A Comprehensive Guide to Buying MMA Gloves

MMA gloves are an essential piece of equipment for anyone involved in mixed martial arts (MMA). These gloves not only provide protection to your hands and wrists but also allow for effective striking and grappling. Choosing the right pair of MMA gloves is crucial for your safety and performance inside the cage or during training sessions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into various factors to consider before making your purchase.

Understanding MMA Glove Sizes

MMA gloves come in various sizes, usually ranging from small to extra-large. The size you need depends on the circumference of your hand, primarily around the knuckles. To measure your hand for the right size:

Measure Your Hand Circumference

Wrap a measuring tape around your dominant hand’s knuckles (excluding the thumb) and note the circumference.

Refer to the Size Chart

Match your hand circumference to the manufacturer’s size chart to determine the appropriate glove size.

Try Them On

Whenever possible, try on gloves to ensure they fit snugly without being too tight or too loose.

Additional Tips

Consider trying on gloves with hand wraps to ensure they fit comfortably together.
Keep in mind that sizes may vary slightly between different brands, so it’s beneficial to try on various brands to find the best fit.

Getting the Perfect Fit

Achieving the perfect fit for MMA gloves is crucial for both performance and safety. Here are some additional tips to ensure an ideal fit:

Optimal Finger Length

The fingers of the gloves should end just above your fingertips, providing enough space for movement without excess material.

Inspect Wrist Closure

Check that the wrist closure is secure and adjustable, providing the necessary stability and support to your wrist.

Pay Attention to Flexibility

Ensure the gloves allow your hand to move and flex naturally, enabling you to make a fist comfortably.

Try Different Styles

Experiment with different styles of gloves (e.g., open palm, grappling gloves) to determine which suits your hand shape and preferences best.

Materials Used in MMA Gloves

The choice of material for your MMA gloves greatly impacts their durability, comfort, and overall performance. Here’s an in-depth look at common materials used in MMA gloves:

Genuine Leather: Known for durability, comfort, and a natural feel. It molds to your hand over time, offering a personalized fit. However, it is generally more expensive than synthetic options and may require more maintenance.

Synthetic Materials: Typically more affordable, lightweight, and often come with added features such as enhanced grip and moisture-wicking properties. However, they might lack the durability and natural feel of genuine leather.

Hybrid Materials: These gloves blend the benefits of both genuine leather and synthetic materials, providing a balance between durability, cost, and comfort. They offer the best of both worlds but are still subject to the potential downsides of synthetic materials.

Final Thoughts

These considerations regarding materials will help you choose gloves that suit your preferences and budget while ensuring longevity and comfort.

In the next part of this guide, we will explore the weights of MMA gloves and how to pick the right weight for your specific needs. We’ll also discuss the importance of cleaning and maintaining your gloves, wearing hand wraps underneath, and the key differences between competition and sparring gloves. Plus, we’ll introduce you to some popular MMA glove brands, including Fairtex and Revgear, known for their quality and performance.

Stay tuned for more valuable insights on your journey to finding the perfect pair of MMA gloves!