POC Index Flow Gloves - Review
Swedes love safety; we only need to look as far as Volvo to see that. But, they also like to do dangerous things that require safety equipment. Protecting people from their own stupidity is where POC comes in with a range of riding kit and forward thinking products. This Index Flow glove nestles in the middle of the glove lineup, aimed at being lightweight and comfortable with basic protection. There are heavier options including the VPD padded Index DH glove, and slimming all the way down to the Index Air for riders wanting the bare minimum on their paws.
POC Index Flow Gloves Details:
• Grip patches to enhance braking
• Soft knuckle padding
• Silicone gel palm padding
• Slim profile cuff with a comfortable fit
• Ventilated palm
• Terry-cloth patch
• Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
• Price: $55 USD / €60
• www.pocsports.com
• Grip patches to enhance braking
• Soft knuckle padding
• Silicone gel palm padding
• Slim profile cuff with a comfortable fit
• Ventilated palm
• Terry-cloth patch
• Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
• Price: $55 USD / €60
• www.pocsports.com
Construction
As I'm getting older, I'm starting to like more protective clothing when hurling myself down mountain sides. Not too much, though, bulky and sweaty body armor that could save some serious injuries is still a no-go, I do like lightweight protection all around. Just like Goldilocks and the porridge, these gloves seem to be just right.The silicone pads on the palm are positioned away from the handlebar grip area, as like many riders I hate pads between my skin and the rubber grip. But in the event of a crash, they are ready to take the edge off of the impact when you plant your hands into terra firma. The knuckle pad goes unnoticed too but I'm sure it will come in handy one day for glancing off of trees.
That foam pad won't make you invincible or give you the power needed to punch down oaks, but should take the sting out of trailside obstacles.
Performance
The perforated palm helps to keep the temperature down and avoid sweaty palms, I prefer the elasticated cuff over velcro fasteners and the terry cloth thumb is good for wiping a sweaty brow. Nearly two months of riding, falling off and a couple of days trail building have kept the Index gloves in one piece. There are a few loose threads, but nothing has opened up or torn yet, even the silicone finger tip grips are intact. I guess that's where the hefty €60 price tag speaks up for itself.
Light padding on the palm for inevitable crashes, perforated palm for air flow and robust construction, even the silicone fingertip pads have lasted for months.
Pinkbike’s Take:
 | There are some products that you just gel with. They fit properly, get on with the job at hand and are the items you always look for first when getting ready to ride, without them you feel a little lost. That's what the Index glove is to me, and judging by their durability so far, they will be for some time longer. - Paul Aston |
MENTIONS: @paulaston
Author Info:
Member since Aug 23, 2009
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no issue so far and I have to admit, the price is high but I guess they are fine to use for an other summer and then it is like EUR 20.- for each year they are used.
Got some cheap gloves before that (like EUR 15.- to EUR 20.-) and those never lastet one full summer of riding.
They are simply put the best gloves I've owned yet. The fit is superb. The durability is higher than you'd expect. And they don't look like motocross wannabe gloves.
However, those little pinkie pads are bullsh*t!!! They don't do anything.
3/8" separation in a seam after a month
I'm 67 and a real bear I guess , left in the parking a few days later by mistake .
Very nice but I'm sure they need to be sewn up by now .
www.chainreactioncycles.com/poc-index-flow-gloves-2016/rp-prod130029
Do they give you powers to pull off tricks?