outdoor research tactical gloves
Tactical is the current keyword when it comes to gear, and sometimes it is more fluff than function.
But when it comes to gloves that will protect your hands from cuts, abrasions, injury, and the environment while maintaining your ability to perform searches or manipulate tools tactical is a term that means something.
The best tactical gloves will help with surviving to the end of your next tour or shift. Let us help you select your next pair with some tips and even our choices for Best of the Best.
Sometimes even the thinnest gloves still get in the way when performing complex tasks. Other times it is a matter of comfort, especially in extreme heat. Either way, the answer is fingerless gloves and our pick is the ½ Finger Light Assault from Blackhawk.
You get everything you look for in tactical gloves – heavy-duty construction, dual adjustable straps for an ideal fit, and a high cuff for extra protection – the only thing missing are the fingers.
For a long time, tactical gloves and cold weather protection were often considered polar opposites. The ability to provide effective cold weather protection depending on thinker materials, which in turn reduced tactical application.
Thankfully that is no longer the case, thanks in part to the Camelbak Cold Weather Glove.By starting with a solid tactical glove foundation including textured palms for grip, flexible knuckles & fingertips for dexterity.
Thinner material in trigger finger for better feel and adjustable wrist strap and then adding Thinsulate lining the result is a combined tactical AND cold weather gloves in one.
Anyone looking for all-around protection, including cut resistance, and a quality pair of tactical gloves need to seriously consider Mechanix Wear’s Tactical Specialty Pursuit CR5 Gloves.
Mechanix Wear is a leader in producing protective gloves and were a long time favorite with tactical operators even before they were marketed as tactical gloves.
The anatomical design provides a fit that conforms with the hand’s natural curve for increased feel, fit, and comfort. The 3-dimensional patterning allows for extra protection in the areas where it is most needed – the back of hand, fingers, and knuckles- without reducing flexibility.
Cut resistance is achieved thanks to a level 5 lining in the palms under a sturdy synthetic leather outer layer for improved long-term wear. Plus, the fingertips are touchscreen compatible as well.
Having additional knuckle protection is one of the latest, most popular features in today’s tactical glove. But having hard molded plastic across the back of your hand can be both uncomfortable and restrictive. Not anymore, not when you choose M-Pact 3.
Mechanix Wear utilizes a single-piece, impact-resistant guard constructed of rubber instead of plastic. The result is increased impact protection without restricting hard plastic others use.
Of course, you also enjoy some of the best tactical protection available thanks to the reinforced palms & fingertips, EVA padding on the outside of fingers & thumb, high cuff for increased protection, and wrist loop to provide an adjustable fit.
Let’s face it, whether we like it or not our smartphones and tablets have become an increasing part of our lives- even when faced with a tactical situation.
Sometimes you need to access your devices and it is not always convenient to take your gloves off every time. 5.11’s Screen Ops Tactical Gloves are one of the few true tactical gloves that are also touchscreen compatible.
The seamless goatskin palm provides excellent dexterity & feel. Kevlar knit fabric backing protects against slashes and is also direct flame resistant. Extra knuckle padding provides increased impact resistance.
But it is the touchscreen compatible fingers & thumbs that set these apart and allow you to address the task at hand, whether it requires a firearm or iPhone, without wasting time taking your gloves off and putting them on.
Those with smaller hands can face a real challenge finding tactical gloves that fit properly. More often than not they find the gloves they selected are too big, meaning a loss of dexterity, or too tight, resulting in an inability to wear long term.
Enter the Hatch Specialist All-Weather glove. Although these gloves were specifically designed for use in cooler weather their design provides a secondary benefit – a near-perfect fit for those with smaller hands.
This benefit is the result of two factors; Hatch’s use of neoprene & Synsi-feel synthetic leather for a skin-like but comfortable fit and the fact that these are one of the few gloves offered in a true and accurate smaller size.
The wrist hook & loop strap allows even more refined fit and the short wrist length is perfect for wear with a watch.
