If you’re in the market for the most comfortable gloves for goalkeepers there’s a good chance you’ll be hearing a lot concerning “glove cut”. What are they? What kind would you pick?
In a nutshell goalkeeper glove cuts define the manner in which the materialsthe latex palms as well as the backhands — are stitched. It’s as easy as that.
The cut of your glove can affect the level of comfort in terms of flexibility, comfort as well as the “feeling” on the ball. But, the cut you choose is mostly a matter for your personal preference. The key is to try different cuts until you discover the cut/brand combination that is comfortable for you.
In this article, I’ll discuss the different types of GK gloves and what they’re intended to accomplish.
Flat Palm
Glove Cut Features
Flat Palm is a classic entry-level cut that first appeared as goalkeeping gloves first appeared on the scene.
The glove is composed of a individual piece of latex that is attached on the inside of the glove with gussets stitched between the palm and fingers.
Gussets are on the outside, providing an open feel to your hand (unlike Negative Cut gloves that are stitched on the inside).
Most of the time, they do not have the option of a wrap-over thumb.
The most affordable glove cut usually, it is priced around PS10-20.
Verdict
A flat Palm gloves are much easier to make as opposed to the more contemporary styles featured in this post. They’re therefore generally less expensive to purchase and are for those who are looking for “casual” goalsitting glovesto be used on the playground, in at the parks, and even as spares.
There are Flat Palm gloves on the shelves of sports stores. If you do decide to purchase these gloves, ensure that you don’t spend too much. When you’ve reached the PS20 price point, you’d prefer to invest in more sophisticated — and more fitting Roll Finger Negative cut, hybrid cut gloves (read here to find out more).
Although there are definitely top-quality Flat Palm gloves on the market (usually with fashionable squared-off fingers) in essence, the style is basic. The flat Palm gloves are made to maximize the surface of the latex, not to stretch out to fit the shape of your fingers or wrap around the shape of your ball. There are other options.
Roll Finger
Glove Cut Features
Goalkeeper gloves made of roll fingers are very popular and traditional.
The latex is rolled or curved around the fingers , which gives comfortable and good fit inside the gloves.
The backhand is connected to the palm with no necessity of Gussets. Thus the name “roll finger”.
More loose fitting than gloves with Negative cut (or hybrids that incorporate Negative cut attributes).
A well-known and well-loved cut usually has the price that is PS20+.
Verdict
The goalkeeping gloves of the Roll Finger have been through the ages and are still used by a lot of goalkeepers in the present. They’re also well-padded and have a great grip. They’re an excellent choice for those who want loose fitting.
I like the way the majority of Roll Finger gloves are slightly arched, which means that the latex palms are wrapped in the shape of the ball, and help absorb the force of the powerful shots.
However, I have found that the extra area created from the roll Finger cut causes them to feel a more “flappy” in comparison to gloves with a negative cut (depending on the size and brand you purchase). In addition, the lack of gusset creates a slightly uncomfortable shape around the fingers.
The design, while superior over those who prefer the Flat Palm cut, the Roll Finger is still only my last resort.
Negative Cut
Glove Cut Features
Goalkeeper gloves made of negative cut are stylish and sleekly created. They’ve been gaining popularity in recent times.
The same as Flat Palm gloves in that they are made of one piece of latex, which is attached to the backhand with Gussets.
Contrary to Flat Palm gloves as the stitches for the gussets are within the glove and can’t be observed from the outside.
This glove is more tightly woven and more “natural” fitting than other types of gloves and gives you the best control over the ball.
A high-end cut usually is priced at PS30plus.
Verdict
Negative cut gloves are designed to provide the best performance and ease of use. The grip overall is in line as Roll Finger, however, they have additional benefits.
The thing I love most about Negative cuts is that it gives an ideal fit to your hand and finger shape, and leaves the least amount of (wasted) space within the gloves. The result is that your hands feel more secure and more comfortable more than when you wear Flat Palm or Roll Finger and Flat Palm gloves.
Additionally the stitching inside can have an effect that creates padding on the finger tips which provides both protection as well as an even, smooth surface to spread the ball across. Be it bowling the ball underarm or overarm, or even tumbling to the side of the bar The Negative cut is adaptable to any circumstance.
The only negative aspect of Negative gloves would be that stitching on the inside results in greater tension within the latex. This means the cut wears slightly more quickly than Flat Cut or Roll Finger gloves.
Negative Roll
Glove Cut Features
A Negative Cut is a new Hybrid glove style that incorporates Negative cut and Roll Finger features to improve fit, comfort, and comfort.
The narrow design is designed to offer greater flexibility and feel.
Fingers are rolled exactly as the Roll Finger cut, while the palm’s inside is stitched as Negative cut.
It provides a more snug fit than the standard Negative cut gloves.
A top cut typically has a cost of PS30+
Verdict
In a few ways, in some ways, the Negative Roll may be the most sophisticated goal-keeping glove cut. It “moulds” to the shape of your hand, rather than forming the standard “mit” shape that is common to the other cuts of goalkeeping gloves.
For all its advantages, I’d argue that the tight and narrow design that has space between fingers results in less surface area and, consequently, less latex contact with the ball than the standard Roll Finger or Negative gloves. Do you really need it?
The regular cut, non-slip gloves remain my preferred choice. The saying “If there’s no problem, don’t attempt to repair it” is a good one to think of.
A lot of glove manufacturers are now focusing on hybrids, such as that of the Negative Roll (which I’ll talk about later). If you’re interested in trying out this distinctive cut, it’s best to purchase from a specialist goal-keeping brand (e.g. Precision).
Hybrid Cut
Glove Cut Features
An “Hybrid” cut the result of combining different cuts. It is not a reference to a particular type of glove.
Goalkeepers can choose to exploring various Hybrid cuts to find the best one for their preferences.
The most popular Hybrid cuts include the Roll Finger Negative and Flat Palm-Roll Finger combinations, aiming for an “best combination of the two options” glove (see GK Saver 3D).
Many different brands are used to describe Hybrid cuts.
A high-end cut usually is priced at PS30+ , due to the additional manufacturing costs.
Verdict
Hybrids are priced with a higher cost due to the fact that they’re more difficult for goalkeeper companies to master from a manufacturing and design viewpoint. Perhaps the additional expense is worth it when you’ve discovered “the the one”.
I’ve played with Hybrid goalkeeping gloves before. My experience was overwhelmingly positive and I loved the possibility I could see two of my favorite cuts (Negative and the Roll Finger) were merged to create something new and unique. However did you think that the Hybrid design really have an impression on my game?
It’s not bad, but… it’s not any more than any other non-Hybrid model I’ve used honestly.
Keep in mind that although your gloves may help you gain more control over the ball, no cut version will transform you into a better overall goalkeeper. If you decide to dive into Hybrids (and other options that cost a lot) you’ll see a decrease in your returns as time goes on.
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