Our Pick
TAC9ER Tactical Gloves
The TAC9ER gloves' inner Kevlar lining is what makes this pair top of our list, but that's not everything we love about them. From their hard molded knuckles to their reinforced palm grips and neoprene cuffs, these are simply a damn good pair of tactical gloves.
Buy On AmazonRead review
After much fanfare and anticipation, it’s finally out—our detailed review of the 7 best tactical gloves for 2021. Ok, maybe there isn’t that much fanfare, but we did work hard putting this list together. Enjoy.
Look, we’re all for living on the edge—riding big bikes, climbing mountains, going for a good game of airsoft, taking on long hikes, and taking down bad guys—but we’re also big on protecting ourselves. Especially our hands. Can you imagine the hassle of injuring your mitts?
We’ve been there, and it ain’t pretty.
That being said, a good pair of tactical gloves is a must-have for every prepper, outdoorsman, or hey, even an average joe. The right glove will help protect your hands from injury, keep them warm, and maintain tactility. It also provides adequate support and prevents repetitive stress damage to your hands and wrists.
But with so many tactical gloves in the market today, how do you separate the wheat from the chaff?
Well, that’s where we come in. We know you’ve got a lot on your plate, so we did the heavy lifting for you: we reviewed and tested 7 of the best tactical gloves on the market today.
Wanna know which gloves fit us best? Read on to find out:
What Should You Look for in Tactical Gloves?
Before we dive into the good stuff, here’s a little lowdown on the factors that you should consider when looking for a great tactical glove:
What Are You Using It For?
First things first: what are you using those gloves for? There are tons of tactical gloves out there and each kind caters to a different need.
The best way to pick the right glove is to first zero in on your needs.
For example, if you handle firearms in your line of work or if you love to hunt, you’d need a glove that would allow you extreme tactility and dexterity when shooting. You might want to forego additional protective layers in favor of a thinner glove that gives your fingers sensitivity while on the trigger.
On the flip side, if you work outdoors or expect your hands to be pretty banged up, you might want to invest in tactical gloves with features like hard-shell knuckles or reinforced palm grips. Military, law enforcement, or first responders need robust gloves that protect them from cuts or fire, so Kevlar lining might be a huge factor to consider.
Once you’ve identified your needs, it would be way easier to come up with criteria and narrow down your choices in terms of material, protective features, and the like.
Material
Tactical gloves can be made from a variety of materials like the following:
- Synthetic fabrics: The most common synthetic fabrics include neoprene and nylon composites. These materials are known for their lightness, strength, and durability, as well as their moisture-wicking properties.
- Leather: Other gloves are made from natural materials like goat hide or sheepskin. These types of animal leather are soft yet durable, so they’re great if you want to keep a low-profile glove that doesn’t kill your dexterity.
- Kevlar: A durable synthetic fabric primarily used in making bulletproof vests and the like. Gloves with Kevlar lining can generally withstand flames and cuts, making them slash- and scorch-proof.
Protection
Aside from having Kevlar lining, some gloves sport additional protective features like padded or armored knuckles. These knuckle reinforcements can be made from materials like thermoplastic rubber, ballistic nylon, or hard plastic.
Other protective reinforcements include paddings on the heel of the hand, on the index knuckles, and trigger fingers to absorb force and pressure.
Fit
There’s a reason why people use the phrase “fits like a glove” to describe something that’s got the right size and shape. If you pick one that’s too small or tight, you’d risk impeding your mobility. Choose something too big, and you’ll have a hard time controlling your grip and movements, too. Thus, never underestimate the power of choosing the right glove size.
It’s usually a matter of trial and error. The glove has to close securely around the wrists, fit your hand comfortably, and have little space around the finger areas.
Can’t fit the gloves in person? Use a sizing chart. Most, if not all, glove companies have a sizing chart available for your reference, so if you can’t test the gloves out in person, make sure to measure your hands first before ordering.
Durability
Your tactical gloves are meant to withstand a lot of use and abuse, so make sure they’re durable. Don’t just examine the material; you also have to consider the quality of the gloves’ construction too.
Watch out for fraying ends and loose threads. Dodgy elastic cuffs and closures? Say pass. Pick a pair that has nice and strong double-stitched seams instead. Make sure that the wrist closures and velcro straps fit snugly, too.
Grip
A good grip is a non-negotiable, especially when you need to shoot. Some shooting gloves come with notches along the fingers for added flexibility. Other gloves have textured anti-slip features on the fingers and on the palms to improve grip.
