Structural FF Gloves...Recommendations?

[LawFires]

I've searched...and everything I've seen says to get the Shelby FDP gloves. But I haven't read anything that says WHY they're the best. I have a pair of department issued structural gloves that are very lightweight. Touching anything that is really hot doesn't work well. Also, they leak like a sieve...in the winter, they turn into big ice cubes, as do my hands. They work fine in the summer, and are dextrous enough for rescue work. So I'm looking for a heavier (thicker insulated) pair of gloves that will not leak, and will hold up well. Do the Shelby's fit the bill?

Is there a difference in the different color shelbys, or is the only difference the color they're dyed?

Any other gloves I should be looking at?

I appreciate your thoughts!

[backsteprescue123]

I have a pair of second hand Shelby gloves that I do not wear because they are like XXL. I wear Fire Dex gloves and yes they do get wet and the gauntlet is torn. And this is after 2 or 3 years of use as an explorer. Don't exactly know if this is common or what.

[Weruj1]

I prefer the FFIV or III gloves......next go around I am thinking if the weird ones from down under that are purple and made out of somthing I cannot recall right this instant.

[firefighterbeau]

Weruj, purple gloves from down under, i didn't think kangroos were purple??


i wear the FFIII gloves, and some other brand i can't remember what they are though, i hear the shelby's are good though.

[npfd801]

I've had fantastic luck with American Firewear's FireMate model 9000. Absolutely fantastic comfort, and the kangaroo leather doesn't get stiff like other stuff after its been soaking wet.

Shelby makes good gloves too, but I thought I'd throw that out there.

[VinnieB]

Probablly the best glove IMO out there is the one German FFs use. I know its very limited here...but in time...I am sure it will be in more use.....I believe the name is "Eska"....crosstech makes the liner.....

[Weruj1]

I've had fantastic luck with American Firewear's FireMate model 9000. Absolutely fantastic comfort, and the kangaroo leather doesn't get stiff like other stuff after its been soaking wet.

got a link to the America dealy-whoos ? And I think they were made out of "roo !

[npfd801]

American Firewear can be viewed at:

American Firewear

They're now part of Total Fire Group (Morning Pride, Warrington) - so they should be available a whole lot of places now.

One other thing, I think both Shelby and American Firewear do it - make sure whatever glove brand you buy sews the linings for the fingers into the fingers of the outer shell. We used to throw gloves away all of the time, as once you get that liner pulled out of the fingers, you'll never get it back in right. We haven't had the problem yet with any of the Firewear gloves yet.

[MetalMedic]

I'm still sold on the Chiba Sports "FlameFighter" gloves for overall design and performance.

[pfd4life]

Shelby FDP Koala/Goretex...this is by far the best glove I have ever used. Super soft, already broken in..and it would take a shoebox of viagra to get them to stiffen up.

[Nozzleman216]

Shelby FDP Koala/Goretex...this is by far the best glove I have ever used. Super soft, already broken in..and it would take a shoebox of viagra to get them to stiffen up.

I would have to agree whole heartedly with above. When we got new gear, the plan was to go to a gauntlet style glove and we had some in to try on etc.... I believe they were American Firewear, granted I dont think they were the top of the line model, but the chief didnt want to spend too much. My captain and I talked him into getting some Shelbys in to try and most all the guys fell in love with them. They are great!!! I hope to never have to wear anything else, and if I had to I would buy my own so I could wear a Shelby glove. They are THAT nice imo.

[PuffyNPFD]

I use Tempo gloves, a company out of Wisconsin. Good dexterity, insulated. have held up well in the 2 years I have had them.

[PFDTruck18]

I use to wear brown ones, then grey ones, now black ones with yellow backs and reflective finger tips. They all suck.

[WBenner]

I was at a fire Convention and saw a pair of gloves that looked and felt like extrication gloves that were meant for Interior firefighting the price was HIGH but dam they wore good. I wear Shelby now and Im happy with them.

Hey if you get a chance check out the HERO gear for firefighters made by morning pride. MY opinion it stinks and wont work in the fire service the gloves are held in place by maganets like a Dry Suit. Next thing you know they will have us all wearing proximity gear. LOL

[cdemarse]

http://www.westernsafety.com/firegua...eguardpg1.html

Best gloves I have ever used. (commander)

Very durable
Hands stay dry longer IMO due to the lining.

Dont get hard after they dry from being wet.

Great gloves

[rfd599]

The best gloves I have ever had are American Firwear's Fire Mates. I have used several models over the years, but these are by far the best. They have great dexterity and feel, and they also do not get stiff after they are wet. I have had mine on company for three years without any problems.

These gloves feature an elk skin back and a kangaroo palm. They can be purchased with either a Crosstech Moisture Barrier or Polyurethane Moisture Barrier.

rfd599
www.IllinoisFireStore.com

[Ikejake]

Direct Grip Gloves. Fire Dex has them, Shelby has them.

[pfd4life]

I use to wear brown ones, then grey ones, now black ones with yellow backs and reflective finger tips. They all suck.

Actually they don't...i used to do the same..just wear what I was given...until I found the Shelby FDP Koala skin ones...the glove is amazing...expensive..but get a pair, you will not be dissapointed.

[HalliganHook111]

Nobody has mentioned FireGuard Commander gloves (blue in color). By far the best gloves I've ever used. I like them much better than the purple Shelby gloves. The new Chiba gloves are pretty nice but look a bit goofy. Anyway my vote goes hands down for the Fireguard Commanders.

[cdemarse]

Nobody has mentioned FireGuard Commander gloves (blue in color). By far the best gloves I've ever used. I like them much better than the purple Shelby gloves. The new Chiba gloves are pretty nice but look a bit goofy. Anyway my vote goes hands down for the Fireguard Commanders.

*cough* *cough*

http://www.westernsafety.com/firegu...reguardpg1.html

Best gloves I have ever used. (commander)

Very durable
Hands stay dry longer IMO due to the lining.

Dont get hard after they dry from being wet.

Great gloves