Racequip Gloves

Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing Racequip Driving Gloves

As an avid racing enthusiast, having the right driving gloves is essential for protection, grip, and comfort behind the wheel. After testing out different brands over the years, Racequip gloves have become my go-to for unmatched quality and performance.

In this detailed buying guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know before purchasing your own pair of Racequip gloves. We’ll look at the different materials, key features, sizing, pricing, and how they compare to other popular racing glove brands on the market.

Whether you’re an amateur weekend racer or seasoned professional driver, having the proper gloves can mean the difference between victory and defeat. The right gloves provide the tactile feel, durability, and safety your hands need during intense driving conditions.

What Exactly Are Racequip Gloves?

Founded in 2010, Racequip is an American motorsports company that manufactures high-performance auto racing safety equipment and accessories. Based out of Florida, their focus is on innovative products that meet the demanding needs of professional racers.

The Racequip line features a variety of gloves designed specifically for auto racing. These are not your typical driving gloves, but made of specialized materials and construction to endure harsh racing environments. Features like fire-retardant stitching, internal seams, and pre-curved fingers enhance protection and feel behind the wheel.

While they cater predominantly to professional racers, Racequip gloves are also ideal for the weekend warrior that takes their track driving seriously. The Racequip name has become synonymous with quality and their gloves live up to that reputation.

How Do Racequip Gloves Improve Grip & Control?

Having a solid grip on the steering wheel is critical for performance driving. The last thing you want is your hands slipping as you try to navigate high-speed turns. Racequip uses a few key design elements to maximize grip and control:

• Suede leather palm – The soft suede leather allows your bare hands to adhere firmly to the steering wheel for precise control. The material also holds up well under intense friction and heat.
• Silicone grip strips – Strategically placed silicone grip strips on fingers provide extra grip and feel. The strips help prevent your fingers from sliding off the wheel during tight maneuvers.
• Pre-curved fingers – Fingers are pre-shaped in a natural curved driving position to reduce hand fatigue. The ergonomic design allows you to maintain a solid grip for longer periods.
• Terry cloth thumbs – The thumbs feature a terry cloth patch ideal for wiping away sweat, oil, and debris from your visor and face during a race.

Proper grip is vital for accident prevention. Racequip uses smart design features to give you the control and feel needed for precise driving maneuvers at high speeds.

Fire Protection You Can Trust

No discussion about racing gloves is complete without covering fire protection. Fire safety is crucial in motorsports where flaming accidents can happen in a flash.

Racequip gloves are designed to be fire-retardant, not fire-proof. The materials and construction help provide an added layer of protection in the event of a fire, but have limitations.

Key fire-resistant features include:

• Nomex stitching – Stitching on the gloves uses flame-resistant Nomex thread designed to withstand intense heat. This helps prevent the seams from splitting open.
• Internal seams – With most glove seams located on the interior of the hand, there is less chance of embers entering through exposed stitching.
• Long gauntlet cuffs – The extra long gauntlet-style cuffs protect your wrists and part of your forearms during a fire.

While these features enhance protection, it’s impossible for any single layer glove to provide full fire-proofing. For the highest level of heat protection, Racequip gloves should be worn in combination with a fire-retardant racing suit and other safety gear.

Where to Buy Racequip Gloves Online

Racequip gloves are sold through most major auto racing retailers both online and in specialty racing stores. Places like Jegs, Summit Racing, and Speedway Motors carry the full Racequip lineup.

For the biggest selection and lowest pricing, I recommend buying them online. My top recommended retailers are:

• Amazon – Amazon carries a wide range of Racequip models with free shipping for Prime members. Reliable customer service and easy returns.
• RevZilla – Great source for motorcycle racing gloves. Free shipping over $40 and easy 365-day returns.
• Summit Racing – Specializes in racing equipment. Offers free shipping on orders over $100.
• Jegs – Massive inventory of performance racing products. Provides affordable flat-rate shipping.

Buying directly from the Racequip website is also an option but the pricing is often higher compared to online retailers. I would shop around for the best deal before purchasing directly.

