Pre-curved fingers in gloves affect handle grab?

[TallSkinnyGuy]

I just ordered a bunch of different gloves to try on including some Radar Ergo-K and Ergo-A gloves. I've tried previous versions of the popular 41 Tails but I seemed to be between sizes M and L and neither felt good on my hand. The Ergo gloves feel pretty good on my hand but I've never worn a glove with so much pre-curve in the fingers. It is actually difficult to fully open my hand with the glove on.

 

I haven't been able to try the gloves while skiing yet, but just tried them in the boat hanging onto the ski handle and simulating going through the course with handle releases and grabs. I found that it is more difficult than I am accustomed to to both release and grab the handle because of the gloves pushing my fingers into a more closed position with their pre-curved fingers.

 

Before deciding which gloves to send back I would like to get some feedback from those of you experienced with more severe pre-curve. Is this something I would quickly get used to or would I consciously have to think about it for a while or would it actually make handle releases and grabs more difficult?

[RazorRoss3]

I've used pre-curled fingers my whole life on the water and have never had a problem finding, grabbing a hold of, holding on to, or letting go of the handle. Ok, I've had a problem WITH letting go of the handle but that's a "stupid guy who refuses to let go" problem, if I chose to let go it would be easy to.

[wtrskior]

without a decent pre-curve the gloves will bunch up and cause blisters when you grip. Its a necessity. You shouldn't be able to straighten your fingers, that's the point! when they get wet and you use them a few times they will loosen up as well.

 

I tried on the new inside out ergo's and vapor's in both kevlar and amara and must say I really liked how they felt. I"ve switched from using mostly 41tails which are kevlar to an amara glove, and find my hands are in better shape overall with amara.

[BRY]

I've never had issues with pre-curved and really prefer them. Much less bunching in palm. Regarding 41-tails if you are in-between sizes without skiing them the they are perfect, get the smaller size. Ski a set or two and they will fit perfect. Should be very hard to get on new, un-skied. I use liners with mine but have to take 1st couple sets on new ones without, can't get the liners in till skied. Then real tight with liners a set or two. After that absolutely perfect till the neoprene falls off around the kevlar palm.

[ColeGiacopuzzi]

I use the Radar Ergo-K and Ergo-A gloves and love them! I switch back and forth between the two and they don't rip! you won't be disappointed!

[mikegile]

Pre-curved is the way to go. They prevent bunching and there is no problem releasing or grabbing. +1 for the Radars.

[Ski_Dad]

i have the Ergo-A and don't have any issues with them - my first pair of gloves were not curved and I felt like I couldn't grip as well.

[Luzz]

@TallSkinnyGuy I feel that simulating handle grab and release on the dock (or not skiing) is one of the weirdest things in the world. I use the Legends during tournament season and 41 tail during off-season, and both are quite pre-curved. Personally, I like to feel the handle more at my toughest passes as opposed to have perfect grip, but that is personal and off-topic :D

 

[Waternut]

Waterski gloves need to be wet to feel right. IMO, if it's too much work to make a fist with gloves when they're wet, it's because they're too small. I generally say that if you can put on a pair of waterski gloves dry, they're probably too big. I'm between sizes as well and the Radar ergo's run a bit small IMO. Definitely smaller than the Radar BOA's. The ergo's fit me now but it took a while to break them in.

 

Trust me, you want the gloves to curve your fingers. Even the Radar Vice gloves that have the strap to help close your hands under load don't cause any issues with letting go. They cause issues with trust IMO though because I can't tell how good of a grip I have on the handle.