How Should Tactical Gloves Fit

They are worn by soldiers, LEO, professional hunters, and worn often at the range. They come in a multitude of camouflage colors or black, knuckle protection, wrist support or run all the way up to forearm for extra security. They protect your hands and are crucial for many soldiers and officers to keep their hands in the absolute best shape possible for maximum weapon maneuverability. Tactical gloves provide the best protection from both the elements, give you precise grip on gear as well as protection from sharp objects.

Tactical gloves should be considered an essential part of any professional or hobbyists kit. The question arises however, how should they fit when shooting? Will they diminish speed or affect the ability to shoot accurately? How do you ensure they fit properly to safeguard against lessened movement?

You need the right pair that is also right for your hands. Selecting a pair of gloves that fit you perfectly can be tricky. Several pieces of information need to be factored into your consideration before settling on a pair. You're looking for a pair of tactical gloves that will unquestionably be reliable in every situation you could encounter. Such as:

• Defend against knives, needles, sharp and ragged edges, thorns and other harmful objects.
• Make is easy to squeeze a trigger, comparatively almost as if wearing no gloves.
• Keep your hands warm in extreme conditions yet avoid making them sweat excessively hindering grip.

It isn't going too far to say that the wrong pair of gloves could mean possible disaster in a situation that may involve life or death for many when it comes to choosing a pair of gloves. So, what goes into making sure they are the correct fit? The first step is knowing exactly what your hand size is.

Measure

Measuring your hand will ensure more accuracy when it comes to finding the correct glove fit. It is important to remember that no two hands are perfectly alike, either. Finger length relative to palm size is not a constant from person to person and what may fit comfortably for you may not for someone else and vice versa.

You will need:

1. Tailor's measuring tape.

Wrap the tailor's measuring tape at the widest point of your hand. This is usually your knuckles, then make a loose fist. Note that measurement and round it to the nearest inch. That measurement can then be used to compare to a Tactical glove manufacturer's sizing chart to find your approximate glove size.

Do this for both hands, as it is usual that one hand is slightly larger than the other. Typically, it'll be your dominant hand. So for example if you are right handed, expect your right hand to be slightly larger than your left.

Glove feel

Properly fitting tactical gloves should present and feel like the following when worn:

• Brand new gloves will be a bit of a wrestle to first wear. Don't be afraid to use any pull tabs if they come with your gloves to put them on. They shouldn't be impossible to put on either. You'll want them to fit like a second skin, but not so tightly that it's uncomfortable.
• You shouldn't feel any discomfort or hot spots when wearing tactical gloves and your hands are in a relaxed, natural state. Let your hands relax at your sides as they naturally do in a half-curled state while wearing the gloves. Do you notice anything that feels too tight? The right fitting gloves should not give you any of these impressions.
• Move your fingers. You should generally be able to have a range of dexterity close to your natural, ungloved hand. Especially important if sensitivity and trigger touch is overall the most important thing for your gloves to have. There may be less dexterity if your tactical gloves are layered and designed for colder climates—so take into consideration the season or weather your gloves are made for.
• Test them. Testing them before using them in the field or before serious usage can help you determine if the tactical gloves you have are correctly fitted. Wearing them for a day to see how they feel, how easy or difficult things can be—whether or not you can use your cell phone, a touch screen, your firearm or grab hold of and keep a grip on objects well or not will tell you if you have found the right fit. Difficulty with any of these tasks shouldn't occur.
• Your hands shouldn't feel slippery, slick or sweaty. Breathable material is going to be a must, but if the gloves don't fit properly being able to wick away moisture or keep it away will be difficult. If you notice while testing your gloves that your hands begin to sweat and that sweat makes your grip slippery, or when your hands get wet, your ability to grip and hold things becomes precarious—your gloves may not be the right fit.
• Pay special attention to the seams and sticking. There should be no stretching or gaps or strings seen.
• The right glove has absolutely no excess fabric to get in your way. There shouldn't be any loose pieces.

Other factors that may influence the right fit to the tactical glove you want or are looking to replace is whether or not you will need padding to protect from the cold, heat, sharp objects, or sensitive tactile feedback. How durable and rugged you'd like them to be or if they need to be impact resistant will affect the thickness and dexterity of a glove as well.

You may find yourself having multiple gloves for multiple reasons such as weather, what job they need to do, trigger sensitivity, hobby, or even what conditions you face day-to-day.

Regardless of how many pair you have or may need, one thing is certain when it comes to their fit. Your tactical gloves should always be comfortable no matter what situation you use them in—the key indicator that you've found the perfect pair for your hands.