This is Gill’s top-of-the-line sailing glove. It has the same Dura-Grip reinforcement as its predecessor, but the coverage is expanded, going well down on the palm and up and over the fingertips, as well as a reinforcing band around the top of the thumb opening, which should lengthen the life of the glove. The only downside is that there is a little less feel at the fingertips—probably not a big issue unless you are trying to do fine tactile activities. Not a deal-breaker, as it’s pretty easy to just take the gloves off, if necessary. Rather than sewing the grip material flat onto the glove, as it was before, it is now integrated into sides of each finger, proving a more seamless transition that should be less prone to lifting over time. The other primary materials in the glove are as before—a proprietary leather-like material in color and texture called Proton-Ultra XD on the palm side and four-way stretch nylon across the back. The glove has been shortened at the wrist, improving watch access, and the Velcro wrist strap has been enlarged and now fastens on the outside of the wrist instead of on the inside, as was the case with the previous model. The larger size makes it easier to attach and the location minimizes the possibility of snagging. Both big plusses. We checked out a size large and it was a fairly snug large, so if you’re close to the top end of your size range, you might opt for the next size up, unless you prefer a really snug fit.

$46.95.

Championship Glove

The Championship model is a step down from the Pro in price, but shares many of the same quality and design features with its more expensive sibling—seamless Dura-Grip on the palm and up over the fingertips, the same four-way stretch fabric across the back, a shortened length for watch access and the wrist closure enlarged and moved to the outside of the wrist. The primary difference is in the use of the stretch nylon in areas where the Pro glove uses the more rugged Proton-Ultra XD. Think leather gloves versus fabric. Still, the Championship has reinforcement where you need it most, and it should perform comparably with the Pro. Tactile use at the fingertips is slightly better than the Pro, perhaps because the Dura-Grip is wrapped over thinner stretch material, whereas the Pro wraps over the thicker leather-like material. Again, not a deal-breaker. The Championship Glove runs a little on the small side, although not quite as much as the Pro, perhaps because there is more stretch material here, which gives a little more.

$36.95.

Helmsman Glove

Here’s a cold-weather glove that, while you could use it in other positions on the boat, is really is designed for what its name suggests. A Thinsulate PrimaLoft lining keeps hands warm during long stints at the wheel or tiller, something any driver will appreciate during the spring and fall or on the occasional chilly summer night watch. And when damp, it still provides warmth. The soft shell is waterproof and breathable, with a gauntlet-style cuff that can be worn over or under foul weather gear. The glove is secured with a Velcro closure on the outside of the wrist where it’s least likely to snag, and a stretchy drawstring around the cuff reduces water ingress. For improved touch-screen capability, there’s a suede-like material at the tip of the forefinger, eliminating the need to remove the gloves when changing instrument modes. Like the other Gill products, the Helmsman incorporates the brand’s rugged Dura-Grip on the palm and up and over the fingertips and thumb for when the helm might be called on to trim sails or grind. Sizing seems true, as the large proved a comfortable fit.

$54.95.

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Each brand has its own proprietary materials, often with exotic names, especially for the area that gets the heaviest use when handling lines—the palm. And there is some notable attention to detail, such as locking tabs to prevent the Velcro wristband from opening if snagged on a line, watch cut-outs and sectioned materials allowing better finger articulation. A handful of designs are specifically built for winter and summer conditions, meeting the needs of frostbite sailors as well as those in more tropical climes.

The true measure of a good pair of sailing gloves, however, is comfort, grip and durability. With comparable price points, if you want a straight-forward sailing glove, there’s plenty of choices. If you’re looking for some unique spins on the traditional glove, there are a few of those available as well. We chose to look at full-finger gloves, which for most models means all but the pointer finger and thumb are completely covered, although half-finger versions are available for many. Here is our review of the best sailing gloves on the market today.

All-Around Gloves

Gill Pro

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Gill’s top-of-the-line glove is that all but the very back of each finger is wrapped in an aramid, leather-like fabric, which provides plenty of durability and protection. A lot of gloves transition immediately from the face of each finger to a lightweight fabric. Across the palm, Gill has a nice, grippy surface. Better still, it runs just around the palm for holding and hand protection when carrying a wrap of line around your hand. We liked the lack of seams on the fingertips, which provides a more comfortable fit and better dexterity. A neoprene cuff and stretch fabric across the back of the hand make this a comfortable and very functional glove, although a watch cut-out would be a good update for a future model. $46.95 https://www.gillmarine.com/

Gill Championship

More economical than the Gill’s Pro model, the Championship Glove still has several of the features of its sibling. The working surface is similar to what’s on the Pro, and it, too, wraps only around the palm. A small tab of the material is also sewn on the face of the thumb. Breathable stretch fabric covers the back of the hand and the sides of each finger, except the insides of the second and third, marking a significant durability difference between this and the Pro. Like the Pro, there are no fingertip seams. $36.95. https://www.gillmarine.com/

