Wetsuit Gloves FAQ
1. How do you care for wetsuit gloves?
You should wash wetsuit gloves every time you use them. This will help to keep them clean and smelling fresh. Don’t use any domestic detergents or soaps on wetsuit gloves as these can be too harsh on the neoprene. You can buy special wetsuit wash that will gently clean away any dirt, oils and chemicals. Before you wash your gloves soak them in cold water for about an hour. This will help to soak away any salt or chlorine from the material. Then wash in the wetsuit cleaner, rinse thoroughly and leave to dry before storing the gloves.
2. Can I put wetsuit gloves in the washing machine?
If you use your wetsuit gloves a lot then you could put them in the washing machine to keep them clean, as long as you only use a cool wash on a low spin. Also avoid using any harsh washing powders or detergents and just put a capful of special wetsuit wash in the machine. Wetsuit gloves don’t tend to last very long if you are using them for active sports such as kite surfing or spear fishing so it will not matter if you wash them in a machine once in a while.
3. How do I store my wetsuit gloves when they are not in use?
It is important to make sure wetsuit gloves are clean and dry before you store them away. This will help to prevent any oils or chemicals from degrading the rubber. Also if you put them away damp bacteria and mould can grow causing the gloves to smell unpleasant. UV light can degrade neoprene and make it dry out and crack so make sure you store wetsuit gloves in a dry, dark and well ventilated place. You also need to store your gloves flat and make sure they are not bent or creased. Creases in neoprene can become permanent.
4. Why do I need wetsuit gloves?
Wetsuit gloves come in a number of shapes and sizes. There are two main reasons why you may need wetsuit gloves. Firstly they are essential items of kit for keeping your hands warm in cold water (or if you are staying in the water a long time). For most water sports you will need plenty of grip in your hands so cold fingers that have become stiff and chilled are not good. Secondly wetsuit gloves protect your hands and can provide you with better grip. If you are going to be diving or spear fishing around wrecks and reefs then you need to protect your hands against the abrasive rocks and sharp underwater debris. If you are going to be taking part in active sports such as wind surfing or kit surfing then you will need gloves that can provide you with better grip.
5. What types of neoprene wetsuit gloves are there?
A number of different wetsuit manufacturers also design and make wetsuit gloves. These are available in different thicknesses. You need your wetsuit gloves to combine warmth and flexibility. This means it is a good idea to invest in a pair of 100% super stretch neoprene gloves. Standard neoprene gloves will be okay for swimming or diving but may not provide enough freedom of movement for water sports such as wind surfing or spear fishing.
6. What thickness glove should I chose?
Wetsuit gloves are available in different thicknesses, most commonly 2mm, 3mm and 5mm. Gloves over 5mm can be too thick to provide useful movement and would be only used in very cold temperatures. For most water conditions 3mm gloves are suitable and would provide a good balance of warmth and flexibility. If you are diving or surfing in conditions under 15 degrees centigrade then 5mm gloves would be more suitable for keeping your hands warm.
7. How do I choose the right fitting wetsuit gloves?
You do need to check the measurement guide when you are buying wetsuit gloves. This will help you to get the right fit for your hands. Wetsuit gloves will to stretch when they are on, but you don’t want them to be too tight otherwise your hands will go numb and they will feel very uncomfortable. Also you do not want them to be too loose otherwise they will fill with water. This not only prevents them for keeping your hands warm but it will also weigh your arms down making you tire much more quickly when you are paddling or swimming.
8. What gloves do I need for spear fishing?
You need plenty of protection when you are spear fishing as you will most likely be diving around rocks and wrecks. Wetsuit gloves will help to prevent your hands from any scrapes or cuts. You do need a lot of flexibility in your hands when you are spear fishing so very thick neoprene gloves will not be suitable. You will also need a lot of grip to keep hold of your spear gun and any fish you catch. Look for gloves that have raised patterns on the palms and fingers to give you extra grip.
9. How do I prevent water from getting in my wetsuit gloves?
The best way to prevent water getting in your wetsuit gloves is to choose the right fit. Also look for designs that feature blindstitched and taped seams. These will keep water leakage to an absolute minimum.
10. What length wetsuit gloves do I need?
It is important to choose a wetsuit glove that is long enough to fit up inside your wetsuit. This will help prevent cold water from flooding the glove. The glove should be long enough to reach at least half way up your forearm. Some designs also come with handy straps that can be tightened to stop them slipping down your arm.
