Hey Bob, great topic, I bought my first glove ( kamui) about 7 months ago. I developed a hole in the middle finger fairly quickly. I was pulling the glove off from there and since have taken great care when removing it. You're absolutely correct in noticing the weak spot where mesh meets pad. Glove still usable, not sure if I'll buy another. I guess you don't always get what you pay for.
Excellent review and YES... one of the most recurrent expenses in pool is not the chalk but the gloves. Hopefully the manufacturers get to see your video and make proper adjustments. Thumbs Up Sir!
Excellent discussion and observations. I have had the same Kamui glove for the past two years. It has held up beautifully, likely because I've used it twice. It sits completely intact in its box in my cue case. I have it just in case I run into an incredibly humid pool room, which so far has not been the case.
Buddy! You nailed it! Everything you said was spot on. I've had the same issues with 4-5 different brands myself and the issue was the same with each and everyone of them. I would not mind paying a little more for a higher quality glove. As of now, I'm done buying gloves. I will wear what I have and recycle the ones that have already ripped and will go with off brands, until I see a quality glove in the market. Let's go!!!! Make it happen!!!
Super review of gloves. You are NOT being overly critical. I play snooker without a glove. I tried buying a "high quality" glove but like you - it was falling apart in no time so I ditched the idea. Your video confirms I made the right decisions - at least until they make one that isn't disposable :-)
I've tried many pool gloves and the best i have tried by far are the longoni gloves. I bought one with a camo pattern and one with an American flag about two years ago. Both are still in decent shape, they are a bit fuzzy and look like they're two years old but all the seems are still good and there is absolutely nothing wrong with them other than they definately look used. If you want a glove that will last, go with the Longoni with the designs on them.
Bob, I bought a ten pack of gloves on Amazon for 12 bucks a year ago made in China…..still have 9 left….I lost one. No joke, true story and they work great.
Also depends on how often you shoot. If you only shoot once or twice a week then obviously they'll last a while. If you shoot and train daily like someone who's truly motivated them they won't last as long. If you really wanna test them then play every day for 3-5 hrs daily
My own glove got ripped at the community center table because of the damn count system was a metal piece sticking out and my glove got stuck on them. The glove is the new pink predator glove
Bob, I currently have that Cuetec glove and it has lasted the longest of all other gloves I have tried (Kamui, Predator,etc.. - all junk). I have a small tear in the mesh because I snagged it while removing. Otherwise, it has held up better than the others. Fyi. No guarantee you will experience the same results but I will be interested to hear your results. I agree 👍💯 on all of your points here!!
Yeah, they got me once. I just couldn't get used to it. I love, sympathize with and appreciate your rants Bob. 99% of the time my opinions align with yours. I was done after my 1st one. Like you I have played with regular deflection wood shafts for 25yrs or so without any issues, but I have never had an issue with sweaty hands or anything. I find the carbon shaft I switched to just last year is amazing. They stay so smooth. With that being said, you may have gone a little far asking for a glove to fit those baseball mitt sized hands of yours. ; )
I have a Molinari that has lasted quite a while. It has double stitching on the fingers, hasn’t frayed yet after 4 months of regular use. The mesh is not as transparent(About 2-3 per day, 6 days a week) the one thing I can complain about is that sticky substance on the palm that quickly vanished. The heel pad is reinforced from the inside of the glove but is now showing some signs of wear. Nothing I can’t sew back on.
Bob, I use CUESOUL, 10 pcs., $17 on Amazon. 4.5 stars with 1,223 reviews. I like that they're closed-fingered. The open-fingered gloves tend to fall down, thus bunch up. One size fits all. I have big hands and they fit perfectly.
My friend and I figured this out a few years ago. We buy gloves for approx 10 dollars per dozen on amazon. If you notice where your glove wears out, that's where you're rubbing it on the table. I used to slide my hand into a shot and wear out my glove very quickly at the heal. My friend slides into his shot on his fingertips and wears the fingertips out. So now when our gloves are worn, we trade and get double life. I also have trained myself not to slide my hand so much, but place it down closer to end position, and my cheap gloves last much longer than they ever did.
The GOAT has shot pool his entire life, I've never seen him wear a glove. But I've watched Efren beat every player that does wear one. It's just a nice little profit point for the manufacturers.
Great topic. I have a Predator XL made of nylon. It's not large enough and the fabric doesn't breath, the finger seams cause uneven drag in the bridge. The finger seams needs to be re positioned out of the friction path. Wish a manufacture would make a very high quality glove out of cotton. At home I experimented with a cotton brown jersey garden glove. Very comfortable and breathable, slightly more friction than nylon but I like that. The only draw back is the material pills up, leaving some brown specks on the pool table.
Yes Bob ! Almost like planned obsolescence..to keep you coming back for more .. like pantyhose just a smaller market . I have gloves ..but tend to go without ..lately.. their great to have in the bag though .
PREACH BOB PREACH! The consistency of the glove is worth it, but damn if they don't break and tear often. I can't play bare handed now, after 30 minutes I can feel the difference in stroke smoothness, and consistency is key. 100% I'm with you. These manufacturers need to create a better product. I will say though, I don't think something more durable or without graphics would be kind to their bottom line- which, I'm sure you agree they probably care just as much about or more than providing a quality service. I have a cuetec and 3 seconds glove. They're easily the best of all of them. You might really enjoy the cuetec as it's designed to be removable without stretching the finger sleeves. 3 seconds is still my favorite though. Best design, and lasts the longest. great video man.
Bob, i am still having a hard time with good gloves. I now ordered the longoni black fire 2.0. Take a look, they give me at least somewhat hope (no mesh, bigger heelpad and reinforcements).
Kamui and Predator gloves don't last long. Try the new Cuetec glove. I've had one for about 6 months and it's still in good shape. Only brand I'll buy from now on,
I've gone through a few Predator gloves. Now I add a piece of leather over the ball of the thumb and across the heel of the hand and they last much longer. And, yes, why haven't the manufacturers figured it out. Probably "planned obsolescence".
