Cycling · Head-to-head
Rapha Core Mitts vs Endura Xtract Mitts
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Cycling Gloves: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
Rapha's Core mitts balance padding, grip and breathability without over-thinking it. Endura's Xtract gets you most of that for less.
Rapha Core Mitts
Buy itLightweight, breathable mitts with foam pads where your palm needs them and a synthetic suede palm for grip.
- Larger foam pads, positioned to minimise road vibration without turning the palm into a cushion, so bar feel stays sharp.
- Synthetic suede palm grips in wet and dry conditions, and the four-way high-stretch mesh back keeps hands cool.
- Bound cuff for a tight, stable fit at the wrist, in seven sizes from XXS to XXL.
- Padding is moderate: riders with very sensitive hands or long rough rides may want more gel.
- Priced above the budget mitts for a design that is deliberately simple.
- The understated look is a pro for most and a bore for anyone who wants a loud kit.
Endura Xtract Mitts
Buy itThe budget mitts that punch above their price: gel padding where the palm bends, silicone grip and an adjustable cuff.
- Palmistry gel padding placed where the hand bends and creases, so it cushions where your palm actually contacts the bar.
- Microfibre palm with a silicone grip print holds in wet or dry conditions, and a Velcro adjuster strap keeps the cuff put.
- Priced at the budget end while still feeling like a real cycling mitt, plus a terry sweat wipe and finger tabs for easy removal.
- A simpler build than the premium mitts, with no named palm fabric beyond microfibre.
- Endura's own store lists a single colour, Bright Yellow, though sizes run XS to 2XL.
- Padding is still moderate; riders who want maximum cushion should look at the gel-heavy options.
Side by side
The 5 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Rapha Core Mitts Our pick | Endura Xtract Mitts | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Most road and gravel riders who want a mitt that disappears until you need it. | Value-conscious riders and beginners who want real mitt features at the lowest sensible price. |
| Price tier | $$ · mid-range | $ · budget |
| Padding | Larger foam pads, vibration placed | Gel, palm-bend placed |
| Palm material | Synthetic suede | Microfibre + silicone grip |
| Back | Four-way high-stretch mesh | High-stretch back |
| Closure | Bound cuff | Velcro adjuster strap |
| Best for | Most riders | Budget buyers |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Rapha Core Mitts if
most road and gravel riders who want a mitt that disappears until you need it.
Know before buying: padding is moderate: riders with very sensitive hands or long rough rides may want more gel.
Pick the Endura Xtract Mitts if
value-conscious riders and beginners who want real mitt features at the lowest sensible price.
Know before buying: a simpler build than the premium mitts, with no named palm fabric beyond microfibre.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Rapha Core Mitts - Lightweight, breathable mitts with foam pads where your palm needs them and a synthetic suede palm for grip. Choose the Endura Xtract Mitts instead if value-conscious riders and beginners who want real mitt features at the lowest sensible price.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Cycling Gloves: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).