BEST PERFORMANCE GLOVES OF 2019

2019 PERFORMANCE GLOVE BUYERS GUIDE

Who doesn’t want to save money? Not too long ago, cost was the primary determining factor for golfers choosing between premium (tour) and performance gloves. As values options have entered the market, however, price isn’t the consideration it once was. It’s true that premium gloves are typically softer, thinner, and offer full leather construction. It’s also true that not every golfer wants that from a glove. If you prefer thicker (more durable) leather, stretch materials, and greater breathability, your sweet spot is likely in the performance category. The category also allows golfers to wear familiar logos, often at price points significantly below what you find in the premium category.

If you’re a performance glove guy, you may be wondering which glove is right for you? That’s where we come in. We put the best of the performance category to the test – and even threw in a few rain gloves for good measure.

Whether you’re looking to buy a new glove today, looking for some buying advice, or just want a closer look at what’s on the market right now, this guide will help you find the right premium glove to fit your needs.

FEATURES THAT MATTER TO YOU

Comfort

Some prefer thinner material as it gives them the feeling of being more connected with the club. Others are happy to trade a bit of feel for the durability that a thicker leather often brings. Generally speaking, gloves in the performance category tend to be thicker than the premium gloves we tested. We still test each glove to ensure there aren’t any poorly placed seams or excess material that can cause discomfort or decrease durability.

Fit

A proper fitting golf glove should fit tight across the palm and fingers, but not too restricting when clenching your fist. There should a 1/4″ gap left after you’ve secured the velcro. Also, be aware that, when it comes to sizing, some brands are not as consistent as others. One large glove may not be quite as large as the next. Not only should you look for a glove that fits properly, but serious golfers should gravitate towards brands that can consistently reproduce the exact same sized glove time and time again.

Grip

If you don’t wear a glove, this guide isn’t for you, but the reality is that the overwhelming majority of tour professionals wear a glove. Why? Gloves are tackier than skin, particularly in the humid months, and help maintain a consistent connection to the club. A glove that preserves that connection will help you to feel confident in every swing, knowing that you’re not going to lose control of the club.

2019 Performance Glove Features

	Name	Sizes	Cadet	Material	Colors	Hand
	Bionic Stable Grip Check Price	S-XXXL	Y	Cabretta Leather	2	L/R
	FootJoy Contour FLX Check Price	S-XXL	Y	CabrettaSof Leather	1	L/R
	FootJoy ProFLX Check Price	S-XXL	Y	Cabretta Leather	1	L/R
	FootJoy Rain Grip Pair Check Price	S-XL	Y	QuickDry Knit	2	L/R
	Inesis 100 Resistance Check Price	XS/S-M/L	N	Polyamide/Polyurethane	1	L/R
	MG Tech Grip Check Price	S-XXL	Y	Cabretta Leather	1	L/R
	Mizuno Rain Fit Check Price	S-XL	N	Synthetic Suede	1	L/R
	Mizuno Comp Check Price	S-XXL	Y	Synthetic Leather	1	L/R
	Nike All Weather III Check Price	S-XL	N	Synthetic Microfiber	1	L/R
	Nike Dura Feel Check Price	S-XL	Y	Synthetic Leather	1	L/R
	Nike Tech Extreme VI Check Price	S-XL	Y	Cabretta Leather	1	L/R
	Ping Sport Check Price	S-XXL	Y	Cabretta leather	1	L/R
	Srixon All Weather Check Price	S-XL	N	Synthetic Leather	1	L/R
	Srixon Tech Check Price	S-XL	Y	Cabretta Leather	1	L/R
	Taylormade Stratus Check Price	S-XXL	Y	Hypertec	1	L/R
	Titleist Players Flex Check Price	S-XXL	Y	Premium Synthetic	1	L/R
	Vice Duro Check Price	S-XL	N	Synthetic Polyurethane	2	L/R
	Wilson Conform Check Price	S-XXL	Y	Abyssinian Cabretta	1	L/R

More Tips

• Sizing can vary significantly between manufacturers. Even if you know your correct size, if you’re thinking about changing to a new model, we recommend trying it on before buying.
• The quality of Velcro closures is not consistent across all brands. Look for gloves that secure tightly and stay tight. The performance of lower quality Velcro will degrade over time. A glove that doesn’t remain secured is a useless glove.
• While style preferences will vary among golfers, finding the proper fit is an absolute necessity. A properly glove offers maximum performance, comfort, and durability.
• Golfers with wide palms and comparatively short fingers should consider cadet-sized gloves. Unfortunately, not all models are offered in cadet sizes.

2019 Performance Glove Results

	Name	Fit	Comfort	Feel	Grip	Total
	Ping Sport Check Price	1st	1st	2nd	3rd	91
	Titleist Players Flex Check Price	1st	7th	2nd	2nd	90.5
	FootJoy Contour FLX Check Price	5th	1st	2nd	7th	89.5
	Nike Tech Extreme Check Price	1st	5th	7th	7th	89.5
	Footjoy Rain Grip Pair Check Price	5th	1st	9th	3rd	89
	Srixon All Weather Check Price	5th	5th	2nd	7th	89
	Wilson Conform Check Price	8th	1st	1st	13th	88
	Mizuno Rain Fit Check Price	8th	7th	2nd	7th	87.5
	Bionic Stable Grip Check Price	4th	7th	14th	3rd	87
	FootJoy ProFLX Check Price	8th	7th	7th	12th	86.5
	Mizuno Comp Check Price	12th	14th	9th	1st	86
	Srixon Tech Check Price	8th	14th	9th	16th	83.5
	Taylormade Stratus Tech Check Price	13th	11th	13th	7th	83
	Vice Duro Check Price	13th	11th	12th	15th	82
	Nike All Weather Check Price	13th	11th	15th	13th	81
	MG Tech Grip Check Price	16th	16th	15th	3rd	79.5
	Nike Dura Feel Check Price	16th	16th	17th	16th	76
	Inesis 100 Resistance Check Price	18th	18th	18th	18th	71

FAQ

Q: How much do I need to spend on a glove? 

A: We found great options in 2019 for both golfers looking for an incredible value and those looking for ultimate performance. If you want the ultimate in performance and consistency, expect to spend between $15-$25 per glove. The best performing gloves in 2019 in our testing were the Ping Sport, Titleist Players Flex, and the FootJoy Contour FLX.

Q: How do I know when a glove fits correctly?

A: It’s cliche perhaps, but a glove really should fit like a second skin. There should be no extra material on the palm, fingers, or the top of the hand. A glove is going to stretch. A new glove should fit snuggly with 1/4″ of Velcro still showing when secured. Take a look at this fitting guide for help.

Q: Do I need to wear a glove?

A: To wear or not wear a glove is, to a degree, personal preference. Certainly, there are some who pride themselves on playing bare-handed. While that approach can save a significant amount of money over a lifetime, it should be noted that the best players in the world all wear gloves. A proper fit glove will help to ensure a consistent connection with the club regardless of heat, humidity, sweat, etc..