Heading off to the South Island for an Adventure Sprint (as opposed to a ride), I found I was short of a pair of adventure type gloves to do the 8-day journey. And this was the night before I was due to be picked up by old mate Larry, as we were trailering to Carterton, then riding to catch the ferry Saturday evening. Where do I pick up a pair of gloves this late notice?

The CE Armour is neatly hidden under the Spandex/polymesh material

So while in Lockdown, I figured I would get back behind the keyboard and share some thoughts and reminisce on an adventure I took in early March - before motorbikes became a big no-no.

Featuring here on The Dirt, I remembered Chris testing some Five Enduro Gloves that looked just the thing for this old dude to use on such a trip. Spandex and Polymesh based material with strong knuckle inserts, soft palm padding and fortunately in my size meant they would be perfect. After a bit of cajoling, Chis dropped them in his letterbox and we collected them at 5 am on the way through heading for the Wellignton ferry. And fit well they did as they moulded to my hand shape on the hour trip from Carterton to the ferry terminal.

Sunday and we headed to Nelson via the Mangatapu pylon track taking us through rugged terrain and overhanging gorse, blackberry and the like. No problem for the gloves as the inset knuckle guards brushed off the flora with ease. Even when Larry managed to soak me with puddle splash, the water ran off the gloves keeping my hands warm and dry.

The palm is cozy and the fingers are smart phone friendly.

So south we went through various pylon tracks and the Rainbow valley eventually reaching Black Forest Station wherein decent rain, we managed to get thoroughly drowned before emerging at Benmore Dam. Still, the Five E3s performed well and dried out as we headed to Gore via yet another off-road excursion. And still no blisters.

A trip down Nevis valley and the 15-20 water crossings was superb. We really had a ball here playing Enduro Rider but a too hasty dip into deep water in top gear resulted in another thorough soaking and very very wet gloves. Another 15 minutes and my hands were going numb so I decided to change for a light pair of MX gloves I had as spares to keep my fingers working on the controls. Ok…but not the security I had become accustomed to with the E3 knuckles.

The next day it was back to the Fives (they dry very quickly) and that comfortable protective feel. Several more days of passes and private stations saw the gloves through without any hint of blisters or damage to knuckles. And then the long road back up the country via Kaikoura (Molesworth was closed) to Picton and back over the Rimutaka’s to the commodore and the drive home.

No that’s not free WiFi, sadly. You can take selfies though.

The ability to use my Samsung Note touch screen with the gloves on was a real bonus. For the first couple of days, I took the gloves off when using the camera or maps. Then, only by mistake, I used it with the gloves on and behold, no more removing the gloves for photos.

So I still have them. Chris wanted them back but after 40 years of supplying various motorcycle gear for him, I figured that it is now my time for payback. So I am using up (stealing - Chris) his tested gear if it is suitable for my needs. What goes around comes around, as they say, and I am going to make the most of it.

Next up, I have scored a pair of Fox MX Boots. Chris has tested them previously and when this lockup is over, I will be out on my project bike to give them the thorough going over. Until then, the Five E3 Enduro gloves are working well on my E-MTB too. Yehaa!

Greg Power

Key Technical Features

Sublimated Spandex and Polymesh construction (topside) / Ax Suede Cinco (palm).
Soft TPR metacarpo-phalangeal protective shell concealed under fabric.
Soft TPR phalangeal mini protective shell (index, middle, ring fingers).
Synthetic leather reinforcement on the hypothenar muscle.
Synthetic leather thumb reinforcement at the zone of contact with the handlebars.
Silicone print on the palm to enhance grip.
Fourchettes (finger contours) in Heavy Lycra® to boost flexibility and airflow.
Closure system with Velcro flap and pull tab.
Touch Screen system for using device screens (GPS, smartphone).
CE certified (open-road use).

Price: $59.90

Distributed by: Darbi Accessories

CLICK HERE to check out more on the Five E3 Gloves