RS Taichi GP-X Gloves | SR Tested

Although usually known as a purveyor of top-shelf, high-end racing gear, RS Taichi is now making a move toward the mid-price apparel segment, with its latest GP-X glove being a prime example. Sporting an outer shell constructed from a combination of genuine and synthetic leathers, the $99.95 GP-X glove carries over many of the tailoring and design features of RS Taichi’s more expensive race-specific gloves, but at a price that isn’t as harsh on your wallet.

Carbon fiber knuckle protection on top of the hand keeps that area safe from impact, with a floating design that prevents the protector from binding up the top of the glove when you clench your fingers around the grip. Perforated leather is used in between the fingers and on the back section of the hand and gauntlet for ventilation, with additional leather and padding on the finger knuckles. Memory foam padding in 5mm thickness is used in the wrist and palm areas for added impact protection, with extra leather protection surrounding the little finger and the heel of the palm for abrasion resistance. A Velcro-fastened wrist strap prevents the glove from inadvertently coming off, with a Velcro-fastened gauntlet flap sealing off the wrist area.

We’ve always considered RS Taichi gloves to be some of the most comfortable and best designed anywhere, so we were a bit apprehensive about the mid-priced GP-X gloves. Would the manufacturing savings add up to a somewhat ill-fitting glove that wouldn’t be up to the standards of previous RS Taichi gear?

That is definitely not the case with the GP-X glove. While the leather is a bit thinner and the fit a tad looser — plus less of an overall armored feel — than the company’s full race handwear, the GP-X still gives an impression of ample protection. And while we’re not big fans of internally stitched finger seams (many companies feel that internally stitched seams on the fingers are better for abrasion strength and safety, but we’ve found that they often lead to discomfort from the leather seams chafing our fingers; and we’ve never had a seam split problem in crashes with many top quality gloves that use externally stitched seams), the GP-X’s comfort was excellent.

The perforated side panels on the fingers provide some airflow to cool your digits on hotter days, and the GP-X exhibits excellent control feel through the palm and fingertips. And speaking of warmer climes, unlike some black leather gloves (all of the GP-X color combinations utilize black for the majority of the glove construction), the GP-X didn’t cause our hands to turn black from the dye coming off after getting soaked in perspiration. The gloves held up well to daily abuse in commuting for numerous months without any seam failures, and although we thankfully haven’t been able to crash test them, based on our experience with other RS Taichi gear, we’re confident of their protective abilities.

We were impressed with the RS Taichi GP-X glove, and definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a mid-priced glove that still provides good comfort and protection.