The best sim racing gloves

If you think taking a jolly around the Nürburgring in a BMW Isetta packing the 6.3L V12 from an FXX-K sounds hysterically entertaining, you’re right. Trust us, we’ve done it.

There are plenty of racing titles out there ready to sate your most profane and dastardly automotive fantasies – you’ll find no judgment here – but if it’s the world of hardcore sim racing that captures your imagination, we find it best enjoyed when taken a little more seriously. After all, as the name would suggest, sim racing is all about simulating the experience of being in a proper race car, and for the highest quality immersion value, the right kit is essential.

After you’ve gotten to grips with your sim racing game and driving rig– the fundamentals of any sim racing set-up – you may want to consider investing in some racing kit to enhance your experience, starting with a decent set of gloves.

Will racing gloves improve my sim racing?

Yes. Driving gloves for the sim rig may seem like a bit of an affectation but in truth their benefits exist for sim racers just as they do for those in the seats of real racing cars.

When the racing gets dicey, say, a head-to-head into Eau Rouge, you’ll no doubt experience some palm perspiration – an indication that you’re really in the game. Donning a set of driving gloves will ensure constant purchase on the wheel, improving grip and tactility on the paddle shifters to keep your wits sharp and your reactions fast.

Along with the physical benefits, wearing gloves can also benefit the immersion value of sim racing, taking you closer to the experience of being a real racing driver. This is, after all, what sim racing is all about.

Need some gloves to wear around the garage? Check out our favourites here.

Things to consider

Real racing gloves - While it might be tempting to go all out on the same fire-resistant, FIA-approved gloves worn by your racing heroes, we recommend staying clear. Real FIA-approved racing gloves are manufactured using expensive materials that serve no purpose in the comfort of your own home. These gloves may also cause your hands to overheat if they’re designed for open-wheel racing and used without adequate airflow.

Touch screens – Some glove types such as cycling gloves are designed to be compatible with touch screens. While this capability may not benefit every sim rig, the ability to operate tablets and other devices without having to remove your gloves could aid in live streaming and the efficiency of your broadcast. You might just want to get your phone out every now and then to check Instagram – something to keep in mind.

If you like the idea of adding a set of gloves to your sim racing kit, check out our picks of the best below.

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