When choosing sailing gloves, it’s crucial to consider factors like weather conditions, sailing activities, and personal preferences. To help you narrow down your options, I’ve categorized sailing gloves based on key features:
Warmth:
- Neoprene: Excellent at keeping hands warm and dry in cold and wet conditions. Popular options include 2-3mm thickness for moderate temperatures and 5mm+ for colder climates. (Ex: Gill Helmsman Gloves)
- Polar fleece lining: Provides warmth and comfort in milder conditions. (Ex: Musto Essential Long Finger Glove)
- Wool: Natural material that retains heat even when wet, but dries slower than synthetic options. (Ex: Rothco Mil-Spec Wool Gloves)
Dexterity:
- Open finger gloves: Offer maximum dexterity for handling lines and knots. Ideal for warmer weather sailing and activities requiring precision. (Ex: Musto Dipped Grip Sailing Gloves)
- Short finger gloves: Provide a balance between warmth and dexterity. Good for moderate temperatures and tasks requiring both grip and flexibility. (Ex: Gill Deckhand Short Finger Gloves)
- Long finger gloves: Offer maximum warmth and protection but may sacrifice some dexterity. Suitable for cold weather sailing and activities like trimming sails. (Ex: Zhik Superwarm gloves)
Grip:
- Polyurethane (PU) coating: Provides excellent grip on wet surfaces and good durability. (Ex: RainRider Sailing Gloves)
- Silicone: Offers superior grip in wet and dry conditions but may wear out faster than PU. (Ex: Henri Lloyd Deck Grip Long Finger Glove)
- Textured palms: Enhanced grip without additional coating, often found on wool or fleece gloves.
Water resistance:
- Waterproof: Fully sealed seams and materials block water penetration, ideal for cold and wet conditions. (Ex: Sealskinz Fusion Control™ Gloves)
- Water-resistant: Repels water to some extent but not fully waterproof. Suitable for light rain or spray. (Ex: Mystic Star 3mm Open Palm Wetsuit Gloves)
- Non-waterproof: Breathable materials offer comfort but not water protection. Best for warm weather sailing. (Ex: Musto Essential Short Finger Glove)
Additional features:
- Reinforced fingertips and palms: Enhance durability and protect against wear and tear.
- Touchscreen compatible fingertips: Allow using phones and tablets without removing gloves.
- Reflective elements: Improve visibility in low-light conditions.
Remember, the best sailing gloves are the ones that suit your specific needs and preferences. Consider the weather conditions you’ll be sailing in, the activities you’ll be doing, and your desired level of dexterity and warmth. By understanding your priorities, you can choose the perfect gloves to keep your hands comfortable and protected on your next sailing adventure!
I hope this information helps you find the ideal pair of sailing gloves! Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any further questions.
