RS Taichi NXT046 Gloves Reviewed

RS Taichi NXT046 Racing Gloves

reviewed by the editor and test rider for the Ulysses Club magazine, Gordon Barrett.

Taichi. who?

Product Review; Rs Taichi GP-EVO

You think a glove is a glove, is a glove — what could be new and exciting? I happened upon something very new, (to me at least) in the form

of a new brand and so many features I can't list them all here. Google RS Taichi Gloves and there's a video of the full range of this amazing glove's features.

The brand is RS Taichi — pronounced "tie-she" while new to Australia, is very established in their home country of Japan and others. I'm only writing this article for those of you that appreciate the highest in quality of materials, design and craftmanship. It really has to be seen to be believed and appreciated. And it's great to see what is possible in a product as seemingly simple as a glove.

The Rs Taichi catalogue is enormous and contains every conceivable form of motorcycle apparel and a few totally unexpected items, like an inner suite to aid body cooling by utilising sweat.

The company is still owned by its founder, National Japanese Champion and ex-factory Suzuki and Honda rider Taichi Yoshimura. He produced apparel for himself and upon retiring from racing switched his dedication to producing his best-possible apparel. I believe he's doing an exceptional job of it.

Back to the glove: The model is called GP-EVO and I couldn't see any reason why a GP rider wouldn't be fully impressed and happy to use it, (excluding sponsorship restrictions). Every millimetre has been thought and re-thought to offer immense protection with maximum comfort, hand/finger movement and grip. For example the Polyurethane panels across the top knuckles are separated between the first and second fingers — allowing a more ergonomic and sure grip. The skid pads in the palm reduce the transfer of impact at the palm up to the arms and upper body.

There's no misuse of materials, like sacrificing quality leather for carbon inserts, (for cutting corners and marketing purposes) when Polyurethane and Nylon will do. This glove sure won't disintegrate in the first couple of accidents, so you'd expect many years of protection and use — as a summer glove. While the price is no-doubt higher than some, (but not the most expensive either) the value is definitely in Taichi's favour.

The Taichi product range is available from Motorcycle Race Gear or 03 9764 1670.