How Racequip Compares to Other Popular Brands

The racing glove market is filled with brands making big claims about offering the best grip and protection. I’ve tested quite a few over the years and here is how Racequip compares:

Simpson

Probably the most well-known brand, but not always the best value. Simpson has name recognition but their gloves can be almost double the price of Racequip with similar features. Overall quality is comparable between the brands.

Sparco

Sparco focuses more on style over function. Their gloves look great but materials tend to wear out quicker. Lack some of the grip features and fire protection of Racequip. More fashion than performance driven.

OMP

OMP offers quality gloves but with lesser grip attributes. Their gloves run very small and quality can be inconsistent. Pricing is similar to Racequip but materials are not as durable.

Alpinestars

Alpinestars specializes in motorcycle racing gloves with an emphasis on leather construction. Not as ideal for automobile grip and heat protection. Excellent for impact protection. Very expensive.

At the end of the day, no other brand combines quality, performance, and value quite like Racequip. Their gloves have the right blend of innovative features tailored specifically to auto racing. While not always the cheapest, they provide the best all-around grip, feel, and protection.

Sizing to Find the Perfect Fit

One of the big challenges with any glove is getting the right size. With Racequip’s quality craftsmanship, you want a pair that fits like a second skin for maximum feel and control.

Here are some tips on finding your ideal size:

• Measure your dominant hand – Wrap a measuring tape around the widest part of your palm under your fingers. Match the measurement to Racequip’s sizing chart.
• Try them on – If possible, visit a racing retailer and try on different sizes. This ensures you order the right fit.
• Read reviews – Check sizing feedback from customer reviews. Many people comment if they run small or large.
• Compare brands – Use your measurements from other brand gloves that fit well. Cross-reference with Racequip’s chart.
• Size up if needed – Too large is better than too small. If in-between sizes, consider sizing up for comfort.

Racequip offers gloves ranging from youth small up to men’s XXX-large. Measure accurately and take your time finding the right size – properly fitted gloves make all the difference for driving control.

What Your Gloves Are Made From Matters

The materials used in construction play a major role in the quality, durability, and performance of Racequip gloves. They use a strategic combination of materials placed in high wear areas.

Here’s an overview of what you get with Racequip materials:

• Suede leather palm – The soft suede palms provide ultimate grip and great heat resistance. More durable and comfortable than cheap synthetic leather.
• Spandex back – The stretchy spandex backing allows for a comfortable, contour fit while still being breathable.
• Silicone grip strips – Silicone is heat-resistant and maintains tactile feel. The strips stay grippy wash after wash.
• Terry cloth thumb – Absorbs sweat and oils while being smooth against your helmet visor or face.
• Elastic wrist – The SPANDEX/elastic blend allows for a secure fit.
• Nomex stitching – This flame-resistant aramid fiber thread won’t melt during intense heat.

The combination of suede, silicone, stretch materials, and Nomex gives Racequip gloves that unbeatable blend of grip, comfort, feel, and fire protection.

What’s the Price for Racequip’s Quality Construction?

Like most racing safety equipment, you get what you pay for when it comes to gloves. That said, Racequip offers excellent bang for your buck without breaking the bank.

Pricing depends on the glove model and materials used:

• Entry-level – Basic leather/synthetic models cost $20-$40.
• Mid-range – Common suede leather gloves run $40-$70.
• High-end – Top grain leather with added protection $70-$130.

While not the cheapest, Racequip manages to keep pricing affordable compared to the extreme costs of other racing brands. With frequent sales and free shipping over a certain amount, you can usually find Racequip gloves at a reasonable price.

Consider it an investment – a good pair of gloves can last multiple seasons if properly cared for. Having an accident because of poor grip or lack of fire protection can cost way more in the long run.

Perfect for Go-Karts, Drifting & Amateur Racing

A common question asked is if Racequip gloves are suitable for amateur racing and enthusiast activities like go-karting and drifting. The answer is a definite yes!

While they are popular among professional drivers, Racequip gloves are ideal for the weekend warrior looking for an edge on the track. The grip enhancers, durable materials, and fire protection give you an advantage while staying safe pushing limits on the track.