Have you ever seen the thumb glove used for bass fishing? It is not a whole glove. It just protects the thumb. That was the inspiration for the ones that I have been making out of used table cloth. The palm is open and the cloth slips over the thumb and the first two fingers. I am still perfecting the design. No reason someone could not perfect the design. Table cloth would work great and would be a huge selling feature even if it was incorporated in a full glove design.
Possibly try the Mezz gloves. Not much mesh. Glove is ambidextrous so both sides are like what is normally on the backside of your hand. The mesh is only on the index finger.
So unfortunately they aren't producing more at the moment, but my favorite glove is the molinari glove. It lasts the longest, and fits most people. If you have bigger than normal hands, then I wouldn't recommend it. But these gloves last months for me. I bought about 8 as back ups because they stopped making them for now cuz their factory caught on fire. But best fit, most snug, and lasts the longest
This is a pretty interesting video. I use pool gloves and I get that everyone has tastes and also everyone has different sized hands. Me, I have large hands, and I'm saying that because it's what size I wear. I have a large palm, but my fingers aren't long. My only nitpick is that when I get a glove with cut fingers is that I would like the cut to reach down to my first knuckle, but they usually go past that and cover half of my fingertip/pad. As far as longevity goes, I've been using Molinari for years and they have lasted me a long time. The one I'm currently using has been going strong and has lasted a year and a half without rips or tears, the only thing is that the rubber pad on the palm is half worn away. I do have a Cuetec glove, but that was a sample given to me for free to try out. I haven't really put that one through the paces yet.
F Anderso 0 seconds ago I've tried so many gloves I lost count. But the biggest problem I run in to is the size. I get the largest available and in most cases the fingers are so tight they cut off my circulation. The best and only glove I found comfortable enough to keep using was a pro series vapor technology cool sport size XL. I used it for two years and now that it's wearing out I can't find it anywhere in size XL. I keep trying other gloves and always return them. I hope pro series will make them again. Nice job reviewing glove issues.
I appreciate the push for quality. We spend good money thinking we’re getting a better product…….you’re not. I have the cheap Roaming glove. I can buy it twice for the price of one of the others, and it does the same purpose, and lasts just about as long.
I’ve been using Kamui gloves for a few years and generally get 4-6 months of use prior to the a small (although inevitably growing) tear developing where the mesh joins the pad. Typically get at least another couple months out of the glove before I replace it. Even then, it remains usable and I generally put it in my bag in case I get my playing glove wet or something else happens during play. Agree that I’d love to see greater durability, but I play a lot and am getting quite a bit more use out of my glove. My guess, as you suggest, is too small sizing in your case likely has a lot to do with the unusually poor wearability.
They should use the Kevlar material that is on the inside of some motorcycle riding jeans. It's soft, pliable, and designed to resist the wear of sliding across asphalt. It isn’t stretchy though so the gloves would need to be made in more specific sizes instead of the "one size fits most" or s,m,l approach that a lot of the companies take. I know that would drive the cost up but the glove could potentially last years. 🤷🏼♂️ Oh, and I'm talking just the palm part.
Nice rant. Back in the 70's, 80's and early 90's, never wore a glove and scoffed at the idea. Got away from pool for 25 years and started playing again in 2017. I started playing in 9-ball tournaments and joined a 9-ball league. Being away from the game on a serious level for so long I was a nervous wreck and struggled playing 'naked' with a sweaty hand. Bought a glove and funny, I feel naked without a glove now. I've used Langoni full finger gloves. For me, no issues with the palm wearing out, ever. It's the middle finger tip that wears out. No biggie. Cut the tip off and keep using the glove. I recently purchased a Longoni finger tipless glove thinking no need to worry about the finger tip wearing out. Don't really like it because thump part hikes up my thumb and my shaft is rubbing on my thumb skin. Shouldn't be a big deal but now I've lost the full smoothness of the glove. Stuck that glove back in bag and went back to the previous glove. Like you, I shot for years without a glove and I'm sure could play fine without one again.
I’m with you Bob, I tried Bulletproof, Kamui, Cuetec, Molinari, Predator, Taom, and 3Seconds gloves. Only one that last more than 3-4 months was the Cuetec and the Bulletproof gloves. Bulletproof has the best customer service on the quality of their glove. Predator glove is too big in size for their L/XL glove. I wear a large and the finger part goes over my finger tip because it’s too large.
I prefer the full finger glove. I’ve never had a problem with anything except the finger tip wearing through. I’m not going to pay $30 every time that happens, so I do the same as the previous commenter and buy cheap ones and pitch the old one. Cuesoul gloves on Amazon cost less than $20 for 10 gloves that fit left or right hand. Don’t know about fitting your big hands, Bob. You might also try the tubes that slip over the individual fingers. There is also a cloth tube that fits over your cue shaft. I saw Corey Duel using this.
I tried the tube by cutting a finger off an old glove. Does not work with open bridge. And its fiddly to grab every time to go to shoot. Good suggestions, Thanks!
I’ve got a Molinari, been using it for 18 months and it started splitting apart on the palm after about 6-9 months. Other than that it’s hanging in there, but I agree you’d think for the price these these things would be more durable. I don’t even play that much; 3-5 hours a week..
I had the same experience with the Predator glove. It got holes quickly. Now I use cheap, nylon gloves from China. They wear out too, but I got 10 for $9 with free shipping, so I don't care.
I've stopped buying expensive gloves. I purchased 10 Cuesoul gloves for under $19 on Amazon. They feel just as good as the much more expensive gloves. I generally get about 2 months of playing time per glove ( I play about 5 times a week) so I get about 20 months of use for my pack of 10 gloves.
I totally agree ! there isn't a glove that lasts more than 2 months for me ! isn't there any one company , that makes quality gloves ? that's worth buying .
I bought 50 $2 gloves and go through 4 per year. Most of my wear is caused by sliding my hand forward onto the table. I prefer closed fingers so they don’t slide up and my fingers are short relative to my palm size. ( My golf gloves are cadet size) I would gladly spend $30 per glove if they lasted a year. 15 hours per week. Washable would be a "must" if they lasted longer. I would be willing to change gloves on a sweaty, humid day if they lasted. Thanks for the information.
