OMP KS-3 Kart Racing Gloves

The OMP KS-3 Kart Racing Gloves are lightweight performance gloves designed for drivers who prioritize ventilation, direct steering feedback, and unrestricted hand movement. Their breathable AirFlow upper helps reduce heat buildup, while a low-profile silicone palm provides secure steering-wheel traction without adding unnecessary bulk.

Pre-shaped fingers place the hand in a natural driving position, and externally stitched seams keep bulky thread away from sensitive areas inside the glove. Available in adult and junior sizing, the KS-3 offers a practical combination of comfort, grip, and recognizable OMP styling for kart racers at multiple experience levels.

AirFlow Fabric for Hot Track Conditions

The upper glove uses highly breathable, rice-grain-textured AirFlow fabric to promote ventilation around the hand. The open texture allows heat and moisture to escape more easily than a dense conventional fabric.

This construction is especially beneficial during summer races, indoor karting sessions, endurance events, and repeated practice runs where heat buildup can affect concentration and comfort.

Lightweight Silicone Steering-Wheel Grip

A silicone grip treatment across the palm creates dependable traction against the kart steering wheel. The low-profile application helps keep the hands securely positioned during braking, cornering, and rapid steering corrections.

Unlike a heavily padded palm, the lightweight grip surface preserves the detailed feedback needed to recognize changes in steering effort, front-tire grip, and chassis behavior.

Pre-Shaped Ergonomic Fingers

The KS-3 uses pre-shaped fingers that follow the position the hand naturally assumes while holding a kart steering wheel. This reduces the amount of effort required to close the hand and limits material bunching around the finger joints.

A more natural resting position can help reduce fatigue through long heats and makes it easier to maintain consistent steering inputs throughout a race.

External Seams and Finger Forchettes

The finger seams are positioned externally to move stitching away from the inside of the glove. This creates a smoother interior and helps prevent rubbing or concentrated pressure against the fingers.

Separate finger side panels, commonly known as forchettes, improve shaping and allow the glove to fit more naturally around each finger. Together, these features support sensitivity without sacrificing freedom of movement.

Direct Steering Feel Without Heavy Padding

The KS-3 is designed around light weight and steering sensitivity rather than substantial vibration-damping padding. Drivers receive a close connection to the wheel with minimal material between the hand and steering rim.

This makes the glove well suited to racers who value precise feedback. Drivers who experience significant hand fatigue from steering vibration may prefer a thicker model with dedicated palm cushioning.

Straight-Cut Elasticated Wrist

A straight wrist opening gives the KS-3 a clean, streamlined fit. The integrated elastic band helps keep the glove securely positioned without requiring a bulky hook-and-loop adjustment strap.

The flexible opening also allows quick entry and removal between sessions while maintaining a close fit once the glove is on.

Adult and Junior Karting Sizes

The KS-3 is available in adult and junior sizing, making it suitable for younger competitors as well as experienced racers. Drivers should select a size according to hand measurements rather than age alone, since finger length and palm width can vary significantly among junior racers.

A correct fit should fill the fingertips and palm without limiting circulation, forcing the fingers to curl, or leaving loose material against the steering wheel.

OMP KS-3 Kart Racing Glove Features

• Lightweight karting-glove construction
• Rice-grain-textured AirFlow upper improves ventilation
• Silicone palm grip enhances steering-wheel traction
• Low-profile palm preserves detailed steering feedback
• Pre-shaped fingers support a natural driving position
• External seams reduce internal pressure points
• Finger forchettes improve fit and flexibility
• Straight-cut wrist provides a streamlined opening
• Elastic wrist band offers secure retention
• Available in adult and junior sizing
• Designed for indoor and outdoor kart racing

OMP KS-3 Kart Racing Glove Specifications

• Manufacturer: OMP
• Model: KS-3
• Product Type: Kart Racing Gloves
• Upper Material: Rice-Grain-Textured AirFlow Fabric
• Palm: Lightweight Silicone Grip
• Finger Construction: Pre-Shaped
• Seams: External
• Finger Side Panels: Forchettes
• Wrist: Straight Cut with Elastic Band
• Size Options: Adult and Junior
• Intended Use: Kart Racing

OMP KS-3 Available Colors

• Black – 071
• Yellow and Black – 059
• Orange and Black – 096
• Red and Black – 060
• Blue and Black – 146
• White and Black – 129

Who Should Choose the OMP KS-3?

