The 6 Things You Need in a Quality Tactical Glove | You Get What You Pay For

By Geoff Reeves, Navy SEAL

In any high-risk field, whether you're deployed in combat zones, patrolling streets as law enforcement, or responding to a dangerous emergency, your hands are at the forefront of your safety and success. You need a tactical glove that does more than just fit well. It needs to protect, perform, and endure. When you invest in a tactical glove, you're not just paying for fabric; you're paying for protection, performance, and peace of mind. But like many other pieces of gear, the price often reflects the quality. And when it comes to tactical gloves, you really do get what you pay for.

1. Durability to Withstand Extreme Conditions

A tactical glove needs to withstand all kinds of conditions—from rough terrain to intense physical engagement. Whether you’re in hand-to-hand combat or crawling through rubble, your gloves need to resist cuts, abrasions, and punctures.

That’s why materials like Kevlar® for cut resistance, goatskin leather for durability, and Nomex® for heat resistance provide triple-threat protection against abrasions, impacts, and heat.

Read More: Kevlar® vs. Alternatives: Protection and Value >>

This combination of high-performance materials ensures maximum protection in various tactical situations.

Gloves made of materials like Spandex®, Polyester, and Nylon might be cheaper, but they don't hold up under extreme conditions. For instance, a glove made with synthetic leather will eventually degrade with continuous use, while gloves crafted with high-grade materials (Kevlar®, Nomex®, Natural Leather) will last longer and continue to offer superior protection.

Hand Injuries rank as the #3 highest but #1 preventable workplace injury, leading to an annual loss of $740 million in direct costs. 
- National Safety Council, 2022

2. Comfort and Flexibility

When you’re wearing gloves for long stretches of time, comfort is as crucial as durability. The best tactical gloves strike the perfect balance between protection and dexterity, giving you the freedom to move your fingers without restriction. This ergonomic design is what separates premium gloves from subpar alternatives.

If you're unable to manipulate equipment, load a weapon, or execute commands quickly due to stiff, uncomfortable gloves, your performance will suffer. Gloves with stretch fabrics and gusseted zones ensure comfort, allowing your hands to breathe while still offering necessary protection. For instance, breathable gloves allow sweat to escape, preventing overheating and maintaining grip and control under pressure.

3. Grip and Sensitivity

Whether you’re handling a weapon, navigating your gear, or manipulating small objects, you can’t afford to lose your grip. A tactical glove with grip-enhancing materials is non-negotiable. Gloves with silicone grip and textured natural leather and gusseted fingers help ensure that you can handle your equipment with precision, even in adverse conditions like rain or mud.

Many tactical gloves with thicker materials sacrifice tactile feedback, making it difficult to use touchscreens or perform precise tasks. However, gloves with conductive fibers in the fingertips maintain protection while allowing easy touchscreen use, blending functionality and dexterity. High-quality tactical gloves, however, don’t compromise on dexterity for the sake of protection.

By offering both grip, touchscreen capability, and sensitivity, TG Strike Gloves keep your hands protected without sacrificing functionality or restricting movement.

4. Protection Against the Elements

Whether you're dealing with extreme cold, scorching heat, or hazardous chemicals, tactical gloves need to protect you from environmental factors. This is where high-performance gloves stand out. Whether you're in desert heat, a snow-covered forest, or exposed to electric arc hazards, a tactical glove should offer a balance of thermal protection, breathability, and protection against the elements. In hot climates, moisture-wicking fabrics will keep your hands dry, while cold-weather gloves feature insulation that doesn’t compromise dexterity.

According to reports on injuries sustained by law enforcement, many officers suffer from hand injuries due to improper PPE that doesn’t account for both temperature and flexibility. A tactical glove designed with the proper material will allow you to maintain peak performance regardless of environmental conditions.

5. Cut, Slash, and Abrasion Protection

One of the most common types of injuries for military personnel and law enforcement is hand damage caused by cuts, slashes, and abrasions, particularly in high-risk situations involving blades or edged weapons. During physical altercations, suspect restraints, or close-quarters combat, hands are at risk of injury from sharp objects and overuse. Kevlar® fibers are often used in gloves for their excellent cut resistance, offering an essential layer of protection against blades and sharp edges.

High-quality gloves designed with cut-resistant materials can help prevent these types of injuries, minimizing the risk of deep cuts and lacerations. A glove's ability to withstand abrasions from rough terrain or repetitive tasks further extends its life and usability. Tactical gloves equipped with reinforced palms, finger protection, and abrasion-resistant materials are essential for prolonged use in dangerous environments.

According to a study from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), law enforcement officers face a significant risk of hand injuries from edged weapons, highlighting the need for gloves with high-level cut protection.

Whether in a combative situation or a high-stress environment where you’re handling equipment or debris, tactical gloves should be equipped with robust protection to ensure that cuts and abrasions don't sideline you.

With these features, gloves like the TG Strike are engineered to offer cut, slash, and abrasion protection, making them an invaluable tool for military, law enforcement, and first responders.

6. Breathability and Moisture-Wicking

You might be wearing gloves for hours, sometimes in intense conditions, so the last thing you need is sweaty palms that make it harder to grip your gear. Breathability and moisture-wicking properties are crucial for maintaining comfort during extended use. Tactical gloves made from moisture-wicking materials—such as mesh inserts or wicking linings—allow sweat to be drawn away from your skin, keeping your hands dry and comfortable.

According to law enforcement injury statistics, the risk of hand injuries escalates when officers are distracted or uncomfortable in their gear. Moisture-wicking gloves not only improve comfort but also help you stay focused and more effective on the job.

How You Get What You Pay For

The key to choosing a great tactical glove is to remember that you get what you pay for. A cheaper glove might seem like a good deal, but it likely won't hold up to the challenges posed in a real-life operation. Poor materials, lack of protection, and inadequate comfort could mean the difference between staying in the fight and being sidelined with an injury.

TG Strike Gloves exemplify this level of quality. They incorporate the best features of a tactical glove—impact protection, breathability, grip, and durability—while ensuring comfort during extended use. Designed with cutting-edge materials like dyneema for durability and kevlar for cut resistance, they stand up to the toughest conditions.

Not only do TG Strike Gloves offer superior protection from abrasions and impact, but they also provide excellent tactile sensitivity, making them ideal for military, law enforcement, and first responders. The precision fit ensures that these gloves stay comfortable and functional for long hours in the field.

In the end, whether you’re in the military, law enforcement, or any field requiring tactical readiness, investing in the best gloves you can afford will make all the difference in staying safe, effective, and prepared.