With neoprene gloves, cold, blue and painful fingers in the water are a thing of the past.
The best:
Neoprene gloves can be used for more than one sport. A pair of gloves is often enough for diving, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Avoid buying mistakes:
BeyondSurfing has spent over 23 hours researching and showing you the best neoprene gloves 2024. You can also find out how to recognize good quality and what else you should look out for when buying in our buying guide.
Content
In a hurry? Our favorite neoprene glove:
- Robust and high-quality workmanship
- Suitable for almost all water sports + cycling
- Invisible seam and glued
Neoprene gloves Checklist
- Application: Neoprene gloves have many uses and are not only suitable for surfing.
- Seams: Avoid gloves with overlock seams and opt for pairs with invisible seams or stitch-free and sealed.
- Thickness: The colder the water, the thicker the neoprene should be.
Also interesting: The most popular neoprene adhesives 2024.
These are the top 5 neoprene gloves 2024
Best neoprene gloves with high-quality workmanship
1. O’Neill FLX Glove
Vorteile
- Günstig
- Hochwertig verarbeitet
- 2 Millimeter dick
- Robust
- Geeignet für fast alle Wassersportarten + Fahrradfahren
- Unsichtbare Naht und Verklebt
Nachteile
- Naht nicht getaped
- Nicht sehr warm
Zusammenfassung
Der O’Neill FLX Glove ist ein Neopren Handschuh geeignet für ausnahmslos fast alle Wassersportler. Egal ob Kajak fahren, Wakeboarden oder Surfen, der Handschuh hält die Hände warm und ist bequem.
Leider macht der Hersteller keine Angaben darüber, ob der Handschuh vorgeformt ist. Bei einer Dicke von 2mm ist das aber auch nicht notwendig, da sich ein Paddel oder ähnliches einfach ohne zusätzlichen Kraftaufwand greifen lässt. Für Grip sorgt außerdem das auf den Handfläche und den Fingern verwendete Material.
Fazit
Das Produkt ist gut verarbeitet. Eine doppelte unsichtbare Naht und mehrere Schichten Kleber sorgen dafür, dass kein Wasser in den Handschuh läuft.
Für längere Zeiten in richtig kaltem Wasser sind die Neopren Handschuhe allerdings zu dünn.
Produktdetails
Dicke: 2 mm | Material: Neopren | Naht: Doppelte unsichtbare Naht | Grip: Ja | Wassertermperatur: 12-14°C | Form: 5 Finger
Kundenbewertungen
Viele Kunden sind mit den FLX Gloves sehr zufrieden, egal welche Wassersportart sie ausüben. Die Neopren Handschuhe werden außerdem als gut passend und wasserdicht beschrieben.
Rund 9% stehen dem Produkt neutral gegenüber, während 7% das Produkt als mangelhaft und unzureichend bewerten.
Die meisten dieser Rezensionen sind nicht mit einem Kommentar versehen. Ein Kunde gab an, dass die Neopren Handschuhe für das Berufstauchen nicht geeignet sind.
FAQ
Beste Neopren Handschuhe für Surfer
2. Rip Curl Flashbomb 3MM
Vorteile
- Für die kältesten Wasser
- Gefüttert
- 3 mm
- Grip
- Am besten für Surfer
Nachteile
- Unisize
Zusammenfassung
Rip Curl gehört wie O’Neill und Patagonia zu den Top Herstellern von Neoprenanzügen. Da ist es nur logisch, dass sie auch Neopren Handschuhe im Sortiment haben.
Mit den 3 mm dicken Flashbomb können Sie problemlos selbst bei niedrigen Temperaturen surfen.
Auf der Handfläche und den Fingern befindet sich eine griffige Oberfläche aus Gel, die für einen guten Halt sorgen. Die Technologie soll außerdem für mehr Flexibilität sorgen und schnell trocknen.
Fazit
Für Surfer die ihren Sport gerne in kaltem Wasser ausüben sind diese Neopren Handschuhe ideal.
Produktdetails
Dicke: 3 mm | Material: Neopren | Naht: versiegelt | Grip: Ja | Wassertermperatur: <8°C | Form: 5 Finger
Kundenbewertungen
Kunden sind mit den Neopren Handschuhen von Rip Curl sehr zufrieden. Laut ihnen hält der Handschuh im Wasser perfekt trocken und warm, das ganze Jahr über.
