Many of us arrive at our first ocean trip without sailing gloves. If we don’t get lucky and borrow a pair, they’re going to be at the top of our post-trip “to buy” list. Sailing involves ropes, even if they are referred to as lines. Many of those lines are tense, and if we’re not careful, we’ll find them moving in unexpected directions. Even experienced sailors are well aware that a lot of things can happen quickly and unexpectedly on a sailboat, and many of those things can endanger your hands. The bottom line is that if you are going to sail, you must protect your hands, which means you must wear gloves.
Top Review of 5 Best Sailing Gloves for Hands Protection
Each brand has its own patented technology materials, often with exotic names, especially for the palm, which receives the most use when handling lines. There’s also some remarkable attention to detail, such as locking tabs to keep the Velcro wristband from opening if it gets snagged on a line, watch cut-outs, and sectioned materials for better finger articulation. A few designs are designed specifically for winter and summer conditions, meeting the needs of frostbite sailors as well as those in warmer climates.
However, the true test of a good pair of sailing gloves is comfort, grip, and durability. If you want a simple sailing glove with comparable price points, there are plenty of options. If you’re looking for some unique takes on the traditional glove, there are a few options. We focused on full-finger gloves, which cover all of the fingers except the pointer and thumb on most models, though half-finger versions are available for many. Choosing your gloves may appear difficult, but this list of the best sailing gloves should help you get started.
1. Waterproof Sailing Gloves Gill Deckhand
| Pros |
|---|
| The pre-shaped design ensures a good fit. |
| Inner wrist closure restricts false watch starts. |
| Sun protection with a UV 50+ rating and a water-repellent design. |
| Flex fabric at the back provides a comfortable fit that dries quickly. |
| Cons |
|---|
| Sizing may be an issue for those with bigger hands. |
You shouldn’t have any problems fitting and wearing Waterproof Sailing Gloves Gill Deckhand for hours at a time because they’re made of neoprene and have a stretchy wristband. The product features a 4-way stretch fabric as well as reinforced seams for increased durability. One of the best aspects is that these gloves have a dura-grip as well as UV 50+ protection, so you’ll be fine sailing on a hot and sunny day. Most notably, such a design improves abrasion resistance and overall flexibility. Last but not least, there is 10% neoprene, which adds to the flexibility and comfort that these sailing gloves provide.
2. Ronstan Summer Sailing Gloves
| Pros |
|---|
| Excellent gripping power. |
| double stitching and padding. |
| A low-cut wristband ensures a secure fit. |
| Mesh panel construction allows for quick drying. |
| Cons |
|---|
| Some users find the sticky coating to be an annoyance. |
The Ronstan Summer Sailing Gloves are made of ‘Amara’ synthetic leather, which is known for its high strength and low stretch and shrinkage. It features double Aramid stitching in high wear areas, as well as double thickness in the palm and fingers for added protection and grip. Mesh panels are used for greater flexibility and comfort, as well as quick drying. It has a low-cut neoprene wristband that is specially designed for a snug fit and easy access to the sailor’s watch. It also has UPF 50 protection (Ultra-Violet Protection Factor). Sticky gloves reduce fatigue caused by exerting too much physical effort when holding the rope. Ronstan has a short finger. Race Sailing Gloves with a “Sticky” Surface.
3. Gill Championship 3 Finger Sailing Gloves
| Pros |
|---|
| 4-way stretchable back for comfort. |
| Wraparound palm for full protection. |
| Finger Seams that relaxes finger joints. |
| Cons |
|---|
| It is not completely waterproof. |
The 3-finger glove is a workaround. The tips of the thumb and first finger are opened for knot tying and other fine dexterity tasks, while the other three fingers are completely closed in for warmth. Gill Championship 3 Finger Sailing Gloves advances it with the meticulous design and high-level execution that we expect from a company that has built its reputation on producing high-quality sailing gear. They are a popular choice for both serious racers and recreational sailors, and they have earned their popularity! These long-lasting, comfortable gloves have a long list of sailing-specific features, are reasonably priced, and will be a top choice for sailors looking for affordable quality equipment.
