What gloves do you recommend? I'm thinking it would be wise to invest in some mainly for hand protection in case of impact, and also to minimise likelihood of blisters. I'm getting some decent carbon handlebars and grips to help prevent this too.

Based on reviews, I was set on getting some Alpine Stars Moab gloves, however they seem to be discontinued and only available in unsuitable sizes... is there an updated version of the Moab?

Other gloves that caught my eye:

Fox Dirtpaw:

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Fox-Clothin...ves_129621.htm

Fox Defend D30 (Kevlar or non-Kevlar):
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...eiYxXQHS8d3A.1


Leatt DBX 4.0:
https://www.alpinetrek.co.uk/leatt-g...0d482a2efd8adf


The Wildcard, some general work gloves that can be found in any DIY store, I could buy 4x pairs of these for the same price of some special purpose MTB gloves:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/DEWALT-DPG2...1-3&th=1&psc=1

Fox

Work gloves if price is a consideration. They do the same thing at less cost.
Try to find a pair with less palm padding than the ones you linked. You want a well fitted, non bulky (in the palm) glove so you can have a good dextrous grip for the bars and brakes/shifters:

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/fir...ge-/1001358123

My mom does all my shopping for me.

I have a few sets of Alpinestars and like them. But the the several pairs of HD gloves work just as well. I particularly like the ones with the gel palms.

I use Fox Ranger and Troy Lee Designs Air, both are long fingers with no padding. No padding gives be better bar feel; pads have always given me sore or numb spots on both my road bike and mtb.

Mechanics gloves from Home Depot or Lowes.

I would suggest the biking gloves over the Mechanics gloves. They won't breath like a proper MTB glove is supposed to or feel or get as good of a grip on your bars. You can't really go wrong with all of the major brands of manufactures. Everyone will have a preference, I tend to go with the most minimalist gloves I can find, (which happens to be a Fox pair right now).

you might want to check out rock climbing gloves > AMAZON - REI ... i have used "OR" (OUTDOOR RESEARCH) leather climbing gloves and it is great with the comfort and protection of good leather > almost any climbing gloves works very well

Petzl and some others add extra leather on the palm to make them last longer belay after belay. I don't know how they'd feel riding.

I get a season out of a single pair of gloves. Sometimes two. I ride full finger cheap eBay "cycling" gloves at about $12 a pair.