FAQ
Beste Neopren Handschuhe zum Wasserski fahren
3. O’Neill Wetsuits 3mm Gloves
Advantages
- For cold water
- High quality finish
- Flexible
- Robust
- 3mm
- Grip
- Seams sealed
Disadvantages
- Price
Summary
These gloves from O’Neill are also very high-quality neoprene gloves. They are anatomically shaped and also suitable for colder water.
The inside of the glove is sewn invisibly, the outside has a rubber seam. This prevents water from penetrating through the proximity.
Conclusion
The 3mm thick neoprene layer makes the neoprene gloves the perfect companion on your next surf or water ski tour.
Product details
Thickness: 3 mm | Material:Polyamide | Seam: Invisible seam + stitch-free glued | Grip: Yes | Water temperature: N/A | Shape: 5 fingers
Customer ratings
Customers say that the neoprene gloves keep their hands warm and dry in the water.
Around 12% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
One buyer describes that the gloves are difficult to take off, while another complains that the gloves are too small.
FAQ
Further highlights
4. cressi high stretch neoprene gloves
Advantages
- Different thicknesses
- Flexible
- Grip
- Medium price segment
- Good for divers, snorkelers and freedivers
Disadvantages
- Overlock seam
Summary
The neoprene gloves from Cressi are available in different thicknesses (2.5, 3.5 and 5mm). So you have the choice and can decide on one or more models depending on your needs.
As the gloves are pre-shaped, the fingers can be moved easily, ideal for gripping when kayaking or operating diving equipment or cameras in the water.
Conclusion
They are priced in the mid-range segment and are therefore ideal for beginners.
The neoprene parts are joined together with an overlock seam, which unfortunately does not make the glove 100% waterproof.
Product details
Thickness: 2.5/3.5/5mm | Material: Neoprene | Seam: Overlock seam | Grip: Yes | Water temperature: 12-14/9-11/up to 8°C | Shape: 5 fingers
Customer ratings
Many customers are completely satisfied with the product. According to them, the product keeps hands warm well, sometimes even in water below 8°C. However, the material sticks to Velcro fasteners, but this is not usually a problem.
Around 9% are neutral about the product, while 5% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
Some customers are of the opinion that the product does not keep them warm enough. It is also difficult to hold the paddle when kayaking with the 5mm models.
FAQ
- 2.5 mm for 12-14°C,
- 3.5mm for 9-11°C,
- 5mm for up to 8°C.
5. Rip Curl Dawn Patrol
Advantages
- For cold water
- Relatively flexible
- 3mm
- Shark Skin surface
Disadvantages
- Flatlock seam
Summary
The name says it all: Dawn Patrol. Neoprene gloves for all those who like to venture into the water at dusk.
The 3mm thick neoprene keeps you warm in cold water and is relatively flexible at the same time. Cameras and other equipment can be easily operated in the water.
Unfortunately, the neoprene parts are joined together with a flatlock seam. The seam is not as robust as an invisible seam and may allow some water to get into the glove.
Conclusion
The Shark Skin surface of the glove provides a very good grip. This guarantees that the surfboard won’t slip out of your hand so easily.
Product details
Thickness: 3mm | Material: Neoprene | Seam: Stitch-free glued | Grip: Yes | Water temperature: <8°C | Shape: 5 fingers
Customer ratings
Customers are very satisfied with the neoprene gloves from Rip Curl, they keep you warm when surfing in winter.
FAQ
More articles you might find interesting:
Bestsellers: The most popular neoprene gloves
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
Buy neoprene gloves:
How to make the right decision
There are many shapes and variations available when buying neoprene gloves.
With the following buying guide, you are guaranteed not to pick the wrong pair of neoprene gloves.
What you need to consider when buying neoprene gloves
When looking for the best neoprene gloves, you should definitely pay attention to the following features and characteristics:
- Thickness
- Size
- Shape
- Material
- Seams and seals
- Field of application
- Manufacturer
The right thickness of neoprene gloves?
For neoprene gloves to keep you properly warm in the water, the neoprene must have the right thickness. After all, there’s no point putting on gloves if you end up freezing anyway.
Basically, the colder the water, the thicker the neoprene glove needs to be.
