Hockey gloves protect your hands and wrists from sticks and pucks.
Obviously, protection should be your first priority, but nothing is more frustrating than a pair of hockey gloves that are working against you as you try to perform the fundamentals of passing, shooting, and puck handling.
Players tend to have different preferences—and also tend to be extremely picky. This is why we picked the best gloves on the market for 2021 to narrow down your search for the ultimate set of mitts!
LOVE YOUR GLOVES! Here are our picks.
BAUER PRO SERIES
Top of the line! These hockey gloves are made for pros and provide ultimate comfort and protection. They also have advanced materials and odor-resistant treatment to stay super fresh. That's why it's our choice for best OVERALL.
CCM AS-580
These new CCM AS-580 gloves offer GREAT VALUE while still keeping top level features.
BAUER X
Out of all the hockey gloves we looked at, these Bauer X gloves were the best Budget Friendly set of mitts in the group. Great comfort and protection at the right price!
Table of Contents
- 1. CCM Tacks AS-V Pro Gloves
- 2. Bauer Pro Series Hockey Gloves
- 3. Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Hockey Gloves
- 4. True Catalyst 9X Hockey Gloves
- 5. Warrior Covert QR5 Hockey Gloves
- 6. CCM Tacks AS-V Hockey Gloves
- 7. CCM FT4 Pro Gloves
- 8. Bauer Vapor 3X Hockey Gloves
- 9. Bauer Vapor 3X Pro Gloves
- 10. CCM Tacks AS-580 Hockey Gloves
- 11. Bauer X Hockey Gloves
- 12. Sherwood Rekker Element One Gloves
- Best Hockey Gloves Accessories
- How to Size Hockey Gloves
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
1. CCM Tacks AS-V Pro Gloves
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Overview
Serious competitive players will be thrilled to know that CCM has released the new Tacks AS-V Pro Hockey Gloves for the 2022/23 campaign as they provide top-level protection, durability and comfort. They come with a ventilated Nest Tech base and an Integrated Impact Protection plate while the knuckles and backplate are outfitted with lightweight D30 Foam. This gives you the best protection possible from flying pucks and sticks and one-on-one battles. The gloves are very breathable to keep your hands dry and cool during intense action, allowing them to dry quickly between games.
They boast AX Suede Palms for added comfort along with Polygiene BioStatic Odor Crunch Technology to help eliminate bacteria, moisture and unpleasant odours. The CCM Tacks AS-V Pro gloves also have snug, contoured fingers, cuffs and ventilated backhands with dual-density foam and plastic inserts for protection. In addition, the polyester/leather gloves come with two-piece flex thumbs for optimal range of motion and Stretch Lycra, Nash fingertips.
The CCM Tacks AS-V Pro Gloves come in assorted sizes and colours with the 14-inch pair weighing 320 grams. They are generally found in the mid to upper-price range.
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2. Bauer Pro Series Hockey Gloves
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Overview
The Bauer Pro Series Hockey Gloves come with an abundance of top-notch protection in the backhands and fingers thanks to the dual-density, EPP, Hyperlite, close-cell, and HD foams, and reinforced plastic inserts in the key areas. They provide supreme protection and comfort from slashes and blocked shots while still remaining as lightweight as possible. The gloves feature Nash palms and fingertips for great stick connection and protection from wear and tear.
They are also equipped with Hyper Sense Finger Liners and soft Thermo Max Liners to help keep them dry, bacteria-free and odour-free during the action. This technology also helps reduce drying times between use. The polyester/cable-knit mesh Bauer Pro Series Gloves boast traditional relaxed backhands, cuffs and fingers for top mobility as well as two-piece flex thumbs and Pro Nash, Hyper Sense Liner finger gussets.
The Bauer Pro Series Gloves come in assorted sizes and colours with the 14-inch pair weighing 350 grams. They are generally found in the mid to upper-price range.
