8 Best Tactical Gloves in 2018

We had another top pick in mind, but when we tried FREETOO’s excellent pair of gloves, we were compelled to put them at the very top. For the initial price, we had expected it to land a little lower than halfway, but we’ve found one of the few exceptions to our rule: you get what you pay for. People loved being able to purchase these for a great introductory price, and FREETOO didn’t dare disappoint their amassing fans. You get a set of rubber knuckles for added protection, as well as mobility, as well as one of the sturdiest velcro grips we’ve ever used before.

Depending on your size (and if you decide to select another color option than the all-black), these will remain at a rock bottom price while offering excellent wrist motion and light protection from airsoft, paintballs, and any kickback from firing down at the range. While these aren’t water resistant, they’re still rated for a snug fit and a wide range of activities. While they didn’t have any warning information, we’re going to tell you right now that you need to wash these once before you try them on, due to the caustic dye. All together, this pair took the cake on value, comfort, and just enough protection to make them well worth your while.

Mechanix has been one of the leading champions of gloves for years now, and they continue to impress with their original run of covert tactical gloves. Hunters and professional paintballers have been using them for years, putting their faith in the ultra durable grip and tight fit that Mechanix is famous for. From the TrekDry technology, your gloves are ultra breathable, while keeping them dry from exterior liquid.

Right around your wrist, you get a thermal plastic rubber closure (which also comes with a nylon loop for hanging by the door), giving you an enclosure that’s dedicated to keeping your hands wrapped in durable material. We’ll be the first to tell you the one downfall of these gloves: they have a shorter lifespan than most. You should get between three to six months of total use, if you’re planning on taking your gloves out two times a week. They’re machine washable, which doesn’t negatively affect the quality of the fabric.

You get a volley of sizes from one of America’s top providers of tactical gloves, promising you a great glove lifespan and machine washable material. One of our favorite aspects of this pair is the three-part palm padding, designed to provide better grip on gun stocks and hilts, as well as crossbow handles. These pads also aid in shock absorption, whether you’re firing a high-powered rifle or using them as extra grips and protection on a parkour run.

These gloves come at the higher end of our price range, and while that still isn’t a hefty load out of your wallet, it’s still reaching higher than our top two picks. TrekDry gives you the power to remain dry on the inside, while remaining breathable to reduce sweat buildup. From the form-fitting shape to the velcro wrist clasp, this glove has everything going for it.

It doesn’t get much more combat-ready than this. The SI Assault Gloves give you the necessary grips and support to feel more in-command of your pistol or rifle out in the woods, or on the shooting range. You’ll be able to exhibit your dominance over paper targets, or fresh game with less kickback after each shot, thanks to proper shock absorption (which is something that about two dozen brands that didn’t make our list were lacking).

Much like another pick higher on the list, we have to warn you that you’re going to experience some issues with the caustic dye. Not only will these bleed into your skin, but they’re going to take about two washes (your hands) to come clean. It’s persistent, and it’ll take more than a few washes to get your gloves completely ready to go again. That being said, they’re long-lasting, from the fingertip grips right on down to the breathable attributes. SI is built to last, when other brands simply don’t step up to the plate.

This one was hard to rank, but so easy to love. While you’re going to trade in a little bit of breathability, you’re sure as hell not going to sacrifice durability. These gloves are built to last; the first signs of wear-and-tear are when a few of the thousands of micro grips along the palm of the hand begin to fade, or the PU begins to crack. You’re getting a great introductory price for one of the internet’s favorite pairs of combat gloves, but there’s more to it.

We’re all akin to buying something online, thinking we have the right size, and then being disappointed (especially after long shipping periods and even longer return expectancies). With the wrist velcro, and strap along the top of your hand, you’ll be able to slip into these with premium comfort. You will experience slight moisture from sweating about about ninety minutes of use, which can quickly be remedied with a one to two minute break.

5.11 sounds like an awkward caliber of rifle, but in actuality, they’re one of the best tactical gloves out on the market today. For their price and luxurious goatskin construction, we had to bring it down a few notches. You’ll begin sweating after about an hour in these gloves, though it’s still bearable for an additional hour before you’ll have to take a two to three minute break from your gloves. These provide some of the best tactical features we’ve seen yet.

First, you get a slight bit of additional protection along the cuff with added material, as well as a custom-feeling fit from the velcro wrist grips. Even more coverage and protection comes from the TPR-covered knuckle protection, giving you some great crush and puncture resistance. Goatskin (and 5.11’s custom design) offer sturdy protection while remaining lightweight and maneuverable.

A brand you won’t soon forget: JIUSY made us wonder if the price was for real, or if we’d get hit with crazy shipping. One of the lowest costs on our list comes with some of the highest quality construction, albeit with a shorter lifespan that we would life. You get super fortified rubber knuckle construction, offering a small level of crush and puncture resistance, as well as the ability to use your smartphone or two-in-one with no issues, which is especially helpful out in the woods when you’re in full gear and need to answer the phone.

One of the major issues with most tactical gloves comes in the form of dye. They come in various colors (JIUSY offers six different color blends), each of which bleed into your skin a little bit. You’ll have to throw these in the wash twice before taking them into the field, though it’s a minor irritation if you’re itching to go. Breathable microfiber and stretchy nylon, accompanied by a two-strap velcro support and adjustment system, make these one of the best low-budget purchases for the tactical glove enthusiast.

Last but not least comes the littlest brother of the list. Condor offers three colors, and a Shaolin ninja look about them from the outside. These are made-up of goatskin, adding to the initial cost and making them right smack dab in the middle of the price range on our list. We enjoy the seamless look, though the protection is a little bit flimsy. We think it’s due to the fact that these may be the most breathable gloves on the list; they almost feel like they’re not even there.

Padding along the palms and finger back area adds a wonderful touch, while the contour padding adds to the overall value. You’re not going to waste money, especially since they’re built to last for about a year, all without the common dye-bleeding effect that most gloves face. So why did we rank it at the bottom of our list? You really have to pay attention to the sizing chart information, because they’re not as adjustable as most tactical gloves. That being said, pay close attention, and you’ll do just fine.