Metolius 3/4 Climbing Glove Review

Let’s Dive into Metolius 3/4 Climbing Glove

Climbing gloves, for me, have always been a bit of a love-hate relationship. I’ve got calluses on my hands that could stop a bullet, yet the slick rock of Yosemite or the sharp limestone of Thailand can still shred my skin after a long day. That’s why the Metolius 3/4 Climbing Glove caught my eye. The Metolius brand has a reputation for solid, no-nonsense gear, and the promise of improved leather and fit in their latest gloves made me curious.

I needed a glove that could provide a decent amount of protection without sacrificing dexterity and feel. Full-fingered gloves often feel bulky, and going completely bare-handed wasn’t an option anymore. So, the 3/4 finger design seemed like a perfect compromise.

The gloves arrived in a simple, recyclable cardboard package. The first thing I noticed was the smell of genuine leather – a good sign! They felt lighter than expected, but the leather appeared thick and durable. The stitching looked clean and reinforced.

I considered Black Diamond’s Crag Half-Finger Gloves and Mad Rock’s Climbing Gloves, but the Metolius gloves seemed to offer a better balance of durability and breathability based on initial reviews. Plus, the price point was attractive.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. I was excited about the potential for increased protection and grip, but I also had a nagging concern about the fit and how well they would hold up under strenuous use.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Metolius 3/4 Climbing Glove to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Metolius 3/4 Climbing Glove at my local climbing gym, followed by a weekend trip to Red Rock Canyon, Nevada. The gym offered a controlled environment to break them in, and Red Rock presented a more challenging real-world scenario with varied rock types and temperatures.

In the gym, the gloves performed admirably. My grip felt secure, even on slick, polished holds. The 3/4 finger design allowed me to maintain a good feel for the holds, especially on smaller crimps. I also appreciated the extra protection when crack climbing.

The gloves performed well in the dry conditions of Red Rock, but they did get a little warm during midday climbs. However, they didn’t become excessively sweaty or uncomfortable. I needed a few climbs to get used to the feel of the leather on the rock.

Initially, the hook and loop wrist closure felt a little stiff, but it loosened up after a few uses. No other issues or surprises presented themselves.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of consistent use, the Metolius 3/4 Climbing Glove has proven to be surprisingly durable. I’ve used them on everything from granite boulders to sharp limestone sport climbs.

There are some minor signs of wear and tear, mainly some slight scuffing on the palms and finger ends. The stitching remains intact, and the leather hasn’t stretched or deformed significantly.

Maintenance is simple. I usually just wipe them down with a damp cloth after each climbing session and occasionally treat them with leather conditioner. The gloves have been easy to maintain.

In the past, I’ve used cheaper climbing gloves that fell apart after a few weeks. The Metolius gloves have significantly outperformed those in terms of durability and comfort.

Breaking Down the Features of Metolius 3/4 Climbing Glove

Specifications

The Metolius 3/4 Climbing Glove features a cowhide main body with triple-stitched, split cowhide palm reinforcement. This provides a good balance of dexterity and protection. The Manufacturer states that these gloves weigh in at 4.3 ounces.

The gloves feature 3/4 length fingers, which is a key design element. They have a hook and loop wrist closure to secure the fit. Reinforced wear areas and double-stitched finger openings contribute to longevity.

The bar-tacked webbing clip-in loop allows for easy attachment to a harness. The embossed logo adds a touch of style without compromising functionality. These specifications matter because they directly impact the glove’s performance, comfort, and durability on the rock.

Performance & Functionality

The Metolius 3/4 Climbing Glove excels at providing enhanced grip and protection without sacrificing too much dexterity. The leather conforms to the hand over time, providing a comfortable and secure fit.

The glove’s strengths lie in its durability and grip. It has few weaknesses other than the potential for getting a bit warm in hot conditions.

The gloves meet expectations as a reliable and protective climbing aid. The design allows sufficient feel of the rock.

Design & Ergonomics

The Metolius 3/4 Climbing Glove boasts a simple yet effective design. The cowhide leather feels durable and provides a good balance between sensitivity and protection. At 4.3 ounces, they don’t weigh you down.

The ergonomic design allows for a natural hand position while climbing. There’s a slight learning curve to adjusting to the feel of the gloves, but it’s minimal.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Metolius 3/4 Climbing Glove should last for at least a season of heavy use, possibly longer. The leather is resistant to abrasion, and the reinforced stitching helps prevent premature wear.

As mentioned previously, maintaining the gloves is simple. Regular cleaning and conditioning will extend their lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Metolius 3/4 Climbing Glove doesn’t come with any specific accessories. The hook and loop closure allows for some degree of customization in terms of fit.

These gloves are compatible with various climbing gear, such as harnesses and carabiners, via the clip-in loop. There is little to no customizability of this product.

Pros and Cons of Metolius 3/4 Climbing Glove

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Who Should Buy Metolius 3/4 Climbing Glove?

The Metolius 3/4 Climbing Glove is perfect for climbers who prioritize protection and grip without sacrificing too much dexterity. It’s also great for climbers who are new to using gloves.

Climbers who prefer a completely uninhibited feel on the rock might want to skip this product. Those who climb only in air-conditioned gyms might not benefit as much.

A small carabiner for clipping the gloves to your harness when not in use is a must-have accessory. Leather conditioner to maintain the leather’s suppleness will greatly help too.

Conclusion on Metolius 3/4 Climbing Glove

Overall, the Metolius 3/4 Climbing Glove is a solid and reliable piece of climbing gear. It provides a good balance of protection, grip, and sensitivity at an affordable price.

At $36.79, the price is definitely justified considering the quality and durability. These gloves offer excellent value compared to competitors.

I would highly recommend the Metolius 3/4 Climbing Glove to any climber looking for a reliable and protective hand covering. Go out there and climb on, knowing your hands are a little safer and your grip a little stronger!