Product Review: Gloves from Ironclad Performance Wear

All mechanics, regardless of skill level, geographic location or disposition are aware of the importance of good gloves. Of course that isn’t to say they always wear them when working on a project but the importance remains regardless. So why then, with the risks of bloodied knuckles, punctures, abrasions and burns aren’t gloves automatic/ standard equipment whenever anyone picks up a wrench? Well there have been a few reasons generally: They tend to bunch up in a situation where space is already incredibly limited, many mechanical tasks rely on tactical feel and fabric over the digits can limit such things and finally, dedicated mechanic gloves can be pricey.

Enter Ironclad Performance Wear; a company located in Farmers Branch, Texas with a series of gloves that eliminate any and all common complaints associated with opting for hand protection, regardless of the type of job you’re setting out to accomplish.

We recently had an opportunity to test several of their models, perhaps most pertinent being the Mechanic series but also several of their ironclad Workforce line and finally the Touch Screen edition, perfect for the outdoors-person who keeps the ol’ iPhone near at hand.

The ironclad Mechanic is a must-own situation even if your mechanical expertise is limited to charging your ATV’s battery or changing the oil. It looks and feels just like a moto glove, so much so in fact that one of the recommended uses is power sports participation. However, it’s loaded with useful benefits like a rubberized grip pad on the cuff to pull the glove into place effortlessly, synthetic leather reinforcements in key areas and even a terry cloth sweat wipe on the back of the thumb to keep perspiration out of your field of vision.

The ironclad Workforce series are a tad bit bulkier but are invaluable allies when doing yard work, construction jobs, and shop work in the not-so-tight spaces. They retain all of the features we loved about the Mechanic but with the addition of knuckle protection from impact and abrasion.

The true genius of these gloves isn’t revealed until compared directly against standard issue leather work gloves. Not only are the Workforce more form fitting, they are much less bulky, more comfortable, offer better grip and feedback and are reinforced in the areas that need it most.

Lastly the ironclad Touchscreen were the lightest and thinnest of the models we sampled but where it really comes into its own with the integration of seamless fingertips and a unique TS1 synthetic leather material for maximum conductivity between you and your smartphone’s touch screen. Although our particular pair came equipped in the limited Realtree Xtra camo scheme, making it a hunter’s delight, we have to confess succumbing to the temptation to put them to work for us in the shop as well. Their thinner form factor and ability to transmit touch (almost as well as no glove at all) made them a hit there as well. We’ve been struggling to find a task around here where they haven’t delighted.

All in all, AGT has come out swinging with a line of gloves perfect for just about any job imaginable. Their line is ridiculously extensive and with prices ranging from $15- $40, complaints about cost are all but excuses. Give their full line a look by clicking here.