Find the Perfect Paintball Gloves
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Whether you are a beginner or a veteran, having the right set of gloves can make all the difference when it comes to your gameplay and actual enjoyment of the game. Not only do quality paintball gloves protect your hands (and sometimes fingers) from impact, but they also provide comfort and grip that gives you more control over your marker.
When I was just starting Woodsball with my friends, I had all the right gear – masks, markers and even camouflage because I was built different – but I used to forget my gloves. After getting shot a couple of times on the hands and fingers, I started using my work gloves just to have SOMETHING protecting my fingers.
Don’t do that.
In this article, I’ll help you decipher the types and features to look for when selecting the perfect glove for your style of play and the most important factors you should consider before making a purchase(but sometimes, it’s hard to beat just looking cool.)
The Best Paintball Gloves
#1: HK Army Paintball 2014 Pro Gloves
Tried and tested: the HK Army Paintball 2014 Pro Gloves are a premium pair of paintball gloves designed to provide maximum protection and comfort. Manufactured by HK Army, these gloves have been popular for a long time for a reason. They are made from high-quality materials and feature reinforced fingertips, extra padding on the back of the hands, and breathable fabric to keep your hands cool. The adjustable wrist closures ensure a secure fit and the flexible neoprene material allows for a full range of motion. With their superior level of protection and comfort, HK Army Paintball 2014 Pro Gloves are an ideal choice for any paintball game.
- Stylish design
- High-quality construction
- Comfortable fit
- STRONG Protection
- Comfortably fits knuckles
- Additional padding on palms in case of sliding or hard biffs
As I played more paintball, I became a lot pickier about my gloves. Bulky or uncomfortable gloves (like my work gloves) hindered my performance on the field, but after hearing my teammates go on and on about HK Army, and I was not disappointed. These gloves not only provided ample protection against impacts from paintballs but also allowed my trigger finger to feel unrestricted.
#2: Tippmann Armored gloves
The Tippmann Armored Gloves are a great choice for paintball players who want protection and comfort on a budget. These gloves feature strong flexible knuckle armor, a padded palm, and comfortable breathable fabric to provide an excellent fit. They are also very affordable, making them the perfect choice for paintballers looking for quality and value.
- Tippmann sports half finger armored paintball gloves
- Strong flexible knuckle armor
- Padded palm
- Comfortable and breathable fabric
- Velcro wrist closure
I recently played with a beginner who was using the Tippmann Armored Gloves. She was worried about how long they would last and whether they’d be comfortable, but after playing for a couple of hours she couldn’t believe that such a cheap product could offer so much protection and comfort. She said that it was 100% worth the price, and her hands weren’t as sore or bleeding like before when she wasn’t wearing gloves.
#3: Valken Alpha Half-Finger Gloves
The Valken Alpha Half Finger gloves offer a great combination of protection, comfort and durability. Crafted from breathable air mesh fabric and featuring low profile armor design, adjustable elastic wrist closure and stretch elastic cuff, they keep the wearer’s hands safe while providing maximum flexibility and grip. The impact resistant construction ensures that these gloves remain unscathed even after several matches. They also fit comfortably and offer a secure fit for maximum protection. All in all, these gloves are an excellent choice for paintball players who require superior performance and protection without compromising on comfort.
- Impact resistant low profile armor design
- Flexible articulating joints
- Adjustable elastic wrist closure
- Breathable air mesh fabric
- Stretch elastic cuff
I recently had the opportunity to talk to one of my competitive buddies after a match about gloves; he favors the Valken Alpha Half Finger gloves for their excellent grip on the gun and more flexibility during play. Overall, I these gloves to be very well made, reliable and effective, but the price is also really great at only $13.95, making them a great value purchase for those looking to get a quality paintball glove.
#4: Exalt Death Grip Paintball Glove
The Exalt Death Grip Paintball Glove is an innovative piece of equipment designed to provide superior protection and grip for paintball players. This glove features a 3D-contoured rubber bone structure that absorbs impacts and flexes with the user’s hand movements, complete protection for the index and middle fingers, high-density silicone palm printing to keep grip in slippery environments, and a synthetic leather palm and neoprene exterior to keep hands protected from both rough playing conditions and incoming paint. It’s hard to beat Exalt’s comfort, protection, breathability, and value for money. The Exalt Death Grip Paintball Glove is an excellent choice for any paintball player looking for superior performance and protection.
- 3D-contoured rubber bone structure absorbs impacts and flexes with your hand movements.
- Complete protection for your index and middle fingers
- High-density silicone palm printing keeps grip in slippery environments
- Synthetic leather palm and neoprene exterior protects your hands from both rough playing environments and incoming paint.
