Choosing a pair of simracing gloves is something you generally do for two reasons. Either to protect an Alcantara steering wheel which, without gloves, would be ruined in a matter of weeks. Or toavoid sweating on the steering wheel, which on the one hand reduces grip (and therefore control). It also oxidizes screws and metal parts.
Whatever your reason for looking for simracers, the choice is relatively vast. But here’s where it gets tricky: depending on the model, prices can approach those of a steering wheel. Let’s face it, most of us don’t want to spend hundreds of euros on them. Especially since some much cheaper models do the job very well.
So today, I’d like to take a look at glove models under €40. The aim is to help you find the right comfort/price compromise for you. Ready to go? Go!
Dapper Racing gloves
We’re starting with a pair of gloves available for under €30. These are the “Dapper Racing SimRacing gloves”. Their advantage is that they offer lightweight, comfortable , non-slip gloves at an affordable price.
Their silicone grip coating won’t wear easily on your steering wheel, and the space between thumb and forefinger is reinforced for added comfort and durability. And what’s more, the index and middle fingers can be used on a touch screen.
Of course, perfection doesn’t exist at this price. Note that their ventilation isn’t the best, and the tactile fingertips aren’t very effective. You’ll find links to Dapper Racing gloves below. Be careful not to get the wrong glove size! Be sure to consult the size guide provided. By the way, Dapper Racing tends to cut large, so if you’re “between sizes”, don’t hesitate to take the next size up.
Sparco Meca-3 Simracing Gloves
For just under 33€, you can go straight to the Sparco range. Sparco Meca-3 Gloves are mechanics’ gloves also offered by the brand to simracers.
The elastic textile is highly resistant and the palm is made of synthetic leather. Durability is therefore not a concern for this model. Between the thumb and forefinger, there’s a reinforcement that again ensures durability and comfort when running.
And the pleasant surprise is the “gusset” system between the fingers, for good ventilation on long runs or in summer without air conditioning ;).
In terms of sizes, you can choose between S, M, L and XL. So don’t forget to consult the brand’s size guide before ordering a pair.
And there’s also a choice of colors : blue, black or red, as well as variations on the brand name.
In short, there’s plenty to choose from, but BE CAREFUL:
The elastic fabric tends to fluff up after a few weeks. Even if they’re still usable, the design still takes a beating.
Alpinestars gloves
We’re staying in the same price range with Alpinestars gloves at just under 35€. Lightweight, comfortable, robust..
These gloves offer good grip, elastic reinforcement between thumb and forefinger, and touchscreen-compatible fingertips.
Available in sizes M and L in two colors, gray and black and yellow, gray and black. This is the model that convinced me personally.
The tops of the fingers and knuckles are also reinforced, which comes in handy if your passion for simracing takes you to more extreme outdoor sports!
The only small point that could be improved, in my opinion, is ventilation. When you’re on a long run and it’s almost 30°C in the house, it’s hard to keep your hands dry in there! (Serves me right for trying to show off on an Alcantara wheel…)
Sparco Hypergrip and Hypergrip gloves
Okay, they’re just over the €40 mark, but they’re still worth a look, so I’ll tell you about them.
Sparco’s Hypergrip models have been specially designed for simracing. The fabric quality is superior to that of the Meca-3 model. No unsightly lint here.
The emphasis is clearly on ventilation, with a perforated grip, open finger gaps and a fabric that really lets the skin breathe.
The tips of the thumb and forefinger can be flipped over for added comfort when using a joystick, for example. And these two fingers also have a texture compatible with touch screens.
The Hypergrip version comes in at just under €50. As for the Hypergrip version, which offers a new cut and new grip zones, it’s still more expensive, costing just under €60.
A less conventional solution that works well 😉
If you really don’t feel like spending 30 or 40€ on a pair of gloves, there’s an ingenious solution shared with me by a simracer friend:
Golf gloves! You can find them in any decent sports store for between €15 and €25. They’re hard-wearing, comfortable to wear, ventilated… A bargain, no?!
Got your pair of simracing gloves?
I hope you’ve been able to find the right glove for you! Don’t hesitate to give me your feedback in the comments, so that those who are still hesitant can make an informed judgement 🙂
By the way, if there are any glove models you particularly like that aren’t on the list, you can share them too, and I’ll be happy to update the article with your suggestions. See you soon just below!
