Kevlar Hand Protection: Lessons Learned In Afghanistan

by
posted on April 2, 2014
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

Long Wolf Timberwolf 19X Web
Long Wolf Timberwolf 19X Web

Review: Lone Wolf Arms Timberwolf 19X

In its Timberwolf 19X, Lone Wolf Arms focused on incremental updates and tweaks to the seminal Glock design, resulting in a versatile "crossover" handgun design capable of fulfilling a variety of roles.

May NICS Numbers Show Possible Improvement In Gun Sales

Despite the 1.6 percent year-over-year decline in firearm sales for the month of May, the 31-day period marks the 70th month in a row with more than 1 million gun sales.

2025 Shotgun Of The Year: SDS Arms MAC 1014

For each of the past 23 years, the editors of American Rifleman have convened to select our top picks for the past year’s best and most innovative products. Here are the most recent winners.

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson Model 1854

Smith & Wesson entered an entirely new market segment in 2024 with its Model 1854, and the lever-action has a few notable features that allow it to stand out in what's becoming a crowded market of modernized lever guns.

New For 2025: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

Mossberg is one of the pioneers of the "Shockwave" style of non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearms, and the company's latest design, the 990 Aftershock, is semi-automatic.

The Battle of Bunker Hill: 250 Years Later

The June 17, 1775, Battle of Bunker Hill marked one of the most pivotal moments in the early years in the American Revolution, as thousands of militiamen stood against determined assaults by British infantry outside Boston.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.