The KS-3 is a strong choice for club racers, junior competitors, rental-kart drivers, and experienced racers who want a lightweight glove with minimal palm bulk. Its breathable upper makes it particularly attractive for hot-weather and indoor karting.

It is also a practical step up from basic recreational gloves for drivers who want external-seam comfort and a dedicated silicone steering-wheel grip without moving into a heavily padded premium model.

OMP KS-3 Kart Racing Gloves Size Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the OMP KS-3 carry an FIA 8877-2022 homologation?
An FIA 8877-2022 approval has not been confirmed for this listing. Drivers entering events with mandatory glove certification should inspect the label on the physical product and verify acceptance with the championship before ordering.

Is the KS-3 fire resistant for automobile racing?
No fire-resistant automobile-racing approval is stated. The KS-3 is designed as a karting glove and should not replace FIA- or SFI-approved Nomex gloves when flame-resistant equipment is required.

What does the rice-grain texture do?
The textured AirFlow fabric creates a lightweight, ventilated upper that promotes air movement and helps moisture escape during hot or physically demanding sessions.

Is the KS-3 a padded glove?
No. It prioritizes low weight and direct steering feel rather than thick palm cushioning. Racers wanting substantial vibration absorption should consider a glove with dedicated padding or a structured grip material.

How does the KS-3 compare with the OMP KS-2R?
The KS-3 is the lighter and simpler option, emphasizing airflow, silicone grip, and value. The KS-2R adds more technical articulation, including flexible bellows, mesh inserts, silicone finger protection, and a longer gauntlet-style construction.

How does it compare with the OMP KS-X?
The KS-X is positioned as a more premium competition glove with advanced ergonomic construction and current FIA 8877-2022 homologation. The KS-3 is better suited to drivers prioritizing simplicity, ventilation, and a lower price point.

Are the external seams noticeable while driving?
The seams sit along the outside edges of the fingers to remove stitching from the interior. When the glove fits correctly, they should improve comfort without interfering with normal steering-wheel use.

What are finger forchettes?
Forchettes are the narrow fabric panels between the fingers. They give each finger more defined shaping and help improve mobility, comfort, and fit.

Are these suitable for a child beginning kart racing?
Yes, provided the correct junior size is available and the glove satisfies the event’s equipment rules. Select a size from actual hand measurements rather than the driver’s age.

What should I do if my child is between two sizes?
Choose the size that permits full finger movement without large gaps at the fingertips. Avoid buying excessively large gloves for future growth because loose fabric can reduce grip and steering sensitivity.

Are the KS-3 Gloves suitable for endurance karting?
Their breathable construction and external seams can work well for long sessions. Drivers who experience vibration-related hand fatigue may prefer a glove with additional palm damping.

Will the silicone grip work with suede and rubber steering wheels?
The silicone treatment is designed to provide traction on common kart steering-wheel surfaces. The exact feel and level of tack can vary with the wheel material, moisture, wear, and cleanliness.

Can the KS-3 be used for sim racing?
Yes. Its light construction and silicone grip can work well for sim racing, although it is designed primarily for karting.

How should the OMP KS-3 Gloves be washed?
Hand wash them gently in cool water with mild soap. Avoid bleach, harsh chemicals, machine drying, and direct high heat that could damage the fabric, elasticity, or silicone grip.

How can I make the silicone palm last longer?
Use the gloves mainly for driving and avoid handling abrasive bodywork, tools, fasteners, or rough surfaces. Allow them to air dry completely before storing them.