RST Tractech Evo 4 Motorcycle Gloves Review: Ideal for Road and Track?

I’ve had some RST Tractech Evo 4 motorcycle gloves on test for about five months, and while originally obtained with the intention of evaluating them on track (which I did do), they’ve become my go-to pair for road-riding as well. 

As well as the gloves of choice for my day at the BMW Motorrad Academy around Mallory Park, I’ve used the Tractech Evo 4s for several thousand miles of road riding in a variety of conditions and temperatures.

Key features

• CE Level 1 knuckle protector  
• Double-layer kangaroo leather
• Palm slider

• Conjoined fourth and fifth finger
  
   

  

After all that use, the gloves still look great, with minimal wear - a couple of fraying bits of stitching are the only clues that the Evo 4s aren’t fresh off the shelf. Sizing ranges from 7 (XS) to 12 (XXL). Our sample pair comes in size 10 (L), which fit as expected compared to previous size large gloves I’ve tested.

The double wrist and cuff closure system ensures a snug fit, but you need to make sure you position everything just so - if not, it can cut in a bit between the cuff and the rest of the glove. Otherwise, I’ve experienced no comfort issues with the gloves. The wrist strap is a little longer than it needs to be, but this isn’t something that ever bothered me a huge deal. 

Although I’ve (thankfully) not experienced a spill while wearing the gloves, the carbon fibre wrist protector looks and feels sturdy, even if it is only CE Level 1 certified. There are also armoured rubber pieces for each finger/thumb and a palm slider. 

As is common for a glove like this, the fourth and fifth fingers are conjoined to prevent ‘finger roll’, and no, that has nothing to do with the sort of bread used to make a hotdog. Instead, it refers to something far less pleasant - your smallest fingers getting bent out of shape during a crash. Despite the joining, your hands remain reasonably dexterous when wearing these.

They’re not hugely well-ventilated - on hotter days I tend to switch them out for the RST Tractech Evo 4 Short gloves I’ve reviewed previously to get some airflow down my jacket cuffs. That said, for a typical UK spring and summer day they feel about right in terms of temperature and are warm enough to help avoid reaching for full winter gloves when it’s a bit chillier.

Perhaps my favourite thing about the gloves is how good they look. It helps that there are various eye-catching finishes available, including the white/black digital camo look tested here, but also, the 3D-effect RST Tractech Evo logo on a textured back on the cuff is a really nice touch.

Should you buy RST Tractech Evo 4 gloves?

As with a lot of RST gear, the Tractech Evo 4 gloves score well in terms of value, coming in at £99.99 RRP. For that, you’re getting a well-made set of gloves that will cover you for track riding while also being ideal for road riding most of the year.