Harken Classic

Harken’s Classic Glove is a straightforward, no-frills glove at a budget price. Palm reinforcement runs all the way up the inside of the fingers, and the back includes the same nylon spandex mesh as its more expensive sibling. Especially cool is a soft, simulated leather fabric with ventilation holes, that runs up the outside of each finger, adding to the glove’s durability. The wrist closure includes a locking tab. $34.99. http://harken.com/

Harken Reflex Performance

The first thing you’ll notice about the Harken Reflex Performance glove is the number of different materials. On the back is a nylon spandex mesh to keep the glove lightweight and your hands cooler, as well as rubber guard strips that run up the first two fingers and a convenient watch cut-out. The working side of the glove includes a padded palm guard placed right where you would wrap a line around you hand. Palm reinforcement runs halfway up each finger, leaving much thinner, smooth material at the finger tips, which increases tip sensitivity—great if you find yourself having to deal with manipulating small objects (think ring dings) or attend to instruments with your gloves on. The wrist closure includes locking tab. $41.99 http://harken.com/

Mustang EP 3250 Full-Finger

Billed as a sailing “work glove,” the mustang EP3250 is certainly built that way. Constructed of 3mm neoprene, the glove is clearly made for cooler, but not cold, conditions. The palm is layered with PVC abrasion-resistant material, which extends up the fingers, ending just short of the finger tips, and is continuous except for the finger joints, making it easier to articulate the fingers. The question is whether or not those areas might be prone to early wear. That material wraps well around the side of the palm and the little finger, providing for increased durability. The palm also has a break in the PVC material, making it easier to close the palm. The watch cut-out is a great feature. $49.95. https://mustangsurvival.com/

Mustang Traction Full-Finger

Here’s a unique idea—create a glove that not only does all the things a sailing glove is supposed to do but allows you finger-tip dexterity for fine-motor activities, such as manipulating navigational tools—think touch screens—or dealing with anything else that you can’t do with a glove on. It’s done by providing fold-back tips on the thumb, index and middle fingers. These are easy to open and slide back in place. The gloves are made of 2.5mm neoprene with a full overlay of abrasion-resistant material on the palm. Knuckles are also protected by an additional overlay. $39.95 https://mustangsurvival.com/

Ronstan Sticky Race

The first time you touch the palm of the Ronstan glove, you’ll know why it’s called “sticky.” Clearly more “stick” than any of the other gloves we looked at. With this synthetic leather covering the palm as well the insides of the fingers, the glove has great rope-holding power that, according to Ronstan, helps reduce fatigue because its extra gripping power. We can believe that. The gloves are double-stitched in the palm and have a quick-drying mesh panel on the back, facilitating flexibility and breathability. We especially like the neoprene around the wrist, which is not only comfortable but prevents it from rolling up. Includes watch cut-away and locking tab for wrist closure. $34.95. https://www.ronstan.us/marine5/

West Marine Long Finger

By far the least expensive of the group, but still a surprisingly comfortable and well-built, no-frills glove. The working surface is a single piece of suede that runs all the way up the fingers and should take a reasonable amount of abuse. The back is four-way stretch nylon, and it has a neoprene cuff that, while comfortable, is a long enough that getting to a watch while wearing this glove might be a little challenging, but certainly not a deal breaker, especially at this price. $28.99 https://www.westmarine.com

Zhik G2 Performance

Zhik’s top-of-the-line gloves include Kevlar stitching, padding extending from the palm up through the halfway point of the fingers and a design that places seams away from traditional pressure points. These are made for a snug fit, which might seem initially uncomfortable, but once you start using them you’ll appreciate how your hands seem locked into the gloves. The palm and finger padding are somewhat smooth compared to the synthetic leather used in other gloves, making them not quite as grippy. There are no seams on the fingertips, making for a comfortable fit. The top of the thumb opening is cut and not finished, which seems unusual, given that the open pointer finger opening is finished. We wonder how that will affect durability. Zhik recommends buying a size down from what you normally wear. However, when we tried a size large, which we normally wear, they fit fine. Wrist strap includes a locking tab. $49.99. https://www.zhik.com/

Zhik Gs Sticky

Most of us know about Atlas gloves—the type sold in gardening and hardware stores. Lightweight, very inexpensive and perfectly serviceable for at least handful of sailing days. Some suppliers of sailing gloves have taken note and are now producing their own versions of the Atlas glove—including Zhik. Their seamless nylon glove has a textured, grippy latex surface on the palm and insides of the fingers. The result is a very straightforward, comfortable and flexible glove. The only downside is that they only come in black, which might prove a little warm in mid-summer. Sold in three-packs, they retail for 19.99. https://www.zhik.com/