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3. Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Hockey Gloves
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Overview
The extremely lightweight Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Gloves provide top-rate protection without any added weight thanks to the company’s Shocklite Plate and Defense Cloud Technology Foam which are designed to absorb all types of impact energy from slashes, blocked shots and puck battles etc. Each finger is outfitted with triple-density foam while the cuffs are protected by Exo Lite foam. On the inside, they come with Hyper Sense fingers and soft Thermo Core Zero liners which are made to fight off odours, moisture and bacteria and to keep your hands cool.
The Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Gloves also boast snug backhands and fingers with relaxed cuffs, PE inserts, two-piece molded plastic thumbs with dual-density foam, DuraConnekt or FlexConnekt palms, gray Microsuede overlays, Stretch Lycra finger gussets and Pro Nylon/ PU leather/cable-knit mesh exteriors. These gloves provide all the protection you could ask for without affecting your range of motion, flexibility and mobility.
The new Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Gloves come in assorted sizes and colours with the 14-inch pair weighing 280 grams. They are generally found in the mid to upper-price range.
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4. True Catalyst 9X Hockey Gloves
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Overview
If you’re looking for excellent fit, protection, comfort and flexibility then you may be interested in the True Catalyst 9X Hockey Gloves as they provide competitive players of all ages with each of them. The backhands, finger blocks and fingers are protected by top-grade plastic inserts and 20mm EPP foam to ward off pucks and sticks while the cuffs come with molded protection. However, you’ll still have full range of motion and mobility for shooting, stickhandling and passing. The gloves feature a three-piece hinge thumb and snug three-piece fingers for premium stick grip, flexibility and control.
The palms and fingertips of the True Catalyst 9X Gloves are made with durable AX Suede to battle wear and tear while the Stretch Lycra cuffs come with dense, molded foam and have five different breaks in them for unmatched protection and wrist mobility. The exterior of the gloves are constructed with PU leather and premium Nylon and the Antimicrobial Microfibre liners are designed to eliminate bacteria, odours and moisture while reducing drying time.
The True Catalyst 9X Gloves come in assorted sizes and colours with the 14-inch pair weighing 340 grams. They are generally found in the mid to upper-price range.
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5. Warrior Covert QR5 Hockey Gloves
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Overview
The popular Covert QR5 Gloves by Warrior offer tremendous feel and fit as they flex and contour to the natural shape of your hands for mobility and control and also provide maximum protection at the same time. The gloves are outfitted with Axyflex cuffs and thumbs to enable range of motion and dexterity while protecting your hands and wrists from slashes and pucks. The gloves feature foam mesh and Lycra finger gussets, advanced EXO + Foam protection and high-impact plastic shield inserts.
The Smart Palms come with reinforced Clarino HAR for optimal durability and feel and to slow down the affects of wear and tear. The Covert QR5 Gloves are lined with a soft Polygiene Wartech FNC to keep your hands dry, cool and odour/bacteria-free at all times. This also reduces the drying time of the gloves between practices and games and helps keep them clean and fresh.
The Warrior Covert QR5 Gloves come in assorted sizes and colours with the 14-inch pair weighing 308 grams. They are generally found in the mid to upper-price range.
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6. CCM Tacks AS-V Hockey Gloves
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The CCM Tacks AS-V Gloves recently hit the market and are ideal for players who are seeking Grade A comfort and protection at a competitive price. They feature a ventilated Nest Tech base with an Integrated Impact Protection plate with the backplate and knuckles covered with lightweight D30 Foam. The breathable gloves are designed to keep your hands as cool and dry as possible while playing and quickly dry out between practices and games.
They are outfitted with AX Suede Palms for added comfort along with Polygiene BioStatic Odor Crunch Technology to help fight off moisture, bacteria and odours. The CCM Tacks AS-V Gloves also feature snug, contoured fingers, cuffs and ventilated backhands with dual-density foam and plastic inserts for protection. Also, the polyester/leather gloves come with two-piece flex thumbs for range of motion, Stretch Lycra fingertips and are reinforced with Kevlar.
