The Right Touch

By Mike Stachura Photos by Eddie Berman

August 15, 2013

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Our judges reviewed 45 gloves to produce this year's Hot List, which features our top 20. In addition to simulating a sweaty grip to evaluate gloves for durability and resilience, the judges studied performance characteristics such as materials technology, Velcro-closure efficiency, sizing range, interior seaming and overall range of motion. Here are our picks in the Over $15 and the $15 and Under price categories.

SILVER

ADIDAS Inertia / $11CALLAWAY Tech Series Tour / $16HIRZL Soffft / $25NIKE Tour Classic / $19PING M-Fit / $20MAXFLI Revolution / $13TAYLORMADE Stratus / $12TAYLORMADE Targa / $16TITLEIST Players / $24WILSON Staff Conform / $15

SURVEY

Fitting in gloves is as vital to maximizing performance as it is in clubs. But a recent study by Golf Digest and Golf Galaxy's Milford, Conn., store found that 88 percent of golfers surveyed owned gloves that were too big. FootJoy's Maria Bonzagni says a properly fit golf glove should feel like a second skin: "It should fit tight across the palm and fingers. Allow one quarter inch of Velcro to show for adjustment of the fit during wear." Also, remember that cadet-size gloves are shorter in the fingers and thumb and feature a wider palm. A better fit will reduce the wear and tear on the glove and decrease the possibility of club slippage and blisters.

CALLAWAY

X SpannPRICE: $20FEATURES: Instead of a Velcro closure, this glove uses a lightweight, breathable compression fabric for the back of the hand and a vented, elastic opening at the cuff to keep it tight. Textured fingers and a cabretta-leather palm enhance grip and feel.callawaygolf.com

FOOTJOY

GTXTREMEPRICE: $14FEATURES: With a focus on grip performance, this glove features textured elements on the palm and fingers, cabretta-leather palm and thumb patches, mesh along the knuckles, and a soft, synthetic back that's designed to stretch.footjoy.com

FOOTJOY

Pure Touch LimitedPRICE: $27FEATURES: Made in limited numbers, this glove is designed with a lightweight cabretta leather to enhance feel and conform to the hand. Each glove is inspected to ensure quality. Elastic in the wrist, knuckles and tab closure helps keep sizing precise.footjoy.com

FOOTJOY

Sci FlexPRICE: $17FEATURES: This glove features Pittards brand leather in the palm for softness; a breathable material in the back of the hand, knuckles and fingers for maximum flexibility; and perforations in the thumb, index finger and wrist to help your hand stay cool.footjoy.com

FOOTJOY

StasofPRICE: $20FEATURES: The Pittards leather in the palm, fingers and back of this glove (the most played on the PGA Tour) is designed to remain soft in all weather without sacrificing grip. A mesh material across the knuckles helps increase range of motion.footjoy.com

FOOTJOY

WeathersofPRICE: $10FEATURES: FootJoy has improved the value standard in gloves by combining a synthetic leather in the back and fingers with the cabretta leather of its higher-price gloves in the palm and thumb. Mesh inserts across the knuckles help with flexibility and air flow.footjoy.com

MIZUNO

Retroflex ProPRICE: $15FEATURES: Mizuno uses an oil-injected tanning process on the cabretta leather to repel moisture and help the glove maintain its original shape after your round. Mesh inserts across the knuckles and finger seams are designed to improve flexibility.mizunousa.com

NIKE

Dri-Fit TechPRICE: $25FEATURES: The form-fitting, silicone-molded pattern on the back of the glove is designed for optimal flexibility. Other features include cabretta leather in the palm, moisture-wicking material on the back of the hand and an extended pull tab on the closure.nikegolf.com

NIKE

Tech XtremePRICE: $15FEATURES: Nike uses a stretchable fabric on the back of the glove for better range of motion and cabretta leather in the palm, index finger and thumb to maximize feel. Lycra in the finger and thumb gussets is included to improve fit and breathability.nikegolf.com

TITLEIST

Players-FlexPRICE: $22FEATURES: The premium cabretta leather is designed to stay soft by resisting moisture and perspiration. A synthetic leather with a satin net material on the back of the hand and knuckles offers flexibility and breathability.titleist.com

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The Right Touch

Shop This Look

SILVER

SURVEY

CALLAWAY

FOOTJOY

FOOTJOY

FOOTJOY

FOOTJOY

FOOTJOY

MIZUNO

NIKE

NIKE

TITLEIST