Held Air N Dry II Gloves Review

 I’ve tested the original model extensively over tens of thousands of miles and was impressed by the combination of waterproofness, ventilation, and abrasion protection they deliver.

Now Held has released an updated Air and Dry 2 motorcycle glove with subtle yet meaningful changes – but are these latest gloves worth upgrading to, or should you stick with the tried and true originals?

But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for hot weather for you? Let’s find out!

Held Air N Dry II Gloves Review

Key Takeaways

  • Touchscreen fingertips added

  • Enhanced ergonomic fit and feel

  • Dual-chamber versatility remains intact

Table of Contents

Riding Experience Comparison

I wore the latest Air and Dry 2 gloves on several rides varying from 30 minutes to a few hours in durations on my Triumph Scrambler 1200. Here are my impressions:

Comfort and Fit

  • The revised Gore-Tex liner feels more precise through the fingers without sacrificing comfort. No break-in period is required.

  • I didn’t perceive a notable difference in wearing the black palm versus the original gray. Both provided ample grip and control feel.

Ventilation and Breathability

  • Airflow and moisture wicking are excellent, thanks to the perforated palm and Gore-Tex membrane. No overheating, even on warmer spring days.

Waterproofness

  • I battled some light rain, and the Gore-Tex chamber kept my hands completely dry. Love having that modular protection for variable conditions.

Protective Qualities

  • The kangaroo leather palm, padded knuckles, and reinforced landing zones provide abrasion protection without bulky armor.

  • No crashes to test impact protection firsthand, but the gloves should withstand minor spills.

Ease of Use

  • Effortlessly switching between the dual chambers makes these gloves highly versatile year-round.

  • Touchscreen-compatible fingertips are handy for using devices without removing the gloves.

Overall, besides the updated fit and sleeker aesthetics, the riding performance remains stellar and on par with my beloved first-gen Air and Dry gloves.

Held Men’s Gloves Sizing

SIZE

HAND CIRCUMFERENCE (IN)

REGULAR HAND LENGTH (IN)

LONG HAND LENGTH (IN)

SHORT HAND LENGTH

3

2.9

5

–

–

4

3.9

5.4

–

–

5

5

5.9

–

–

6

6

6.3

–

–

6.5

6.5

6.5

–

–

7

7

6.7

7

16.6

7.5

7.5

7

–

–

8

8

7.2

7.4

17.7

8.5

8.5

7.4

–

–

9

9

7.6

7.8

18.7

9.5

9.5

7.8

–

–

10

10

8

8.2

19.9

11

11

8.5

8.7

21

12

12

8.9

9.1

22.1

13

13

9.3

–

–

14

13.9

9.8

–

–

Sizing information is provided by the manufacturer and does not guarantee a perfect fit.

Comparison to Similar Gloves

Glove

Key Features

Alpinestars SMX1 Air V2 Gloves Review

Lightweight, ventilated summer glove with Clarino palm and mobile phone compatibility

Revit Dirt 3 Gloves Review

Dirt riding gloves with single layer construction for maximum breathability

Reax Castor Motorcycle Gloves Review

Leather gloves focused on impact protection with polycarbonate knuckles

The Held Air and Dry 2 gloves stand out from these other options with their innovative dual-chamber construction, allowing you to choose between waterproof/insulated comfort or maximum ventilation.

They offer versatility across changing weather conditions that a single-layer glove can’t match. The premium GoreTex and abrasion-resistant kangaroo leather also provide durability that is lacking in more basic summer gloves.

While options like the Revit Dirt 3 maximize breathability, they sacrifice weatherproofness and longevity as a result.

A Revolutionary Concept for Motorcycle Gloves

The Air and Dry gloves feature separate chambers for the top and bottom sections:

  • Top chamber: Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex liner keeps hands dry. Grippy material provides a feeling of control.

  • Bottom chamber: Kangaroo leather palm with perforations for maximum airflow and ventilation.

Riders can use either chamber individually or combine them together for the ultimate 3-season glove. This modular approach came in handy when temperatures fluctuated on long rides.

Over several years and countless miles, my first-generation Air and Dry gloves held up impressively despite some discoloration. When Held released the new Mark II version with some key upgrades, I was curious whether they managed to improve an already innovative design.

Let’s see how the latest Air and Dry 2 gloves compare to their predecessors!

Air and Dry 2 Gloves vs Original: Key Differences

I met up with a Held rep to check out the new Air and Dry 2 gloves firsthand. Here are the main differences I noticed from the previous generation:

Gore-Tex Fit:

  • The latest model fits slightly more snugly through the fingers due to the revised Gore-Tex liner. This enhances the control feel.

  • Leather spans between the fingers rather than fabric for improved durability.

Palm Color

  • The Air and Dry 2 palms switched to black kangaroo leather instead of gray due to supply constraints.

Markings

  • “Two in One” branding Calls the dual-chamber technology more clearly.

Besides these changes, the overall construction remains similar, featuring premium Gore-Tex and abrasion-resistant kangaroo leather.

Feature

Air & Dry Original

Air & Dry 2

Gore-Tex Membrane

Perforated Palm

Dual-Chamber Design

Five Year Warranty

Touchscreen Compatible

Snug Gore-Tex Fit

Gray Kangaroo Palm

Black Kangaroo Palm

“Two in One” Branding

FAQs

How do the Mark II gloves improve over the previous version?

The Mark II gloves feature better fit through the fingers thanks to leather construction rather than fabric. The knuckle armor also contains upgraded shock-dampening foam.

Would these gloves work for adventure touring?

Yes. The goatskin leather withstands abrasion from pavement as well as brush, while the armor protects against impact. The gloves provide an excellent feel for operating the motorcycle, too.

What is the difference between the Air and Dry 2 and Knox Handroid gloves?

The Handroid gloves carry heavier armor for rigorous track riding, whereas the Air and Dry 2’s focus is on maximizing street protection and comfort. However, the Helds retain more flexibility and ventilation for comfortable street use.

Do the gloves have waterproofing?

Yes, the upper Gore-Tex chamber is fully waterproof, while the perforated lower chamber sheds light moisture. For heavy rain, applying a water-repellant spray provides backup protection.

How long does the touchscreen compatibility last?

The conductive fingertips retain functionality for the lifetime of the gloves unless excessively worn down from abrasion. Light use preserves conductivity for years before needing replacement.

And Finally…

The Held Air and Dry 2 gloves build upon the game-changing dual-chamber concept of the original Air and Dry model to deliver versatile, high-performing cold/wet weather protection alongside stellar ventilation.

While the changes seem subtle on paper – revised Gore-Tex fit, black palm, touchscreen compatibility – in practice, they add up to a superior glove that further refines an already category-leading design.

Considering the construction quality, versatility given the modular chambers, and Held’s reputation for protective gear, the MSRP seems reasonable for gloves that should last years if properly maintained.

It’s difficult to improve upon greatness, but Held managed to do so with the latest Air and Dry 2 model. I agree wholeheartedly from my first-hand testing that these gloves outperform their predecessors while retaining everything that made the original so impressive in the first place.

Have you tried the Held Air and Dry 2 gloves yet? Share your experiences wearing them in the comments below! I’m keen to hear other riders’ perspectives.

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