The CCM Tacks AS-V Gloves come in several sizes and colours with the 14-inch pair weighing 315 grams. They are typically found in the mid-price range.
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7. CCM FT4 Pro Gloves
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Overview
The Jetspeed FT4 Pro gloves are another new model for 2021 from CCM. They come with maximum ZoteFoam protection with high-density PE foams and durable plastic inserts for optimal protection, mobility and comfort. The exteriors are constructed with pro polyester, synthetic leather and cable knit nylon. They have pro Clarino palm bases with embossed overlays for incredible stick feel and control.
These gloves showcase pre-angled open flex cuffs for extreme wrist movement while soft-cushioned PU foam surrounds the laminated liner. Odours, bacteria and sweat are fought off with CCM’s Polygiene Technology which is built directly into the liners. This model also comes outfitted with relaxed cuffs, snug fingers, high-density PE foams, two-piece flex thumbs, mesh nylon finger gussets and screen-printed graphics.
The lightweight CCM Jetspeed FT4 Pro gloves are available in several sizes and colours with the 14-inch gloves tipping the scales at 277 grams each. They can typically be found in the higher price bracket.
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8. Bauer Vapor 3X Hockey Gloves
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Overview
The Vapor 3X Gloves are also a new lightweight product by Bauer geared towards competitive players of all ages who require first-class protection at a reasonable price. The finger blocks, fingers and backhands are equipped with dual-density foam and reinforced PE inserts for solid impact protection while the backhands also come with Hyperlite HD Foam. The exteriors are constructed with PU Overlay/Pro Nylon while the palms are constructed with a Taktile Base. The overlays are Black Clarino and the finger gussets are Stretch Lycra with Hyper Sense lining for a broken-in fit.
The inside finger liners feature Bauer’s Hypersense technology for comfort as well as anti-bacterial Thermo Max+ liners to battle bacteria, odours and sweat and reduce drying time. The Bauer Vapor 3X Gloves have screen-printed graphics, tapered, snug backhands and fingers with relaxed cuffs and two-piece molded plastic/foam thumbs for the best combination of comfort, mobility, range of motion and protection.
The Bauer Vapor 3X Gloves come in assorted sizes and colours with the 14-inch pair weighing just 260 grams. They are generally found in the mid-price range.
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9. Bauer Vapor 3X Pro Gloves
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Overview
New from Bauer in 2022/23 are the Vapor 3X Pro Gloves, which are aimed at competitive players of all ages who are seeking top-rate protection at an affordable price. The finger blocks, fingers and backhands come with dual-density foam and reinforced PE inserts for fantastic impact protection while the backhands also have added Hyperlite HD Foam. The exteriors are constructed with polyester, PU leather and cable-knit nylon while the palms and overlays are made of smooth ivory microsuede and the finger gussets are Stretch Lycra for a fine broken-in fit.
The inside finger liners feature Bauer’s Hypersense technology for comfort as well as anti-bacterial Thermo Max+ liners to battle bacteria, odours and sweat. The Bauer Vapor 3X Pro Gloves have embroidered or screen-printed graphics, tapered, snug backhands and fingers with relaxed cuffs and two-piece molded plastic/foam thumbs for optimal protection, mobility, comfort and range of motion.
The Bauer Vapor 3X Pro Gloves come in assorted sizes and colours with the 14-inch pair weighing 280 grams. They are generally found in the mid-price range.
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10. CCM Tacks AS-580 Hockey Gloves
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Overview
Another new glove by CCM is the Tacks AS-580 model which are aimed at recreational players of all skill levels and ages who are looking for top value for their money without having to buy elite-level equipment. These gloves provide plenty of protection and comfort thanks to the Impact Protection Plates on the back of the hands for additional coverage. They also boast D30 Foam on the knuckles for protection against blocked shots and slashes.
