Southwest Motorsports Heat Grip Gloves

[The Reaper]

Happened to pick up a pair of the SWMS Heat Grip gloves recently.

I have been wearing them for assorted tasks and thus far have been very impressed.

The construction seems much better than the other tactical gloves out there which IMHO start unstitching and unraveling as soon as you put them on.

The design is outstanding allowing maximum flexibility and dexterity, while providing a surprising amount of protection for such thin gloves. In fact, I am wearing them as I am typing this post.

While not intended as a substitute for a heavier, more heat resistant glove, they do an admirable job of providing heat protection.

I wore the gloves in the woods for a few hours at the time over several days in 30-70 degree weather and was very impressed. They were not excessively hot in warm weather, nor did they permit my hands to grow as cold as would be expected during cold weather. The dexterity and feel was sufficiently impressive that I also wore them in and around the house as well. I was able to zip zippers, button buttons, type on the computer, and pretty much do everything except for pulling the cotter key on an M-4 bolt without using a tool.

Thus far, they are showing no appreciable wear.

Having the Velcro closures on the inside of the wrists has taken some getting used to, but otherwise, these seem like a great pair of lightweight protective gloves with excellent dexterity for extended wear.

I would recommend these gloves for shooting or common field tasks in a temperate environment. My Hatches are being retired as of today.

TR

[Ambush Master]

I heard about these gals a few years back and had forgotten all about them.

http://www.southwestmotorsports.com/

Now I've got to track some down!!!

Later
Martin

[Kyobanim]

Very nice.

Note the well planned photos to accompany the description.

[The Reaper]

I should have added the link.

These gloves are at the top of the page.

http://www.southwestmotorsports.com/products.htm

The pricing is comparable to the other tac gloves out there.

I am sure that if you called the ladies and told them who you were, they would be happy to hook you up on a pair. Or you could send the TS by to pay them a visit.

After all, NASCAR crews use them, and some aviation mechs, or so I have heard.

TR

[Surgicalcric]

Great pics indeed.

I took a look at these a week ago at the new PPM retail store across from Gun's Plus. I must say I wish I had a pair of these with me instead of the 2 pair of nomex flight gloves at SUT. The stitching in the web of the fingers begun to unravel during week 1.

Will be getting a pair in the very near future..

Crip

[geronimo]

They do rock.

I'm a mechanic and that's what my unit issues. So far they have been more durable than any other gloves we've tried.

[ghuinness]

Thanks for the info TR :)

[militarymoron]

TR,
if you or TS haven't already, take a look at SWMS's new Impact glove as well (it's the one between the heat grip and impact II) - they're updating those designs a bit. the new impact is very similar to the heat grip, but it's got some tacky material on the index finger and thumb that increases 'gription' that seems to feel pretty good. i think it'll be a few months before the updated line is released, but give martina a call - i think she'll be roaming around SHOT and ask her to bring samples by the booth.
cheers,
MM

[airbornediver]

I actually have the impact ct gloves that is shown on their website. They are a pretty good glove, and have lasted quite a while. Currently deployed, and the gloves are starting to show some wear (as in letting my fingertips show thru) and I've been wondering how I could get some more, thanks for posting the link to their site.

I've sent them an email for an order of more gloves from them. Pretty much the best glove that I've used, especially when it comes to being able to feel around your weapon/gear for shit you need in a pinch.

I just wish I would have found this thread before, I 'd have sent off for them sooner, but alas, being deployed I don't have a "lot" of intarweb surfing time.

later
airbornediver

[The Reaper]

airbornediver:

SWMS has been bought out by Camelbak.

The same people appear to be there, they just come under the Camelbak corporate umbrella.

I also had the privilege this summer to try out two of their new glove designs and give some feedback.

The one I really prefer for general training use now is their FastFit, a light glove similar to the Heat Grip CT with an elastic back, rather than straps. IIRC, all of their newer gloves now come with loops on the edges for retention, like putting them on a snap link or Grim-Loc when not in use.

Thanks for the feedback.

TR

[Razor]

I'm glad to hear they're changing/eliminating the inside-of-the-wrist strap design. I bought a pair of Impacts last March/April, and while they were well-constructed, they didn't work out for my glove use. I bend my wrists in quite often, and the edge of the strap ends consistently bit into my skin, despite my trimming and shaping to fix the problem. Also, I'm constantly gripping bare and anodized smooth metal, and the suede-like gripping surface on the fingers and palm tended to slide a bit before gaining any purchase, which is something I simply can't have in a glove. Again, the construction was top-notch--I usually wear out not only the leather, but the stitching on gloves (sides and ends of fingers, and on the palms) in a matter of a couple months. The Impact gloves I had showed very little wear on the palm and fingers, and no obvious wear on the stitching after two months of use. I'm sure they'd be a great tactical glove; they just didn't meet my particular glove needs.

[Detonics]

What are some suggestions for winter shooter gloves? My boy's just made it into Afghanistan and will be enroute to the forward base shortly. Appears the issue gloves are quite bulky and I'd like to see him have the best if there's something you folks suggest.

Also was going to send him some of the chemical heat pads and would appreciate any thoughts on those.

Thanks for your time!