Let’s Talk About Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves
In the world of mixed martial arts and grappling, hand protection is paramount. The Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves aim to provide that protection, offering a blend of durability and functionality for both training and sparring. As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of combat sports equipment, and I was eager to put these gloves to the test.
I was looking for a pair of gloves that would offer sufficient protection during grappling sessions without sacrificing dexterity. Many gloves I’ve used in the past were either too bulky, hindering my grip, or lacked adequate padding, leaving my knuckles bruised and battered. The promise of premium synthetic leather and an ergonomic design piqued my interest.
Upon unboxing the Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves, I was immediately struck by their streamlined design and relatively light weight. The synthetic leather felt surprisingly supple, and the stitching appeared robust and well-executed. They felt noticeably less bulky than some of the hybrid MMA gloves I’ve used previously.
Compared to other grappling gloves I’ve owned, such as the Sanabul Essential Gel Training Gloves and the RDX MMA Gloves, the Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves seemed to prioritize a closer fit and more streamlined profile. I chose these over heavier, more padded options, hoping for a better feel for submissions and groundwork. My first impression was one of cautious optimism.
Real-World Testing: Putting Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves during a series of grappling sessions at my local MMA gym. These sessions included both drilling techniques and light sparring, focusing on groundwork and submissions. The gloves were subjected to various conditions, from the relatively dry and cool environment of the gym to slightly sweaty hands during intense rolls.
Initially, the gloves felt comfortable and offered a decent range of motion. The open palm design allowed for good grip sensitivity, which is crucial for securing submissions like armbars and triangles. I noticed no immediate issues with the fit or construction.
There were no glaring issues after the first use, but I did find the wrist support to be slightly less robust than I’m used to with full-wrist-wrap MMA gloves. This wasn’t a dealbreaker, but something to be aware of.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves have proven to be reasonably durable. The synthetic leather has held up well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. The stitching remains intact, and the padding hasn’t noticeably compressed.
However, I did observe some slight fraying around the finger openings and the edges of the palm. This is purely cosmetic at this point but worth noting. Cleaning the gloves is relatively easy.
Compared to previous grappling gloves, the Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves offer a good balance of protection and dexterity. They don’t offer the same level of knuckle protection as heavily padded MMA gloves, but the increased grip sensitivity is a worthwhile trade-off for grappling-focused training. They are a solid choice for general grappling drills and light sparring.
Breaking Down the Features of Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves
Specifications
The Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves are designed for grappling and MMA training. Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications:
Material: Premium synthetic leather provides a balance of durability and comfort. This synthetic material offers a good alternative to real leather, being more affordable and easier to maintain.
Padding: Refined padding provides an ergonomic fist shape for improved comfort and protection. This padding is designed to protect the knuckles and hands during striking and grappling.
Wrist Support: Full wrist wrap strap provides superior wrist support and allows for a more customizable fit. This helps to stabilize the wrist and prevent injuries during training.
Lining: EverDri Technology – moisture absorbing lining to keep you hands dry and extend the life of your equipment. This technology helps to wick away sweat and moisture, keeping the hands dry and comfortable.
Age Group: Adults.
Application: Training and Backpacking.
Gender: Unisex.
Color: Black.
Glove Type: Gloves.
These specifications highlight the focus on providing a comfortable, durable, and functional glove for grappling training. The features aim to enhance performance and protection while maintaining a lightweight design.
Performance & Functionality
The Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves perform well in their intended role as grappling training gloves. Accuracy and reliability are not directly applicable, but usability and comfort are key.
Strengths: Excellent grip sensitivity due to the open palm design and adequate knuckle protection for light sparring and drilling. The EverDri Technology lining also helps to keep hands dry and comfortable during intense sessions.
Weaknesses: The wrist support could be improved, and the synthetic leather may not be as durable as genuine leather. Heavier strikers might find the knuckle padding insufficient for full-power striking.
The Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves generally meet expectations for a mid-range grappling glove. They are not the most protective or durable option on the market, but they offer a good balance of features for the price.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for a synthetic leather glove. The materials feel comfortable against the skin, and the gloves are relatively lightweight, minimizing fatigue during extended training sessions.
The design is user-friendly with an adjustable wrist strap, allowing for a secure and customizable fit. There is a slight learning curve to adjusting the wrist strap to achieve optimal support.
Durability & Maintenance
The Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. Expect at least 1-2 years of regular use before significant wear and tear become apparent.
Maintenance is simple. Wiping the gloves down with a damp cloth after each use and allowing them to air dry will help to prevent odors and extend their lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves do not come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited, but you could potentially add additional padding or wrist support if desired.
They are generally compatible with standard hand wraps for added protection and hygiene. You can use different types of wraps such as gel wraps.
Pros and Cons of Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves
Pros
- Excellent grip sensitivity for grappling techniques.
- EverDri Technology keeps hands dry and comfortable.
- Good balance of protection and dexterity.
- Affordable price point.
- Adjustable wrist strap for a customizable fit.
Cons
- Wrist support could be better.
- Synthetic leather may not be as durable as genuine leather.
- Padding may be insufficient for heavy striking.
Who Should Buy Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves?
The Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves are perfect for:
- Grapplers and submission artists looking for excellent grip sensitivity.
- MMA practitioners who focus primarily on groundwork and clinch work.
- Beginners looking for an affordable and versatile training glove.
- Those who need gloves for light sparring or drilling techniques.
Who should skip this product?
- Heavy strikers who require maximum knuckle protection.
- Individuals with pre-existing wrist injuries who need maximum support.
- Those seeking the highest level of durability and longevity in their gear.
A must-have accessory: Hand wraps are recommended for added protection, hygiene, and wrist support.
Conclusion on Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves
The Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves are a solid mid-range option for grappling and MMA training. The price is justified by their balance of functionality, comfort, and durability.
I would personally recommend these gloves to grapplers and beginners looking for a versatile and affordable training option. They are not perfect, but their strengths outweigh their weaknesses for many users.
If you’re looking for a comfortable and functional grappling glove that won’t break the bank, the Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves are definitely worth considering. Step into the ring or onto the mat with confidence, knowing you have a reliable and capable piece of gear backing you up.