2WheelTimes.com Crash Tested: Shift Vertex Gloves
By Michael Hannas
In my recent crash at Thunderhill I also got a chance to test the asphalt abrasion characteristics and impact protection offered up by the Shift Vertex gloves, the company's top of the line road race glove.
The Vertex glove is constructed of multiple layers of high quality leather with a Kevlar reinforced liner for additional abrasion resistance, which clearly did their job in the over 100 mph crash since there were no holes whatsoever worn through either glove anywhere. 
The composite reinforced contoured knuckle plate also did what it was designed to, which was keep the tops of the knuckles from wearing through, although the deep scrape on the plate was evidence of what may have happened had I been wearing gloves without such protection. The additional padding in the gauntlet area kept everything safe up there, and the padding in the palms also did its job of protecting my palms from impact.
However, that palm padding is also my one concern with the Vertex glove, as the additional seams and one less layer of leather in that area seemed to be the only weak point in the glove design. After the crash one of the palm pads was ripped completely out, due to the seams that hold the outer layer of leather over the pad being shredded off; while palm pad on the other glove was starting to rip out from the same thing, but still in the glove at least. While I appreciate the impact resistance that the pads provided me, as I clearly took a significant impact in both palms for the seams to be torn like that, I question the introduction of extra seams and complexity in such a high impact area. To be fair, I have done the same thing and worse to other high-end gloves with a similar design in the past, so the issue seems to be something that all glove manufacturers deal with when placing padding in the palm area. Perhaps the best solution would be reinforced or hidden stitching in that area, as to not lose the excellent impact protection offered by the pads.
Overall, the Shift Vertex gloves performed excellent in the crash, and I would not hesitate to purchase another pair. I have worn the best road racing gloves Italy and Germany have to offer, and I would have to say that the Shift Vertex gloves prove that a company right here in the United States of America can build just as good of a product.
Even before the crash, the Shift Vertex gloves impressed me with their performance, and I am extremely picky when it comes to the fit and feel of a glove. The Vertex gloves broke in immediately, and are extremely comfortable for an all-leather road race glove. I'm guessing Shift may have employed some design knowledge learned from their over a decade of making motocross gloves that are amongst the most comfortable on the market, because the Shift Vertex road race gloves fit like a...well, like a glove! If I had to compare the fit to another brand, I would say it is pretty close to Alpinestars, but in my opinion a little more comfortable. The Shift Vertex also seemed to breathe a little better than other gloves I have worn, which was appreciated on hot days.
All in all, I would have to say the Shift Vertex gloves more than met my expectations out of a road race glove, and I have high expectations. I would definitely recommend them for not only road racers and track day riders, but anyone who rides on the street and likes to have as much protection as possible. At $129.95 they are even nice to your wallet considering what you are getting for your money. Check out www.ShiftRacing.com for more info.
2WheelTimes Tested Report Card: Shift Vertex Gloves
Fit/Comfort: A
Style: A
Durability: A-
Performance: A
Value: A
2WheelTimes Moto G.P.A. = 3.95
