If there’s one thing every motorcyclist learns the hard way, it’s that good gloves aren’t a luxury: they’re a necessity. Especially here in Quebec, where you can set off under a blazing sun, ride through a fog bank and finish your ride with your fingers numb from a little rain at 10° in June. You need something solid and versatile, and if it’s stylish too, so much the better. That’s where the Leatt ADV Rally 5.5 gloves come in. We tested them on the road, in heavy traffic and even in the most remote parts of the Lower St. Lawrence.
First impressions: it inspires confidence and comfort
When I opened the box, I must admit I felt a little shiver. Not cold, no, no, a shiver of respect. These gloves aren’t made for loitering in Tim’s parking lots. With their half-military, half-spatial look, you’d think you were going to do the Tourist Trophy, or get lost in the empty row at St-Onésime.
Sturdy materials, precise fit, reinforced seams, NanoGrip palms that almost smell like the promise of a 1,000 km trip… It smells like adventure, then it feels like Leatt has put its knowledge to work for guys like me who often set off not always knowing the destination or the route.
Fit and comfort: Not too tight, not too loose, just right
The ADV Rally 5.5 are designed for real people. We’re talking short, pre-curved palm, snug-fitting, seamless gloves. Once properly fastened, you feel as if your glove is part of your arm, as if you were born with it.
The soft fabric on the inside of the palm gives a good feel to the handlebars. The glove is ventilated for constant air circulation. So you don’t get sweaty hands in the humid heat.
Protection: Leatt takes it seriously
Where the ADV Rally really stands out is in the area of protection. We’re talking super-thin, 3D-molded RealFlex impact gel protection for the knuckle and fingers. Safety is there if you ever get a taste of asphalt (or the sneaky gravel of rang de la Vache-qui-Pète).
But what I found brilliant was the flexibility. Despite all this protection, you don’t feel like you’re wearing field hockey gloves. You can still zip up your jacket, play with the control buttons on the handlebars, then pet your dog when you get home.
Ventilation and waterproofing: not swim fins, not mittens
This is where we have to be honest: ADV Rally are not made for deluge days or -10°C wrinkles. They have good ventilation, not thermal insulation. You’ll survive a passing shower, but if you cross an atmospheric river (voluntarily or not), expect slightly spongy fingers.
Ventilation is their strength. I’ve ridden in 25°C weather without feeling like a French fry forgotten in oil. For real, I love not feeling stuck like a ham in a Ziploc bag.
Final verdict: gloves for the real thing, not for dummies.
At $100 (or thereabouts, depending on where you store), the Leatt ADV Rally 5.5 are affordable, and it’s the kind of investment you won’t regret. If you’re the kind of person who goes out even when the weather says “stay home”, these gloves will become your best friends. They’ve got the look, durability and comfort to keep up with your dream trip… or just your Sunday ride around Amqui.
- ✅ Comfortable, protective, stylish
- ✅ Good dexterity, even with protection.
- ❌ No tactile finger to text my girlfriend and reassure her that I’ll be back for supper.
- 💲 Very reasonable quality/price ratio
So: if you’ve got an adventure bike, a sport-tourer, a moderate appetite for risk and two hands, you’ve got every reason to give them a try. And if you find gloves that are just as good but smell less like manhood… drop me a line. I’ll believe you when I try them.
Thanks to Kimpex for testing the Leatt ADV Rally 5.5 gloves.