The only downside is that certain high-end models may be overkill if you are just a casual kart racer. I’d recommend sticking with their mid-range suede leather gloves for most amateur uses. You get Racequip’s quality without breaking the bank.

Bottom line – Racequip gloves are versatile enough for pros and amateurs alike!

Long-Lasting Durability Under Racing Conditions

Racing gloves need to stand up to intense friction, heat, and impact while maintaining grip lap after lap. Racequip uses durable materials and construction for extended longevity:

• Abrasion-resistant leather – The leather palms hold up against high friction contact with the wheel and track surface.
• Reinforced stitching – With Nomex stitching and interior seams, the gloves won’t fall apart mid-race.
• Tight fit – Precise fit ensures the gloves stay in place without slipping or bunching up.
• Silicone grip – The silicone finger strips maintain grip as the leather wears over time.

With proper care and maintenance, a pair of Racequip gloves should easily last 1-2 years of competitive use. For occasional hobby and street use, they can maintain functionality for 3+ years.

Overall, Racequip glove durability lives up to the extreme demands of high-performance racing. Their staying power matches the quality construction.

Satisfaction Guaranteed with Racequip’s Warranty

Along with great products comes Racequip’s warranty policy for added buyer protection and satisfaction:

• 30-day money back return policy if not fully satisfied.
• One year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
• Will repair, replace, or refund gloves with verified defects.
• Only valid if purchased from an authorized Racequip dealer.
• Does not cover damage from improper use or accidents.
• Requires email approval and return of defective gloves.

While rarely needed due to their durable construction, it’s good for peace of mind knowing Racequip stands behind their gloves. Make sure to buy from a certified Racequip retailer and save your receipt.

Racequip Gloves Meet Necessary Racing Standards

All Racequip products are engineered to meet industry specs and regulations for auto racing. Their gloves comply with the following standards:

• SFI 3.3 Certified – Gloves carry the SFI 3.3 label indicating they passed this minimum standard for flame resistance and durability. Certification is done by SEMA.
• FIA Compliant – Gloves meet the FIA 8856-2000 standard for flame resistant racing gloves as laid out by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile.
• NFPA Certification – Gloves are certified to meet the National Fire Protection Association standard NFPA 2112 for flame resistance.

These certifications show Racequip gloves adhere to the stringent requirements for safety in professional motorsports. Serious drivers demand SFI and FIA compliant gear for protection – Racequip delivers on those standards.

Approved for Professional Racing Use

If you’ve ever watched a professional auto race like NASCAR or IndyCar, there is a good chance the drivers were wearing Racequip gloves.

Racequip is the official glove for many professional racing leagues including:

• IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
• SCCA National Championship Runoffs
• Monster Energy Supercross
• TORC: The Off-Road Championship
• Red Bull Global Rallycross
• Several NASCAR and IndyCar teams

Their gloves have passed the test under the most extreme track conditions that pros demand week in and week out. Top drivers know their hands are safe relying on Racequip.

Even if you are just an amateur racer, using the same glove as the pros is a great confidence booster when pushing the limits.

Finding Your Ideal Size and Fit

One of the biggest factors in choosing the perfect Racequip gloves is dialing in your ideal size. Unlike normal gloves, race gloves must fit like a second skin for maximum grip, feel, and control at high speeds.

Here are some tips for finding the right size:

• Measure your hand – Wrap a tape measure around the widest part of your palm under fingers. Match to size chart.
• Try them on – Visit a racing retailer and try on multiple sizes. Order what fits best.
• Read reviews – See what other buyers say about sizing being small, large, or running true to size.
• Compare brands – Use size from other gloves that properly fit you. Cross-reference to Racequip’s chart.
• Consider upsizing – If between sizes, size up for comfort since leather loosens over time.

Take your time, measure properly, and shop somewhere with a good return policy. Dialing in the perfect snug fit makes a huge performance difference.

Available Colors to Match Your Racing Style

While protection and grip take priority, Racequip offers their gloves in a variety of color options to match your racing ensemble:

Solid Colors:

• Black
• Red
• Blue
• Grey
• White
• Yellow

Combinations:

• Black with red palms
• Red with black palms
• Blue with white palms

Their colored leather models look sharp and coordinate well with your car paint scheme or racing suit. They also sell neutral black gloves that go with anything.