I've tried pretty much every glove out there over the last 2 years. The predator and kamui have 0 durability. I purchased 2 ON Cyborg gloves($25 ea.) 6 months ago and the playability and durability are incredible. I play about 5 times a week, wash them once a month and they still look pretty fresh. The only problem is getting them because I think the word is out, they're almost always on backorder.
Ive had the exact same experience. Ill tell you, the longest lasting glove ive found are the Bullet Proof glove. I have kept those upwards of 4 to 6 months before. (and i play quite a bit.) Give them a shot.
I bought one of them new. Used them first time during the 2021 BCA nationals. At the end of the event I noticed that it began tearing. They’re not immune to these issues. Adding on. I bought a predator second skin glove. It lasted a long time without a tear. Then comes 2022 BCA nationals, the same glove started to tear towards the end of the event. I think the fact that during that two week event the gloves comes on off so many times, I’d be that act is what causes the most stress to the glove.
I'd buy 3 or 4 "SHORTSTOP BRAND" gloves! Or you could just cut the bottom part of the glove completely off. (Also check out the "unglove". It's just the fingers only, doesn't really have much to wear out.
I had the same experience with the Predator glove and another mid price glove. My solution was to buy the cheapest gloves from China. I buy 20 gloves for $30 and they last as long as the name brand gloves. I don't feel bad when they wear out. I just throw it out and take out a new $1.50 glove. I would pay $40, maybe even $50 for a high quality, long lasting glove if one were available.
Like you I bought really cheap gloves from China. I never got any of the expensive gloves to work any better than what Bob experienced. The Chinese gloves work for about three weeks and then I throw them away. After I bought my Revo I found I no longer needed gloves. I recently moved to the Philippines though. I found the air really humid with no air conditioning - all the pool halls I have seen are open to the outside. I tried no gloves, gloves, wiping the shaft, but nothing works like baby powder. When you watch Filipino videos where they are constantly picking up baby powder the reason is baby powder is the only thing that works with the humidity.
Guess small hands does me a favor here. I prefer Molinari but they've become impossible to find. I've only used Kamui and Molinari and both last about 6 months before I want to replace them and that's playing prob 15 hours a week or more a week. Tears happen much earlier than the 6 months but they don't lose their wearability and usefulness. Still beats having to constantly wash my hands to keep them clean all session. Plus I overheat easy and it's hard to get a smooth cueing motion even using a carbon fiber shaft. It does seem strange they can't figure out how to make a glove that doesn't tear. Or do they just not want to...? They make more money people have to replace gloves every 3 to 6 months vs ones that actually last.
I buy off brand from Amazon. I buy the model with the elastic wrist and NO PALM and NO FINGERTIPS. It just has the first two fingers and thumb. Never had a problem. My gloves last 6 months and I typically change because the wrist elastic starts to lose a little. They still work, but they look sloppy. Although, I imagine I shoot FAR less than you do.
I buy cheap pool gloves because I could not feel the difference between them and the expensive gloves. As for durability, I play almost every day and a glove wears out in a month or less.
If you use a closed bridge they ABSOLUTE best " glove " on the market is the UNglove I had mine for so long I had to throw it out because I couldn't get the smell out of it no matter how many times I washed it lol. I lasted years! But I switched to an open bridge and it doesn't work so well with open bridges. But the unglove is where it's at. You won't regret it......if you use a closed bridge.
If you want a long lasting and durable glove go to Home Depot and buy one. Pool gloves are not that. They're made of the lightest and thinnest material possible to give you as much feel as they can. This is the physics of materials science, not some manufacturers trying to nickel and dime you.
Bob, Howdy; Hate the glove. Have always just washed my hands when they start to feel 'sticky'. Like Jackie Gleeson did as the Fatman in the hustler. Didn't need no stinkin' glove. chucklin' Also, I've found that hand sanitizer works well and comes in small enough containers that you can keep some in your case or pocket.
Bob you talked about gloves I was thinking about trying one now I'll wait until h make improvements. I would like you to talk about chalk and how you keep the table and balls clean. My table and balls get pretty chalked up after a couple hours and I need to vac the felt and clean the balls. Any advice?
I’ve been playing pool for 29 years on my own table now. I never use a glove on my hand. It makes the shot much more harder. Cheap gloves are magic mittens
Not sure if it is a problem with my bridge, but when the thumb sleeve gets stretched out, I constantly find myself having to pull it back down and adjust for my low open bridge. I understand and enjoy the open ended fingers, but they should also make that an option or make them a bit tighter, especially for skinny fingers like mine lol.
@@ShortstopOnPool That is a good idea. I ended up taking a cheap glove that covers the fingers, cut the end part and attached it to end of thumb to keep it stretched out.
There needs to be maybe a velcro replaceable pad for the main wear areas like the palm. But then I guess it might not be flexible enough. But you're probably feel like you're shooting on a microfiber mattress LOL.
Bob how long do you think a glove should last? A thought, have you ever talked to many pro golfers? I know more than one who claimed that gloves were addictive. They were very unhappy about buying another $20.00 plus glove after only a relatively few uses. I like what a glove does for me in pool. I purchase the cheapest glove that I can find that will do the job. Funny thing I find an expensive glove doesn't last any longer than an inexpensive one.
It depends how often a player shoots. I shoot 5 days a week and would like one to last 2-3 months but never found one yet that can do it. The Talon glove is best for lasting longest I think. But I also but 10 cheap ones off ebay for $8 and thats a good option too.
Okay, here is a serious entry from Some Guy who has made some "smart" remarks in the past. What are you doing to torture your gloves??! I have used a $5 PoolDawg glove for several months on an almost daily basis for 3 hours a day. Some stitching came loose between the thumb and index finger. I wash the glove even other week. My first one tore because I was pulling on and off by the edges. Now I push the glove off from the wrist and pull the glove on like a lady pulls on nylons. Scrunch the glove down, insert the finger, and pull the glove up the hand. I destroyed the first glove by just inserting my hand, grabbing the inside wrist area and pushed my finger thru the material as I was trying to stretch the glove up my hand. If what you say is true about the "higher" class, quality, priced gloves, I'll stick with the cheap stuff. But I would first ask just how much "abuse" are you doing to the glove while putting on and taking off the glove. Sincerely, Some Guy.