Which neoprene thickness keeps you warm at which water temperature?
| Water temperature (in °C) | Thickness (in mm) |
|---|---|
| >15 | 1-1,5 |
| 12-14 | 1,5-3 |
| 9-11 | 3-5 |
| <8 | 5-7 |
| Note: Values are for guidance only. The right thickness also depends, among other things, on your personal perception of cold. | |
What many people don’t know:
The actual thickness should also depend on the desired area of application. In many water sports, the hands are not always in the water or must remain mobile in order to use equipment.
Thin vs. thick neoprene gloves:
- Thin gloves:
Are flexible. The best choice if your hands need to remain flexible in the water, for example to be able to grip the paddle firmly or operate a camera underwater. - Thick gloves:
Protect hands better and keep them warm longer and better in the water. Useful for surfing or long dives in cold waters. Thicker neoprene gloves should also be chosen for spearfishing as they are more robust.
The right neoprene glove size?
In addition to thickness, the right size plays the most important role when buying neoprene gloves. If the gloves are too tight or too wide, they retain heat less well or are uncomfortable to wear.
How should the glove fit?
The neoprene glove should fulfill the following three points:
Not too far:
Otherwise there will be air in the glove and the hand will not be kept ideally warm. Water can also run into the glove, which makes movements more strenuous due to the additional weight.
Not too tight:
A glove that is too tight is difficult to pull over the hand, is easier to roll off unintentionally, is uncomfortable to wear and can cut off the blood circulation in the hand, causing the hand to cool down more quickly.
Correct length:
The wetsuit should be pulled over the neoprene glove so that heat can be stored in the glove as well as possible. A glove that is too short will not seal properly with the wetsuit. Then either the skin is exposed or water can run in from above.
Which neoprene glove size do I need?
Neoprene gloves are usually available in sizes from XS to XXL. However, the actual size varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
An example of neoprene gloves from the O’Neill brand(source):
| Size | Hand length (in cm) | Hand circumference (in cm) |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 16,5-17,8 | 17,8-19,1 |
| S | 17,8-19,1 | 19,1-20,3 |
| M | 19,1-20,3 | 20,3-21,6 |
| L | 20,3-21,6 | 21,6-22,9 |
| XL | 21,6-22,9 | 22,9-24,1 |
| XXL | 22,9-24,1 | 24,1 |
The individual dimensions can be found on the manufacturer’s website (keyword: Size Guide).
How is the hand measured?
Hand length and circumference are measured using a measuring tape. Some manufacturers (e.g. Rip Curl) also specify the length of the individual fingers.
- Hand length: It is measured from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger.
- Hand circumference: The circumference of the hand is measured at the widest point below the knuckles. The tape measure is not wrapped around the thumb.
The right neoprene glove shape?
No matter what water sports you need your neoprene gloves for, there are three different shapes, with different advantages and disadvantages:
- 5 fingers
- mitten
- Lobster
5 finger neoprene gloves
- Comfortable
- Good grip
- All fingers are movable
- Does not keep warm so well
The classic glove that most people will be familiar with from everyday life, but made of neoprene. These types of neoprene gloves are comfortable, convenient and there is a wide range of products on the market.
The 5-finger gloves are best suited for anyone who needs a firm grip in and under water. These include kayakers as well as windsurfers and kitesurfers who need to keep a firm grip on their paddle, sail or kite.
They are also ideal for all underwater photographers, as small buttons can simply be pressed. This is much more difficult with mittens or lobster gloves.
Unfortunately, the fingers don’t stay warm in these gloves for very long, as they are all inside individually and don’t release body heat to each other.
Neoprene mittens
- Fingers stay together
- Heat
- Chunky
- No sensitivity in the fingers
Whether in the snow or water, when it’s really cold the mittens are unpacked. They retain body heat best because all fingers are in one part of the glove. This makes these gloves the best choice in very cold waters.
Operating a camera, on the other hand, becomes a real challenge. Mittens feel clunky and do not allow you to move individual fingers.
Neoprene Lobster
- Warm
- Comfortable
- Fingers partially movable
- Price
The lobster neoprene gloves look like the claws of a lobster. The advantage of this shape over normal mittens is its mobility. The index finger remains flexible, while the glove retains heat almost as well as a mitten.
The Lobster therefore combines the best of both worlds. Ideal for surfers who don’t want to freeze and at the same time need to hold their surfboard firmly on the rail. It can also be used to trigger a camera or other equipment.
