Lee Parks Gloves

[UNTMatt]

Ok, here is the update...after a week of waiting, they sent me two pairs of small size gloves with a return envelope in hopes that one of the pairs would work.

First, when cutting open the package...one of those tyvec USPS envelopes with no hope of tearing it...I inadvertently cut the return envelope in half. :mad:

Ok...well...now over that one. :rolleyes: One of the pairs right gloves felt just as the original pair did. The left one felt, ok. The second pair, on the left glove, one of the seams rubbed my little finger something fierce!

So I mixed the sets and am wearing them around the house to see if they will stretch out and feel the way I want a $110 set of gloves to feel like. Right now they are just a little tight and I have doubts that this will work out in my favor. I'll post more as the saga goes on.

I hate buying gear online.

[Bones]

Matt, FWIW, the two pairs of Held gloves I have (Steve's and another model a price point lower) have excellent internal seams...i.e., you can't feel them.

[1999purple]

HI, I too have the Lee Parks gloves, I got mine at the NY bike show so I got to try them on first. I normally wear a size L put took a M in there long glove made for heated grips $180. They do fit tight and was told that they will stretch out to mould to your hand give them time. ED:03biker:

[UNTMatt]

Matt, FWIW, the two pairs of Held gloves I have (Steve's and another model a price point lower) have excellent internal seams...i.e., you can't feel them.

I tried the Steves and didn't care for them. Actually, I just didn't think they were worth the $150 price of admission worth of comfortable. I do like a lot of their gloves though...have a set of the Icebreakers that I love for analog winter riding.

I'm not sure that the $110 price of admission for the LP gloves is worth it when Aerostitch has their gloves for around $65. If the LP's break in as they are supposed too, then I'll be happy. The thumb pockets seem too short and are putting a good amount of pressure on the tips of my thumbs. I'm not sure they will stretch out far enough to make this worth my time.

HI, I too have the Lee Parks gloves, I got mine at the NY bike show so I got to try them on first. I normally wear a size L put took a M in there long glove made for heated grips $180. They do fit tight and was told that they will stretch out to mould to your hand give them time. ED:03biker:

That's good to hear. I'm hoping that will be the case but I'm not wearing them outside until I'm sure of it and since I really, really need new gloves, that means time isn't on the break in side. Hopefully they will stretch out fairly quickly otherwise they will be sent back.

[Bones]

I tried the Steves and didn't care for them. Actually, I just didn't think they were worth the $150 price of admission worth of comfortable. I do like a lot of their gloves though...have a set of the Icebreakers that I love for analog winter riding.



All I meant was that you shouldn't feel inside seams in expensive gloves, no matter who makes them.

[Raven]

One word -

ELK!

Okay, I know I'm supposed to love Lee's gloves BUT - my hands get cold in the winter and sweat in the summer in deer.

NightRDR, you're in TEXAS!!!! Go to the local feed and seed and check out their ELK ropers. Almost all the good f & s's have them for <$25. Be sure they are snug because they will stretch some. Elk is as supple as deer and more abrasion resistant. They also keep your hands warmer in winter but breathe better in summer and tend to be naturally water resistant. They can also be washed.

Sullivan (~$50) (http://www.sullivanglove.com/scripts/prodList.asp?strSearch=elk&strSearchType=OR&strSearchMin=0&strSearchMax=0&strSearchCat=0&strSearchBrand=&curPage=1&sortField=sku)and Yellowstone (~$15-30) (http://www.yellowstonegloves.com/products.html) both make decent, inexpensive elk gloves.

[dmulk]

Matt,

You really do need to try a pair of these....

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Aerostich-Elkskin-Gauntlet-p-16824.html

AS will take them back if you don't like them.

I love mine.

<D>

[drmedak]

I am currently wearing Lee Parks gloves and they were a little snug when I bought them and have loosened to be just right.

As much as I like the Lee Parks gloves, they feel pretty thin and I have considered the Aerostich Elkskin Ropers, and the Held Steve's as my next glove. I seem to remember reading somewhere that the Aerostich gloves are made by these guys (http://www.geierglove.com/products.asp).

[UNTMatt]

All I meant was that you shouldn't feel inside seams in expensive gloves, no matter who makes them.

I agree...but hate the process of sending and returning so I was trying, desperately to make these gloves work. I felt the seams in the Steve's gloves when I tried them on. They actually felt similar to the LP gloves I have here but not quite as soft.