I play extensive daily. Using 5€ priced pair of pool gloves. No mesh no padding. Every 2 month a new fresh pair. So costing me 30 euro in a year while playing almost every day many hours. regular players would play easy 6 month with hem so for 10 euro a year. Before I used several brands of more expensive gloves. And indeed the last less long.
The chalk you're using, which brand? A while back switched from what you'll usually find at a poolhall to predator chalk which I like. Unsure the manufacturing process but seems to hold better. How's the chalk you play with?
I've been trying to learn to play pool since last September and have been very disappointed in the gloves as well, the cut off fingers especially the thumb raises up above where the shaft rubs, bad fit, low durability, tearing around the wrist.The gloves that I've used are so disappointing that I would consider starting a new company just to make billiard gloves. But for now I may look at golfers gloves. Or just cheap cotton gloves.
I don't wear a glove but my son does. I got tired of replacing twenty and thirty dollar gloves. I bought a ten pack on Amazon for ten bucks. They are super-cheaply made. So thin that he wears a hole in them after maybe fifty or sixty hours of playtime. For a dollar? I'm good with that. While the thinness is detrimental to wear, it also makes them super comfortable and cool. No logos. No palm patches. No Velcro. And they're reversible. I'll stick to the cheapos, thank you...
I bought a glove here in Philippines the CHEAPEST one only cost me 30pesos thats around 55cents in your USD. And guess what its been 1yr and im still using it. I wash it every after use. Its a FULL FINGER GLOVES. And i like gloves that way. I hate the NON FULL FINGER, LOOKS HIDEOUS to me.
iI stopped buying expensive gloves pretty much for the same reason. The gloves just don't hold up over time. I don't know why some glove manufacturers cut the tips off of the fingers. It just creates that weak point where the stitching can separate and the fingers begin to fray. Leave the finger tips on!!!! My solution to this problem, I found a source that had a 12 pack of gloves for $12 dollars. The drawback is they charge you $12 dollars for shipping so the gloves cost you $24 dollars with the shipping. (That's $2 dollars per glove) For that price I can use a glove for a month and then just throw it away and open a fresh new one each month for a year and not feel bad about it. As far as the name brand gloves with their fancy logos, I was never one for paying two to three times more for anything just because it has someone else's name on it just to be part of the fashion crowd. Functionality and quality are the key points. I also never buy any glove that claims one size fits all. If they don't offer a small/medium/large/xlarge line they lost my attention. Finally for those who might be wondering, I play 4 nights a week in league play and I have my own table so I get plenty of table time with these gloves. I'll never buy another expensive glove.
Hahaha.. After just 2 expensive gloves, i stopped buying them and settled for those cheap Chinese gloves. Their fourth or eighth of the price and they last longer in my experience. If you really want cheaper, then just go with those black gloves from China and you can buy them in hundreds for 2-5 dollars. You may want also to check boodun brand gloves. They're really well made.
It doesnt make sense from a business perspective to make long lasting gloves. For these companies, they would rather make a quality glove with low durability because say there is 10 million pool players, if you can make 30 dollars ever 2 months vs 60 bucks one time every 2 years. Its pretty clear which a business would choose. Sucks, but just is what it is. Some people will change to a china glove for 2 bucks but retain for the brand will remain for many.
I've tried every glove out there. They're all over priced junk! The makers are laughing all the way to the bank. Instead of getting the expensive stuff get the cheapest ones you can find. Nothing over 5-8 bucks.
at first pool gloves are not making you a good player.. 😊 like the jump cues in my time i learn pool there is nothing just only pool cue powder a table, pool balls.. and it's done
You obviously let the dog chew through these gloves. Although over time a glove can get a hole or two its virtually impossible for any of those gloves to be in those conditions with only 1-2weeks of use (as per your example with the Kamui). You're probably buying too small a glove and stretching the glove which is probably causing the tears and you also not washing the gloves regularly. I have 4 Predator gloves which I have had from 2017 and although I have had to do some small stitching due the usage over time.... none of my gloves look like those which you showed. This video is very misleading and unfair assessment of all the cue glove brands which you have showcased.
I don't have a dog. I state in the video I am 6'-5", very large hands, and always buy the largest size glove possible. THAT IS the problem. Many others report gloves wearing out the same.
Hey Bob, great topic, I bought my first glove ( kamui) about 7 months ago. I developed a hole in the middle finger fairly quickly. I was pulling the glove off from there and since have taken great care when removing it. You're absolutely correct in noticing the weak spot where mesh meets pad. Glove still usable, not sure if I'll buy another. I guess you don't always get what you pay for.
Excellent review and YES... one of the most recurrent expenses in pool is not the chalk but the gloves. Hopefully the manufacturers get to see your video and make proper adjustments. Thumbs Up Sir!
Excellent discussion and observations. I have had the same Kamui glove for the past two years. It has held up beautifully, likely because I've used it twice. It sits completely intact in its box in my cue case. I have it just in case I run into an incredibly humid pool room, which so far has not been the case.
Kamui might be the best material for a glove honestly. Although your video is the same reason why my friend basically bought 3 cuetec gloves
Buddy! You nailed it! Everything you said was spot on. I've had the same issues with 4-5 different brands myself and the issue was the same with each and everyone of them. I would not mind paying a little more for a higher quality glove. As of now, I'm done buying gloves. I will wear what I have and recycle the ones that have already ripped and will go with off brands, until I see a quality glove in the market. Let's go!!!! Make it happen!!!
Super review of gloves. You are NOT being overly critical. I play snooker without a glove. I tried buying a "high quality" glove but like you - it was falling apart in no time so I ditched the idea. Your video confirms I made the right decisions - at least until they make one that isn't disposable :-)
I've tried many pool gloves and the best i have tried by far are the longoni gloves. I bought one with a camo pattern and one with an American flag about two years ago. Both are still in decent shape, they are a bit fuzzy and look like they're two years old but all the seems are still good and there is absolutely nothing wrong with them other than they definately look used. If you want a glove that will last, go with the Longoni with the designs on them.