Watch out! The BeyondSurfing surfboard guide 2024:
Depending on the shape, size, volume, fin setup and characteristics of the nose, tail and rocker, the surfing behavior differs. ” Find out more now.
Preformed vs. non-preformed neoprene gloves?
Once the correct shape has been determined, the question arises as to whether preformed or non-preformed gloves should be used.
The most important factor here is the type of water sport for which the neoprene gloves are required.
Non-preformed gloves:
- Open palm
- Fingers straight
- Less flexible
These neoprene gloves have an open palm with straight fingers. Some effort is required to bend the fingers. This is not a problem for surfers, but when kayaking or kitesurfing the hands tire more quickly.
Preformed gloves:
- Partially closed palm
- Fingers bent
- Good to grab
Here the fingers of the neoprene glove are already in a bent position. This makes it easier to hold and control the paddle or boom when windsurfing, kitesurfing and kayaking.
Pre-shaped gloves not only keep you warm. They also ensure that arms and hands are less strained when gripping and tire more slowly.
The right neoprene glove material?
Not all neoprene is the same. The glove can be made of closed-cell or open-cell neoprene, for example.
Closed-cell neoprene
- Robust
- Inexpensive
- Stiff
- Isolated worse
- Not for very cold waters
With closed-cell neoprene, the neoprene is also covered with nylon or polyester, giving it a smooth surface. This primarily ensures that the material is more robust against stones and other sharp-edged objects.
But watch out:
Although the fabric is robust, it is also less flexible. The neoprene will also never fit perfectly against the skin. The result is poorer insulation, so the glove does not keep you warm for as long.
Who is it suitable for?
For beginners and in warmer waters, Closed-Cell is still a good alternative due to its low price. However, if you spend a lot of time in the water, you should opt for gloves made from open-cell neoprene.
Open-Cell Neoprene
- Insulates better
- Flexible
- Comfortable
- Less robust
- Expensive
Open-Cell neoprene is the best neoprene for those who like it warm. The material lies directly on the fingers and hand. This prevents air from getting between the skin and the gloves.
The best:
Not only do the hands stay warm for longer, the gloves are more flexible and feel more natural on the body than closed-cell neoprene. Even after a long time in the water, the gloves do not become uncomfortable.
The result:
They are quite expensive to buy and open-cell neoprene is also more susceptible to tears and cuts. Nevertheless, the investment is worthwhile. In the water at the latest, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages many times over.
Grip and inner lining material?
Grip
When buying neoprene gloves, you should make sure that the palm is made of a non-slip material. Rubber or other plastics are often used for this purpose.
Especially on a SUP, for kitesurfers or in a kayak, you need a good grip to avoid slipping off the paddle or the bar.
Thermal lining
Some neoprene gloves have thermal fleece on the inside to keep your hands and fingers even warmer. Perfect for cold temperatures, long dives and all chilblains.
The right seams and seals?
As neoprene gloves are not made from a single piece, the individual parts have to be joined together. Various techniques are used to make the glove as waterproof as possible.
These three sewing techniques are the most common when working with neoprene:
- Overlock seam
- Flatlock seam
- Invisible seam
Overlock seam
- Simple
- To be found with cheap neoprene gloves
In this simple seam, the edges of the neoprene are placed on top of each other and sewn together. This creates a bulge on the inside that can rub against the skin.
For this reason, overlock seams are only found on thin and inexpensive neoprene gloves.
Flatlock seam
- Neoprene is sewn together
- Strong and flexible
- Many holes in the neoprene
With the flatlock seam, the two neoprene parts are laid together and sewn together. This creates a strong and flexible seam.
However, many holes are punctured through the neoprene and water can penetrate. Gloves with this seam are only suitable for cold waters to a limited extent.
Invisible seam
- Neoprene is glued and sewn
- Flexible
- Waterproof
- Good for cold temperatures
If you want a neoprene glove that is as warm and waterproof as possible, you should look out for an invisible seam. The neoprene is glued together before sewing. The material is not punctured during sewing and no holes are created.
To make the neoprene even more waterproof, the whole process can be repeated on the other side. This creates a double invisible seam.
Gloves with an invisible seam are the best choice in cold waters.
Sealants
Sealing the seams makes a neoprene glove even tighter, more robust and more durable. Manufacturers usually use one of the following 3 options:
- Tape: The inside and/or outside of the seam is partially or completely covered with tape. This makes the seam more flexible and the glove even more waterproof.
