Handroid rated “Most Wanted” by Fast Bikes

"These are the gloves everybody asks about the most, and just one look at them tells you वही", writes Fast Bikes, the UK’s best-selling sports bike magazine. "Be assured, this kind of thing is the future and not just for gloves. Plenty of manufacturers are looking at this technology and many have been playing with it alreday. Knox beat them all to the post, though. Beautifully built and hardy for track gloves they’re not even the most expensive here. Plus the wrist closure system is utter genius, unlike Velcro it should never get tired and it also locks to your wrist in a way that makes you feel secure. Knox has used nothing but the best, so for a first effort, they’re frankly incredible. They’re that good that racers have been asking to wear them without expecting pay. That alone should tell you what you need to know about the Handroid.

Double Top Ten For Bridewell At Croft

Knox Athlete Tommy Bridewell came away with a pair of battling top ten places at round three of the 2011 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship in mixed weather conditions at Croft circuit.

The 22-year-old from Wiltshire was in action on the Tyco Honda and spent most of free practice setting up the bike for the demanding North Yorkshire track before qualifying in 18th place during Saturday's knockout session.

With dark clouds looming and drizzle falling for the opening race, Bridewell took a safe gamble and opted for a wet front tyre and intermediate rear, whereby he gamely battled to 10th position at the chequered flag, which he backed up with a great ride into a similar position in the much drier race two, having tussled with the leading pack for much of the 20-lap race.

Tommy Bridewell: "We needed a good couple of finishes this weekend, and the top ten was my aim at least, so I'm pleased I've achieved that. In race one the conditions were so difficult as it kept raining and then stopping - I was just pleased to bring the bike home, and in race two, once I found my rhythm, I felt confident running with the pack and was unlucky not to perhaps finish a place or two higher. I'm really looking forward to my home race at Thruxton in two weeks time, as I missed it last year through injury, and I think the Tyco Honda will be strong round there too."

Knox Handroid passes driving test

Barely six months since it was unveiled at the motorcycle show in Birmingham, innovative Knox Handroid hand armour is winning praise from road testers on the UK’s best-selling motorcycle magazines.

“They have to be the trickest gloves on the market, everyone has commented on them favourably, and it’s not just for show” writes Adam Child of Motor Cycle News.
Comfort and control has featured prominently in feedback;

“Initial feel is of supreme protection, because of the wealth of it in the glove's construction” states Fast Bikes’ Benjamin Kubas Cronin. “Despite the palm leather being thicker than many of their rivals, feel is not compromised and they've lasted longer than any other pair of gloves I've used thus far.”

Alan Dowds at Superbike adds; “They do look cool, of course, and the click of the Boa lacing system sounds even more cool. Once on though it’s the fit and comfort that really pleases, plus there’s loads of feel for the controls through the kangaroo skin on the palm.”

The exclusive Boa lacing system has proved popular; “Aside from the obvious and cool bio-mechanical protection running the length of the fingers, by far the best part is the cuff-closure system,” comments Benjamin. Adam concurs; “The fastening mechanism works really well, simply turn the dial to fasten the glove effectively and quickly”.

Featuring patented technology including the Exo skeletal flexible spines, Scaphoid Protection and Boa lacing systems, Knox Hand Armour is redefining the motorcycle glove. Available from all authorised Knox retailers, call 01900 825 825 or visit http://www.knox-lab.com/ for details. See the video at http://www.youtube.com/planetknox

Knox Handroid First Impressions - Benjamin - Fast Bikes Magazine

I've always struggled with gloves; mostly finding a set that fits my hands correctly. What I found most surprising at first about Knox's new Handroids, is that not only did they fit my hands perfectly, but seemed to also fit other hands that were the same size (but with different proportions in span and finger length), almost as perfectly as mine.