The snug, contoured fingers are outfitted with dual-density foams while the short cuff allows for a greater range of motion. They have soft PU foam and laminated liners along with reinforced Ivory Nash palms for maximum stick feel and durability. The breathable, mesh/polyester CCM Tacks AS-580 Gloves are also equipped with ASD technology, plastic inserts, two-piece flex thumbs and nylon finger gussets.
The CCM Tacks AS-580 Gloves come in several sizes and colours with the 14-inch pair weighing 290 grams. They are typically found in the low to mid-price range.
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11. Bauer X Hockey Gloves
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Overview
Another new hockey glove this season is the Bauer X model which is an ideal option for recreational level players and newcomers to the sport. It’s made of thick and comfortable protective foams throughout with plastic inserts in the back of the hand and fingers. It features a popular two-piece thumb design for supreme passing, shooting and stickhandling while the tactile palms offer a soft, comfortable feel.
The gloves are outfitted with tapered fingers, relaxed cuffs, dual-density foams, stretch-polyester finger gussets, a black Clarino overlay, polyester knit exteriors and sublimated liners to expertly manage moisture, germs and odours while keeping your hands cool and dry.
The Bauer X gloves are available in various sizes and three colours with the 14-inch gloves weighing in at just 234 grams each. They offer plenty of valuable as they can usually be found in the lower price range.
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12. Sherwood Rekker Element One Gloves
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Overview
The Sherwood Rekker Element One Hockey gloves are being advertised as one of the company’s most protective models. Sherwood utilizes its new Viconic Impact Protection technology to make sure all levels of impact energy are dispersed over a larger area. The lightweight, cable-knit nylon/polyester gloves also come with plastic inserts and triple-density foam in key areas to give you five layers of protection from pucks, sticks and other impacts. They feature an inventive adjustable cuff design which comes with a Velcro attachment and three snap attachment points which allow the cuffs to extend and retract to make sure your wrists and forearms arms are well protected with a custom fit.
The Rekker Element One gloves have AX Suede Palms, Stretch Lycra finger gussets, embossed fingertips, stretch mesh vents to keep you cool and dry and soft COP-r29 liners with copper threads to help eliminate bacteria and odours. The snug fingers, cuffs and backhands are tapered while the thumbs are two-piece, molded plastic with standard foam protection and the finger block features plastic inserts and triple-density foam.
The Rekker Element One Hockey Gloves by Sherwood come in assorted sizes and colours with the 14-inch pair weighing 270 grams. They are generally found in the mid-price range.
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Best Hockey Gloves Accessories
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Priorities in selecting gloves
So when understanding that gloves are first and foremost supposed to protect you, we can understand that this is the #1 priority when looking at what gloves to purchase. We’ll cover more below the different ways that gloves can protect your hands.
Next is we want to make sure the gloves fit well. It doesn’t matter how light or high quality your gloves are if you are adjusting them and messing with them all game long. After that, we want to focus on how lightweight and how much mobility you have.
The lighter the weight and the more you can move your wrist and fingers, the closer we get to the ideal glove, which is a glove so good that you don’t even notice that you have it on. Thinking about your glove or noticing your glove means that its not as good as it could be.
So now that we know the priorities, lets dive into the different options that you can get to fulfill each one.
Different features to take into consideration
Nylon vs. Synthetic Leather Shells
Nylon vs. Synthetic Leather ShellsSo gloves actually used to be made of leather. Like real leather, which is kind of weird to picture now a days with how far gloves have come.
When it comes to higher quality gloves now a days, it seems less that its either nylon or synthetic leather, but rather manufacturers are using each within one glove to put them both to use to take advantage of each one’s strengths.
Synthetic leather is typically more durable than nylon shells. However, nylon shells are usually lighter and more breathable than synthetic leather. Knowing that, I’m glad manufacturers are starting to use both.
What Fit to Choose
There are three different types of fits when it comes to senior hockey gloves. There is anatomical, tapered, and classic. In that order, they move from closer fit to looser fit. So anatomical is the closest, classic is the loosest, and tapered is in the middle.
