Sim racers invest a lot of money in their equipment. Gloves massively reduce signs of wear on the steering wheel and peripherals.
However, sweaty hands not only affect the equipment, the performance of sim racers also suffers. A lack of grip usually results in poorer lap times.
More immersion is another reason. Every step towards “I’m sitting in a real cockpit” is desirable and motivating for many sim racers.
A sim racing glove can improve the driver’s performance for many reasons. From minimal to significant.
Almost all so-called “sim racing gloves” have the same fundamental problem: they were not explicitly developed for sim racers and as a result do not adequately address the needs and circumstances of sim racing. Bicycle or work gloves are often simply relabeled and sold as sim racing gloves. The results:
The inner seam, which lies close to the skin, is “punched” onto the skin by firmly gripping the steering wheel. Or even rubbed against the skin, as the high forces of a modern wheelbase require strong counter-holding when making corrections.
The Sim Racing glove has creases and empty spaces that “pile up” when gripping the steering wheel and create various pressure points when pressure is applied to the hand.
The “super-sturdy” gloves or gloves with a massive grip surface prevent precise feedback from the steering wheel’s dials and buttons. The gear shift also feels much clunkier than it should be.
Which can quickly lead to a hand sauna after 2 hours of concentrated riding. Sweaty hands tend to slip, which in combination with pressure points creates an unpleasant mixture for the sim racer.
A long way towards eliminating the disadvantages of many sim racing gloves
A wide variety of materials and fabrics were discussed during the development of the SRG1, many of which were tested in practice. In combination with various stitching techniques and grip configurations, many test specimens were created, an excerpt of which is shown in the picture.
After 1 year of testing with hundreds of hours of sim racing and various abrasion tests, the first main goal was reached in October 2024:
During development, a continuous pressure load on the skin, hand and wrist was assumed. Even if this lasts for several hours, the seam of the glove must not create any pressure points.
This can only be achieved if it runs on the outside and does not sit between the steering wheel and hand. As a result, the SRG1 allows you to ride for hours without pressure, scratching or even pain.
Just like a racing suit, gloves for real racing also provide additional protection in addition to their function. Protection against fire, among other things. As accidents in sim racing fortunately neither lead to the driver rolling over in the rig nor to fire in the gaming room, the glove could be redesigned from scratch.
The outer hand and the spaces between the fingers are made of breathable SPANDEX, which allows body heat to dissipate quickly. As a side effect, the glove stays fresh for longer.
An important, if not THE most important function of a sim racing glove. What is needed here is the right balance between very good grip and at the same time not too much coating on the base material of the palm to keep the glove supple.
In the course of developing the SRG1, a very specific positioning of the grip points has emerged. If the rider chooses the right size, this results in little to no wrinkling. And it provides excellent grip with the support of the base material of the palm.
Ideally, after a while you will forget that you are wearing gloves at all. The right material in the right places is the key here.
Tight-fitting and stretchy on the outside, soft and supple on the inside in all areas that come into contact with the steering wheel. However, the high level of comfort of the SRG1 is not only based on the materials used. It also depends on whether they have been sewn in the right places using the right technique. Only then is it possible to “forget” the gloves.
Brake balance, traction control, tire change, tire pressure, fuel quantity, windscreen wipers, etc. The settings and functions required during the race are many and varied. As you want to keep the focus on the actual racing action, it is important to clearly feel the feedback from the buttons and rotary switches without having to look at the steering wheel.
The palm of the SRG1 is made of synthetic AX leather, which was specially developed for gloves. In addition to very good basic grip, the patented material impresses with an almost unadulterated feel at the fingertips and plenty of feedback.
A glove doesn’t just fit because your hand fits into it. The right size fits perfectly so that the glove can perform all its functions. A glove that is too small will be too tight, a glove that is too large will crease and create a pressure point between the palm of the hand and the steering wheel that is very uncomfortable over long periods of time.
When you immerse yourself in the world of sim racing, you quickly realize that you can find very high-quality equipment on the market. In particular, steering wheels for high amounts can be found in many setups.
High-quality Sim Racing gloves, which do not emit any harmful substances even in hot weather and under constant stress, not only protect the driver’s health. The valuable steering wheel and its peripherals are also subjected to significantly less stress, as they remain free of sweat and bacteria.
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More InformationSRG1 was presented for the first time in October 2024 at the ADAC Sim Racing Expo 2024 in Dortmund, Germany.
Even though the glove had already undergone many hundreds of hours of testing at that time, its use in practice is a completely different matter due to the completely different types of drivers on different steering wheels and setups.
Both ambitious beginners and experienced professionals have been able to test SRG1 extensively during and since the trade fair. Results:
The YouTube channel Playground Germany shows hardware tests as well as beginner guides, tips and setups for advanced Gran Turismo 7 drivers. He was one of the first at the booth of the manufacturer GCOM360 at the Sim Racing Expo 2024, with strong interest in the German startup and the SRG1:
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More InformationAfter the trade fair, the independent pioneer buyer subjected the new Sim Racing Glove to a short but extensive test.
The results speak for themselves. But watch the video yourself to hear his opinion:
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GCOM360 is the developer, manufacturer and brand behind the SRG1
Here you can not only buy High Performance Sim Racing Gloves, but also get comprehensive information on choosing the right size. And you can also get comprehensive advice before and after your purchase. Soon also on other models that are currently in development.
Test the SRG1 in a professional environment in Hamburg, Germany
In the DERBE FLOTT sim racing lounge, you can try out the SRG1 at your leisure and try on different sizes before you buy. And if you want, you can take it for a spin straight away, using the numerous top-equipped rigs available.
