What Is a Diving Glove?
A diving glove is a specialized glove worn by divers in conjunction with wetsuits or drysuits for underwater activities.
Materials like mesh, jersey, and neoprene are commonly used. While some designs feature cut fingertips, the standard design covers all five fingers.
Variations include non-slip grips on the palms, with differing strengths of grip and wristbands that prioritize either water resistance or ease of removal. Divers should consider water temperature and specific activities when choosing their gloves.
Uses of Diving Gloves
Diving gloves protect divers’ hands from hazards such as rocks, coral, and spiky fish. For cold-water diving, gloves with superior insulation and minimal water penetration, usually made of neoprene, are ideal to prevent hand numbness.
In warm-water conditions, non-insulated mesh gloves are popular for their quick-drying properties and hand protection. For underwater photography in warmer waters, gloves with cut fingertips are often preferred.
For activities like spearfishing, gloves with strong non-slip features are beneficial to prevent the spear from slipping.
Principles of Diving Gloves
Underwater, body heat is lost rapidly, leading to the contraction of blood vessels in extremities. Without gloves, divers’ hands and feet may become cold while their body remains warm. Diving gloves are crucial for maintaining body temperature and preventing cold-related adverse effects.
In underwater environments, divers are at risk of being swept by currents and colliding with rocks. Diving gloves offer protection against these hazards.
Types of Diving Gloves
Diving gloves are primarily classified into three types: summer gloves, winter gloves, and 3-season gloves.
1. Summer Gloves
Made of breathable mesh material, these gloves are lightweight and suitable for warm water activities. They allow for precise operations such as handling equipment and dry quickly between uses.
2. Winter Gloves
Designed for colder seasons and water, these are typically made of neoprene, providing high insulation and a snug fit. Their thickness may restrict movement but offers excellent protection against the cold.
3. 3-Season Gloves
Suitable for spring, summer, and autumn, these gloves are often made of jersey material, offering softness, stretch, and breathability.
Other Information on Diving Gloves
Materials of Diving Gloves
Diving glove materials include mesh, jersey, and neoprene.
1. Mesh Material: Offers breathability, lightness, and quick drying, ideal for summer or warm-water dives.
2. Jersey Material: Stretchable and insulating, suitable for spring to autumn.
3. Neoprene Material: Provides insulation against the cold, commonly used in winter or for cold-water dives.