Bob, I bought a ten pack of gloves on Amazon for 12 bucks a year ago made in China…..still have 9 left….I lost one. No joke, true story and they work great.
Also depends on how often you shoot. If you only shoot once or twice a week then obviously they'll last a while. If you shoot and train daily like someone who's truly motivated them they won't last as long. If you really wanna test them then play every day for 3-5 hrs daily
My own glove got ripped at the community center table because of the damn count system was a metal piece sticking out and my glove got stuck on them. The glove is the new pink predator glove
I purchased a Carl Blakeman glove about 30 years ago. Still in great shape for it's age. I would buy another pair in a second if available. RIP Carl.
Bob, I currently have that Cuetec glove and it has lasted the longest of all other gloves I have tried (Kamui, Predator,etc.. - all junk). I have a small tear in the mesh because I snagged it while removing. Otherwise, it has held up better than the others. Fyi. No guarantee you will experience the same results but I will be interested to hear your results. I agree 👍💯 on all of your points here!!
I only just bought a 3 second glove because my Molinari was so worn out .😮😮😮 thanks for the info Bob
Yeah, they got me once. I just couldn't get used to it. I love, sympathize with and appreciate your rants Bob. 99% of the time my opinions align with yours. I was done after my 1st one. Like you I have played with regular deflection wood shafts for 25yrs or so without any issues, but I have never had an issue with sweaty hands or anything. I find the carbon shaft I switched to just last year is amazing. They stay so smooth. With that being said, you may have gone a little far asking for a glove to fit those baseball mitt sized hands of yours.
; )
I have a Molinari that has lasted quite a while. It has double stitching on the fingers, hasn’t frayed yet after 4 months of regular use. The mesh is not as transparent(About 2-3 per day, 6 days a week) the one thing I can complain about is that sticky substance on the palm that quickly vanished. The heel pad is reinforced from the inside of the glove but is now showing some signs of wear. Nothing I can’t sew back on.
Bob, I use CUESOUL, 10 pcs., $17 on Amazon. 4.5 stars with 1,223 reviews. I like that they're closed-fingered. The open-fingered gloves tend to fall down, thus bunch up. One size fits all. I have big hands and they fit perfectly.
My friend and I figured this out a few years ago. We buy gloves for approx 10 dollars per dozen on amazon. If you notice where your glove wears out, that's where you're rubbing it on the table. I used to slide my hand into a shot and wear out my glove very quickly at the heal. My friend slides into his shot on his fingertips and wears the fingertips out. So now when our gloves are worn, we trade and get double life. I also have trained myself not to slide my hand so much, but place it down closer to end position, and my cheap gloves last much longer than they ever did.
absolutely agree with everything you said... so far the best one I've owned is the last cuetech model
Nice of u 2 post this ta.
The GOAT has shot pool his entire life, I've never seen him wear a glove. But I've watched Efren beat every player that does wear one. It's just a nice little profit point for the manufacturers.
Efren is my idol. But i prefer wearing gloves, the CHEAPEST and unbranded one. Bcos i hate having to put power in my hand
Great topic. I have a Predator XL made of nylon. It's not large enough and the fabric doesn't breath, the finger seams cause uneven drag in the bridge. The finger seams needs to be re positioned out of the friction path. Wish a manufacture would make a very high quality glove out of cotton. At home I experimented with a cotton brown jersey garden glove. Very comfortable and breathable, slightly more friction than nylon but I like that. The only draw back is the material pills up, leaving some brown specks on the pool table.
Yes Bob ! Almost like planned obsolescence..to keep you coming back for more .. like pantyhose just a smaller market . I have gloves ..but tend to go without ..lately.. their great to have in the bag though .
PREACH BOB PREACH!
The consistency of the glove is worth it, but damn if they don't break and tear often. I can't play bare handed now, after 30 minutes I can feel the difference in stroke smoothness, and consistency is key.
100% I'm with you. These manufacturers need to create a better product. I will say though, I don't think something more durable or without graphics would be kind to their bottom line- which, I'm sure you agree they probably care just as much about or more than providing a quality service.
I have a cuetec and 3 seconds glove. They're easily the best of all of them. You might really enjoy the cuetec as it's designed to be removable without stretching the finger sleeves. 3 seconds is still my favorite though. Best design, and lasts the longest.
great video man.
Bob, i am still having a hard time with good gloves. I now ordered the longoni black fire 2.0. Take a look, they give me at least somewhat hope (no mesh, bigger heelpad and reinforcements).
Kamui and Predator gloves don't last long. Try the new Cuetec glove. I've had one for about 6 months and it's still in good shape. Only brand I'll buy from now on,
I've gone through a few Predator gloves. Now I add a piece of leather over the ball of the thumb and across the heel of the hand and they last much longer. And, yes, why haven't the manufacturers figured it out. Probably "planned obsolescence".
I bought 4 ibs gloves from Amazon for 11$. Couldn't be happier
Have you ever seen the thumb glove used for bass fishing? It is not a whole glove. It just protects the thumb. That was the inspiration for the ones that I have been making out of used table cloth. The palm is open and the cloth slips over the thumb and the first two fingers. I am still perfecting the design. No reason someone could not perfect the design. Table cloth would work great and would be a huge selling feature even if it was incorporated in a full glove design.
Sounds like the Talon glove...
Possibly try the Mezz gloves. Not much mesh. Glove is ambidextrous so both sides are like what is normally on the backside of your hand. The mesh is only on the index finger.
So unfortunately they aren't producing more at the moment, but my favorite glove is the molinari glove. It lasts the longest, and fits most people. If you have bigger than normal hands, then I wouldn't recommend it. But these gloves last months for me. I bought about 8 as back ups because they stopped making them for now cuz their factory caught on fire. But best fit, most snug, and lasts the longest
This is a pretty interesting video. I use pool gloves and I get that everyone has tastes and also everyone has different sized hands. Me, I have large hands, and I'm saying that because it's what size I wear. I have a large palm, but my fingers aren't long. My only nitpick is that when I get a glove with cut fingers is that I would like the cut to reach down to my first knuckle, but they usually go past that and cover half of my fingertip/pad. As far as longevity goes, I've been using Molinari for years and they have lasted me a long time. The one I'm currently using has been going strong and has lasted a year and a half without rips or tears, the only thing is that the rubber pad on the palm is half worn away. I do have a Cuetec glove, but that was a sample given to me for free to try out. I haven't really put that one through the paces yet.
