The right sizing for your ski gloves really depends on your hands and the kind of skiing you do. The most common measurements to gauge are length, width and thickness. These are the dimensions that need to be taken into consideration when determining your ideal pair of ski gloves.
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The Length Of Your Hand
Ski gloves should be as long as possible, but not so long that you can’t close your hand inside them. Measure the length of your hand (from the wrist joint to the tip of your last finger) and make sure that the length of your ski glove is proportionate to this measurement. If possible, opt for a long-handled glove so that you can easily reach the bar and perform all the tricks during your skiing session. Having a longer glove also provides you with greater leverage when throwing a backflip or a one-handed hand stand!
The Width Of Your Hand
Another very important factor to take into consideration when choosing your ski gloves is the width of your hand. A wider hand fits better in wider gloves, like cycling gloves. If you have a narrow hand, you should opt for a narrower glove to accommodate your hand. It is also a good idea to get a wide grip on the bar so that you can easily pull off the front flips. If your hands are on the narrower size, you will find it difficult to perform these kinds of tricks. Remember that the wider the hand, the greater the dexterity when throwing a snowball or hitting a target!
The Thickness Of Your Hand
The thickness of your hand determines the thickness of your ski gloves. There are four main thickness options: Thin, Medium, Thick and Extra-Thick. If you have a very thick hand, you should opt for the thickest pair of ski gloves that will still allow you to perform your tricks. If you have a thin hand, you should go for a medium pair of gloves or for a pair of thinning gloves. Keep in mind that the thicker the glove, the less dexterity you have. This is why you should always choose the right thickness according to the type of skiing you do.
What Type Of Skiing Do You Do?
Another thing to consider when selecting your ski gloves is the type of skiing you do. There are four different kinds of skiing: Freeride, Park, Slalom and Big Air. Each one of these types of skiing requires a different pair of gloves. Here’s a short guide to help you choose the right pair of ski gloves for your type of skiing.
Freeride
This type of skiing is all about having fun and being active. You are not supposed to be precise or do any kind of stunts, save for a couple of tricks here and there. The main measurement that determines the right pair of ski gloves for this type of skiing is the length of your hand. If possible, go for thick gloves that will help you maintain your grip on the bar no matter how fast you are going. Thicker gloves are also great for braking and for flipping off the mountain because they stop your fingertips from getting too cold. A good pair of ski gloves for this type of skiing should be at least 12 inches long. Anything longer can become unwieldy and cause you problems while skiing.
One critical point to make regarding the size of the gloves for this type of skiing is that your wrist and the knuckles of your last two fingers should be touching the inside of the glove. This ensures that the blood is kept close to your hand and is more suitable for frostbite protection. Thicker gloves work great for this type of skiing, but they also make it more difficult for you to control your speed.
Park
Park skiing is all about precision. You are supposed to be precise with your turns and precise with your landings. This type of skiing also requires a longer arm so that your hands are kept above the snow. Your wrist should be in line with your forearm when your arm is extended naturally: make a sharp 90-degree angle with your elbow pointing toward the sky. If possible, opt for a medium pair of ski gloves with pointed end fingers so that the tips of your fingers are not covered by the palm of your hand. Thin or extra-thick gloves will make it more difficult for you to control your speed and the angle of your turns.
Thick gloves for park skiing are great because they offer you better protection than thin ones. They also provide you with greater dexterity and make it easier for you to perform all the tricks during your skiing session. If you are new to skiing and are still learning how to control your speed and angle, you should opt for medium or thick gloves. If you are an experienced skier and are just looking for an upgrade, you should opt for thin or extra-thick gloves.
Slalom
Slalom skiing is all about speed. You are racing against the clock and trying to complete a slope as quickly as possible. This type of skiing also requires very quick reflexes and a nimble hand. If possible, go for a medium pair of ski gloves with leather palm guards to provide you with extra protection for your knuckles. Your middle finger should just barely be peeking out from the outside of your gloves in order to control your pace. Thicker gloves work great for this type of skiing but they are also the most difficult ones to control.
Thick gloves for slalom skiing are great because they ensure that your speed is maintained no matter how fast you are going. At the same time, they make it more difficult for you to stop your momentum and change direction quickly. Make sure that the thickness of your grip matches the thickness of your hand so that your fingers are not slipping while skiing. If possible, opt for a wide grip on the bar so that you can maintain your balance throughout your entire skiing session. The wider the better and this also makes it easier for you to pull off all the different types of tricks.
Big Air
Big air skiing is all about having fun and showing off your courage. This type of skiing is all about performing amazing tricks and hoping that you don’t break any rules. The main measurement that determines the right pair of ski gloves for this type of skiing is your hand and wrist size. If possible, go for a pair of wide-set hands (similar to an airplane wing) so that your fingers can move more freely and you can easily grasp the bar. Your wrist should be in a position that is natural when pulling off all these tricks. Your last two fingers should be facing forward and perpendicular to your palm so that they can be easily gripped by the palm of your hand when performing the tricks. If possible, opt for a thick pair of knuckle guards to protect your knuckles from getting damaged while performing these kinds of stunts. Your thumb should be positioned on the opposite side of your palm so that it is not impeded by the bar while you are skiing.
As you can see, there are many different factors that go into choosing the right pair of ski gloves. The key is to find a pair that works for your hands and the type of skiing you do. Remember that the thicker the glove, the less dexterity you have so make sure that you aren’t wearing any gloves that are too thick for the type of skiing you are doing. Otherwise, you will find it very difficult to perform the tricks that come easily to you!