There is quiet a difference in the fits, so you’ll want to go with whatever you think is best, since it’s a matter of preference. So the goal for you is to decide what is “too tight” and what is “too loose”.
Since the goal is to get a glove that fits so well you don’t notice it, it may be best to go on the tighter side. It does seem that tapered fit is the most popular construction type and is probably the best place to start out if you are unsure of what to choose.
Thumb Locks
Most good gloves have these. Thumb locks protect your thumb by having a solid piece of plastic on the back side of your thumb that can only flex inwards. So it doesn’t inhibit your thumb movement, but just makes sure that if your thumb gets caught while getting hit that it can’t bend farther back than what is natural.
Padding Shapes and Divisions
The traditioal way to pad a glove is to have three or four horizontal pads that can flex on the backside of your had. Then your fingers have their own padding, with two pieces each that don’t inhibit your finger movement.
A few gloves do it a little differently, with serveral pieces of foam padding that have different shapes and sizes on the top of the hand and on the fingers. We’ll discuss any below in the list that have this different setup.
Hockey Glove Palms
So the glove palms are going to be one of the spots on the glove where you’ll notice the biggest difference between cheap gloves and high-quality gloves.
All gloves had 1 to 2 layers of material that are a little padded while also allowing for a good grip to hold onto the stick. Most gloves have what is called a nash palm.
Some of the features we want to look for when looking for a quality gloves are for reinforced palms to increase durability, grip texture so the stick doesn’t go flying out of our hands, shock absorbing pads, and mech gussets, which allow for better ventilation on the sides of your fingers.
Long Cuff vs Short Cuff
So this seems to become less of something to consider when looking at gloves because the major trend seems to be going with short cuffs while grabbing a good pair of slash guards and / or wrist guards.
This is because short cuffs allow for much more wrist mobility than long cuffs. However, since long cuffs typically cover your wrist and forearms, they were always a more protective glove. With the advances in slash guards and wrist guards, more players seem to be going with short cuffs at this point.
How to Size Hockey Gloves
So this is the last section before we get into our top 10 list. When it comes to sizing gloves, it may confuse your a bit on how they come up with the inch sizing, since a glove being an 11″ glove isn’t 11″ from the bottom to the top. What this actually is the length from the base of your middle finger on the palm side of your hand up into the crease of your elbow.
Thanks to Our Hockey Diary for the image
That’s generally a pretty accurate way to measure yourself for a glove. Now if you know you have long or short fingers, you may want to go up or down an inch.
Here’s a table that shows you where you should be looking at (senior, junior, youth) depending on the size of your arm.
| Category | Hockey Glove Size | Finger Base to Elbow Size |
|---|---|---|
| Youth | 8" | 7-8" |
| Youth | 9" | 8-9" |
| Junior | 10" | 9-10" |
| Junior | 11" | 10-11" |
| Junior | 12" | 11-12" |
| Senior | 13" | 12-13" |
| Senior | 14" | 13-14" |
| Senior | 15" | 14-15" |
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of gloves do professional hockey players wear?
Gloves are the least noticeable things on professional hockey players, but just if you were wondering, players wear classic, anatomic or tapered gloves which have layers of foam which serve to keep them from getting injured. All gloves come with thumb locks (plastic that protects the finger to be bent during playing), and they also have cuffs.
Are all hockey gloves with universal fit?
No. Hockey gloves come with different length and width, and they are separated into three categories, no matter which brand you choose. They fit into youth, junior and senior collection and there are different colors, materials and patterns to choose from.
How to choose the right size of hockey gloves?
Hockey glove brands usually include a chart where they have stated the easiest way of deciding which size to get. To find the proper fit, you should measure from the finger tips to the elbows and allow a few inches more in distance, so you can find the proper and more comfortable fit.
Conclusion
We hope our list of the best hockey gloves was useful to you. If you have any questions or comments feel free to send us a message. We’re always happy to hear from you.
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