Fox discontinued the women's Sidewinder glove in 2018.
REASONS TO BUY
Armored top of hand
Excellent touchscreen abilities
Solid fit
REASONS TO AVOID
"Plastic" feeling construction
Armor plates feel awkward on top of hand
Fox Racing Sidewinder - Women's Review
Decent glove with protective qualities that works well with touch screed devices
Credit: Fox Racing
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Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
Fox has discontinued the Sidewinder gloves, although they now make a similar model called the Defend.
Performance Comparison
Optimal tech compatibility.
Credit: JT Teerlink
Fit
The Sidewinder Women's glove fits true to size. They conform to the hand surprisingly well and the finger slots are all appropriate lengths. The fabric is secure throughout the hand without being restrictive in any way. The fit around the wrist is decent and has a snug closure.
Comfort
The Sidewinder glove is reasonably comfortable but it easy to feel armor plates through the top of the glove. It is always noticeable, but it is more apparent when gripping the handlebars. The inside of the Cordura material is rough and slightly irritating. The fabric on the palm of the glove is very soft and perforated for breathability. The Sidewinder has a single layer of palm fabric and doesn't bunch up in the least. Mesh on sides of the fingers creates a nice airflow for maximum breathability and is quite flexible. The wrist material is a little thicker and firmer and can inhibit your range of motion.
Plenty of ventilation to keep you dry.
Credit: Annie Clark
Features
The most notable feature of this glove is the silicone printed on each finger and thumb and the entire palm works on a tech device. We found the use of these gloves on a touchscreen to work just as well as a bare hand. Tech compatibility is by far the best among women's gloves in the test. Ample perforations on the palm help regulate hand temperature. The nose chamois on the outside of the thumb is useful, but it is very small in size. A solid pull-on tab works well enough. The hook and loop velcro strap is effective yet tedious.
Fox Sidewinder is armored for great protection.
Credit: Annie Clark
Protection
The most striking feature when looking at the Sidewinder glove is its obvious protective armor. The top of the hand is plated with rectangular rubber patches to ensure protection against impacts. The armor is strategically placed to help the glove retain its flexibility. We did not experience any impacts that would test the effectiveness of the armor but it safe to say that it is more protective than its competition.
Durability
Throughout our test period, we did not experience any significant wear on the Sidewinder glove. The ripstop material on the back of the hand is designed to prevent and tears in the fabric. The velcro patches on the wrist closure system appear to be built to last. Mesh extends to the tip of each finger save for the thumb. This could possibly lead to tears or a breakdown of the fabric.
Best Applications
The Sidewinder is comfortable enough to be a daily driver but has an added element of protection compared to other gloves in this test.
Value
At $35 MSRP, the Sidewinder is one of the higher prices test gloves. Folks who put stock in added protection will find this to be a reasonable value.
Conclusion
The standout feature of the Fox Sidewinder Women's glove is the excellent compatibility with touchscreen devices. The protective armor is another standout feature of this glove. The biggest downfall of the sidewinder is the lack of comfort compared to other options in this test. The poor comfort is largely due to the presence of the armor. That said, these versatile gloves could still be a nice choice for those who appreciate the added protection.
Other Versions and Accessories
The Sidewinder Women's gloves are available in two colorways. Available sizes are small, medium and large.
—
Jeremy Benson
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