Kevlar Hand Protection: Lessons Learned In Afghanistan

by
posted on April 2, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gloves.jpg

Most Lazy-Boy-riding gun writers are incapable of imagining the things those who have stood on the front line of freedom have learned. That’s why I’ve been “grilling” my oldest grandson about gear since his return from the luxurious accommodations of a forward operating base in Afghanistan.

For example, he’s seen expensive tactical gloves fall apart a week after arriving. Most of us will never put them through that kind of wringer, but his observations still apply to what many of us wear at barricade-and-barrier-rich tactical courses.

Regardless of brand, fingertips wear out with enough use. Hard-shell protection on the knuckles and back of the hand reduce the chances of tearing in the area (and hand bruising), but that polymer can start to separate from the glove, forming a slight gap that nails, hinges and objects get hung up in. If the wearer is in a hurry to free his hand, the glove is often torn.

Kevlar in the gloves seems to survive long after the nylon and leather is disintegrating. It makes sense, although its main purpose is to offer some protection from a flash fire and decrease the chances of injury by knives or sharp objects.

Fit and confidence are key, according to him. If you can’t feel the trigger, forget it.

Weighing all the advice, I’ve decided when the next soldier in the family graduates from Advanced Infantry Training in three weeks, I’ll be handing him a pair of Blackhawk S.O.L.A.G. HDs with Kevlar. He likes the Blackhawk brand, a lot. I had him try on sizes during his weekend pass after Basic a few weeks ago, so I’m confident of the size.

And there’s a lot to like in the design, too. It’s got the flash-and-flame protection of Kevlar. Unlike the recreational winter gloves I prefer, the stich doesn’t run down the middle of the trigger finger. Hard shell protection at the back of the hand and knuckles is stitched under the leather instead of being exposed. Add reinforced fingertips, extra leather on the palm sculpted to minimize the chances of encumbered movement and dual cinch points (at the wrist and back of the hand), and I’m confident this glove is ready for deployment.

I don’t know how long they will survive the rigors of Infantry abuse, but I do know the pair I’m picking up for myself will outlast my recliner.

Latest

Making Keltec Pr57 1
Making Keltec Pr57 1

Making The KelTec PR57 In Wyoming

To make its PR57 handgun, KelTec invested in an entirely new manufacturing facility located in Rock Springs, Wyo. "American Rifleman Television" headed out for an inside look at the company's efficient production process.

Taurus 66 Combat: A New "Fighting Revolver"

First introduced in the 1970s, the Taurus 66 Combat is a medium-frame revolver that has seen several evolutions in its lifetime, and the latest update creates what the company considers "the final word in fighting revolvers."

Review: Taurus GX2

From cars to cellphones, as a product gets more sophisticated, it usually also gets more expensive. And, as modern handguns get more modular and optic-ready, their prices tend to go up.

Rifleman Q&A: A Garand Puzzlement

"We are a father-and-son NRA member tandem in search of an answer regarding the branding of an M1 Garand rifle. We own an M1 rifle that has markings indicating it was a “lend lease to England,” and it also has a .308 barrel/sleeve."

$160K Raised For HAVA At SIG Sauer Event

SIG Sauer hosted its 9th Annual Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) Charity Golf event early last month and raised more than $160,000 to support disabled veterans.

Scout The Trail To A General Purpose Rifle

The search for a universal longarm—one suitable for both hunting and defensive scenarios—is a trek that involves a bit of doubling back.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.