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Tactical gloves are an essential part of every warrior’s kit. It is with our hands that we hold our guns, it’s with our hands that we grip our knives, it is with our hands that we subdue our foe, and it is with our hands that in a time of combat, we fight for everything we hold near and dear. For these reasons, having the best tactical gloves is so essential.

Now, what makes the best tactical gloves is largely determined by the tasks you intend to do while wearing those gloves. When I’m shooting, I prefer a lighter, less protective glove.

However, when my tasks vary, and I’m operating armoured vehicles, sending lead down range with machine guns, or a multitude of other tasks, I prefer a heavier, more protective glove.

TOP 3 GLOVES

With so many options on the market these days, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s fake. I bring you what I believe to be 10 of the best tactical gloves you can buy today.

SHOOTING GLOVES

SKD TACTICAL – PIG (FDT) DELTA UTILITY GLOVE

The PIG Full Dexterity Tactical (FDT) Delta Utility glove is the NUMBER 1 glove used by professional lead-slingers everywhere. They have been field-tested by Special Operations Soldiers and units time and time again. The glove’s reputation speaks more than any write-up ever could! 

SKD Tactical worked hard to create a thin fingertip that gives perfect touchscreen capability, while still providing protection while shooting.

The entire glove is single-layered for maximum dexterity. They have fold-over fingertips and tailored fourchettes for maximum comfort, as well as a sensitized trigger finger blowing for zero loss in feel when putting bullets down range.

They have a bar-tacked webbing wrist pull to aid in putting your gloves on as well as providing a manner to hang them from your tactical belt or plate carrier. The PIG FDT Deltas also come with elastic band-style cuffs to secure the gloves firmly to your wrists.

VIKTOS – WARTORN

The range is littered with would-be tactical shooting gloves that have failed to live up to a weekend of training. Blown seams, shredded palms, and failed fingers all tell a sad tale of handwear woe. The WARTORN glove was designed to overcome these points of gear failure while adding additional service and functionality.

The WARTORN features next-to-skin synthetic suede covering the fingers and palm providing the operator with increased sensitivity. As well as a padded polyester mesh chassis. This close contact material ensures it’s only your target that suffers and not your shooting.

The polymer knuckles provide decent protection for your hand from field abrasions and lower jaw bones.

The trigger finger and thumb on the WARTORN are touchscreen-compatible making electronics usable while still wearing the gloves. The glove has a standard velcro adjustable wrist cinch closure.

VIKTOS’S WARTORN comes with their unique, fun, and awesome “Moralphabet” compatible knuckle pads. Giving you the ability to send one last message before you pull that trigger.

MAGPUL – TECHNICAL 2.0

MAGPUL is an industry leader in tactical gear and is widely known for the quality of its gear. The MAGPUL Technical 2.0 is the most lightweight and tactile glove in their entire lineup.

With narrow fingers and a snug fit, the Technical 2.0 offers the ultimate dexterity a tactical shooting glove can have. The narrow forefingers also help maintain your range of motion for better control of your firearm’s trigger and selector. 

The Technical 2.0 is made with a corded nylon back offering some although minimal abrasion protection for the wearer. The thumb and palm are made from synthetic suede offering a next-to-skin feel again ensuring perfect trigger control from start to finish.

The middle, trigger, and thumb on the Technical 2.0’s are all touchscreen compatible so you never have to take them off while in the field.

Magpul’s Technical 2.0 glove is versatile enough to perform in almost any environment while keeping your hands from taking a beating.

FIRST TACTICAL – PATROL GLOVE

First Tactical’s lightweight Patrol glove offers a professional fit, appearance, and performance making this a go-to glove for anyone on front-line duty. This tactical glove allows you to act with maximum speed and precision as it combines extreme tactility with long-term durability to become your essential tool of the trade.

The goat skin leather palm is thin enough to provide a next-to-skin feeling as you’re shooting or searching someone and yet is durable enough to last you for years. It offers a very precise and snug fit so you can feel proud of every trigger pull.

On top of that First Tactical’s engineering gives you a better fit for even greater efficiency and performance, with a seamless wrap-around index finger design that is touchscreen-friendly and more sensitive than ever before.

