Blue Collar Summary:
The Planet Bike Orion Full Fingered gloves are comfortable, affordable and durable. They keep my hands dry and at a perfect temperature. The extra large terry cloth thumb also keeps the sweat out of my eyes. They are easy to pull on and off and keep my hands nice and safe. The price is right at $27.99. I would definitely recommend the Planet Bike Full Orion Fingered Gloves for any mountain biker.

Disclaimer:
There was no money or compensation paid in exchange for this review. It was done without bias.

My background:
I am 6’ and 230 whopping pounds (I’m working on that). I started mountain biking on a Mongoose Inferno and haven’t looked back. I do mostly XC riding with the occasional pavement ride when I feel like it. I am now starting to do some commuting to work and back which is very rewarding in more ways than one.

Testing Grounds:
I wore the Planet Bike Orion gloves almost every ride throughout the winter and spring. I primarily ride at Peaks View Park in Lynchburg, VA. I also have been commuting to work and have gone on some longer rides that test the durability and comfort of the gloves.

Performance and Observations:
The Planet Bike gloves were the first full fingered gloves that I had ever used. I was a little skeptical at first about how hot or sweaty my hands were going to get but was very surprised when the gloves kept my hands a perfect temperature. The gloves breathe very well and are usable all through the winter and into the summer months. At a size Large the gloves are very comfortable on my hands. They are easy to pull on and have a nice protective but not too tight feel to them.

After a long ride the gloves are easy to slip off. I usually grab hold of the middle finger and pull my hand straight out. The gloves also have a great terry cloth area around the thumb and half way up the index finger for any sweat or dirt that gets in your eyes or on your glasses. They also come with a Velcro strap to keep them nice and tight and a comfort band around your wrist area.

So far the gloves have performed well in the crash area. Like everyone else my instinct is to stretch out my hands on the way down and they keep me from getting any serious gashes or bruising. They could stand a little more padding in the palm area. I can tell after riding more than an hour or so that my hands tend to get a little sore. That could be a combination of the gloves and my grips.

Some of the specs:

• Amara palm gel padding to absorb vibration
• Stretch Terry and Spandex body with woven Lycra forchettes for a durable snug fit
• Ventilated Mesh Upper for increased cooling
• Extra large thumb Terry for maximum perspiration absorption

Velcro closure and Airprene cuff with easy on pull tab

Strengths:

• Comfortable
• Keeps your hands cool and sweat out of your eyes
• Can take the beatings mountain biking and falling of a mountain bike can hand out

Weaknesses:

• If you go to long without washing the Orion gloves they do tend to get a little funky like any other gear that comes in contact with sweat. I have washed the gloves in my machine with warm water and some fabric softner to keep the terry cloth nice and smooth when wiping sweat out of your eyes.
• The Orion gloves could use a little more padding in the palm area. I noticed that after an hour or so of riding, my palms would get pretty sore. That could be a combination of the gloves and the grips I am using.