Tiivra DS Apex Gloves Review - Easy Breezy

With India’s adventure touring scene thriving, the demand for versatile and affordable all-weather gear has never been greater. Enter the Tiivra DS Apex – a homegrown contender that promises to strike the elusive balance between comfort, protection, and style for modern tourers and urban enduro riders. But does it live up to those ambitious promises?

Fit, Feel, and Function

Right out of the box, the DS Apex gloves impress with their instant comfort. There’s no awkward, stiff break-in period – the fit is snug, secure, and reassuring from the get-go. What truly sets them apart, though, is their featherlight build. The gloves tip the scales at just 150 grams and feel astonishingly airy on the move. In Delhi’s searing summer heat, the ventilation is so effective that it’s almost like riding barehanded with added protection. The styling is spot on, too, with the graphic on the thumb lending a distinctive touch of flair. In terms of practicality, all fingers of the gloves feature conductive material for seamless touchscreen use. My only real gripe is the closure system. The elasticated hook-and-loop strap feels a little flimsy, lacking the secure, durable bite you’d expect around the wrist.

Protection & Practicality

For a lightweight textile glove, the DS Apex offers respectable levels of protection. The TPR knuckle guard feels solid, while the Kaitai fabric – a tough polyester blend – adds abrasion resistance, giving riders a reasonable first line of security. That said, one glaring omission is the lack of a hard TPU palm slider. On tarmac, where slides are a real risk, this is a critical safeguard, and its absence leaves the DS Apex feeling better suited to off-road riding. In that environment, however, its agility and breathability become a real advantage.

Practical touches are also impressive. The gloves genuinely live up to their quick-drying claims – a blessing during stop-start downpours, typical of the Indian monsoon.

Value and Verdict

In the competitive dual-sport glove market, the Tiivra DS Apex manages to carve out a strong presence for itself. When compared to its closest homegrown rival, the Rynox Gravel Dualsport, the trade-off is clear: the Rynox edges ahead on protection with Knox palm sliders, while the Tiivra counters with superior lightness and hot-weather comfort. Line it up against international heavyweights like the Rev’it Sand 4, and the DS Apex delivers a slice of that premium, airy experience at a fraction of the cost, although not without some compromises in terms of protection and material quality.

Ultimately, the DS Apex is built for riders who prioritise ventilation, comfort, and dexterity above all else. It’s an excellent option for those who find leather or heavily armoured gloves stifling. Yes, the missing palm slider remains a real drawback for committed road riders, but the DS Apex’s blend of effortless comfort, sharp styling, and outstanding airflow makes it a highly compelling package. For those seeking a specialised summer or dual-sport glove, it’s one of the best-value options on the market.