The thumb valley is reinforced, protecting your hand from the ever-annoying slide bite and ensuring your range day isn’t cut short by a needless injury.

First Tactical has also included their awesome watch cut out in the wristband so that you can see your watch and so that the buttons on your watch aren’t getting pressed as you go about your day.

VIKTOS – LEO DUTY GLOVE

VIKTOS designed the LEO Duty glove specifically with those on the front lines of unrest on their minds. The minimalist tactical chassis features a polyester mesh backhand mated to a durable synthetic leather palm. This AX Suede provides a fantastic feel as you’re working the trigger on any gun.

The LEO Duty glove has also been given a reinforced thumb valley to protect your hand from slide bite while firing your favourite pistol. A velcro cinch closer and an integrated pull tab allow you to get the LEO on nice and snug and then keep it on.

VIKTOS has created the LEO touchscreen compatible like most tactical gloves these days, however unlike most other tactical gloves which just make the thumb and trigger finger compatible, every finger on the LEO is touch screen compatible.

Thanks to the LEO’s snug fit, tight fingers, and suede palm, the wearer of the LEO is given complete dexterity and next-to-skin feel, while still maintaining some abrasion resistance.

COMBAT GLOVES

FIRST TACTICAL – PRO KNUCKLE GLOVES

First Tactical offers first-class protection and movement with their Pro Knuckle glove. This tactical glove is both reliable and durable, without giving up the mobility of lighter wear alternatives. The Pro Knuckle has long fingers and offers a snug next-to-skin feeling which is quite difficult in these thicker duty gloves.

The palm and fingers are entirely goat skin which is extremely durable and should allow the wearer to get a lot of use out of these gloves. As well the goat skin allows the Pro Knuckle to have fairly decent touchscreen sensitivity.

First Tactical’s knuckle protection is fairly unique. The isolated and hidden TPR knuckle design allows for independent knuckle splay and rotation, giving you amazing tactility while maintaining solid, reliable protection. As well the closed-cell, perforated foam offers bacteria-resistant ventilation, while keeping your knuckles sufficiently guarded and nimble.

First Tactical has also added the awesome feature of a watch cut out in their wristband so that the wristband isn’t always hitting your watch and pressing on the buttons as well as giving you the ability to see your watch with your gloves on.

OAKLEY – FACTORY PILOT 2.0

The Oakley Men’s Factory Pilot 2.0 gloves combine maximum all-weather protection, comfort and breathability without compromising performance and safety. 

The knuckles on these puppies are carbon fibre, giving the wearer absolute protection from the harsh environments combat takes place in.

The Pilot 2.0’s come with a thick full grain goat skin leather palm covered in micro ventilation. The goat skin lets you get the maximum amount of sensitivity and dexterity out of the gloves while the micro ventilation helps to provide some breathability for your hands.

The chassis is a very thought-through combination of synthetic leather, corded nylon, neoprene, and Airprene. The leather covers most of the backhand while the nylon is used on the bottom half of the backhand and the fingertips. The nylon offers the fingers some flexibility while still offering some protection. Finally, the suede is used over the knuckles for comfortable flexibility.

For military operators who need maximum protection and minimal interference from the gloves they wear on exercise or while deployed these Oakley Men’s Factory Pilot 2.0 gloves are great for those who expect the best.

MECHANIX – M-PACT COVERT TACTICAL

The Mechanix M-Pact gloves are hands down the most popular tactical glove on Amazon and I’d go so far as to say the most popular glove in the Canadian military. This I’m sure though is due to what you get and the price point you get it for.

The M-Pact Covert Tactical gloves come with thermoplastic rubber (TPR) on the knuckles and cover 3 out of the five fingers, leaving the index finger uncovered to better fit in your trigger guard while shooting.

The entire palm is made of .8mm thick synthetic leather and is reinforced by the awesome material D3O, which adds padding to absorb and dissipate vibration. The D30 is specifically placed in an ergonomic design to be more comfortable and effective.

Mechanix Wear has used their form-fitting TrekDry material for the chassis of the glove. The TrekDry forms to the back of your hand and wicks moisture away to keep your hands cool and comfortable on patrol.

The trigger finger and thumb have both been made touch-screen compatible and have been given silicon strips to increase their grip on whatever it is you’re holding whether it be a gun, knife, or any other tool of the trade you may be holding.