Touchscreen Compatibility
Touchscreen devices like smartphones and tablets have now become a fixture in our daily lives. If you need to use a touchscreen device often, consider a glove that allows you to manipulate these gadgets with ease.
How We Did Our Review
As with all our reviews, our tactical gloves review began by searching high and low for the best products in the market today. We looked at dozens of online reviews, hung out at forums, and read hundreds of customer feedback before narrowing our list to the 7 best tactical gloves.
Once we had the gloves in our hands, our editorial review team subjected them to a couple of rigorous tests. We also took the gloves camping, tested the Kevlar lining by making fires, and tried, in vain, to cut them open. Generally speaking, we wore these gloves out. You’ll find the results of our testing below:
The Best Tactical Gloves on the Market Today
TAC9ER Tactical Gloves
The TAC9ER gloves' inner Kevlar lining is what makes this pair top of our list, but that's not everything we love about them. From their hard molded knuckles to their reinforced palm grips and neoprene cuffs, these are simply a damn good pair of tactical gloves.
Features
- Kevlar lined
- Flame and cut resistant
- Hard molded knuckle protection
- Palm and wrist straps
- Reinforced palm grips
- Neoprene cuff
- Touchscreen-compatible
Pros
- Kevlar lining makes it flame and cut-proof
- Touchscreen compatible
- Secure wrist and palm straps
- Hard knuckle protection
- Reinforced palm grips
Cons
- Some may find the fit too snug or thick
There’s a lot to love about these tactical gloves from outdoor and survival brand TAC9ER, but what really impressed us was their Kevlar lining. They practically made this pair of gloves impervious to cuts and high heat—and trust us, we tried to destroy this glove. It didn’t budge.
Next, the hardshell knuckles. If you need a lot of protection on the job, during combat, or just need a robust glove that can take a beating, this is a good pair to get. The glove’s tough plastic knuckles may get scratched in the process, but your hands will remain safe.
The TAC9ER has a comfortable fit as well. The gloves fit securely as it has both palm and wrist straps. The cuff is made of neoprene, which is breathable and has moisture-wicking properties.
Since it’s pretty warm and snug, you won’t have any trouble when wearing this pair during the colder months.
We also like how your fingers remain sensitive enough for shooting and other tasks that require dexterity. Though it’s got additional protective layers inside and reinforced palm grips, the glove still allows you a full range of motion. Its forefinger and thumb are also touch-screen compatible, so you don’t have to take them off when you need to use a smartphone or tablet.
It’s pretty safe to say that the TAC9ER Tactical Gloves checked all our boxes and passed our tests with flying colors. It’s also pretty affordable at $29.99, so you really get the best bang for your buck.
Mechanix Multicam M-Pact Tactical Gloves
Mechanix Multicam M-Pact Tactical Gloves are a great addition to Mechanix's already neat lineup of gloves. This pair offers a great deal of protection and even comes in a cool camo color.
Features
- Camo gloves
- Thermoplastic knuckles
- Armortex reinforcements and D30 padding
- Internal fingertip reinforcements
- Machine washable
Pros
- Camo gloves
- Thermoplastic knuckles
- Palm and finger reinforcements
Cons
- Poor touchscreen capability
- No Kevlar lining
Mechanix is a brand that’s been in the game for so long that it’s almost interchangeable with the words “hard, sturdy work gloves.”
The Mechanix Multicam M-Pact Tactical Glove is a step above the usual Mechanix M-Pact workhorse. It’s still got the same TrekDry technology and the usual workmanship you’d expect from a Mechanix glove, but it’s also got a ton more features that would make it great for people in law enforcement or the military.
Think of it as a Mechanix glove on steroids. For one, it comes in a nice camo color—the only one on this list, actually.
Then you get a thermoplastic knuckle guard that extends all the way to the tips of the fingers. It’s not as “tough” as the hard-knuckle variety, but it does afford you a bit of flexibility— so it’s kind of a middle ground between those hard-knuckle gloves and those without it.
The biggest difference between this glove and the usual Mechanix Mpact glove is the palm. It’s equipped with tons of protective material: you’ve got Armortex reinforcements along the index knuckle and D30 paddings on the heel for added protection against high-impact force.
If you’re someone who’s in the shooting range a lot or just a regular Joe who does robust jobs, this might be a good match for you.
It’s kind of chunky, though, so if dexterity is your main priority or if you’re doing lots of fine-motor tasks, then there are other gloves that might better suit your needs.
You also wouldn’t want this if you need to use your smartphone a lot. Although its reinforced thumb and forefinger are advertised to be touch-screen compatible, we didn’t find that to be true upon testing.
