Welcome to our ultimate guide to the best pool gloves of 2024! If you’re a pool aficionado seeking to improve your grip, control, and overall performance on the table, then a pool glove is an essential accessory you shouldn’t overlook. Designed to provide a smooth and consistent stroke, these gloves offer an extension of your skills, ensuring that your shots are as accurate as possible. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, our hand-picked selection of the best pool gloves will keep you ahead of the competition. So, let’s dive into the list and find the perfect glove to elevate your game to new heights!

1. Kamui Billiard Glove
2. Molinari Billiard Glove
3. Predator Second Skin Billiard Glove Red
4. Kamui QuickDry Billiard Glove
5. Molinari Fingerless Glove
6. Anser M050912
7. IBS Billiard Gloves
8. Unglove Fingerwrap Billiards Glove

Why do pool players wear gloves?

Pool players wear gloves primarily to reduce friction between their hand and the cue stick, allowing for a smoother, more consistent stroke. Gloves help in maintaining a steady, controlled glide of the cue through the fingers, particularly in humid conditions where hands might become sweaty. This can be especially useful in long matches or tournaments where maintaining a steady grip and precision is crucial. Additionally, gloves protect the player’s hand and the cue from oils and dirt that can accumulate during play, which might otherwise affect the cue’s movement and the overall accuracy of shots. By wearing the best billiard gloves, players aim to enhance their performance by ensuring a stable and reliable contact with the cue, regardless of external conditions.

How to choose a pool glove

When choosing a pool glove, consider the material and fit to ensure comfort and functionality. Gloves made from stretchable, breathable fabrics like Lycra or neoprene provide a snug fit that conforms to your hand, preventing any slipping during play while allowing your skin to breathe to avoid excessive sweating. Look for gloves that cover only the necessary parts of the hand, typically the thumb, index finger, and middle finger, which interact with the cue. This design minimizes bulk and maximizes feel.

Additionally, assess the glove’s durability and ease of maintenance. A good pool glove should withstand frequent use and be easy to clean, as it will likely accumulate chalk and sweat with regular play. Some gloves also feature anti-slip pads on the palm or fingers, which can enhance grip and stability. Lastly, choose a glove that suits your dominant hand—most gloves are designed for right-handed players, but left-handed gloves are also available. Trying on different gloves, if possible, can be very beneficial to find the one that best suits your hand’s shape and size, providing the right balance between tightness and comfort.

How to find out what size pool glove you need

To determine the right size for a pool glove, you’ll need to measure your hand, focusing on the width and the length. Here’s how you can do it:

• Measure Your Hand Width: Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the widest part of your hand, which is usually just over the knuckles, excluding the thumb. Make sure the tape measure is snug but not tight.
• Measure Your Hand Length:Measure from the tip of your middle finger down to the base of your palm.

Once you have these measurements, compare them to the sizing chart provided by the glove manufacturer. Most pool glove manufacturers will offer a range of sizes from extra small (XS) to extra large (XL), and they should provide a sizing chart that matches hand measurements to glove sizes.

If you’re between sizes, it’s usually recommended to choose the smaller size, as pool gloves should fit snugly to ensure good contact and control over the cue stick. Remember that the material of the glove can also influence the fit; materials like Lycra or spandex are more forgiving and stretchy, which can accommodate a wider range of hand sizes comfortably.

What is the alternative to using a pool glove?

We get it – not everyone likes wearing a pool glove. Some people find them too restricting. If you prefer not to use a pool glove, there are several alternatives that can still help you maintain a smooth and consistent stroke:

• Hand Chalk/Talc: Many players use hand chalk or talc to reduce moisture and improve the slickness of their cueing hand. This can be applied directly to the hand and cue for smoother strokes. It’s especially useful in humid conditions or if you have naturally sweaty hands.
• Cue Shaft Conditioner: Applying a cue shaft conditioner or a smooth burnishing product to the shaft of your cue can reduce friction and improve the glide of the cue through your hand. These products often protect the wood and keep the cue surface smooth.
• Wash Your Hands: Simply washing your hands before playing can remove oils and sweat that might cause your cue stick to drag or stick during strokes.
• Use a Cue Sleeve: Some players opt for a cue sleeve, which is a small, tubular piece that fits over the cue shaft. It provides a smooth surface that reduces friction as the cue moves through your hand.
• Improve Hand Positioning: Adjusting your grip and hand positioning can also help manage friction. A looser grip and a more upright bridge can reduce skin contact with the cue, making it easier to achieve a smooth stroke.

These alternatives can help you maintain control over your shots without the need for a glove, allowing you to play comfortably and effectively.