F Anderso
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I've tried so many gloves I lost count. But the biggest problem I run in to is the size. I get the largest available and in most cases the fingers are so tight they cut off my circulation. The best and only glove I found comfortable enough to keep using was a pro series vapor technology cool sport size XL. I used it for two years and now that it's wearing out I can't find it anywhere in size XL. I keep trying other gloves and always return them. I hope pro series will make them again. Nice job reviewing glove issues.
I appreciate the push for quality.
We spend good money thinking we’re getting a better product…….you’re not.
I have the cheap Roaming glove.
I can buy it twice for the price of one of the others, and it does the same purpose, and lasts just about as long.
I’ve been using Kamui gloves for a few years and generally get 4-6 months of use prior to the a small (although inevitably growing) tear developing where the mesh joins the pad. Typically get at least another couple months out of the glove before I replace it. Even then, it remains usable and I generally put it in my bag in case I get my playing glove wet or something else happens during play. Agree that I’d love to see greater durability, but I play a lot and am getting quite a bit more use out of my glove. My guess, as you suggest, is too small sizing in your case likely has a lot to do with the unusually poor wearability.
Richard Hsu makes the best glove. Superb quality. Easy off and on. You should check it out!
They should use the Kevlar material that is on the inside of some motorcycle riding jeans. It's soft, pliable, and designed to resist the wear of sliding across asphalt. It isn’t stretchy though so the gloves would need to be made in more specific sizes instead of the "one size fits most" or s,m,l approach that a lot of the companies take. I know that would drive the cost up but the glove could potentially last years. 🤷🏼♂️ Oh, and I'm talking just the palm part.
I’ve had the same glove for 2 years for 10$ and only have a small tear that never got bigger
Nice rant. Back in the 70's, 80's and early 90's, never wore a glove and scoffed at the idea. Got away from pool for 25 years and started playing again in 2017. I started playing in 9-ball tournaments and joined a 9-ball league. Being away from the game on a serious level for so long I was a nervous wreck and struggled playing 'naked' with a sweaty hand. Bought a glove and funny, I feel naked without a glove now. I've used Langoni full finger gloves. For me, no issues with the palm wearing out, ever. It's the middle finger tip that wears out. No biggie. Cut the tip off and keep using the glove. I recently purchased a Longoni finger tipless glove thinking no need to worry about the finger tip wearing out. Don't really like it because thump part hikes up my thumb and my shaft is rubbing on my thumb skin. Shouldn't be a big deal but now I've lost the full smoothness of the glove. Stuck that glove back in bag and went back to the previous glove. Like you, I shot for years without a glove and I'm sure could play fine without one again.
I’m with you Bob, I tried Bulletproof, Kamui, Cuetec, Molinari, Predator, Taom, and 3Seconds gloves. Only one that last more than 3-4 months was the Cuetec and the Bulletproof gloves. Bulletproof has the best customer service on the quality of their glove. Predator glove is too big in size for their L/XL glove. I wear a large and the finger part goes over my finger tip because it’s too large.
What size did u get for the cuetec glove? I had the same problem with my predator glove..
There's an old saying, "if you want something done right, do it yourself." Today that couldn't be more true.
I prefer the full finger glove. I’ve never had a problem with anything except the finger tip wearing through. I’m not going to pay $30 every time that happens, so I do the same as the previous commenter and buy cheap ones and pitch the old one. Cuesoul gloves on Amazon cost less than $20 for 10 gloves that fit left or right hand. Don’t know about fitting your big hands, Bob. You might also try the tubes that slip over the individual fingers. There is also a cloth tube that fits over your cue shaft. I saw Corey Duel using this.
I tried the tube by cutting a finger off an old glove. Does not work with open bridge. And its fiddly to grab every time to go to shoot. Good suggestions, Thanks!
I’ve got a Molinari, been using it for 18 months and it started splitting apart on the palm after about 6-9 months. Other than that it’s hanging in there, but I agree you’d think for the price these these things would be more durable. I don’t even play that much; 3-5 hours a week..
I had the same experience with the Predator glove. It got holes quickly. Now I use cheap, nylon gloves from China. They wear out too, but I got 10 for $9 with free shipping, so I don't care.
My 3 second glove, 2 years in.......... NO HOLES ! Best glove on the market...
❤
I've stopped buying expensive gloves. I purchased 10 Cuesoul gloves for under $19 on Amazon. They feel just as good as the much more expensive gloves. I generally get about 2 months of playing time per glove ( I play about 5 times a week) so I get about 20 months of use for my pack of 10 gloves.
Sorry, I tried them and they are junk. You get what you pay for.
Oh and I created them for the exact reasons your describing
I totally agree !
there isn't a glove that lasts more than 2 months for me !
isn't there any one company , that makes quality gloves ?
that's worth buying .
100 percent right had Kumi 2 of them. Don’t last now I’m went to Longoni made in Italy test now we will see only been 3 weeks.
I bought 50 $2 gloves and go through 4 per year. Most of my wear is caused by sliding my hand forward onto the table. I prefer closed fingers so they don’t slide up and my fingers are short relative to my palm size. ( My golf gloves are cadet size) I would gladly spend $30 per glove if they lasted a year. 15 hours per week. Washable would be a "must" if they lasted longer. I would be willing to change gloves on a sweaty, humid day if they lasted. Thanks for the information.
I would maybe try cutting up a light wait textile motorcycle glove. They have leather palms and slick synthetic tops.
I've tried pretty much every glove out there over the last 2 years. The predator and kamui have 0 durability. I purchased 2 ON Cyborg gloves($25 ea.) 6 months ago and the playability and durability are incredible. I play about 5 times a week, wash them once a month and they still look pretty fresh. The only problem is getting them because I think the word is out, they're almost always on backorder.