4. Gill Pro Full Finger Sailing Gloves
| Pros |
|---|
| Contoured fit allows for superior dexterity. |
| The lower palm grip fabric is extremely useful. |
| Proton palm and finger padding provides additional protection. |
| Cons |
|---|
| Some users may not fit well on their finger. |
The Gill Pro Full Finger Sailing Gloves are designed for serious sailors. If you’re looking for the best sailing gloves that can withstand continuous serious sailing work, these could be the gloves for you. They have a sculpted fit and a stretchy woven fabric on the back for easy movement and flexibility. The finger lengths are considerate, providing additional protection. The cuffs are made of neoprene and have a tight fit. These Gill sailing gloves are ideal for dinghy and yacht racing inshore, as well as short offshore racing. They are available in both short and long finger versions. They have gloves that fit a kid’s hand and come in sizes ranging from extra-large to double extra-large.
5. Helly Hansen Half Finger Sailing Gloves
| Pros |
|---|
| Wrist velcro adjustment. |
| Washing machine friendly. |
| Resilience of composition. |
| The palm is enhanced with leather. |
| Cons |
|---|
| Not as comfortable as comparable models. |
The main material used in the construction of Helly Hansen Half Finger Sailing Gloves is polyester, which is regarded as one of the best solutions when it comes to waterproof sports products. There is also the popular leather palm protection, which allows for a firm grip while reducing the risk of blisters. In terms of design, you’re looking at short-finger sailing gloves that are lightweight and long-lasting. These are available in black and gray and should go with almost any sailing outfit. It is safe to say that anyone on a more flexible budget who needs gloves that are durable enough for continuous use will find these to be a reliable option.
What To Check When Buying Sailing Gloves?
Here are the parts that you need to inspect.
MATERIALS FROM PALM TREES
The palm of a sailing glove is the most important part. Palms must be sticky enough to provide a good grip on wet lines, padded enough to protect hands from rope burns and impact, and durable enough to withstand heavy friction.
The majority of manufacturers use synthetic leather compounds for their palms, which are often double thick. Because many sailors run lines over the edges of their hands, some wrap the palm pad around the edge of the hand as well.
INSERTS LIKE MESH
Mesh inserts are used in low-friction areas to increase durability while also allowing for ventilation. They are primarily found in products designed for warm-weather sailing.
THE WRIST AREA
Users are occasionally surprised to discover velcro closures on the inside of the wrist on sailing gloves, whereas most sport gloves have them on the back or outside of the wrist. This is done to prevent the closure from interfering with the visibility or controls of watches or wrist-mounted GPS units, both of which can be critical in racing. For the same reason, many sailing gloves have a short wrist, and some have a cutout on the back of the wrist to accommodate a watch.
FULL BACKHAND
The back of a sailing glove is the least important part, but it must stretch easily to allow for free movement. Manufacturers add hard rubber ridges to the backs of the hands for extra protection.
Different Types of Sailing Gloves
Explaining the details on each type or each kind of sail glove.
Short or half finger sailing gloves
Wraps the hand and the base of the fingers while leaving all fingers open for maximum dexterity. Warm-weather like summer sailors and those with a primary need for palm protection prefer them.
Three-finger sailing gloves
Leaves the tips of the thumb and first fingers exposed while completely covering the other three fingers. They provide more warmth and protection while retaining thumb and first finger dexterity.
Full finger sailing gloves
It entirely covers the fingers, providing maximum protection and warmth while sacrificing dexterity. Good for cold weather like winter days where the temperature is freezing.
Picking on the 5 Best Sailing Gloves from Amazon
Many of us require a pair of high-quality sailing gloves, especially when participating in activities such as fishing, canoeing, and sailing. The Gill Sailing Gloves are our personal favorite. They are a little more expensive, but given the comfort and control they provide, they are well worth the money. The Helly Hansen, which are more affordable and have an excellent grip and a fantastic custom fit, are our second choice.