GLOVE STATION – COMBAT TACTICAL GLOVE

Glove Station is arguably a less known company among tactical gear enthusiasts yet is a company that has learned they can produce an AWESOME combat glove with all the bells and whistles as the more expensive gloves and yet sell them at half the price.

The Combat Tactical gloves come with carbon fiber knuckles, the industry-leading material in knuckle and hand protection with carbon fiber being rated at about 5 times lighter and 5 times stronger than steel.

The entire palm is made from durable synthetic leather and reinforced with PU leather which is known for its toughness and durability.

The chassis of the glove is made from a few different materials. The back of the hand and fingers are comprised mainly of padded spandex for easy moving, corded nylon on the fingertips for good abrasion resistance and neoprene over the knuckles for comfortable and again easy movement.

The Combat Tactical glove has air vents on each finger for increased breathability and a hook and loop full wrist cinch strap that provides the most secure hold a glove can have. The trigger finger, middle finger, and thumb are all touch-screen compatible.

VIKTOS – SHORTSHOT GLOVE

The VIKTOS SHORTSHOT next to the First Tactical is one of the slickest tactical gloves on the market today. The entire palm as well as the fingertips and thumb are made completely of Digihide goatskin. This material was chosen by VIKTOS for its balance of dexterity and durability.

This combat glove also features touchscreen compatible trigger finger and thumb allowing for digital device manipulation with your gloves on.

The chassis of the glove is comprised entirely of Nomex making it heat and flame-resistant giving the SHORTSHOT a range of use outside of the typical tactical glove. The Nomex is also highly abrasion-resistant and offers decent back-of-hand protection.

The SHORTSHOT has integrated polymer knuckles providing protective armored coverage perfect for the modern hi-speed operator. The tactical seaming design gives the chassis a pre-curve for both flex and reduction of bulk.

Also provided on the SHORTSHOT are VIKTOS’s proprietary integrated loop knuckle pads allowing you to send one last taunting message as you get up close and personal to any would-be bad guy.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TACTICAL GLOVES FOR YOU

To choose the right tactical gloves there are a few aspects that need to be looked at and considered. These are the considerations I look at when I’m picking out a new pair of gloves and any new tactical gear.

TASK

Before you even start looking for gloves, you need to stop and ask yourself a question: 

What tasks will I be using my gloves for?

Are you buying gloves for mainly hand protection? Then you’ll want to look at gloves with thermoplastic rubber knuckles, carbon fibre knuckles, reinforced leather palms or Kevlar lining. Any additional armour is wanted.

If you looking for more of a shooting glove? Then a thinner glove is what you’ll want. A glove with minimal padding, definitely no Kevlar lining, usually they won’t have reinforced knuckles or palms and they’ll be made using more synthetic material than leather.

These are important aspects to consider before starting your buying process or at least have a good general idea. Tactical gloves will generally fall into one of two categories shooting/patrol gloves or combat / heavy gloves. Your answers to the questions above will help determine which kind of glove you need.

AREA OF OPERATION

By far the most important consideration, the most important thing to look at is the tasks you’ll be doing, and then a close second is your area of operation. The environment you’ll be using those gloves in.

If you’re operating in an arid environment, where it’s hot and dry or possibly hot and humid you’re probably going to want a glove that is more breathable and more minimal in design. The material is thinner on the chassis and on the palm to prevent tons of sweat inside the gloves.

As well, if you’re working in a colder climate you’re going to want a bit thicker glove. A thin shooting glove probably won’t cut it for you.

Know your task and know your environment.

MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION

SHOOTING GLOVES

When you’re looking at buying a shooting glove you’re looking for a glove that truly is high speed low drag. A good shooting glove is going to be minimalist in design. That means it won’t have all the bells and whistles that many combat-style gloves may have like multiple layers or hard knuckles.

A shooting glove should have a single-layer palm to give you the ultimate next-to-skin feel. You want to be able to feel every groove on the pistol grip of your gun or the handle of your knife. That means no reinforcements on the palms, at the most, there might be a reinforcement in the thumb valley, but that’s it.

You want your shooting glove to fit snug to very snug. There shouldn’t be any excess material at the ends of your fingers or bunched up in your palms.

