT3 RS, various gloves made from leather and polyester were tested. The leather gloves proved to be well-made and effective in preserving the steering wheel's condition. However, they were not compatible with the Porsche's touchscreen, which can be inconvenient for everyday use.
Drawing from my experience as a former avid mountain biker, I’ve found that biking gloves offer several advantages over leather gloves. They are typically designed with sweat-wicking properties to keep hands cool, are made from lightweight and comfortable materials, and are often machine washable. Additionally, biking gloves are available in a wide range of designs and are generally cost-effective.
While leather gloves offer excellent protection for the steering wheel, biking gloves may be a more practical choice for everyday use, thanks to their enhanced functionality and versatility. Here’s my top pick for an everyday driving glove:
Brand: Giro
Variant: Trixter
Size: XXL
Cost: $14.98
Fabric: AX® Bolt fabric featuring InstaChill technology (Polyester based)
Available on Amazon: Yes
Link: Giro Trixter
In the future, a more scientific approach will be necessary to quantify glove performance, including metrics such as moisture-wicking capability, grip strength, thermal properties, and durability.
Science Review: Alcantara Material and Glove Material
Alcantara
- Microfiber Structure: Dense polyester/polyurethane microfibers create a suede-like, porous surface that traps oils, dirt, and sweat.
- Porosity & Capillary Action: Fibers absorb moisture and oils, holding them within the material.
- Surface Energy: Hydrophobic yet prone to bonding with skin oils, causing stains.
- Friction & Wear: Hand contact transfers contaminants, embedding them deeper over time.
- Acidic Sweat: Sweat degrades polyurethane, increasing absorption.
- Environmental Particles: Captures dust and debris, compounding effects of use.
Glove Materials
Lambskin Leather- Softness/Flexibility: Luxuriously soft with excellent dexterity.
- Durability: Less resistant to wear; ideal for comfort over longevity.
- Breathability: Keeps hands cool during use.
- Durability: Strong, abrasion-resistant, ideal for extended use.
- Grip: Textured for reliable steering control.
- Flexibility: Stiff initially, softens with use.
- Softness/Flexibility: Balanced softness and ease of movement.
- Insulation: Ideal for colder climates.
- Grip/Durability: Smooth with moderate wear resistance.
- Durability: Strong, stretch-resistant, and long-lasting.
- Moisture-Wicking: Keeps hands dry; highly breathable.
- Maintenance: Easy to clean, machine washable, quick-drying.
- Cost: Affordable, practical for daily use.
Existing Solutions & Unique Solutions
Company | Cost | Material | Features | URL |
Riparo | $63.97 | Leather (Cowhide) | Vented | |
Riparo | $63.97 | Leather (Cowhide) | Vented | |
Harssidanzar | $29.99 | Leather (Lambskin) | Vented / Touchscreen | |
ZLUXURQ | $29.99 | Leather (Lambskin) | Vented / Touchscreen | |
Leather LH Hands | $20.99 | Leather (Sheepskin) | Vented | |
Giro DND Glove | $13.05 | -Palm: 87% polyester, 13% spandex -Top hand: 90% polyester, 10% cotton -Padding: 100% EVA foam -Super Fit engineered three-panel design -AX Suede® microfiber palm -Silicone fingertip print T-ouchscreen Technology for use with mobile devices | Vented / Touchscreen | |
Giro Trixter Glove | $14.98 | -Slip-on Lycra® cuff -AX® Bolt fabric featuring InstaChill technology -Microfiber sweat wipe -One-piece, pre-curved microfiber -Fully perforated for ventilation | Vented / Touchscreen |
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