Mechanix

Mechanix: Tactical Gloves

American brand Mechanix specializes in gloves for hands-on work: with weapons, tools, ropes and gear. The core Original model, with "The Original" on the cuff, is joined by thinner, more protective and insulated lines, so there is a pair for every task.

Which Model for Which Task

• Original: synthetic leather palm, breathable back and hook-and-loop cuff, a versatile option for summer and transitional seasons. The Original Covert has touchscreen fingertips, so you can use your phone without taking the gloves off.
• FastFit: an elastic cuff with no strap, so the glove slips on and off quickly and does not snag on gear.
• M-Pact: thermoplastic rubber guards over the knuckles and fingers plus palm padding for assault drills and heavy work. The M-Pact 3 has harder protection, and the M-Pact Fingerless leaves the fingertips free.
• Specialty 0.5mm High-Dexterity: a thin palm that barely reduces feel when you work with small parts and buckles.
• ColdWork: insulated models for the cold. The Insulated FastFit has 3M Thinsulate insulation, and the thin Base Layer is worn alone or under warm outer gloves.

How to Choose the Size

The gloves should fit snugly: if there is loose fabric at the fingertips, your grip gets less precise and the material wears faster at the creases. Between two sizes, take the smaller one for summer models and the larger one for winter ColdWork, so the insulation does not squeeze your fingers. Size charts differ between brands, so if you already wear other gloves, do not simply carry the size over: measure your hand around the palm just below the knuckles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Original different from the FastFit?

The main difference is the cuff. The Original closes at the wrist with a hook-and-loop strap, so the fit is easy to tighten, while the FastFit holds with an elastic cuff and comes off in one move. Both models of Mechanix gloves are made in Coyote as well as Multicam, so they are easy to match to your uniform.

How should I care for the gloves?

Wash them in cool water with a mild detergent and let them air dry, away from radiators and campfires. Heat makes the synthetic leather palm stiff and can cause it to crack.