Crack Climbing Gloves Reviews
Are you hooked on crack climbing yet? Isn’t it fun? I am only barely introduced to crack climbing since my last outdoor trip to Looking Glass in North Carolina and I think it is awesome. I have not experienced the extreme pain of the jamming technique yet to say that it was a painful experience. Curious to know what jamming is? Please visit my article on Climbing Crack – Wanna Give it a Try.
In this article, I will be reviewing different types of crack climbing gloves to help protect your hands from the abrasion and the sharpness of the rocks. If you are rock climbing Rambo, you may not even want them. These gloves would be great for newbie crack climbers like me or the experienced climbers who are tire of being scraped by the rocks. They are a great alternative to taping up your hands to save time.
In general, the crack gloves are made of a layered rubber or microfiber suede covering primarily the back of the hand and knuckles protecting from the rock abrasion. There are usually finger loops and wrist Velcro straps to keep the gloves secure on your hands. The palm is fully exposed allows ventilation for sweaty palm.
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Ocun Crack Climbing Gloves
These gloves are made of microfiber stretch suede and high sensitive adhesive rubber for maximum friction. There is a thin layer of padding along the back of the hand for protection against the rocks. From the different Amazon reviews, the Ocun crack gloves run small and they do not stretch much. Make sure to check out the Ocun’s sizing chart to confirm the size that you need. 
The price is a little higher than your normal gloves or tape but some people found they are worth it for the material and the comfort. The majority of the reviews love these gloves.
Average Customer Rank: 4.4/5
- Microfiber stretch suede with durable sticky rubber to grip the rock well
- Anatomical shape – offer comfort and protection against rock abrasion (save your skin)
- Velcro closure to keep them attached securely
- Come in different sizes
- Weight – 57 g or 2 oz
- Made in the Czech Republic
Available Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
Climb X Super Crack Gloves
Climb X crack gloves are made primarily of climbing shoe rubber with durable finger and thumb loops. They provide a thick layer of sticky climbing rubber for the back of the hand. Because the thick rubber, they can be bulky for the thin finger cracks so you lose the feel of the rock. The major complaint is moisture accumulates quickly and it can get sweaty. The price is within a normal pair glove range.
I found mixed comments and reviews regarding Climb X Crack gloves. Some think the gloves are adequate for the price while others prefer using tape. Use your own judgment. You know what you need and want.
Average Customer Rank: 3.3/5
Specs:
- Made out of climbing shoe rubber
- The padding for the back of the hand is the thick super sticky texture Climb X climbing rubber
- Similar to climbing shoes, the gloves stretch to fit your hands over time.
- Durable finger and thumb loops
- Come in different sizes
- Weight: 3.5 oz
Available sizes: S, M, L, XL
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
Outdoor Research Splitter Gloves
These gloves were designed with the climbing legend Hans Florine and tested on Yosemite’s rocks. The durable synthetic suede around the hand layered with non-slip synthetic rubber were designed to protect the knuckles. The finger loops and wrist wrap attachment hold the gloves securely in place.
Most people who used them agree that they are light, versatile, good size fit, and works better than tape. The biggest complaint was that the size X-small sold out quickly. The pricing is between the Ocun and Climb X.
Average Customer Rank: 4.2/5
Specs:
- Material: 80% Polyester & 20% polyurethane. Main body with 55% polyurethane & 45% nylon overlay
- Anti-slip rubber on the back of the hand
- Close-fitting for dexterity
- Hook and loop for fingers and wrist closure
- Weight: 26g or 0.9 oz
- variety of sizes
Available Sizes: X-Small or L-XL
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
Green Gear Hand Jammies
These Hand Jammies were the original crack climbing glove to replace the tape. It was the best thing back then. Similarly, to the latest gloves, they have finger loops, backhand protection, and wrist wrap enclosure. However, they do not conform to the hands as well as the other newer versions.
Average Customer Rank: 3.0/5
Specs:
- Made out of shoe rubber
- wrist wrap Velcro to closure
- variety of sizes
Available Sizes: Small, Medium, or Large
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
Tape Gloves
Last but not least the traditional way of crack climbing is using tape gloves for protection. This is where you make your own gloves out of sports tape. It may seem a cheaper route in the short run but every time you take them off you have to make a new one so it can get expensive in the long run. Buying tapes add up over time and they are not recyclable.
However, if crack climbing gloves are not for you, then try tape gloves.
Here is a video from Sierra Trading Post on how to make yourself tape gloves:
Hopefully, this article gives you plenty of options to check out. Maybe, you’ll find a pair of gloves that will suit your need. I love to hear your thoughts on these gloves. Please leave your comments below.