- Glue: The neoprene parts are glued before sewing, so that less water can run into them later. However, the adhesive dissolves over time.
- Liquid tape: A special liquid rubber is applied to the seam, making it 100% waterproof.
Which glove for which sport?
In the buying guide you will find lots of information on which properties of neoprene gloves are good or bad for which area of use. You can find the summary here:
Surfers should choose their gloves according to the water temperature. Lobster neoprene gloves are particularly popular in cold water. They keep you warm and the rail of the surfboard is still easy to grip.
A paddle is used for both sports. You need a firm grip to avoid losing the paddle in rapids or waves. Thin or preformed gloves are best suited for this.
Why is that?
With thick, non-preformed gloves it is difficult to hold the paddle. Most of the time the body is out of the water and therefore does not cool down so quickly. It is therefore no problem to use slightly thinner gloves for the sake of mobility.
The same applies to windsurfing and kitesurfing as to kayaking, although here the hands hold the boom or bar instead of the paddle. Thin or preformed neoprene gloves are recommended.
Snorkelers and apnea divers are often in the water for shorter periods than other water sports enthusiasts. Gloves should be selected according to the expected water temperature.
Which shape and whether preformed or not is entirely up to you. To be able to use a camera properly, however, the neoprene gloves should not be thicker than 5mm.
A lot of equipment has to be operated while diving. This is why 5-finger gloves are most commonly used here, often pre-shaped so that the diving equipment can still be operated. The thickness of the neoprene depends entirely on the water temperature.
Neoprene gloves are also interesting for swimmers who would like to train outside in the fall or spring. 5 finger gloves provide the most natural feel possible in the water.
It is important that the gloves fit perfectly. Why? Otherwise water can run in too easily and each crawl becomes increasingly strenuous.
Even though cycling is not a water sport, it can get pretty wet in the rain. Neoprene gloves are used to prevent slipping off the handlebars and to keep the cyclist warm. Preferably in a thickness of 1.5-3mm. This means you can still brake and shift gears without any problems.
Well-known brands and manufacturers
The best-known and most popular neoprene glove brands & manufacturers include
Patagonia, Rip Curl, O’Neill, Oakley, Dakine, Subea, Ion, Cressi, Palm
How to put on neoprene gloves correctly?
What to do if your hand doesn’t want to go into the glove? New and thick neoprene gloves in particular are difficult to put on at first. These four steps are sure to help:
- Roll the wetsuit back by the sleeve so that it can be easily slipped over the glove.
- Wet the glove so that the hand slides in more easily.
- *Optional: Organize a partner to hold the glove and pull it apart at the opening. This makes it easier for the diver or surfer to get his hand in.
- Put on the neoprene glove and then roll the wetsuit over your arm. This prevents water from flowing into the glove.
Neoprene glove care?
Salt water destroys neoprene and glue over time. So if you want to enjoy your new neoprene gloves for a long time, make sure you look after them properly:
- Rinse the gloves with clean fresh water after each use.
- Avoid drying neoprene in direct sunlight. (UV radiation makes neoprene brittle over time).
- If the glove is damaged, the cut or tear should be sealed with neoprene adhesive (e.g. Black Witch). Otherwise, a small hole can quickly turn into a large one.
Neoprene gloves from Consumer Reports and Öko Test?
Unfortunately, there are currently no tests on neoprene gloves from Consumer Reports or Öko Test.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers
What do I need neoprene gloves for?
How expensive are good neoprene gloves?
Where can I buy neoprene gloves?
What should I look out for when buying neoprene gloves?
Conclusion: The most popular neoprene gloves reviewed
Neoprene gloves are versatile and can usually be used for more than just one sport. They are therefore usually a good investment for water sports enthusiasts.
Why?
Cold temperatures are therefore bearable and the season can last even longer than with just a wetsuit. Cold fingers are now a thing of the past.
Specialist literature, sources & further links
You can find more information on this topic here:
- Size chart for Rip Curl products (including neoprene gloves): https://www.ripcurl.com/uk/help/size-guides.html
- Size chart for O’Neill products: https://support.oneill.com/hc/en-us/categories/360002780019-Size-Charts
Note: BeyondSurfing is not responsible and is not liable for the content of external websites.
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