What are the best 5mm gloves? [Archive] - BSAC Scuba Diving Forums

Fishy49

28-11-2009, 20:16

I am looking for a pair of 5mm neoprene gloves, and am thinking of northern diver's super-stretchy ones due to flexibility, or Waterproof's 5mm Crux gloves due to general build quality.

Could anyone give me some feedback on either of these gloves, like how comfortable, warm or flexible they are, and if there are any other gloves that anyone would particularly recommend.

Dave Whitlow

28-11-2009, 20:42

Fourth Element without question!

Crux aren't as flexible and stay in the dive bag. ND ones fall apart and you need a few pairs to last the season. Fourth Element lasted a full season of 80 UK dives and were only replaced this week.

Woz

28-11-2009, 22:37

ND and Cressi ones (they're the same) wear through in no time and flush round the wrists. 4th element wear quite fast too.

Poseidons are pretty tough- mine are into their 5th season and are still (just about) going.

But without a shadow of a doubt the warmest wet gloves are the 7mm Waterproof mitts. I've done well over an hour in 4 deg water and have had proper toasty (as in warm, not just "not cold") hands. You take them off and when you pour the water out of them, it feels like someone is weeing on your hands. Brilliant. About as much dexterity as oven gloves, though.

Maria CM

29-11-2009, 18:59

I hate all my 7mm and 5mm mittens and gloves. Bought loads in desperation to find some I liked and they all stay in the dive box. Now I just cope with 3mm, or if really cold, 3mm plus 3mm over the top (or tropical over the top). Just can't bear not being able to use my fingers properly and that enforced limited movement makes my hands colder than they are in thinner gloves anyway.

Then again, I don't do huge decompression dives; normally max one hour in the water.

best wishes,

Maria

robalexclark

29-11-2009, 20:57

I'll have to cast another vote for Fourth Element gloves as well. I've only got the 3mm which are certainly more than adequate for the usual UK diving season (I've often used a 99p pair of gardening gloves at the height of summer). 3mm is slightly chilly during those deep winter "get wet" sessions at your local pit but I've always found 5mm+ to be too restrictive.

Nick Argue

29-11-2009, 21:02

<snip>
Poseidons are pretty tough- mine are into their 5th season and are still (just about) going.
<snip>

I've two sets of Poseidons that have worn through the fingers after a year or so's use; but I do love my three fingered Poseidons gloves for the winter. Summer Sea diving I really don't care if they flush, it's the winter quarry dives I want good gloves for.

John_C

29-11-2009, 22:17

Another vote for fourth Element 5mm gloves, but they do wear fast, especially if like me you put your gloves on second only to the dry suit..... I've gone through 3 pairs in a little over 18months.

northern_diver

01-12-2009, 01:49

i put my gloves on last, just pre jumping in...greater movement.

i like 5mm aqualung alutian gloves (sp?), nice, fine for 45mins in 3 degree, easy one, comfy, warm enough for me

buddy likes scubapro 5mm titianium/gloden gloves, same as above it seems

lots of mates like the forth element ones....neverhad a chance at them yet though

john

bakerstreet

01-12-2009, 10:24

I, 3mm plus 3mm over the top (or tropical over the top

So 6mm then. Can really see the point in that unless you chop the ends of the fingers off.

My ND 5mm ones are 7 years old and still going strong. However, I will admit they aren't that flexible and have the irritating velcro strap.

Tried some 5mm typhoon non velcro strap ones and thought they were very good.

Just thrown away a pair of 3mm Otter ones that were in several pieces after the last dive. Pity as they quite comfortable :( Probably going to replace them with Scubapro everflex 3mm gloves. My LDS doesn't have a massive selection :(

Outlaw13

01-12-2009, 12:04

I have the northern diver's super-stretchy ones and I really like them for getting on and for dexterity. Unfortunately they are not the warmest. My hands were cold at the end of the 2nd dive yesterday at 10 degrees. And I tend not to get cold. I think they must flush too much.

GaryC

01-12-2009, 12:48

Well just to add my bit. My favourite 5mm gloves are Divers Warehouse own. I guess they dont make them them selves.

In their sale (which I think was in November) they sell off their rental/training gloves normally for a fiver or so. They are normally in very good condition. (probably only ever been to capernwray) Ready for me to put holes in them after a season of hauling myself along the wrecks.

Summer Sea and Sea 3mm titanium are fab.

Gary

Ed Howarth

01-12-2009, 20:10

Smear a film of Aquasure on the end of each finger (the glove, not your hand:D ) and it will double their life at least.

Ed

Kris2

01-12-2009, 20:23

try cutting the fingers off an old pair of 5mm and wear a close fitting fexible 3mm pair underneath these.gives you 8mm over hands and leaves fingers fairly flexible

Kieran

04-12-2009, 13:37

I use fourth element 3mm and they are fine for all my diving though a little chilly in the Scottish winter. The 5mm ones are decent too and compared to some 5mm gloves out there are much more dexterity friendly. I'd try both and see. I have XS/ Ladies Medium hands so 5mm is a bit bulky for me.

bburville

04-12-2009, 14:04

Have used various gloves - dive all year round in North Sea. Typical dives 90-120mins minimum sometimes far longer in water.

No.1 glove POSEIDON 3 finger Mitts

Poseidon gloves get "seal of approval"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqF6EVkai-0

Dexterity is no problem once you are used to them (I need to be able to operate u/w video equipment)

My wife gets very cold hands and she uses Waterproof 7mm 3 fingers mitts - but they are more of a faff to put on that the Poseidons.

Safe diving,
Ben "Seal diver"
www.youtube.com/bburville

garethwoodruff

04-12-2009, 15:24