You can’t find an inch of Kevlar on this, too, so it’s not the best if you need a slash and scorch-proof glove. It’s great enough for some tough jobs, but don’t go handling hot coals with it (we ended up singing the material).
Overall, the Mechanix Multicam M-Pact Tactical Gloves are great for tough jobs and even military operations. They’re a bit on the chunky side, but will offer adequate protection even if the touchscreen feature is a bit dodgy.
Buy on AmazonPIG Dexterity Tactical Alpha Gloves
If dextrous gloves are what you're looking for, the PIG Dexterity Tactical Alpha Gloves may be right up your alley. While they aren't the smartest choice for heavy-duty jobs, these gloves offer enough protection for activities like rigging snares.
Features
- Single layer multi-piece palm
- Touchscreen compatible
- Notched fingers for maximum dexterity
- Thin knuckle padding
Pros
- Super snug fit
- Notches on fingers allow for maximum dexterity and sensitivity
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Touchscreen compatible
Cons
- May not be the best choice if you need heavy protection
- No Kevlar lining
- Not flame-resistant
And here we’ve got the notorious PIG. PIG gloves are known for their snug fit and “barehand” sensation. How do they hold up against the bigger, bulkier gloves on this list?
At first glance, these PIG gloves look nothing out of the ordinary. The pair we got was black and slate gray and they were markedly thinner than the rest of the gloves in the lineup. The fit is slightly snugger than the other gloves, too, so prepare to really squeeze in. If you’ve got big hands, you might consider buying a size up.
The knuckles are reinforced with stretch ballistic nylon, and while you can’t break a perp’s nose with it, it can sure protect your hands from most of the stuff you’ll encounter while out on the field. While not flame resistant, the PIG gloves are more or less slash-proof.
These PIG gloves may not be the best gloves when you need a cozy pair during the winter, or if you’re doing crazy rough jobs, but they are a perfect fit if you need dexterity.
True to their promise, PIG gloves feel like a second skin. Its snug fit does not impede your mobility and dexterity at all. In fact, it retains your dexterity while providing some protection at the same time.
Each finger has notches allow flexibility and dexterity. It’s also very breathable. Instead of additional paddings along the palm, you can find ventilation holes, so sweating wouldn’t be an issue. If you need a pair of gloves for shooting or if you hate taking your gloves off when doing small tasks like fire making or setting up snares, this pair would be a good bet.
We also love that it’s truly touchscreen compatible. It’s like using the phone with your own fingers.
All in all, the PIG’s greatest strength is that it allows your fingers to stay nimble. They may not be the warmest gloves out there, but if you need deft hands as in shooting, these are a great pair to have.
5.11 Screen Ops Tactical Gloves
Fancy a sleek-looking pair of gloves? Introducing the 5.11 Screen Ops Tactical Gloves. Made with sheepskin leather, these gloves are soft and help with mobility—but don't expect them to be of much use for rugged activities.
Features
- Touchscreen compatible
- Sheepskin palm
- Neoprene cuff
- Padded knuckles
Pros
- Touchscreen compatible
- Low-key and discreet
- Seamless sheepskin palm is soft and great for mobility
Cons
- No grip reinforcements on palm
- Not cut resistant
- High price point
The 5.11 ScreenOps Tactical Gloves look so sleek and fancy that they might be better suited for Batman’s butler than Batman himself. Its palms are seamless, and there’s hardly a stitch out of place. It’s also lightweight without a lot of bells and whistles.
But how does this sleek number compare to the more rugged gloves on this list?
The 5.11 ScreenOps performed really well when put to the smartphone screen test. It’s compatible with most, if not all, smartphones and works without a hitch.
The fit is snug but not restrictive. The sheepskin leather makes the glove quite supple, although not slash-proof. Since the palms are seamless and smooth, you won’t have as much traction in your grip.
You can find additional padding on the knuckles for protection. The wrist is pretty secure and snug with a longer cuff.
Apart from these minimalist, if not ordinary, qualities, there’s really not much to say about the 5.11 ScreenOps Tactical gloves. It does a stellar job with its touchscreen-compatible features, but apart from that, it’s just a pretty motorcycle glove. Good for EDC or riding perhaps, but not for rugged jobs and activities.
Buy on AmazonJIUSY Tactical Gloves
Features
- Thermoplastic plastic knuckle guards
- Touchscreen compatible
- Nylon composite material
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Touchscreen compatible
Cons
- Bulky knuckle guards
- No Kevlar lining
Amazon customers love their JIUSY Tactical Gloves, and if you consider the price point, it’s really no wonder why. These chunky gloves are dirt-cheap at a little more than $14. The question is, are they any good?
