Gloves

Wetsuit Gloves FAQ

If you are diving in cooler waters then wetsuit gloves can help you to retain heat.  This provides a more effective way for you to stay warm underwater so that you can dive for longer and in more comfort.  Another benefit of diving gloves is that they can give you more grip in wet conditions.  This is ideal if you need to hold equipment underwater such as a speargun or collection bag. 

You can find out more about wetsuit gloves in the FAQ section below.

1.  Do wetsuit gloves keep your hands dry?

Wetsuit gloves are designed to retain heat in the same way as your main wetsuit.  They are not watertight and instead allow a thin layer of water in.  This is then trapped against your skin where it heats up to your body temperature.  This is a very effective way of maintaining a comfortable temperature whilst you are diving.  It is important to have wetsuit gloves that fit properly to avoid cold water entering the glove and flushing out the warmth.

2. Should I wear wetsuit gloves in tropical waters?

In tropical waters you may not need wetsuit gloves to keep your hands warm.  However you could benefit from wearing wetsuit gloves to protect your hands against underwater debris and rough surfaces such as reefs and wrecks.  Gloves can provide an additional layer of protection against scrapes and cuts and can also help to protect your hands against stinging jellyfish in high risk areas.  You can buy thin lightweight gloves for tropical conditions.

3. What thickness do I need for my wetsuit gloves?

It is a good idea to match your gloves to the thickness of your wetsuit.  This is an effective way to make sure your hands are warm and comfortable.  For example if you are wearing a 3mm wetsuit then 2 to 3mm gloves would be a good choice.  If you do find your hands get very cold in the water you could opt for a thicker option such as the Beuchat 4mm Elaskin spearfishing gloves.  You can get wetsuit gloves up to around 7mm if you are diving in very cold conditions and also as light as 0.5mm for tropical waters.

4. How long will my wetsuit gloves last for?

This will depend on what quality they are and how you look after them.  Always make sure you rinse and dry wetsuit gloves thoroughly after each use.  UV light can degrade neoprene so store your wetsuit gloves away from the light (and also any extreme temperatures).  A good quality pair of wetsuit gloves should last three or four years of frequent use if you look after them properly.