Ive had the exact same experience. Ill tell you, the longest lasting glove ive found are the Bullet Proof glove. I have kept those upwards of 4 to 6 months before. (and i play quite a bit.) Give them a shot.
Will check them out. Thanks!
I bought one of them new. Used them first time during the 2021 BCA nationals. At the end of the event I noticed that it began tearing. They’re not immune to these issues.
Adding on. I bought a predator second skin glove. It lasted a long time without a tear. Then comes 2022 BCA nationals, the same glove started to tear towards the end of the event. I think the fact that during that two week event the gloves comes on off so many times, I’d be that act is what causes the most stress to the glove.
Where did you order them?
I'd buy 3 or 4 "SHORTSTOP BRAND" gloves! Or you could just cut the bottom part of the glove completely off. (Also check out the "unglove". It's just the fingers only, doesn't really have much to wear out.
I had the same experience with the Predator glove and another mid price glove. My solution was to buy the cheapest gloves from China. I buy 20 gloves for $30 and they last as long as the name brand gloves. I don't feel bad when they wear out. I just throw it out and take out a new $1.50 glove. I would pay $40, maybe even $50 for a high quality, long lasting glove if one were available.
Like you I bought really cheap gloves from China. I never got any of the expensive gloves to work any better than what Bob experienced. The Chinese gloves work for about three weeks and then I throw them away. After I bought my Revo I found I no longer needed gloves. I recently moved to the Philippines though. I found the air really humid with no air conditioning - all the pool halls I have seen are open to the outside. I tried no gloves, gloves, wiping the shaft, but nothing works like baby powder. When you watch Filipino videos where they are constantly picking up baby powder the reason is baby powder is the only thing that works with the humidity.
Q-silk...I've been happy when using that. Tried a glove but it's just not for me.
Guess small hands does me a favor here. I prefer Molinari but they've become impossible to find. I've only used Kamui and Molinari and both last about 6 months before I want to replace them and that's playing prob 15 hours a week or more a week. Tears happen much earlier than the 6 months but they don't lose their wearability and usefulness. Still beats having to constantly wash my hands to keep them clean all session. Plus I overheat easy and it's hard to get a smooth cueing motion even using a carbon fiber shaft. It does seem strange they can't figure out how to make a glove that doesn't tear. Or do they just not want to...? They make more money people have to replace gloves every 3 to 6 months vs ones that actually last.
I buy off brand from Amazon. I buy the model with the elastic wrist and NO PALM and NO FINGERTIPS. It just has the first two fingers and thumb. Never had a problem. My gloves last 6 months and I typically change because the wrist elastic starts to lose a little. They still work, but they look sloppy. Although, I imagine I shoot FAR less than you do.
I buy cheap pool gloves because I could not feel the difference between them and the expensive gloves. As for durability, I play almost every day and a glove wears out in a month or less.
If you use a closed bridge they ABSOLUTE best " glove " on the market is the UNglove I had mine for so long I had to throw it out because I couldn't get the smell out of it no matter how many times I washed it lol. I lasted years! But I switched to an open bridge and it doesn't work so well with open bridges. But the unglove is where it's at. You won't regret it......if you use a closed bridge.
If you want a long lasting and durable glove go to Home Depot and buy one. Pool gloves are not that. They're made of the lightest and thinnest material possible to give you as much feel as they can. This is the physics of materials science, not some manufacturers trying to nickel and dime you.
Summit glove is lasting longer than any other for me.
I found the Kombi gloves that are under glove for winter. They last for ever.
Bob, Howdy; Hate the glove. Have always just washed my hands when they start to feel 'sticky'. Like Jackie Gleeson did as the Fatman in the hustler.
Didn't need no stinkin' glove. chucklin' Also, I've found that hand sanitizer works well and comes in small enough containers that you can keep some in your case or pocket.
Sorry to tell you, but i had the cuetec glove and it tore pretty quick.
I have a $9.00 glove that has been used pretty heavily for at least 2 years. I guess I got lucky.
Bob you talked about gloves I was thinking about trying one now I'll wait until h make improvements. I would like you to talk about chalk and how you keep the table and balls clean. My table and balls get pretty chalked up after a couple hours and I need to vac the felt and clean the balls. Any advice?
Taom chalk. Leaves very little behind on the table or balls.
I’ve been playing pool for 29 years on my own table now. I never use a glove on my hand. It makes the shot much more harder. Cheap gloves are magic mittens
Have you seen the gloves that cover the bridge fingers only. Not the palm or anything?
Yes. Not for me.
Not sure if it is a problem with my bridge, but when the thumb sleeve gets stretched out, I constantly find myself having to pull it back down and adjust for my low open bridge. I understand and enjoy the open ended fingers, but they should also make that an option or make them a bit tighter, especially for skinny fingers like mine lol.
I've modified gloves. Turn it inside out. Sew the seam closer to your finger for a better fit. Cut off excess.
@@ShortstopOnPool That is a good idea. I ended up taking a cheap glove that covers the fingers, cut the end part and attached it to end of thumb to keep it stretched out.
There needs to be maybe a velcro replaceable pad for the main wear areas like the palm. But then I guess it might not be flexible enough. But you're probably feel like you're shooting on a microfiber mattress LOL.
Bob how long do you think a glove should last? A thought, have you ever talked to many pro golfers? I know more than one who claimed that gloves were addictive. They were very unhappy about buying another $20.00 plus glove after only a relatively few uses. I like what a glove does for me in pool. I purchase the cheapest glove that I can find that will do the job. Funny thing I find an expensive glove doesn't last any longer than an inexpensive one.
It depends how often a player shoots. I shoot 5 days a week and would like one to last 2-3 months but never found one yet that can do it. The Talon glove is best for lasting longest I think. But I also but 10 cheap ones off ebay for $8 and thats a good option too.
Okay, here is a serious entry from Some Guy who has made some "smart" remarks in the past.
What are you doing to torture your gloves??! I have used a $5 PoolDawg glove for several months on an almost daily basis for 3 hours a day. Some stitching came loose between the thumb and index finger. I wash the glove even other week.
