5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s Review

First Impressions of 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s

The 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s step into the arena aiming to be the go-to handwear for duty professionals and tactical enthusiasts alike. 5.11 Tactical positions these gloves as a blend of comfort, dexterity, and touchscreen compatibility – essential for the modern operator. Promising a sheepskin palm for maximum responsiveness and a 4-way stretch back for breathability, these gloves aim to deliver performance without sacrificing comfort.

As someone with over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I was seeking a durable yet tactile glove for range days and patrol duties. I was particularly drawn to the advertised touchscreen compatibility, a feature that’s often poorly executed but incredibly useful when done right.

Upon unboxing, I immediately noted the 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s had a lightweight feel and a streamlined design. The nylon ribspan back felt surprisingly supple, and the sheepskin palm exuded a premium texture. My initial impression was positive; they seemed well-constructed, and the fit was snug without being constricting.

I considered options from Mechanix Wear and Outdoor Research, specifically their M-Pact and Ironsight gloves, respectively. Ultimately, I chose the 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s because of the promise of superior tactile feedback from the sheepskin palm and the integrated sweat wipe cuff – features I found lacking in the others.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While I appreciated the initial feel and design, the true test would be how they performed in real-world scenarios under stress and prolonged use.

Real-World Testing: Putting 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s was a day at the shooting range, followed by a search and rescue training exercise in a heavily wooded area. This allowed me to assess both fine motor skills and overall durability. The weather was dry and cool, hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

The gloves performed admirably at the range, offering excellent grip and tactile feel when manipulating firearms. Loading magazines and clearing malfunctions felt natural, and the touchscreen compatibility proved functional for using my ballistic calculator app on my phone. No issues arose during the first use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including multiple range sessions, a fishing trip, and some light construction work around the house, the 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s continue to impress. I’ve subjected them to rain, mud, and dust, simulating the conditions encountered in various operational environments.

Durability has been a strong point; while some minor cosmetic wear is visible on the palm, there are no tears or seam failures. Cleaning is relatively easy – a quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Compared to some heavier tactical gloves I’ve used, these offer a better balance of protection and dexterity over time.

Breaking Down the Features of 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s

Specifications

The 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s feature a combination of materials designed for performance and comfort. The back of the hand utilizes a Nylon Ribspan fabric offering a balance of flexibility and durability. The palm is constructed from Sheepskin Leather, providing excellent tactile feedback and grip.

• Touchscreen Compatibility: Allows seamless operation of smartphones and other touch-enabled devices without removing gloves.
• Form-fitting 4-Way Stretch Breathable Top: Enhances comfort and dexterity by conforming to the hand’s natural shape while promoting airflow.
• Adjustable Hook and Loop Wrist Closure: Ensures a secure and customized fit, preventing slippage during dynamic activities.
• Wrist Sweat Wipe Cuff: Integrated into the wrist closure, providing a convenient way to manage perspiration and maintain a clear field of vision.
• TAA Compliant: Meeting the requirements of the Trade Agreements Act, making them suitable for government and military use.
• EN388:2016 – 3011X; EN ISO 21420: Complies with European safety standards for protective gloves, indicating resistance to abrasion, blade cut, tear, and puncture.

These specifications are crucial because they dictate the glove’s performance in various operational contexts. The sheepskin palm enhances weapon manipulation, while the 4-way stretch ensures comfort during extended wear.

Performance & Functionality

The 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s perform their intended role exceptionally well, especially in scenarios requiring fine motor skills and tactile sensitivity. They offer a confident grip on firearms, tools, and other equipment.

The touchscreen compatibility is a standout feature, working reliably with various devices I tested. One minor weakness is the limited impact protection; these gloves prioritize dexterity over heavy-duty protection. Overall, they meet and often exceed expectations for a lightweight tactical glove.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s is solid, using quality materials and reinforced stitching in high-stress areas. They are surprisingly lightweight, enhancing comfort during prolonged use.

The ergonomic design ensures a snug, natural fit, minimizing hand fatigue. There’s no significant learning curve; they feel comfortable and intuitive from the first use.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the materials and construction, these gloves should last a reasonable amount of time with proper care. Regular cleaning and conditioning of the leather palm will extend their lifespan.

Maintenance is straightforward; hand washing with mild soap and air drying is recommended. While the nylon ribspan is relatively resilient, avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the leather.

Accessories and Customization Options

The 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s don’t come with any specific accessories, as they are designed as a standalone item. Customization is limited to selecting the appropriate size and color.

They are compatible with various tactical gear and equipment, such as duty belts, MOLLE systems, and weapon platforms. The gloves integrate seamlessly with other 5.11 Tactical products and most other brands of tactical apparel.

Pros and Cons of 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s

Who Should Buy 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s?

The 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s are perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and shooting enthusiasts who need a balance of dexterity, comfort, and functionality. They are also well-suited for search and rescue teams, mechanics, and anyone who requires tactile sensitivity while wearing gloves.

These gloves might not be the best choice for individuals working in environments with a high risk of impact injuries, such as construction or heavy manufacturing. Those seeking maximum protection might want to consider gloves with reinforced knuckle and finger protection.

A must-have accessory would be a quality leather conditioner to maintain the sheepskin palm. A tactical gear bag with a dedicated glove compartment would also be beneficial for protecting them during transport and storage.

Conclusion on 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s

Overall, the 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s are an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight tactical glove with exceptional dexterity and touchscreen compatibility. They offer a balanced combination of comfort, durability, and performance.

At a price point of around $35 – $45, the 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s offer a strong value proposition, considering their features and build quality. The price is justified for anyone who needs a reliable and versatile glove for duty or recreational use.

I would personally recommend the 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s to anyone looking for a lightweight, comfortable, and functional tactical glove. If you value dexterity and touchscreen compatibility, these gloves are a solid investment that will serve you well in various operational environments. Don’t just take my word for it, experience the difference yourself and elevate your performance with the 5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves – Men’s!