Choose tactical gloves

Tactical gloves provide unparalleled protection for your hands against weather, impact and abrasions. Whether you use them for work, combat, or shooting, tactical gloves are essential all-around safety gear. They act as an extension of your hands, providing protection, dexterity and tactics. To find the perfect pair of tactical gloves, there are a few factors to consider.

Features of Tactical Gloves

Not all tactical gloves are the same. Some pairs provide an extra level of weather protection, some are designed specifically for combat, and others are custom-made to accommodate weapons on the range. Here are some common features of tactical gloves and where they can be useful.

• Tactical Gloves Mittens

  Sometimes referred to as half-finger gloves, fingerless tactical gloves are a premium choice for the shooting range. They provide maximum dexterity, allowing users to feel their weapon and ammo while providing protection around most of the hand. These gloves particularly help with ventilation, preventing a build-up of sweat around the fingers and palms.

• Hard Knuckle tactical gloves, or shells

  The ultimate protection for law enforcement or the military, the Hard Knuckle Tactical Gloves are designed for hand-to-hand combat. The hard knuckle portion of the glove is typically made with thermoplastic rubber (TPR), a lightweight substance that provides excellent abrasion and weather resistance.

• Insulated Tactical Gloves

  By their nature, patrols or deployments often take place in unforgivable weather conditions. While regular tactical gloves provide adequate protection in mild weather, insulated tactical gloves are reserved for particularly cold temperatures. They keep hands exceptionally warm, but there's a caveat: high insulation means limited dexterity.

• Touch screen compatibility

  Removing your gloves to use your phone or other touchscreen devices can waste precious time when seconds are precious. To remedy this problem, the fingertips of many tactical gloves are designed to be touchscreen compatible. This makes it easy to use a touchscreen device without having to remove the gloves.

Adjustable cuffs

It is important that the tactical gloves fit properly. The better they fit, the more natural they will feel when shooting or using other equipment. Adjustable wrist straps provide a custom fit. Wrist straps are usually held in place with hook-and-loop Velcro for quick and easy adjustment. These wrist straps also allow you to take off or put on your gloves quickly.

Palm padding

First and foremost, the purpose of tactical gloves is to provide protection. Many pairs of tactical gloves have extra padding in the palms to protect against bumps and sharp objects. Often this extra padding is rubber, which provides better grip (especially on weapons).

Breathability

Gloves should breathe well. If they don't, the inside of the gloves will become hot and clammy, causing irritation to the hands and fingers. Although leather gloves provide excellent protection and durability, they don't breathe very well. Nylon and polyester gloves, on the other hand, are well ventilated, absorb moisture and help reduce sweat.

Tactical Gloves Materials

The materials the tactical gloves are made from are specifically chosen to protect your hands, provide comfort and provide a level of tacticity. Some materials offer greater durability, breathability and protection than others. When deciding which material is best for you, it's important to consider the type of activity you're using your gloves for and the material best suited for that activity.

Leather

Leather is by far the most common tactical glove material. Made from cowhide, sheepskin or goatskin, the leather is supple, comfortable and water resistant. It is also used in boots, bags, holsters and more gear for its remarkable durability.

Kevlar

Kevlar gloves are generally cut resistant, which means they protect well against blades and other sharp edges. Therefore, tactical kevlar gloves are an excellent choice for military and law enforcement.

Neoprene

Neoprene is used to make wetsuits. It is therefore an excellent material for repelling water. Neoprene also remains stable against hot and cold temperatures and acts as an excellent insulator. Neoprene tactical gloves are a great choice for keeping hands dry.

Thinsulate

Thinsulate is an insulating material. Thinsulate is measured in grams - the higher the volume, the better the insulation. Thinsulate is a much better insulator than fleece because it's thinner (and therefore more dexterous) and just as effective.

Rubber

Often used as padding to protect against hard knocks, rubber is a versatile, water-resistant material. In tactical gloves, the rubber is usually found on the knuckles. It is also used for palm padding and provides high friction grip.

Nylon

Nylon is used in boots, backpacks, belts and many other tactical gear. It is renowned for its strength and flexibility. In tactical gloves it is often paired with leather at the knuckles and other flex points to provide dexterity.

Polyester

Polyester is a breathable material. It is not water resistant, but it absorbs moisture like sweat to keep hands dry. Unlike leather, polyester does not become slippery when wet, so it does not interfere with the ability to pick up, hold and carry objects.

Spandex

Spandex is a stretchy material. Tactical gloves with built-in spandex provide a perfect fit thanks to their flexibility. They also offer great dexterity, making them a good choice to use at the shooting range.

Velcro hook and loop

In tactical gloves, the hook-and-loop Velcro is usually found around the wrists. It allows the wearer to adjust the fit of the glove and to put on and take off the gloves quickly. These qualities make hook-and-loop gloves a good option for military and law enforcement.

nomex

This is a fire resistant material for use when safety is paramount. Nomex gloves are typically used by welders, foundries, or the military. NAVAIR approved military gloves typically incorporate Nomex alongside other tough materials.

Tactical Glove Fitting Tips

Even if you find the perfect pair of tactical gloves that offer the features and materials you need, if they don't fit you well, they won't be very useful. Gloves with excess material or that cut off circulation to your fingers can quickly become irritating. These tips will help ensure that your tactical gloves fit properly and don't cause any problems when in use.

Prioritize height over width

Tactical gloves usually stretch over time, but if there is excess material on your fingertips, this problem cannot be solved. Therefore, it is best to rely on a proper height measurement rather than a width measurement when choosing your gloves.

Stretch/knit material fits better than leather

Although the leather offers excellent protection and water resistance, it does not stretch much. Gloves constructed with a stretchy material like spandex generally provide a better fit.

Tightening is better than loosening

Loose gloves make it incredibly difficult to handle your gear. Gloves that move on your hands will feel unnatural and may even slip while you're using them. With this in mind, it is better to end up with a glove that is too tight than a pair that is too loose.

Movement should not be restricted

At the same time, gloves that are too tight can limit movement. Finding the balance between tight and loose can be tricky, but when you do, your hands will feel great inside your gloves.

Handle your equipment

When you first get your gloves, test them out by handling some of your gear. Gloves should feel natural, comfortable and allow you to feel the nuances of your gear. If so, you have probably selected the wrong size.

Your hands are extremely important - every piece of equipment you use requires your hands. That's why it's important to protect them well with the right pair of tactical gloves. Your gloves should be flexible, comfortable and allow you to feel your equipment when using it. The right pair of tactical gloves provide significant protection against a number of hazards you encounter and will go a long way towards keeping you safe.