Initial feel is of supreme protection, because of the wealth of it in the glove's construction. It does create an odd feeling when you first grip a set of bars, but this goes away quickly as your hands acclimatise to firstly the comfort, and then the way that crucial riding information is transmitted through them without any degradation. Despite the palm leather being thicker than many of their rivals, feel is not compromised and they've lasted longer than any other pair of gloves I've used thus far. Ordinarily a set of sports gloves lasts me no longer than 3 months, maximum. My Handroids lasted over 5 months before I needed to hang them up, which we estimate to be nearly two years of 'average' motorcycle use.

Aside from the obvious and cool bio-mechanical protection running the length of the fingers, by far the best part is the cuff-closure system. It'll go as tight as you want and should never wear out, giving you a good feel that your hands are locked in and won't be ripped out in event of an accident.

The only problem I have is that I haven't had an accident in them, to test their protection first-hand. If you don't mind, I'd rather not, but overall I'd feel confident that the Handroid would protect my hands as well, if not better, than most other top-spec gloves on the market. For a first-time effort, Knox has hit the proverbial nail on the head first time out. Well done!

Benjamin - Fast Bikes mag

RECON re-defines road riding

Planet Knox - world leaders in the development and manufacture of body protection systems - has added a third model to the Hand Armour range. Designed for touring and leisure riders, the Recon offers levels of protection usually only found on racing gloves, but doesn't sacrifice the comfort, feel and control crucial for long stretches in the saddle.

Heading up the Recon's safety features are unique Opaque Knuckle Protectors. Unlike other ‘hard shell' protectors, they contain a medical grade, impact-absorbing, honeycomb gel; specifically developed to absorb and spread impact forces away from the wearer's hand.

The Recon also features Knox's Patented Scaphoid Protection System® with the Low Profile SPS, and additional sliders on the fingers, wrist and cuff for extra abrasion resistance.

Soft and supple, drum-dyed aniline leather sections feature on the fingers and back of the hand for maximum flexibility with durable, tear resistant goat leather on the palm, which is reinforced with Schoeller Keprotec for added protection and overlaid with an Amara Grip Pad for improved control.

The Recon also features the Dialled-in Boa Lacing system, used across the entire Knox Hand Armour range. This unique closure system has a simple dial-in to fit mechanism, which uses aircraft grade stainless steel wire to draw ‘side pods' over the wrist, for targeted multi-adjustable closure. Quick and easy to operate - even with gloved hands - the Boa Lacing system provides even tightening, and is micro adjustable for a perfect fit. It also helps to ensure that the Recon will stay on the hand during an accident.

The Recon is available in three colours: black, black/white and brown/tan in sizes XS-XXL, at a recommended retail price of £99.99 (including VAT). For further information and to find a stockist, call 01900 825825 or visit www.knox-lab.com/hand-armour

Handroid 100mph crash test report

"After seeing a good friend and close rival crash at croft and suffer serious hand injuries I decided to invest in some quality race gloves" writes Jamie Harrison (race no. 90). "After studying the market I decided on the very impressive Knox handroids".

"During the next race meeting at Cadwell Park on the 2nd May, shortly after taking the lead, I had a big off at the Gooseneck travelling around 100mph, which destroyed my bike, snapping the frame in half. After bowling over four or five times I came to a halt. My new Knox handroids and Knox back protector had done their job brilliantly and to everyone’s amazement I got up and walked away without a mark on me. Big thanks to Knox for another great product and I won’t be racing without my handroids on!!"

These close-ups show how effectively the sliders have worked, protecting the leather from serious abrasion. Read all about Hand armour at http://www.knox-lab.com/

Knuckle down with Knox Biomech

Following hot on the heels of the Knox Handroid, with its unique exoskeleton, comes the latest model in the Hand Armour range - the Biomech. Safety is at the core of all Hand Armour and the Biomech features distinctive transparent knuckle and Metapod sections on the back of the hand. Unlike other hard shell knuckle protectors found on gloves, the Biomech contains an impact absorbing honeycomb gel, designed to absorb and spread impact forces away from the wearer’s hand. This is easily demonstrated, when pushing on the underside of the knuckle you see the honeycomb expand through the transparent shell.