The ability to have great trigger manipulation, finger dexterity, and finger sensitivity are absolut keys when it comes to a great shooting glove which means less and thinner material.

COMBAT GLOVES

Unlike shooting gloves combat gloves are meant to be thicker, reinforced, and have hardened protection for your hands. Some of the main giveaways for good combat gloves are knuckle protection, finger protection, and back-of-hand protection. Good combat gloves should also have reinforced palms.

Polymer, thermoplastic rubber, and carbon fibre are three of the most common materials used in combat tactical gloves. These materials are extremely tough and durable so they can withstand a ton of environmental abrasion whether it be rocks or someone’s jaw.

Good combat tactical gloves will also as I said have reinforced palms to some degree. Sometimes a company will reinforce the entire palm or sometimes they will ergonomically reinforce certain sections of the palm, but either way, there will be some reinforcement for added palm protection.

Combat gloves obviously due to the thicker material won’t give you as good a feel as shooting gloves, but again, combat gloves are meant for protection, not great trigger manipulation.

CUFF STYLE

Four different styles of cuffs primarily exist on tactical gloves: The standard velcro strap, the hook and loop velcro strap, the elastic band style, and the elastic cuff where the whole cuff is elastic. 

I have had tactical gloves with each of these styles of cuffs and although I wouldn’t say any of them are bad I do believe through experience that some of them hold greater advantages than others. However that being said, each style of cuff can shine in different fields of use.

The Hook and Loop style like on the FREETOO tactical gloves or the WTACTFUL gloves offers a very tight cuff and the most secure cuff out of them all. It also provides a real sense of strength (like Thanos’s Infinity gauntlet when he puts that last stone in.) 

However, I am not the biggest fan of this style as I have found in moments when I just need to rip my gloves off (for example if my rifle malfunctions and I just want bare hands to remedy the problem) this kind of strap makes it much more difficult to do it with any real sense of urgency. 

If you are using this style of glove for more extreme sports or another area where this won’t be a concern, then THIS STYLE OF CUFF IS GREAT. 

The Elastic Band Style of cuff where the cuff has a single elastic band in it and the Elastic cuff style where the whole cuff is elastic, are generally created slightly smaller to offer a good feeling of security around the wrist.

I have used and enjoyed gloves with both these styles of cuffs. Unlike the full wrist velcro strap, these kinds are very easy to put on and remove quickly.

I find though they come with a greater potential to tear, as a pair I own right now have done, because you’re constantly pulling on and stretching the elastic. They also have the potential to stretch and stay stretched and then not feel as tight and secure on your wrists as when you first purchased them. 

The Standard Velcro Strap I find to be the best and most commonly used style of cuff on tactical gloves and work-style gloves in general. It is easier to put on and take off than the full wrist velcro style and unlike the elastic styles of cuffs provides a way to manually tighten them to always keep that wrist feeling snug and secure.

Currently, I’m rocking two pairs of gloves that have this style of cuff the Mechanix Wear M-Pact and the Magpull Core Breach Gloves.

TECHNOLOGY

It might seem a bit ridiculous, but in today’s modern era, technology is everywhere. Whether you’re operating your phone screen or a drone screen if you can operate it without having to remove your gloves you’re all the better.

There are times when I want the dexterity that only bare hands and fingers can provide, but operating technology when I am in the field is not one of those times!

Touch screen sensitivity is a valuable strength that many tactical gloves have these days. Whether you rock shooting gloves or combat gloves make sure your gloves function with touch screens. It might seem small, but is a very valuable quality.

FINAL THOUGHTS

All tactical gear is made to give the wearer a step up, an advantage in some way over their adversary and tactical gloves are no different.

Shooting gloves shine in the realm of weapon manipulation. They will protect you from slide bite if you’re using a pistol and offer general abrasion resistance for all firearms. While at the same time not taking away from your ability to shoot effectively.

Combat gloves shine in CQB situations, harsh and brutal environments, and any job where your hands are at risk. They can handle a real beating so you don’t have to. They’re built tough as heck to protect your digits, for this reason, combat gloves are generally a more popular style of glove as they’re more versatile.

Regardless of your task, however, there is a glove for you out there! Don’t let your phalanges go unprotected go unprotected and uncool anymore.

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