Looking at the JIUSY, you’ll first notice their knuckle guards. They’re huge! They’re made from thermoplastic rubber, so they're bulky yet capable of diffusing force applied to your knuckles.
The gloves fit well enough if you make a fist, but they’re quite awkward when you spread your palms out. They’re also not the comfiest things to wear if, for example, you need to reach into your pockets or if you need maximum dexterity.
You can find leather reinforcements on the thumb and middle finger for touch screen capabilities. There’s no Kevlar lining the inside of the glove, so the material may burn or get easily singed when exposed to extreme heat. The wrists straps make for short cuffs, and they can turn loose with activity.
All things considered, you get what you pay for with these gloves. They don’t have the most finesse, nor are they the most dexterous, but they’re enough for everyday chores and the like. These are the pair to to use when you don’t mind your gloves getting dirty or damaged from overuse.
Buy On AmazonHatch Street Guard Tactical Gloves
The Hatch Street Guard Tactical Gloves are thinner than other gloves, but they're also one of the few with Kevlar lining. We'd say these gloves are pretty decent, even though their wrist straps and touch screen capabilities aren't super reliable.
Features
- Kevlar-lined
- Velcro wrist strap
- Synthetic leather palm
- Non-slip patches
Pros
- Kevlar lining makes it flame and cut-proof
- Lightweight and breathable
- Additional protection between thumb and forefinger
Cons
- Poor touchscreen capability
- Thin wrist straps
The Hatch Street Guard Tactical Gloves are some of the thinner gloves on this list, but they're one of the few lined with Kevlar. Lots of people swear that this glove can take a lot of tough jobs even if it lacks in bulk, and we wanted to find that out for ourselves.
It’s quite similar to the PIG but not as thin nor dexterous. The wrist straps leave a lot to be desired; we would’ve wanted them to be more secure and snug. We like that it’s got protective padding in that vulnerable space between your forefinger and thumb, though.
Manipulating the smartphone screen is a bit of a hit or miss, too.
The upside is that these gloves have Kevlar lining, so although they're quite thin, they can take some slashes and abrasion. They're quite resistant to high heat, too, so that’s a plus.
All things considered, the Hatch Street Guard Tactical Gloves have a lot of desirable qualities. While their wrist straps and touch screen capabilities need a bit of work, the rest of their features are pretty solid.
Buy on AmazonRAPDOM Tactical Kevlar Gloves
The good thing about the RAPDOM Tactical Kevlar Gloves? They have inner Kevlar lining. The bad thing about the RAPDOM Tactical Kevlar Gloves? Everything else.
Read our full review to find out why.
Features
- Kevlar lined
- Slip-on feature
- Elastic cuff
- Hard plastic knuckle guard
Pros
- Kevlar lining makes it flame and cut-proof
Cons
- Wrist seams started fraying during testing
- Slip-on feature is not secure
- Knuckle guards are too rigid
- Poor touchscreen capability
Like TAC9ER, Hatch, and 5.11, Rapdom's gloves are equipped with Kevlar lining. Unlike those gloves, however, these don't quite deliver.
First, the wrist straps are absent altogether. The glove has a “slip-on” feature, so there are no velcro or self-fasteners in place. You just get an elastic cuff, which doesn’t look or feel too secure. If anything, this pair resembles clunky old gardening gloves. They’re bulky and are not dexterous at all.
Their touch screen compatibility feature is a no-go, and its knuckle guards are too rigid to conform to the shape of your fist. On top of that, these gloves started fraying at the wrists within a day of testing, which was disappointing but not totally unexpected.
Perhaps the only saving grace of this glove was its Kevlar lining, which makes it resistant to high heat and abrasions. But since there are other Kevlar-lined gloves on the list that performed tons better, we’ll skip this one.
Buy on AmazonFinal Thoughts
There’s no such thing as one perfect tactical glove because it really depends on the person’s needs. A marksman or a member of law enforcement could have a different idea of the best tactical gloves compared to, say, a casual biker or someone in construction.
Still, considering the overall quality and price-performance ratio, we gotta say that the TAC9ER tactical gloves earned our respect. The Kevlar lining didn’t budge even when we did our worst to cut or burn through it. The gloves are pretty comfy as well.
The Mechanix MultiCam M-Pact Tactical Glove was pretty neat, too, especially if you need a robust glove for robust jobs.
In terms of tactility, PIG’s snug fit checked all of our boxes.
Now, over to you. Which of these gloves do you wanna try out first? Have you used any of them for work or for fun? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below!
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