Cold Weather Gloves

Gill Three Seasons

This is basically a neoprene construction with the same reinforcement as the Gill Championship glove. The glove is slightly longer, proving a little more warmth to the wrist area while minimizing separation between the glove and the sleeve top. The neoprene is thick enough to work well for frostbiting, yet not so thick as to restrict movement or become overly hot when conditions warm. Like all of the colder-weather gloves we looked at, there’s not watch cut-out, so if you wear a wrist watch, plan to wear it over the glove sleeve. $35.95 https://www.gillmarine.com/

Rooster Combi

Here’s one we didn’t see coming—Rooster’s unique cold-weather approach to their already formidable line of gloves. The Combi Glove features an “AquaFleece” mitten that can be pulled up and over the fingers between races to keep them warmer by reducing wind chill. When it’s time to race, pull the mitten over the back of the hand, tuck it into a neat pouch located on the back of the glove, and you’re back to a more traditional cold-weather racing glove. Clever, indeed. The palm and insides of the fingers have a sticky grip surface, making it easy to hold on to lines. The glove extends further up the wrist than any of the other gloves we looked at, which is great for keeping your hands warm and helps avoid a gap between the glove and the sleeve end of your top. Velcro wrist strap includes a locking tab $37.70 https://www.roostersailing.com/

West Marine 3 Seasons

Similar in design aesthetics to the West Long Finger model and with slight changes to the reinforcement panels, the 3 Seasons glove is constructed with 2.5 mm neoprene, and all the fingers are fully covered. Because of the neoprene, it feels a little stiffer than the Long Finger, which should be no surprise, but not to the point where it’s difficult to close your hand. The neoprene should do a great job of keeping your hands warm in all but the coldest conditions. Again, a straightforward, no-frills glove for the price. $34.99. https://www.westmarine.com

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It seems like every season means a new pair of gloves. We’ve chopped up gardening gloves, looked like we were about to go to work doing dishes and have wrapped our hands in e-tape looking like a boxer about to hop into the ring in hopes of lessening the pain of the inevitable blisters that occur once you’ve held the sheets for so many hours. Gill, the world leader in sailing gloves has brought a new pair to the market that mean never trying any crazy tricks to save your hands again.

This fall Gill introduced its Pro glove to the market and they are unlike anything else Sailing World has ever seen. Made out of Dura-Grip fabric, these gloves mean you will never lose your grasp, no matter how rainy or slippery things are onboard. In addition to keeping your grip, the Proton-Ultra palm and finger constructions prevents rope burn and has tested high above any other methods out there.

Despite the durability of new fabrics, Gill hasn’t sacrificed any flexibility. The stretch woven fabric allows sailors to keep their dexterity. The difference is in the details, the contoured fit and pre-curved fingers prevent any unnecessary change in shape, the generous thumb and index finger allow a better fit than ever before and maximum protection. The wrist closures also prevent sailors from starting their watches on accident.

The post Gill Pro Gloves appeared first on Sailing World.

In this roundup you’ll find sailing glove reviews from some of the top manufacturers in the game today. From popular sailing gloves for women and men to the best sailing gloves for the winter months, you’ll find everything you need to know before making your decision.

The Gill Three Season Glove has been around for some time and continues to be an excellent choice for cold weather sailors. the 1.5mm neoprene will ensure that your hands stay warm when they inevitably get wet and offer much more range of motion than a bulkier waterproof glove. As a former college sailor, the Gill Three Season Glove was a go to choice for cold March regattas.

Features:
* 1.5mm neoprene keeps you warm even when wet * Dura-Grip fabric on palm and fingers providing incredible levels of grip without any compromise in flexibility and durability * Pre-shaped construction fits your natural hand shape * Extended cuff for warmth

The Bottom Line:
Best for the tail-end of the Fall and the late Spring. I found getting one size larger was ideal as they tend to get tight and lose mobility when drying.

The Gill Deckhand glove comes in both short and long finger versions and is a versatile choice for a glove. These gloves are a common sight on the racecourse as they are a reliable glove that will hold up to a season’s beating on the course. They are also a good choice for those not looking to spend too much on a pair of hearty sailing gloves.

Features:
* Excellent flexibility and comfort * Pre-shaped construction fits your natural hand shape * Stretch fabric on back for comfort * Seamless wraparound Amara® reinforcement on fingers * Inside facing wrist closure prevents accidental starting of watch

The Bottom Line:
Solid gloves with proven performance that won’t break the bank.

