Cycling, Gym, Rowing and Sculling Gloves and Pads
Whether one is planning to participate in a rowing competition to gain some fame and awards or just want to start exercising at home for losing weight, strengthening heart and muscles, or for overall health, a good pair of gloves and pads are always useful.
These gloves are normally called rowing gloves or sculling gloves. But they are not only used for rowing or sculling, but also for yoga, weightlifting, and many other activities.
Published: January 21, 2022.
Some sportspersons and exercisers may be proud of never using gloves and so, think that they are tough. However, they should remember that by not wearing gloves, they are hurting their performance. When it comes to rowing, blisters are an inevitable part of the activity and rowers have to learn to deal with them. Rowing gloves protect the rowers’ hands against blisters.
Blisters can occur for a lot of reasons like rowing for the first time, rowing after a long time, or rowing for an increased amount of time. It’s important to learn to prevent blisters with rowing gloves, how to measure one’s hand for getting the correct glove, types of gloves and what are the best gloves in each type.
Here are the top benefits of wearing rowing gloves:
- Keep hands warm in winter and cold waters
- Protect the back surface of palms from the sun’s scorching heat and harmful UV rays
- Prevent blisters
- Prevent callouses
- Offer the ability to row (exercise) for longer
- Prevent sweaty palms
- Prevent awkward grip if the rowing handle is too big
Today’s gloves have several important features. Many of them have a ventilation system that helps users’ hands keep cool. They have a softer interior part that absorbs sweat and thus keeps skin dry. Some of them are equipped with silicone rubber on the palm surface which supports the object held in hand and thus ensures no slippage. In addition, the closure system is designed in a way so as to adjust to several sizes. Also, modern gloves are made to keep fingers free. Just those parts that can be typically hurt are covered.
Despite all these features, a buyer can easily get confused due to numerous brands available in the market having different features. It’s quite difficult to buy the best gloves. But if a few factors are considered and studied beforehand, the process can be easy.
Measuring One’s Hand
The most important step of starting looking for the correct glove is to measure one’s hand properly. If the gloves are not fitting one’s hands well, they can actually help in the formation of blisters. If the gloves are bigger than one’s hand, the extra material can fold and cause excessive friction against the hand’s skin and blisters can be formed. If the gloves are smaller, the user just can’t wear them.
Here are steps to measure one’s hand correctly for gloves.
- Firstly, the manufacturer’s website should be checked for sizing instructions. Not all manufacturers use the same measurement
- Hand is to be kept with its palm facing up and fingers stretched out
- The widest part of the palm should be measured (some gloves ask for the circumference of the hand. in that case, the full circle around the hand should be measured. A piece of string can be used for this and then it should be measured with a measuring tape)
- One should try to gauge the thickness of their hands compared to that of an average person
- If the buyer is on the border of 2 sizes but if they feel that their hand is thicker, a larger size should be chosen
Types of Rowing Gloves
There are numerous styles of gloves and one can even choose gloves that are designed for different sports like kayaking or mountain biking.
However, these different styles can be categorized into three groups. Each of these groups has its own pros and cons, but they all help prevent blisters. It really depends on one’s personal choice which of them to choose.
Gloves
These are the basic regular workout gloves made to be more rowing specific. They are perfect for all types of workouts.
They should be made of a breathable material and should no more than ¾ fingers. Thick leather gloves can make one’s hands sweat.
Pads
Cycling, gym, rowing, and sculling pads are an interesting concept that is perfect for indoor rowers. They are easy to wear, allow the wearer’s hands to breathe, and protect only that part of the user’s hand they need protection.
The only shortcoming is that they are not perfectly fitting and can move around slightly. Also, they are thicker than gloves.
Grips
Rowing grips are like a hybrid between gloves and pads. They are very nominal and protect only those parts of hands that develop blisters.
Many people prefer them because they let their hands breathe but also allow them to perform other exercises while wearing them.
Their drawback is that they don’t protect the full hand. If a buyer has a tendency to develop blisters on upper fingers or palms, grips may be a wrong choice for them.
Reviews of the Best Cycling, Gym, Rowing and Sculling Gloves
Here is our list of some of the best and most popular cycling, gym, rowing, and sculling gloves on the market. Please, be sure to choose according to you own personal needs and preferences.
1. Sculling Gear Rowing Gloves
Sculling Gear Rowing Gloves have an open back and lower finger design. Open back design keeps the backside of the palm open and the front part which is more vulnerable to injury covered because this front part touches the material while pulling or rowing or in the gym or yoga and gets wounded. The lower finger design too meets the same purpose of covering and protecting only that part of the palm which is more prone to injury.
