GripGrab Raptor full finger gloves review

GripGrab Raptor full finger gloves have proved a hit on the pro cyclocross circuit, with wearers including Mathieu van der Poel. Their features work well for the short duration, high intensity and typical wet, cold conditions of a cyclocross race.

The GripGrab Raptor gloves have an unpadded palm made of a synthetic suede fabric with silicone dots for grip. They also use GripGrab’s Inside Grip tech, which puts grippers on the inside of the fingers. This stops your hands from slipping around inside the gloves as you ride and ensures a firm hold on the bars and on the frame when you are carrying the bike, even in the dampest and most muddy conditions.

The absence of padding and thin fabric mean that there’s excellent hand feel on the controls too and the thumb tips are are touch screen compatible. There’s a double layer of fabric on the inside of the thumb joint and the thumb fabric also incorporates a large snot wipe.

The back of the gloves is made of a softshell fabric, which provides enough warmth in most race conditions and a little water repellence too. Again, it’s lightweight and, along with an elastic patch at the wrist, provides enough stretch that the GripGrab Raptor gloves fit closely without needing Velcro tabs to keep them in place.

Away from cyclocross, the GripGrab Raptor gloves are comfortable for road riding in milder winter conditions, although you might want something warmer once the temperature nears freezing. The Dissent 133 glove system, for example, provides some extra adaptability to cope with a wider temperature range and wetter conditions.

Although there aren’t any shock absorbing pads in the palms, the non-slip design means that your hands are unlikely to get sore on longer rides. There are reflectives on the little fingers for added road presence and visibility when signalling.

Despite the white accents, the GripGrab Raptor gloves have washed up pretty well too, although they might begin to look a bit faded after a winter of cross.