One word -

ELK!

Okay, I know I'm supposed to love Lee's gloves BUT - my hands get cold in the winter and sweat in the summer in deer.

NightRDR, you're in TEXAS!!!! Go to the local feed and seed and check out their ELK ropers. Almost all the good f & s's have them for <$25. Be sure they are snug because they will stretch some. Elk is as supple as deer and more abrasion resistant. They also keep your hands warmer in winter but breathe better in summer and tend to be naturally water resistant. They can also be washed.

Sullivan (~$50) (http://www.sullivanglove.com/scripts/prodList.asp?strSearch=elk&strSearchType=OR&strSearchMin=0&strSearchMax=0&strSearchCat=0&strSearchBrand=&curPage=1&sortField=sku)and Yellowstone (~$15-30) (http://www.yellowstonegloves.com/products.html) both make decent, inexpensive elk gloves.

I'll do that...I just have this thing for gauntlet gloves otherwise this might be a bit easier.

Matt,

You really do need to try a pair of these....

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Aerostich-Elkskin-Gauntlet-p-16824.html

AS will take them back if you don't like them.

I love mine.

<D>

I'll probably end up ordering those at some point. I've got to get a hold of LPD and send these back and I can't do that until Tuesday. The way I am with gloves, my hopes aren't very high though and I really hate this sizing via snail mail.

[Klackey]

You might consider these, This is NOT My REPORT but it is informative

"Well the textile (read; poly) transition continues (read; to Kevlar). Last year I bought some Motoport custom built (for me, using an old pair of my jeans) Kevlar riding pants. These are simply the best fitting and protective pants this rider has ever owned! I needed some new Summer gloves and checked their site www.motoport.com to find they now offer Kevlar racing gloves. Ordered on Wednesday and got them Saturday. Interresting sizing system...you trace an outline of your hand and fax it to them, they send you the perfect glove.

These fit me like...well, a glove. They are very light in weight but substantial in the protection area. What's more, they are VERY comfortable with no binding points or irritation. Watching expectantly for some Winter gloves.

Next will be the Ultra II Air Mesh Kevlar Jacket. I know that some here will look at the pricing and flinch. Think about this; they come with a seven year warranty and a lifetime repair guarantee. If you crash and Motoport can't fix the damage, they will replace it...for LIFE. When they get dirty, you remove your junk (Tic Tacs etc) from the pockets and toss the whole item in the washer (armor and all). I go through a pair of gloves per year and pants/jackets last about 2 years (if I am lucky...normally the seams are beginning to give out in one year). In seven years, I will spend more than I did at motoport and for gear that really does not fit my odd Celtic body well or offer even close to the protection level. Now consider the luxury of actually being able to wear this gear with nothing under it but skin and not have to worry about poly burns if you fall. IMHO Motoport Kevlars have become the textile that exceed the protection previously offered only by leather.

Motoport has been a good customer experience for me for extreme quality custom built gear. Disclaimer: Law Dawg has zero financial interrest in Motoport. He recieves zero discounts for raving about their product. He simply wants to share the joy of a well built, protective, product that actually fits (with good customer service as well)."

[jasonJonas]

i bought a pair at the atlanta mc show. i normally wear an xl, but the pretty gal working the booth helped me choose the right size. wound up with a medium. they were !TIGHT! at first, but after a few weeks of riding they are loosening up and feeling righteous.

i never would have wound up with the gloves i bought without her help. i'd like another pair of a different design, but will not order them over the internet. even among the mediums i tried, we found minor differences in finger lengths which is understandable given their construction method.

[UNTMatt]

Tight isn't the issue and I am fully aware they will strech out as they break in.

It's the length of the thumb pockets. My thumbs bottom out before my fingers do. One of the current pairs that they sent me is much better than the original set I had to return but my thumbs are still firmly bottomed out and this is with my fingers extended. If I curl my hands into a fist, it feels like a stretched out latex glove with the seam pushing into the tip of my thumb. The rest of my fingers are the correct length. If I go to a larger size, the rest of the finger pockets will be too long.

After long discussions with Steve over at LPD, my fingers don't seem out of preportion so my only assumption is that something with the gloves just isn't cut right.