The gloves are made of 80% polyester and 20% polyurethane. This material is extremely lightweight and comfortable but doesn’t roll or move or bunch up since it’s thin. A moving or rolling material rubs very hard against the skin and can cause blisters. 100% silicone is used for grip and 100% nylon is used for thumb and trim. The Velcro closure is very secure.
These gloves can be washed and if they are used for a long period of time, they should be washed in hot, soapy water. This will extend their life and users don’t have to buy gloves every month. Although these rowing gloves are quite expensive, they offer the best value for the money.
These gloves allow callouses to form without ripping the skin, so the user can focus on their activity. The manufacturer’s website has some useful instructions about choosing the right size.
For most up-to-date offers and prices feel free to check Sculling Gear Rowing & Sculling Gloves Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
2. ProFitness Weight Lifting Workout Gloves
The ProFitness Workout Gloves are very good for weight lifting, thanks to the reinforced silicone-padded palms that improve grip strength and control over weight lifting. Their breathable neoprene material helps reduce sweat and thus prevents sores and callouses by keeping hands dry.
They are versatile and can be used for cross-training, home gyms, rope climbing, and several other indoor and outdoor activities.
The gloves are equipped with high-quality mesh that is lightweight and form-fitting allowing free airflow over users’ and thus preventing irritation, blisters, or chafing.
They also feature an adjustable wrist strap for added convenience. They also have small tabs on their fingers to help users pull out the gloves easily.
Plus the customer service of ProFitness is excellent and they promptly help you in case of any difficulty. They are affordably priced too.
For most up-to-date offers and prices feel free to check ProFitness Workout Gloves Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
3. Sea to Summit Eclipse Paddle Glove
The Sea to Summit Eclipse Paddle Gloves are meant to protect users’ hands from the sun and blisters. They have an extra-protective double-layer palm and thumb area. The back fabric is UPF 50+ and is stretchy and breathable, thus offers a snug-fitting without feeling too tight. They also dry out relatively quickly. Since they are close-fitting, they even don’t wrinkle or bunch up on fingers. All in all, they offer superior comfort.
They also offer a 2mm neoprene cuff with hook and loop, and a secure rubberized tab closure.
They are available in a wide range of sizing, viz. Small: 7”-7.5”, Medium: 8”-8.5”, Large: 9”-9.5” and X-Large: 9.5+”
For most up-to-date offers and prices feel free to check Sea to Summit Eclipse Paddle Gloves Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
4. Contraband Pink Label 5537 Womens MICRO Weight Lifting Gloves
Contraband Pink Label 5537 gloves are also known as minimalist gloves or half gloves. They allow the user’s hands to feel free but provide the required protection at the same time. They provide a snug-fitting thanks to the adjustable strap. They are even compatible with the Apple Watch, which many other gloves are not.
The medium amount of padding on these gloves provides just the right amount of protection but doesn’t let the user’s hands sweat and facilitates a great grip. Thus it’s great for most weight lifting workouts, yoga, cycling, rowing, and more.
For a high-traction surface, for better grip and preventing callouses, there are silicone rubber beads on the palm. If the user feels that the gloves are slipping, they should clean the palm with dish soap and water which will remove oil and thus will restore the grip.
These gloves are also easy to remove, thanks to the tabs placed on the fingertips. These tabs are made from Amara leather, a flexible synthetic material.
The gloves are backed by a 1-year warranty and no-hassle return is also offered. From the SIZE CHART, users can find the best size for them.
For most up-to-date offers and prices feel free to check Contraband Pink Label 5537 Weight Lifting Gloves Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
5. Trideer Padded Weight Lifting Gloves
Trideer Padded Weight Lifting Gloves are gloves not just meant for weight lifting but they are quite versatile and can be used for a variety of activities including rowing, pull-ups, gym training, and general exercise. They come with an ultra-light, breathable microfiber mesh on the back that offers comfort and ease of use.
They provide full palm protection and a thickening pad that will buffer the impact of any sport or exercise equipment. To relieve stress, a good neoprene Wrist Strap has been provided that improves the user’s power and helps prevent any injury by keeping the wrist in a neutral position. For an enhanced grip, a hexagonal silica gel anti-skid has been included in the gloves’ design. The gloves are easy to remove due to the pull buckle on the fingertip.
They also offer a great range of sizes, colors, and functions, so that users can choose the best ones suited to them.
The gloves are affordably priced and are supported by a 12-month warranty, 30-day no-hassle return, and lifetime customer service for all Trideer customers.
For most up-to-date offers and prices feel free to check Trideer Padded Weight Lifting Gloves Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
Bottom Line
Some people may not consider rowing gloves essential; but they are definitely useful to minimize or prevent blisters and callouses, and thus help users focus on their activity instead of getting perturbed by the wounds.
In this way, they are definitely essential and athletes and exercise enthusiasts should include them in their fitness arsenal.
