Sailing is an exhilarating experience, but it comes with its challenges. The harsh conditions at sea can take their toll on your hands, leading to blisters, abrasions, and general discomfort. That's where good sailing gloves come in they protect your hands while still allowing for dexterity. In this review, we'll dive deep into the Gill Deckhand Gloves for Men Finger, a popular choice among sailors worldwide. We'll examine their design, durability, compatibility, performance, user feedback, and price point to help you decide if these gloves are right for you.
The Gill Deckhand Gloves feature a classic yet functional design thats been refined over the years. These arent overly flashy or trendy; they're built for practicality above all else. The black color scheme is understated and professional, blending seamlessly with most sailing gear. One of the standout features of these gloves is their fingerless design. While some sailors prefer full-finger gloves, others find them restrictive when handling lines and winches. The Gill Deckhand Gloves strike a balance between protection and dexterity, offering coverage for your palms while leaving your fingers free to move. The open fingertips are ideal for tying knots, adjusting sails, or simply feeling the ropes in your hands. The gloves have reinforced stitching at key stress points, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of sailing without tearing easily. Furthermore, the pre-curved finger design provides a comfortable and natural fit right out of the box. The wrist closure is secure but not overly tight, allowing for easy on/off access while still providing adequate protection from wind and spray.
The Gill Deckhand Gloves are crafted from durable synthetic leather (Amara) with a breathable mesh back. Amara material offers excellent abrasion resistance and moisture wicking properties, keeping your hands dry even during intense activity. The mesh backing enhances breathability, preventing your hands from overheating on warm days. Inside the gloves is a soft microfiber lining that adds an extra layer of comfort and helps wick away sweat. This combination of materials makes for a glove that's both tough enough to withstand harsh conditions yet comfortable enough for all-day wear. The palm area features strategically placed silicone printing, providing enhanced grip on ropes and winches even when wet.
Gill offers these gloves in multiple sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL) to accommodate a wide range of hand shapes and sizes. To determine your size, measure the circumference of your dominant hand around the knuckles, excluding your thumb. Refer to Gill's sizing chart for guidance. Its generally recommended to go up one size if you fall between sizes or have particularly large hands. A snug fit is important for optimal dexterity and protection, but avoid gloves that are too tight as they can restrict blood flow and cause discomfort over time.
When it comes to sailing gear, durability is paramount. You want gloves that will last through countless hours of use without falling apart. The Gill Deckhand Gloves have proven themselves in this regard, consistently receiving positive feedback from users regarding their longevity. The Amara synthetic leather palm and reinforced stitching are key factors contributing to the gloves impressive lifespan. While they're not completely indestructible (nothing is), these gloves can easily withstand years of regular use under normal conditions. However, it's important to note that prolonged exposure to saltwater or harsh chemicals can degrade the materials over time, so proper care and maintenance are essential for maximizing their lifespan.
The Gill Deckhand Gloves are designed for sailing but offer a surprising amount of versatility. While they excel in marine environments, you can also use them for other outdoor activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and even gardening.
These gloves are perfect for handling lines, adjusting sails, and operating winches the core tasks of sailing. The fingerless design provides excellent dexterity while still offering protection from rope burn and abrasions. The silicone-printed palm ensures a secure grip on wet or slippery ropes, preventing accidental drops that can be dangerous at sea.
The Gill Deckhand Gloves deliver exceptional performance in a variety of sailing conditions. Here's how they stack up:
As mentioned earlier, the silicone printing on the palm provides excellent grip, even when wet. This is crucial for securely handling ropes and winches while sailing. The fingerless design allows for maximum dexterity, making it easy to tie knots or adjust sail trim without feeling restricted.
The Amara synthetic leather used in these gloves offers good water resistance, keeping your hands relatively dry even during heavy spray or light rain. However, they're not completely waterproof, so prolonged submersion will eventually saturate the material. The breathable mesh back helps regulate temperature and prevent overheating on warm days.
The reinforced stitching and durable synthetic leather palm are designed to withstand abrasions from ropes and other rough surfaces. This is particularly important for sailors who frequently handle lines or work around winches. While they're not completely impervious to tears, the Gill Deckhand Gloves offer significantly better abrasion resistance than many other sailing gloves on the market.
The soft microfiber lining provides a comfortable feel against your skin, preventing chafing and irritation during prolonged wear. The breathable mesh back allows for excellent airflow, keeping your hands cool and dry even in warm conditions. However, some users might find the wrist closure slightly restrictive, especially if they have larger wrists.