As with all Knox Hand Armour the Biomech includes the Patented Knox Scaphoid Protection System, with additional cuff sliders and wrist guards for increased support and protection during impact.

Strong, tear resistant but supple kangaroo leather is used on the palm and fingers, and the palm is further reinforced with Schoeller Keprotec too. Advanced superfabric ceramic bead is used on the side of each little finger as an added precaution. Aniline leather sections feature on the fingers and back of the hand.

Topping off the Biomech’s impressive specification is the Boa Lacing system. Unique to the Hand Armour range, the Boa Lacing system provides a simple “dialed-in” fit mechanism, which uses aircraft grade stainless steel wire to draw ‘side pods’ over the wrist, with targeted multi-adjustable closure. Quick and easy to operate, the Boa Lacing system provides even tightening, and is micro adjustable for a secure and perfect fit.

The Biomech is available in three colours: black, red and blue, in sizes XS-XXL. The recommended retail price is £129.99 (including VAT). For further information and to find a stockist, call 01900 825825 or visit www.knox-lab.com/hand-armour

Knox Hand Armour video 2010

Ellison steps up at Brands

James Ellison's British Superbike campaign got off to a strong start at Brands Hatch last weekend, with the Cumbrian rider securing a double podium finish and taking victory in the second race of the day.
Ellison - who has used Knox body armour throughout his BSB career, and has chosen Knox Handroid gloves to help keep his 2010 campaign on track - started from tenth on the grid in the opening race, battling through the field to secure third.
In race two he got off to a storming start, leading the field to the finish and giving the Swan Honda team their first win of the season.
Ellison said: "I knew we had the pace so it was a case of keeping it smooth and consistent as there were about ten people out there that could have won the race. I wanted to get into the lead in the second race, as we moved up to the front row, and I knew we would have a good shot at the win, which is exactly what we did."
Protecting vulnerable areas, like hands and feet, is crucial for any racer as even a ‘small’ injury like a scaphoid break can put a rider out action for several weeks; loosing rider and team vital championship points.
Working closely with James, and other riders, Knox has developed a new range of motorcycle gloves, featuring a host of patented protection and safety innovations. Features include unique exoskeleton finger protection, Knox’s patented Scaphoid Protection System and the exclusive BOA lacing system.

Knox Lab goes live

Knox, the British impact protection specialists, have launched a new interactive website dedicated to showcasing their innovation and technological breakthroughs. Knox Lab is an open resource where visitors will be able to find information on the technology behind current product lines as well as details of ongoing projects. Featuring video streaming and interactive graphics, technology comes to life in the Knox Lab. Knox Lab initially plays host to the celebrated Hand Armour range where the site invites the viewer to experience the Handroid via a dynamic video before leading to a class leading interactive animated video, previously unseen in the motorcycle market. Watch and hear the Boa lacing system close, turn a flat hand into a fist and then roll the hand over to see the palm. Showing the full Hand Armour range the site is rich with detail, images and links to stockists and product registration. Knox Lab perfectly supports the dynamic advertising campaign and in-store POS equipment to give high quality consistent brand appeal.

Knox Lab will evolve further with information on other innovative product lines follow throughout the year. Visit Knox Lab at www.knox-lab.com

Superb new Handroid video from Wired

Check out the video and review of the Handroid by Wired Product Reviews; Exoskeletal Glove Gives Motorcyclists an Iron Fist