My first one tore because I was pulling on and off by the edges. Now I push the glove off from the wrist and pull the glove on like a lady pulls on nylons. Scrunch the glove down, insert the finger, and pull the glove up the hand. I destroyed the first glove by just inserting my hand, grabbing the inside wrist area and pushed my finger thru the material as I was trying to stretch the glove up my hand.
If what you say is true about the "higher" class, quality, priced gloves, I'll stick with the cheap stuff.
But I would first ask just how much "abuse" are you doing to the glove while putting on and taking off the glove.
Sincerely, Some Guy.
I play extensive daily. Using 5€ priced pair of pool gloves. No mesh no padding. Every 2 month a new fresh pair. So costing me 30 euro in a year while playing almost every day many hours. regular players would play easy 6 month with hem so for 10 euro a year.
Before I used several brands of more expensive gloves. And indeed the last less long.
kamui fits me well. but last a month.
The chalk you're using, which brand? A while back switched from what you'll usually find at a poolhall to predator chalk which I like. Unsure the manufacturing process but seems to hold better. How's the chalk you play with?
I use Taom Pyro. Excellent chalk and it keeps your hands, shaft and table much cleaner. No skids.
@@ShortstopOnPool TY, I'll have to give that brand a try sometime. The 7' high run I had, ball ended up skidding a little.
Hey Bob, I'd like to send you a glove to test.
Write me at bob@shortstoponpool.com
That’s because you slide your palm on the table when you get down on your shot.
Best comment on this video. How did I not see the obvious?
Hot take: These companies want you to buy more gloves.
I've been trying to learn to play pool since last September and have been very disappointed in the gloves as well, the cut off fingers especially the thumb raises up above where the shaft rubs, bad fit, low durability, tearing around the wrist.The gloves that I've used are so disappointing that I would consider starting a new company just to make billiard gloves. But for now I may look at golfers gloves. Or just cheap cotton gloves.
7 gloves in 8 months
I don't wear a glove but my son does. I got tired of replacing twenty and thirty dollar gloves. I bought a ten pack on Amazon for ten bucks. They are super-cheaply made. So thin that he wears a hole in them after maybe fifty or sixty hours of playtime. For a dollar? I'm good with that. While the thinness is detrimental to wear, it also makes them super comfortable and cool. No logos. No palm patches. No Velcro. And they're reversible. I'll stick to the cheapos, thank you...
I just buy cheap gloves 20 for $10 idc if they rip and and I’m almost on year 2 of playing pool and I’ve only thrown away half
I bought a glove here in Philippines the CHEAPEST one only cost me 30pesos thats around 55cents in your USD. And guess what its been 1yr and im still using it. I wash it every after use. Its a FULL FINGER GLOVES. And i like gloves that way. I hate the NON FULL FINGER, LOOKS HIDEOUS to me.
iI stopped buying expensive gloves pretty much for the same reason. The gloves just don't hold up over time. I don't know why some glove manufacturers cut the tips off of the fingers. It just creates that weak point where the stitching can separate and the fingers begin to fray. Leave the finger tips on!!!! My solution to this problem, I found a source that had a 12 pack of gloves for $12 dollars. The drawback is they charge you $12 dollars for shipping so the gloves cost you $24 dollars with the shipping. (That's $2 dollars per glove) For that price I can use a glove for a month and then just throw it away and open a fresh new one each month for a year and not feel bad about it. As far as the name brand gloves with their fancy logos, I was never one for paying two to three times more for anything just because it has someone else's name on it just to be part of the fashion crowd. Functionality and quality are the key points. I also never buy any glove that claims one size fits all. If they don't offer a small/medium/large/xlarge line they lost my attention. Finally for those who might be wondering, I play 4 nights a week in league play and I have my own table so I get plenty of table time with these gloves. I'll never buy another expensive glove.
Hahaha.. After just 2 expensive gloves, i stopped buying them and settled for those cheap Chinese gloves. Their fourth or eighth of the price and they last longer in my experience. If you really want cheaper, then just go with those black gloves from China and you can buy them in hundreds for 2-5 dollars. You may want also to check boodun brand gloves. They're really well made.
How many hours a day are you shooting?
2-3 hours when I go to the pool hall. Way less than I need to when I practice at home. Sometimes 1 hour or not at all.
Have you tried the un-glove? Check it out at pool dawg.
Looks like you slide your hand across the table 15 times on each shot lol
I was back then. Like many top snooker players. Not anymore.
It doesnt make sense from a business perspective to make long lasting gloves. For these companies, they would rather make a quality glove with low durability because say there is 10 million pool players, if you can make 30 dollars ever 2 months vs 60 bucks one time every 2 years. Its pretty clear which a business would choose. Sucks, but just is what it is. Some people will change to a china glove for 2 bucks but retain for the brand will remain for many.
Ronnie doesn’t ware one
I've tried every glove out there. They're all over priced junk! The makers are laughing all the way to the bank. Instead of getting the expensive stuff get the cheapest ones you can find. Nothing over 5-8 bucks.
at first pool gloves are not making you a good player.. 😊 like the jump cues in my time i learn pool there is nothing just only pool cue powder a table, pool balls.. and it's done
You obviously let the dog chew through these gloves. Although over time a glove can get a hole or two its virtually impossible for any of those gloves to be in those conditions with only 1-2weeks of use (as per your example with the Kamui). You're probably buying too small a glove and stretching the glove which is probably causing the tears and you also not washing the gloves regularly. I have 4 Predator gloves which I have had from 2017 and although I have had to do some small stitching due the usage over time.... none of my gloves look like those which you showed. This video is very misleading and unfair assessment of all the cue glove brands which you have showcased.
I don't have a dog. I state in the video I am 6'-5", very large hands, and always buy the largest size glove possible. THAT IS the problem. Many others report gloves wearing out the same.
BOB. BUY THE CHEAPEST GLOVES U CAN FIND I HAVE ALL BLACK GLOVES THEY ARE CHEAP
I do that as well. Still have 5 or 6 from the last batch I bought.