The Gill Deckhand Gloves consistently receive positive reviews from sailors worldwide. Here's a summary of what users are saying:
The Gill Deckhand Gloves are priced competitively within their category, typically ranging from $40-$60 depending on the retailer and size. Considering their durability, performance, and versatility, they offer excellent value for money. While there may be cheaper sailing gloves available, these tend to compromise on quality or features. The Gill Deckhand Gloves represent a sweet spot between affordability and premium construction, making them an ideal choice for both recreational and competitive sailors.
If you're looking for comfortable, durable, and versatile sailing gloves that offer excellent grip and dexterity, the Gill Deckhand Gloves are definitely worth considering. Their fingerless design is a standout feature, providing protection where it matters most while still allowing for maximum freedom of movement.
The Gill Deckhand Gloves are fingerless sailing gloves designed to provide enhanced grip and dexterity while maintaining warmth on deck. They feature a reinforced palm and fingers for durability, as well as touchscreen compatibility so you can stay connected even when wearing them. They're perfect for sailors looking for comfortable and functional protection against the elements during their time at sea.
While not specifically designed for extreme cold conditions like winter sailing, the Gill Deckhand Gloves offer a good level of warmth and wind resistance for cooler temperatures. They're ideal for spring or fall sailing when you need extra protection without full-finger gloves restricting your movement. Pair them with undergloves if it's particularly chilly.
The Gill Deckhand Gloves are crafted from a durable and breathable nylon fabric on the back of the hand, while the palm is made of reinforced synthetic leather for superior grip. The lining uses moisture-wicking mesh to keep your hands dry and comfortable. They also feature elasticated cuffs with hook & loop closures for a secure fit.
The fingertips on both the index finger and thumb are constructed using conductive fabric, allowing you to use touchscreens without removing your gloves. This is incredibly handy when navigating charts or adjusting settings on your devices while sailing.
While they're not completely waterproof, these gloves are water-resistant and will effectively repel light splashes of water from spray or rain. For heavier conditions, we recommend using a pair of waterproof overgloves or a drysuit to keep you fully protected.
We offer sizes Small through Extra Large. To determine your best fit, measure around the circumference of your hand at its widest point (excluding the thumb). Refer to our sizing chart on the product page for detailed measurements and recommendations. If you're between sizes, it's generally better to size up.
The Gill Deckhand Gloves are machine washable. We recommend using a mild detergent in cold water and air drying them completely before storing. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners as they can damage the materials over time.
Yes, absolutely! The Gill Deckhand Gloves' fingerless design offers excellent dexterity and control when handling ropes and sheets during dinghy sailing maneuvers. Theyre a popular choice among dinghy sailors looking for grip and protection without sacrificing sensitivity.
Yes, these gloves feature reflective piping on the back of the hand to enhance your visibility in low-light conditions. This is particularly important when sailing at dusk or dawn.
Generally speaking, yes. The Gill Deckhand Gloves are designed with a comfortable and flexible wrist opening that should accommodate most standard sized watches worn on the left hand (assuming you're right-handed).
The hook & loop closures provide a secure and adjustable fit. Simply peel back the hook side to loosen or tighten the cuff around your wrist as needed. Ensure that the cuff is snug but not too tight, allowing for comfortable movement.
Yes, these gloves are designed with a shorter cuff than most full-finger sailing gloves to allow them to be worn comfortably over the cuffs of your sailing jacket or under waterproof overgloves. This provides added warmth and protection in colder conditions.
Absolutely! They're versatile enough to be used for a variety of water-based activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and even waterskiing. The fingerless design offers excellent dexterity and grip for handling paddles or equipment.
The reinforced synthetic leather palm provides exceptional durability against wear and tear from ropes, lines, and other sailing hardware. These gloves are built to withstand regular use and will provide years of reliable service with proper care.
At present, these gloves are only available in black. However, we regularly update our product range so keep an eye out for new color options in the future!
We recommend storing your Gill Deckhand Gloves flat or loosely rolled to prevent creasing and maintain their shape. Avoid hanging them from a hook as this can stretch the elasticated cuffs over time. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
We offer hassle-free returns within 30 days of purchase for items that are unworn and undamaged. Please refer to our return policy on the website for detailed instructions on how to initiate a return. Were happy to help you find your perfect size!