Ellison hands it to Knox

British Superbike title contender James Ellison has chosen innovative Knox Hand Armour to help his bid for the 2010 crown. The 29 year-old Cumbrian rider has used Knox back protectors throughout his superbike and MotoGP career, and will be wearing Knox Handroid to help keep his 2010 campaign - with the Swan Honda team – on track this season.
Protecting vulnerable areas, like hands and feet, is crucial for any racer - even a ‘minor’ injury like a scaphoid break (affecting a bone in the wrist) can put a rider out action for several weeks - losing both rider and team vital championship points and jeopardising a title bid.
Since producing their first back-protector in 1981, Knox has been the leading innovator of impact protection and has now developed a new range of protection for the hand that features a host of patented protection and safety innovations.
This includes the unique exoskeleton finger and metacarpal protection, a sport profile version of Knox’s Scaphoid Protection System and the exclusive BOA lacing system, which uses an innovative cable closure system to offer the perfect fit. Innovative honeycomb gel impact protection on the back of the hand and the knuckles, plus wrist guard shrouds, complete the range’s first class protective properties.
Due to go on sale in March, Knox Hand Armour will be available from all authorised Knox retailers. Call 01900 825 825 or visit www.knox-lab.com for details. See the video at http://www.youtube.com/planetknox.
Editors Notes: James Ellison returns to the Swan Honda team after finishing runner-up in 2009 BSB Championship. Ellison was the most consistent title contender in 2009 and was the only rider to score points in each of the 26 races taking 14 podium finishes, four of which were race victories. Visit http://www.swanhonda.co.uk/ for details.

Hand Armour fits Big Ed

Big names from the world of motorcycle sport can often be spotted on the Knox stand at motorcycle shows, but perhaps the 'biggest' personality to visit Knox at the 2009 event at the NEC was 'Big Ed'. Famed for his, er, big shiny helmet, Big Ed had come to see the new Knox Hand Armour for himself.

Described by Superbike magazine as "the most eye-catching and bold glove design we've seen in a decade" the report continues; "Interest at the NEC show was high, but we suspect they're a love them or hate them item. We're in the loving it camp". Click here to read more.

Knox Hand Armour winner SAt 28 Nov 2009

Saturday's Knox Hand Armour winner was picked from the free prize draw by BDB championship runner up James Ellison. Mark Vedere of Camberley in Surrey will receive a free set of Hand Armour in the New Year. The free prize draw runs on the Planet Knox stand at the NEC Bike Show until Sunday 6th December.

Gino Rea lends Knox a hand at NEC

Recently-crowned European Superstock 600 Champion Gino Rea draws out the 1st winner for hand armour in the free to enter prize draw at this year's NEC Bike Show (27 Nov - 6 Dec).

Martin Black of Welshpool is the lucky winner who will get his prize when the hand armour is launched march 2010.

Visit Knox on Stand 2E30 in Hall 2 to see the collection and to have a chance of winning. It's a daily draw!

http://www.motorcycleshow.co.uk/

Knox Hand Protection – the gloves are off

Knox will unveil its innovative Hand Armour to British riders at this year’s NEC Bike Show. Featuring a host of patented innovations, including exoskeleton protection, SPS and the exclusive BOA lacing system, Knox Hand Armour looks radically different to existing motorcycle gloves and this British technology is set to take glove design to the next level for the future.
Since producing the first back-protector in 1982, Knox has been a leading innovator of impact protection and has continually looked at other areas of the body where they felt they could make a real difference and offer much needed development. Three years ago Knox turned their attention to hand protection, patenting the SPS (scaphoid protection system), which for the first time gave riders effective protection against common scaphoid injuries to the bone connecting the thumb to the wrist. Realising that glove development in the market was limited and could be improved, Knox spent two years developing new systems for the hand, looking not only at protection but also at rider comfort and fit, which are synonymous with the Knox brand.
Other new Hand armour concepts include honeycomb gel impact protection and wrist guard shrouds. Initially four models of Knox Hand Armour will be available; the full track specification HANDROID, sports-rider orientated BIOMECH, classically-styled RECON and waterproof ZERO. These will go on sale in March 2010.
See the range at the NEC Bike Show (27th November – 6th December), Stand 2E30 in Hall 2 or go to www.knox-armour.co.uk/contact.html and request a log-in code for the new KNOX-LAB website.