Welcome to my review of the Raven Moto Dark Storm gloves. *A quick disclaimer: Your boy has officially partnered with Raven and if you are looking for a discount, read till the end of this blog for my personalised code! With that being said, I must also mention that as always, I am truthful and honest in my reviews. So let's take the gloves off!
I was sent a pair of gloves all the way from Canada but first, I have to mention the incredible customer service the team provides. I got to pick my logo colour, they double checked my sizes and kept me updated from their end throughout the entire process until I had it in my hands here in South Africa. My package was delivered on a rainy day (again). What I saw made me happier than a person should be for a set of gloves. My initial thoughts were; "Wow! These are actually really great quality (sorry for my surprise at that fam) and "Geez, this is a good looking set of gloves!". With a smile that was impossible to wipe off my face, I immediately tried them on. The leather is of the softest, premium quality I have ever worn and the design is top class. I even laughed and wrote back to Alex, my correspondent, instantly because they fit like a glove! I then tried on the t-shirt they kindly added in and yet again it felt like a perfect fit. So perfect that I was told I should wear more t's like it. Other items that came with my gloves were a key ring, some Raven logo stickers and a drawstring storage bag for your gloves.
When I eventually did get some good riding weather, I didn't hesitate. With the dual gauntlet and wrist strap, the gloves feel secure and perfectly mould your hands. My thumbs are slightly short for the pair but this doesn't impair any riding ability or glove functionality. I love using them with my phone; when it is cold and rainy and you need to use your phone, you really do not want to be removing your gloves and the smart phone functionality becomes your best friend. I also found the extra palm slider protection a really novel touch that none of my previous gloves had. I am always a huge fan of a little exposed carbon (as seen on the knuckles). Initial testing on the gloves went well. It ticked all the boxes of what a good summer riding glove should do and exceeded my expectations on all fronts. My next challenge was a bit tougher on them...
This, the final and ultimate challenge I had for the gloves was to try them out in the rain to see if the claimed Quick Dry was the real deal. Now when I wanted to challenge the gloves, I didn't mean for it to be a literal dark storm, but that is where I found myself, having to head home at 5am with the roads flooded! Being focused on the road, I didn't consciously think of the gear but when I got back from the ride, I realised something quite special. Not only were my hands warm, they were also one hundred percent dry. I couldn't believe it. I mean the rest of my body from my waist down was soaked, but my hands... They were dry! Then, another pleasant surprise was upon inspecting them the next day. They were bone dry, did not smell like a wet dog even though they were left hanging inside. Unbelievable. I told everyone I saw for the next few days about how, riding through a storm, my hands remained completely warm and dry and that they dried within a few hours thereafter.
My conclusion after riding with Raven for a couple of months now is that I am so proud to have partnered with the brand. Their overall customer and partner service remains top tier. The gloves are a simple MUST-HAVE and have me wanting another pair. After such a great overall experience with them, I am now looking at other gear from Raven, including their boots and race suits (all of which are fully customisable too).
Now, as promised for reading through this review, I have a little gift for you.
Follow this link to the Raven store & a 10% discount will automatically be added to your cart purchases:
https://ravenmoto.co/?ref=thebyronarendse10
Alternatively, use the code THEBYRONARENDSE10 on the site store to receive your 10% on any item.
Dope review. Keep up the good work. I will be ordering this glove #ridingwithgarrick