Get a Handle on
Protecting Yourself With Aftco's Sun Gloves
Date: |
12/20/15 |
Tackle type: |
Apparel |
Manufacturer: |
Aftco |
Reviewer: |
Wolbugger |
Total Score: 7.88 -
GOOD
Introduction:
Aftco, short for
American Fishing Tackle Company, has been well-known in the saltwater community
for some time now. Makers of fishing components and accessories, they also
produce a substantial lineup of fishing apparel. As someone who always tries to
protect my skin from the harmful rays of the sun, I took particular interest in
their newest sun gloves. In the last several years I have been wearing similar
gloves—primarily from the Glacier Glove brand—so I was eager to sample a new
offering and see if they prove to be better.
Aftco MSG 1001
Sun Glove
Specifications |
Material |
88% polyester /
12% spandex |
Sizes |
Small, Medium,
Large |
Colors |
Blue, Royal
Blue, Silver |
Features |
UV 50+ Rating,
finger-less
design,
flat-stitched
seams |
Origin |
Thailand |
MSRP |
$17.99
(TackleWarehouse.com) |
My blue gloves arrived from
TackleWarehouse.com in a size medium.
Quality/Construction: Aftco is known for producing
some quality garments, and the construction of these sun gloves won't
disappoint. Utilizing polyester and spandex construction, they are put together
very well with a soft, inviting feel and clean stitching throughout. The
material and stitching is also strong enough to resist some forceful pulling and
stretching. There is no inner or palm lining present.
Quality Ratings for
Aftco MSG 1001
Sun Glove |
Thread Work
(1-5) |
Outer Material
(1-5) |
Lining
(1-5) |
Fasteners
(1-5) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating (= Tot/Pos* 10) |
4 |
5 |
N/A |
N/A |
9 |
10 |
9 |
These gloves exhibit a minimalist, clean appearance.
Performance:
Not only do these gloves give you solid sun protection, but they are very easy
to live with. They breathe well, dry fast, are comfy, and allow for nice
mobility. With that said, the finger holes are slightly tighter than average on
me and when my fingers are spread apart widely there's a hint of resistance
since the holes are all bound together in a “webbed” style. It's not at all what
I'd call uncomfortable, just a bit different.
The finger holes exhibit a “webbed” type of design
Performance Ratings for
Aftco MSG 1001
Sun Glove |
Wind
Block (1-5) |
Water
Repellant (1-5) |
Mobility(1-5) |
Breathability
(1-5) |
Adjustability of fit
(1-5) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating
(=Tot/Pos *10) |
N/A |
1 |
4 |
4 |
N/A |
9 |
15 |
6 |
This particular color shows even light dirt and stains easily. The smooth palm
is fine in most situations but lacks grip when using rods with graphite handles
or when poling a flats skiff
Features:
These Aftco gloves are basic in their features. There is no liner or built-in
palm grip, and they don't boast any special features like adjustability or
water-repellant properties. The wrist coverage is good, but the finger coverage
(aside from the thumb) is a bit shorter than I'd like. On the plus side, any
water they come in contact with dries extremely fast and they sport a high UV
rating of 50+.
The stitching and material is neat and tidy
Features Ratings for
Aftco MSG 1001
Sun Glove |
Convertible(1-5) |
Fastened
Pocket
(1-5) |
Waterproof
or Fast Drying
(1-3) |
Adjustable
Cuffs
(1-3) |
Insulation or UPF Rating
(1-5) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating
(= Tot/Pos
*10) |
N/A |
N/A |
3 |
N/A |
5 |
8 |
8 |
10 |
The left glove features an outer Aftco label
Design and
Ergonomics: Although marketed as a “fingerless”
design, these gloves cover my thumbs up to the knuckles and my other four
fingers roughly halfway to the knuckles. The webbed finger design is different,
but as mentioned the mobility and comfort is just fine. These are easy to wear
all day long and roll up to nearly nothing which makes storing them in your
pocket or a console glovebox a breeze.
The short, webbed fingers makes the gloves slightly harder to take off
(especially when wet) unless you pull them from the wrists and remove them
inside out.
Design & Ergonomics Ratings for
Aftco MSG 1001
Sun Glove |
Aesthetic (1-5) |
Oversized
Sizing
(1-3) |
Available Colors (1-3) |
All Day Garment (1-3) |
Packable
(1-3) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating (= Tot/Pos *10) |
4 |
N/A |
3 |
3 |
3 |
13 |
14 |
9.28 |
The material sits loosely but comfortably around my narrow wrists.
Application:
You can wear the Aftco Sun Gloves for many outdoor adventures besides just
fishing. Consider them for activities like hunting, jogging, or hiking. With
three different colors available you can match them to the rest of your outfit,
if so desired.
Application Ratings for
Aftco MSG 1001
Sun Glove |
Top Layer (1-5) |
Mid Layer (1-5) |
Bottom
Layer
(1-5) |
Casual
Wear
(1-5) |
Other
Outdoor
Pursuits
(1-5) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating (= Tot/Pos *10) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
2 |
4 |
6 |
10 |
6.0 |
Ratings: (We've re-calibrated our ratings standard for 2008 and have included a key at the bottom of the following matrix as a guide)
Aftco MSG 1001
Sun Glove
Ratings
(?/10) |
Construction/Quality |
Put together quite well
with comfortable material and tight, clean stitching. |
9 |
Performance |
Despite the so-so score
here, they performed well and were comfortable to wear. |
6 |
Price |
Priced cheaper than gloves
from brands like Simms and Columbia, but other offerings boast added
features for their higher costs. |
7 |
Features |
While they ranked highly
here in our scoring table, I'd prefer added finger coverage and maybe some
built-in palm grip. |
10 |
Design
(Ergonomics) |
These gloves are
attractive, come in a handful of good colors, and are easily packed away. |
9.28 |
Application |
You may get weird looks if
wearing these to the local sports bar or steakhouse, but they are suitable
for a range of outdoor activities. |
6 |
Total Score |
7.88 |
Ratings Key: 1 = terrible : 2 = poor : 3 = lacking : 4 = sub par : 5 = mediocre : 6 = fair : 7 = good : 8 = great : 9 = excellent : 10 = unbelievable!
For More
Details
of the
updated
rating
system
visit
our
explanation
here |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus
Minus |
+ Comfortable |
- Fingers could be longer |
+ Great sun protection |
- No additional palm
texture |
+ Quick drying |
|
+ Breathable |
|
Protect those hands!
Conclusion:
Sun protection is a serious matter, and these sun gloves from Aftco offer
outdoor enthusiasts yet another avenue of protection. I can't proclaim these as
my favorite sun gloves thus far, but they are satisfyingly comfortable to wear
and make an ideal choice if you are looking for gloves that aren't expensive and
maintain a very low profile.
Looking for the Aftco Sungloves? Try
Tackle Warehouse
|