For a comprehensive performance glove test, the norms – feel, comfort, fit, and grip – are always considered. This year we examined the glove’s material dispersion, seam comfort, wrist design, strap efficiency, and material quality. We also received multiple units from every test participant to test the consistency of sizing and build for each submission.

We’re always fine-tuning the process to make sure we’re collecting the best data possible. Continuing that trend we’ve updated and refined this year’s analysis to bring you the best buying advice possible.

We put in hours of testing utilizing data-driven protocols to test new metrics. The numbers are better than ever.

Over the course of the test, testers hit balls wearing each glove. For each glove testers hit eight shots and gave some scores during and some after the test. We were particularly interested in the phrasing of the testing questions, so prompt words were discussed before testing to ensure objectivity. By choosing when particular questions were asked, we were able to limit bias.

There were opportunities for breaks in the test to help limit the impact of sweat and tester fatigue.

Fit (35 points) – Quite simply how the glove fits…except a whole lot more. We examined every glove’s fit on every tester’s hand to look for things like excess leather in the palm, pinching around the fingers, and tapering design of the wrist. Think of this category like the “design” category of the glove guide. The best gloves in the fit category seemed to mold snuggly to every testers hand. We also tested consistency for all entries to ensure that companies provided products that are always the same. You may want to note; we did deem the fit category to be the most important.

Comfort (15 points) – Score is based on whether there are any flaws in the glove, including abrasive material, poor stitching, or long fingers. Surveys for this category were implemented while the tester was hitting, as comfort is especially important during a shot. While playing, it’s imperative that your glove feel like there’s nothing there.

Feel (25 points) – Typically there’s plenty of ambiguity regarding the definition of feel in terms of golf, but for our purposes, it’s how the glove performs during the shot. Was it easy to feel the club throughout the swing? Did the glove help or hinder your ability to hit a good shot? We found that many gloves did well here, while some missed the mark entirely.

Grip (25 points) – Does the tester feel like the glove provides an adequate connection to the club? Does the club move around in the tester’s hand during the swing? A good score in this category suggests there are no issues. It was clear that when gloves performed poorly in this category, they really had no chance of being successful within the larger test.

Final grades were awarded based on total scores. Best Overall is our highest overall scoring performance golf glove, and awards are awarded to the top three gloves. In addition, more specific Best in Class recognitions are awarded to gloves in certain categories (like grip, feel, comfort and fit) that push the industry envelope.