Gloves

[Mojo58]

I'm not very happy with a pair of Hatch Operator Shorty gloves. The index finger above the knuckles is already fraying. My requirements were for a cut resistant and heat resistant glove. I've only owned them for 2 months and surprised that they are already falling apart. What are you guys using? Recommendations please?

[Hawkeye]

I have been very happy with my Hellstorm SOLAG's (one of the few things from Blackhawk I like) in the past. My current pair is almost two years old. They are the coyote SOLAGS that are nomex. They have held up through numerous classes, etc. I also have a pair of Oakleys, but I havent used them enough to comment on them really.

[KevinB]

I view gloves as a disposable item.

The heaviest duty gloves I've used are the SWMS Friction fighter gloves. But I find them too warm to use in theatre the majority of the time.
I prefer to use flight gloves and accept they are not slash resistant.

The PX carries a number of types - and they are about $25 ea. so going thru a par every week or two is not a big deal - the cost of doing the business.

[Alpha Sierra]

Close fitting sueded deerskin gloves. Old school still works in some cases.

[Mojo58]

For $70/pair, I would expect more than 8 sessions at the range doing speed clears . Even my $40 mountain biking gloves faired 3 seasons of hard crashing.

[Policetacteam]

I have tried the Blackhawk SOLAG gloves and felt that they were way too thick in the palm and in the fingers. I could NOT feel the weapon due to excess padding. I typically use any number of brands of flight gloves. They are thin which allow full feeling of the weapon, Nomex, and typically fairly cheap. For a shorter glove I am now trying the new 5.11 TAC-AK operator glove. It is the shorter style of glove. This glove is extremely comfortable, well designed, and very durable. This is a great glove! So far the construction has held up very well! This is what is advertised by 5.11:

5.11 TAC-AK Tactical Application Glove w/Kevlar
The Tac-AK glove features a Kevlar® and leather construction. Kevlar® provides extra protection from cuts and scratches. A natural cow leather palm, and gussets allow breath-ability and natural fit. Leather grip pads, pull tab, and hook-and-loop closure at the wrist. TacticalTouch™ fingertips provide excellent dexterity and fine-motor control. Leather knuckle pad.

[Bryson]

For $70/pair, I would expect more than 8 sessions at the range doing speed clears . Even my $40 mountain biking gloves faired 3 seasons of hard crashing.

That's what you get with today's "Made In China" world. I called up Hatch about a year ago to ask them about their gloves and was all set to order until I asked if they were made domestically. "No, they're made in China." the nice lady replied. No thanks.

[Policetacteam]

The 5.11 TAC-AK are MADE IN THE USA!!!

[GreenMtnTac]

If you're looking for a tactical-style glove, WileyX (the eyewear people) has come out with a pretty nifty glove that includes hard "armor" over the knuckles. I haven't used them long enough to determine wear characteristics, but they look very well made, and well designed too.

See here for infor and pics: GMT LINK

[Mojo58]

I took the gloves back to the retailer and he replaced them, no questions asked. I'll give them another go. The one thing that I liked about them when I first found them was the suppleness of the kangaroo skin. I know kangaroo is tough because that's what my motorcycle gloves were made of (highly abrasion resistant). Thanks for the responses because they sure give me options for the future. I like to have several pairs on hand anyways (pardon the pun). I've always had an eye on those Blackhawk Hellstorm SOLAG w/kevlar and I remember reading some sizing tips about them because they fit differently than expected (but I can't find the notes anywhere on the site). The Wiley X look about right too. They remind me of the Oakleys. I don't know if I like the carbon, plastic or fiberglass inserts that they appear to have over the knuckles.