I'm in the camp now that for $110 gloves, I shouldn't have to put up with this and will be sending them back.

[UNTMatt]

You might consider these, This is NOT My REPORT but it is informative.

Thanks for the information. I'll keep it in mind but I'm not liking the styles they have for sale at this point. My next trip around this block will probably be Aerostitch or if I find a pair I like at a feed store, I'll go that route. Might pick up those Alpine Stars Hero gauntlet gloves if the 'Stitch doesn't work out.

I seem to be on a roll...been looking for new summer gloves for two years...I'm picky.

[Raven]

There's a nice feed and seed in Burnet, TX (next to a diner with really good pie). When I was out that way last month, they had some good elk gloves with an extra layer on the palm that works really well to cut down on vibes. The lady at the counter said they ALWAYS have their elk gloves in stock. So, it might be worth a ride down that way for pie and gloves!
:D

[UNTMatt]

There's a nice feed and seed in Burnet, TX (next to a diner with really good pie). When I was out that way last month, they had some good elk gloves with an extra layer on the palm that works really well to cut down on vibes. The lady at the counter said they ALWAYS have their elk gloves in stock. So, it might be worth a ride down that way for pie and gloves!
:D

Burnet, Tx...that would be a nice ride! Pie to boot!


There's a feed store up in Keller, Tx that I'll try first along with a few others that are in the area. Maybe Saturday after breakfast though.

[Klackey]

I am on a summer glove hunt myself..........so I have watched your post. I dont recall, have you looked at http://www.foxcreekleather.com/mensdeerskin.phtml ? Look nice but a bit $. I have to say my favorite gloves are my worn out Justin roper deer skin. They held up for 30,000 miles but are starting to show some wear. Good luck!

[drmedak]

I had almost forgotten that about 10 years ago I had a pair of custom Z-Leathers DeerTraks. I meadured my hand and made a photocopy and a tracing of my hand and sent it to Z-Leathers. A pair of gloves arrived about 3-4 weeks later. They were pretty nice and fit, um, like a glove;) I had the Z Road Racer. http://www.zcustom.com/products/gloves.htm

[UNTMatt]

I am on a summer glove hunt myself..........so I have watched your post. I dont recall, have you looked at http://www.foxcreekleather.com/mensdeerskin.phtml ? Look nice but a bit $. I have to say my favorite gloves are my worn out Justin roper deer skin. They held up for 30,000 miles but are starting to show some wear. Good luck!

Funny that you mention them as I just ran across them a few minutes ago. I'm looking at the Aerostitch right now which is a little more +shipping. Not sure which one is better at this point. The 'stitch has a visor wipe, extra padding on the knuckles, and comes in natural color. That being said, the reviews on the Foxcreek are really, really good.

I'm leaning to the 'stitch for the following reasons:


The visor wipe is questionable as I have waterproof summer gloves for the wet stuff. Might still be nice on the rare occasion I'd get caught in it or a quick summer shower.

The extra padding is a real plus on the 'stitch and could be one of the two deal breakers.

The natural color shouldn't have the bleeding problem of the black gloves and will be a bit cooler in summer sun.


Raven has a point on the feed stores, though and I do want to check out that option as well. I'm just not sure they will have gauntlet gloves and I really prefer gauntlet over standard. Maybe it's a fear of a bee flying up my sleeve at 75 mph....:22yikes:

I had almost forgotten that about 10 years ago I had a pair of custom Z-Leathers DeerTraks. I meadured my hand and made a photocopy and a tracing of my hand and sent it to Z-Leathers. A pair of gloves arrived about 3-4 weeks later. They were pretty nice and fit, um, like a glove;) I had the Z Road Racer. http://www.zcustom.com/products/gloves.htm

Thanks for the info, Jim. Not sure I have that kind of time for a custom job though. I will keep them in mind if the current options don't turn out favorably.

[Klackey]

"Maybe it's a fear of a bee flying up my sleeve at 75 mph...."

Dang! Thats how that little sucker (wasp) got in and stung me all the way my arm!

I have seem some of the Foxcreek stuff and it is very nice.

[UNTMatt]

LPD gloves were mailed back just a couple of hours ago. Thankfully, USPS was kind enough to help me out with my little 'accident' with the return envilope so it didn't cost me a dime to send them back. Hopefully, they'll get them refunded by the end of the week...a long shot...but I can dream.