Just keep in mind that lighter colors like white and yellow will show dirt and wear quicker – go darker for extended longevity. Overall Racequip has you covered style-wise!

How Gloves Enhance Driving Performance

It’s easy to assume racing gloves are purely for safety and that any glove will do. But the right pair tailored for racing provides clear performance benefits behind the wheel you can feel:

• Enhanced grip – Better control of the wheel to smoothly handle tight turns and maneuvers. Avoid slip-ups.
• Sensitivity – Thin materials enhance road feel and vibration feedback through the steering wheel.
• Reduced fatigue – Pre-curved shape and snug fit reduce hand strain during long races.
• Moisture management – Sweat-wicking materials keep hands dry for consistent grip in wet weather and high heat.
• Convenience – Terry cloth thumbs easily wipe away sweat and debris from your face mid-race.

Don’t underestimate the influence quality racing gloves have on your driving abilities. Having that extra 1% grip and feel can be the difference between winning and losing.

Rave Reviews Reflect Racequip’s Quality

With Racequip’s outstanding reputation in the racing community, it’s no surprise their gloves receive rave reviews from customers:

• “These Racequip gloves provided the grip I needed to shave seconds off my lap times. Well worth the price for the performance gain.”
• “I put the fire resistance to the test after a small crash and my hands came away unscathed. Top notch protection.”
• “The pre-shaped design is so comfortable. After hours in the car my hands aren’t fatigued anymore.”
• “Silicone grips maintain tackiness wash after wash. Much better than cheap gloves.”
• “Leather is soft yet extremely durable. Withstood a whole season of racing and still going strong.”

thousands of positive reviews reinforce that Racequip delivers high-quality gloves loved by professionals and amateurs. Expect a difference in grip, feel, endurance, and protection.

What Makes Racequip Gloves Unique

With so many racing glove brands out there, what sets Racequip apart? Here are a few of the unique factors that elevate Racequip gloves:

Made in America – Unlike many competitors, Racequip gloves are designed and handcrafted in Florida using domestic materials. This allows for stringent quality control.

Purpose-built – Racequip doesn’t make street or fashion gloves. All their models are engineered specifically for auto racing use.

Grip innovation – Patent silicone grip strips strategically placed on fingers and palms enhance control.

Unbeatable value – Racequip manages to offer premium quality and features at reasonable prices compared to competitors.

Trusted by pros – The preferred glove for professional racing leagues. That trust reflects in their amateur products.

Racequip isn’t a mass-produced generic brand – their gloves are thoughtfully crafted for racers by racers. You get innovation tailored to enhancing on-track performance.

How to Spot Counterfeit Racequip Gloves

As with any popular racing brand, Racequip gear faces counterfeiting issues, especially when buying online. Make sure you are getting authentic Racequip gloves:

• Buy from reputable sellers – Authorized retailers like Summit Racing and RevZilla are trustworthy.
• Inspect labels and logos – Fake logos are noticeably lower quality. Real SFI tags have unique serial numbers.
• Check packaging – Racequip gloves come in plastic sealed packs. Loose or unbranded packing is a red flag.
• Feel materials – Counterfeits use cheap materials that don’t have the same high-quality feel.
• Watch pricing – If a deal seems too good to be true, the gloves are probably knockoffs.

Stick with reputable racing retailers and use common sense to avoid getting duped. Pay the fair price for real Racequip quality and performance.

Conclusion

After reading this complete buying guide, you now have all the info needed to choose the perfect pair of Racequip gloves. From their unbeatable grip features to durable construction, it’s easy to see why Racequip is trusted by professional and amateur racers alike.

While the investment might seem steep compared to basic work gloves, the difference in control and protection is staggering. Your hands are irreplaceable – give them the quality gloves they deserve.

Remember to take your time finding the ideal fit for your hands and driving style. Use the sizing tips and read feedback from fellow customers.

Order from a reputable racing retailer and avoid counterfeit products. Given the proper care, your Racequip gloves will deliver performance and protection for multiple racing seasons. I’m thrilled with mine – your hands deserve nothing but the best!