The Gill Pro glove is Gill’s top of the line performance glove. The material is designed to be extra durable and the glove is made to last season after season of when the toughest beatings. According to Gill these gloves have been proven to be significantly more durable than most other sailing gloves. gillna.com

Features:
* Patented pre-curved fingers with seamless construction for ultimate durability * Proton-Ultra palm and fingers with wrap construction prevents rope burn tested and proven to be significantly more durable than conventional glove materials * Dura-Grip fabric on lower part of palm construction providing incredible levels of grip without any compromise in flexibility and durability * Contoured fit for dexterity * Durable stretch woven fabric on back for more flex

The Bottom Line:
Highly durable, but one of the more expensive options. These gloves will last season after season.

Ronstan’s ‘Sticky’ race gloves are a tried and true classic. The older design is a common sight on many a race boat. The “sticky” material in the fingers and palm is designed to reduce fatigue by minimizing the physical effort required to hold line. These gloves are very durable durable and will last season after season. Ronstan has updated the design with a new version of the glove in grey.

Features:
* ‘Amara’ synthetic leather for maximum durability, minimum stretch and shrinkage * Double Aramid stitching in high wear areas * Double thickness palm and fingers for protection and grip * Mesh panels for flexibility, comfort and quick drying – now available in Grey * Low cut neoprene wrist band for secure fit and clear access to start watch * Sticky gloves reduce fatigue by minimizing the physical effort required to hold rope

The Bottom Line:
These gloves are a classic that will last a long time. A little pricier than the Gill version, but worth it for the durability.

When it comes to cold weather sailing gloves, Atlas sets the bar. The Temres Breathable Warm Gloves provide the perfect balance of flexibility and warmth that allow you to maintain range of motion even on the coldest days. These gloves are a staple piece of gear for any college sailor that braves the tail-end of February to start their Spring season.

Features:
* Fabric: Abrasion-resistant, breathable Polyurethane coating with warm acrylic lining * Grip: Rough grip to handle wet lines and slippery objects even in the cold * Other: Warm to -4 degrees, Nitrile was added to the fingertips to increase protection

The Bottom Line:
The go-to cold weather sailing glove. Period. Thin enough to maintain flexibility, thick enough to keep you warm.

The Atlas Hot Tamale are the warmer sibling of the Temres glove. These gloves offer significantly more lining and will keep your hands toasty in down to -4º. The drawback? Mobility. These gloves are thick and the warmth comes at the cost of some flexibility. Despite the reduced range of motion however, these gloves are a great choice for frostbiters.

Features:
* Fabric: PVC Shell with internal lining * Grip: Rough grip for handling slippery objects such as sheets and halyards * Fit: Loose fit, designed with a larger cuff to fit over a softshell jacket, and either over or under an offshore jacket * Designed for use down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit * Allows freedom of movement and flexing to help reduce hand fatigue

The Bottom Line:
Great for warmth when frostbiting, not great for mobility. The thicker sibling of the Temres glove.

Just about every company makes a version of the nitrile grip glove, including Atlas. These are a standard purchase for just about any sailor, with good reason; they are cheap, plentiful and fairly durable. They won’t outlast the higher quality construction of the Ronstan or Gill race gloves, but at a fraction of the cost, you can afford to replace them more often. Thickness can vary from company to company and version to version, but these gloves are best suited to warm weather sailing as the temperature resistance is minimal.

Features:
* Coated Palm * Elasticated cuff * Rough finish over entire surface * Anatomical Shape * Seamless knit

The Bottom Line:
One of the most common choices for sailing gloves with proven performance. Check your local hardware store for similar gloves before springing for the brand name version.

The Harken Black Magic glove is designed to provide extra resistance to reduce fatigue while holding lines. The comfort of the glove along with the double thick Black Magic palm material make the gloves a good choice for longer use. Mesh on the back of the hand helps provide a superior fit.

Features:
* Fabric: Black Magic palm, Amara and corded nylon, Nylon Spandex mesh. * Grip: Durable double thick Black Magic palm material for superior grip an abrasion resistance. * Fit/Cut: Nylon Spandex mesh for super fit. * Other: Minimal stretch when wet, dries soft

The Bottom Line:
Not the most durable, but an excellent choice for comfort. Won’t dry hard and salty like most other gloves.

Harken’s reflex glove are the higher performance version of the Black Magic classic gloves. With the same grip technology in the palms, the gloves are more rugged so they will last longer than their cheaper counterpart. These gloves will dry soft and reduce stretching.

Features:
* 50 % Black Magic® / 30% Nylon / 20% Rubber * Low-profile wrist doesn’t push watch buttons * Durable Black Magic finger wraps reduce seam bulk and increase dexterity * Black Magic palm material provides outstanding abrasion resistance, protection and durability * Mesh vents at base of fingers give a cool, custom fit * Molded-rubber guard strips on back

The Bottom Line:
Cheaper than Gill’s high performance glove with very good durability.

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