Sugoi Evolution glove

Ulnar gel padding is all the rage at the moment and these have all the features you’d expect from a high end glove.Being full-fingered means they're versatile enough for three season of Audax, road and even a bit of mountain biking but with second skin fit and remarkably proficient ventilation there’s nothing jack of all trades about Sugoi’s Evolution.

A hardy, double stitched synthetic Amara palm is pretty much identical to others at this end of the market, delivering superb all conditions feedback on cork and high lustre bar wrap and little gel flecks on the index fingers offer a little extra control when braking-especially in the wet. Triangular V control padded gel strips protect the vulnerable Ulnar and carpel tunnel areas compress slightly better than most with no remote or lumpy sensations common in some designs I've tested. Fit is second-skin close, the flat seams leaving very faint indentations in my hand but aren’t intrusive in the slightest and the medium proved a nigh on tailored fit.

Elsewhere there’s the obligatory terry thumb for tackling sweaty brows and runny noses. Besides the palm, acres of mesh panelling-especially between the fingers balance protection and airflow surprisingly well. Long steady hours in an unseasonably humid June rapidly evaporated any nagging doubts concerning summer comfort. Sure, it’s not quite on a par with a classic open mitt and can get soggy in sharp showers. However, there’s ample defence against foliage and even insects, especially off road. Subtle Scotchlite reflectives and logos give hand signals a little more prominence when struck by car headlamps, especially around dusk.

At £24 I’d say they were competitive for the level of specification rather than outright bargains but will certainly meet most riders’ needs in a three season’s glove.

Verdict

Very good, competitively priced three-seasons gloves.