With a single layer, synthetic leather palm and thin, mesh like back, the 661 Comp is a minimal glove for riders who prefer wearing practically nothing.

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As you would expect from a company specialising in protection, 661 do a lot of different gloves. The 661 Comp glove, at less than twenty quid, is what you might call a bread-and-butter style of hand sleeve. Take a quick look and you will see the bare minimum of features, but that doesn’t mean that the Comp is a ‘cheap’ glove. With a single layer, synthetic leather palm and thin, mesh like back, it’s a minimal glove for riders who prefer wearing practically nothing.

Good for any type of riding. Photo: Jeremie Reuiller

All about the fit

You can often tell whether a glove is going to fit well if it looks terrible in photos. When new, the Comp was all scrunched fingers and crinkled palm thanks to the articulated and pre-shaped panels. These work to put the glove at its most comfortable when gripping the handlebar. Over time this articulation has been lost slightly as the materials have stretched. Whilst it hasn’t meant any loss of comfort, the synthetic leather palm now feels a touch baggier and needs a little manipulation to get it in the perfect position. Sizing is really good with the Comp, the wrist opening is large enough for big-handed riders to use without it ending up too baggy on slim waisted riders. Plus the finger length is almost perfect, just a couple of mm’s to long on the index and middle fingers.

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The Spandura back section and cuffless design also does a good job of keeping the glove in place, without adding to the bulk. This is after all a lightweight minimal glove. But one thing that has caused me issues is the mesh side panels on the fingers. Prone to snagging, they tear open way too easily.

661 Comp glove review

But for less than twenty British pounds the issues with the Comp can be pretty much forgiven. They even come in a range of pretty cool patterns, prints and colours.