Choosing the right tactical gloves can be confusing, especially if you are purchasing your first pair or have not purchased a pair in a long time. The last couple of years have flooded the market in not only brands but also styles, features and materials.
Every manufacturer claims theirs is the best, even when they offer several competing designs. The key is to get a pair that will meet YOUR demands and fit YOUR mission or missions. You need to consider how you will be using the gloves when you will wear them, and what tasks you will be performing while doing so.
For example, fingerless gloves may offer protection for the palm & knuckles while allowing easy loading of magazines or completion of delicate tasks; however, these same gloves will not protect your fingers or provide protection in cooler temperatures.
On the other hand, thicker cold weather gloves or even those designed for extra slash protection may be less pliable and limit dexterity.
All tactical gloves are designed for a specific purpose and although they may be suitable for other missions, they will not be the best choice. Some operators purchase multiple pairs, each for a specific mission or season. Let us help you narrow your search by providing some tips on what to look for when shopping.
what the gloves are made from should be the first consideration. Selecting the wrong material for the task at hand, or poor-quality materials, will likely result in the gloves failing to perform as expected or failing altogether.
Leather was once the most popular material due to its higher durability and long life, however, it tends to become slippery when wet. Many of today’s gloves are constructed of synthetic materials, including fake leather, to prevent this from happening. Many synthetics are also naturally textured to improve grip even when dry.
Kevlar or similar cut-resistant material is necessary to increase slash protection and a heat retaining material, such as Thinsulate, is necessary for cold weather wear. One point of caution when selecting synthetics – make sure they are flame resistant.
Some are prone to melt when exposed to heat. Not something you want to happen when wearing them. Neoprene is the go-to for true waterproof gloves and will also allow more flexibility and better fit.
the main purpose for wearing tactical gloves is protection for your hands. It is important to select a pair that includes features that maximize this protection while maintaining flexibility and function.
Look for extra material or padding in the palms, knuckles and along the fingers. Joints should be open or include spaces in any padding to increase the range of movement.
Shooters will want the trigger finger and tips of other fingers to have thinner material to allow the feel and dexterity needed to load magazines, feel weapons operation systems and manipulate buckles etc.
tactical gloves function best when they fit properly, which is generally considered tight. Having a form-fitting, skintight fit allows the gloves to cover and protect without impeding.
Think about the difference between wearing gloves and mittens. Many designs include a preformed anatomical shape that includes a molded curve like a hand in a partially closed grip.
Others are made from flexible nylon material to allow a full range of movement. It is also important to understand how a specific manufacturer sizes their gloves. If shopping in a brick and mortar store, try on several pair and see what fits you best. If shopping online review the sizing guide and return policy.
Remember, some materials will stretch with wear so check to see if that is the case before settling on a final size.
The main benefits of tactical glove are (1) protection for the hands in harsh conditions commonly encountered in tactical environments and (2) increased grip on tools and weapons when exposed to water, sweat, blood etc.
Depending on the pair selected today’s tactical gloves can also protect against cold and function as general purpose duty gloves as well.
It generally comes down to construction.
Almost all manufacturers boast their gloves protect from cuts, slashes, abrasions etc. while providing improved grip but what makes the best of the best stand above the others is construction – both materials and method.
Gloves that use the best materials and are constructed using double stitching, larger pull tabs etc. will last long and allow for ease of use.
In the long run, the latter will last longer, perform better, and ultimately rank higher in the ratings.
The hard knuckle covering is originally designed to protect the wear’s knuckles from abrasion and impact, both are common injuries in tactical situations.
Over time some users, as well as observers, have mistakenly decided this feature is designed to provide increased striking ability. While this may be a secondary benefit it is not an intended feature.
Obviously, it was never the intention of the designer that this feature would result in discomfort for the wearer. However, this is often the case and is usually the result of either poor fit or a design flaw.
If you select a pair of quality gloves an ensure they fit properly there should be no discomfort, although there may still be some restricted range of movement.Complete your outfit with tactical pants , tactical boots and tactical jackets