Over the Winter holidays, I had the chance to put the Exalt Death Grip Paintball Glove to the test and I was really impressed with their performance. The 3D-contoured rubber bone structure gave me excellent grip on the paintball gun, so I felt a bit more confident in my aim. The protection for my index and middle fingers was also great, and I still felt comfortable even when playing on rougher terrain. And of course, the glove’s breathability and moisture wicking properties kept my hands from getting too sweaty, which was a great bonus for a sweaty try-hard like me. Overall, I’m very happy with the Exalt Death Grip Paintball Glove and would definitely recommend it to anyone.
#5: WTACTFUL Rubber Guard Protective Full Finger Tactical Gloves
Despite coming from a relatively unknown brand, the WTACTFUL Rubber Guard Protective Full Finger Tactical Gloves are a great addition to any paintball player’s arsenal. With an excellent fit, durable construction, and a padded palm grip, these gloves provide protection from injury while allowing the user to have a better grip on their paintball gun. The extra padding also helps with climbing for woodsball.
- Thermoplastic Rubber guard protect against impact.
- Padded palm padding absorbs and dissipates impact energy.
- Nylon loop provides convenient storage.
- Improved hook and loop cuff style, Increased durability.
- Great for multi activities like tactical, airsoft, paintball, hiking, hunting, motorcycle, cycling, riding and etc. Also suitable for some kinds of work, such as lumbering and heavy industry.
I stumbled across the WTACTFUL Rubber Guard Protective Full Finger Tactical Gloves while searching for a pair of riding gloves. After trying them on, I felt like they would be perfect for paintball – and I was right! They fit snugly, kept a good grip on my gun even when things got wet or muddy and offered plenty of protection against errant shots. The extra padding also came in handy while climbing rocks and other terrain.
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Gloves for Paintball
Selecting the right gloves for paintball is a crucial part of your gaming gear, offering protection and enhancing grip during matches. Here’s a concise guide to assist you in picking the best paintball gloves.
Fit and Comfort
Your gloves should fit well, not too tight nor too loose, and they should allow for flexibility. The level of comfort directly affects your performance, so always try them on before purchasing, if possible.
Protection
Ensure the gloves provide sufficient padding, particularly in the knuckles and back of the hand. These areas are often exposed during gameplay, and robust padding will help prevent injuries from paintball hits.
Material and Durability
Look for gloves made from durable materials such as synthetic leather or high-density nylon. They should be capable of withstanding the wear and tear of intense paintball matches.
Grip
A glove with a good grip can greatly enhance your control over the marker. Some gloves have silicone or rubber elements on the palm area to improve grip.
Ventilation
Gloves should have good ventilation to prevent excessive sweating and ensure comfort. Mesh fabric or ventilation holes are good features to look out for.
Price and Brand
Lastly, consider your budget and the brand reputation. Always remember that expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better. Balance cost with your needs and preferences, and always check customer reviews for insights into a product’s performance.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can select the perfect gloves to enhance your performance and protection in paintball games. Enjoy the sport with the right gear!
Conclusion
To wrap it up, paintball gloves are an essential piece of gear for any paintball enthusiast. They provide superior protection, comfort, and improved performance on the field. Look for a pair made of high-quality materials that feature adjustable wrist closures and allow a full range of motion. Consider your preferences for fingers and ESPECIALLY the type of terrain you’ll be playing on before making a decision. With the right pair of gloves, you can stay safe and have an enjoyable experience on the field.
FAQ
Is it necessary to wear paintball gloves?
Only if you care about your fingers. In all seriousness, while not necessarily required, it’s highly recommended due to the added safety benefits they bring as well as improved performance on the field by keeping your hand comfortably protected from any impact or injury caused by an incoming paintball.
What qualities should I consider important in paintball gloves?
Look for high-quality materials that provide ample protection and comfort with reinforced fingertips, extra padding on the back of the hands, breathable fabric to keep your hands cool, adjustable wrist closures and flexible neoprene material allowing full range of motion.
What materials are used for paintball gloves?
Paintball gloves are often made with high-quality materials such as neoprene, nylon, or other synthetic materials. Some also feature reinforced fingertips, extra padding on the back of the hands, and breathable fabric to keep your hands cool. This ensures superior protection and comfort.
Half-glove/fingerless or full-sized?
It really depends on your preference. Half-glove or fingerless gloves provide more flexibility and mobility but less protection, while full-sized gloves offer more protection but can sometimes be limiting in terms of comfort and movement. Consider your needs and the type of terrain you’ll be playing on before making a decision.