Riding a jet ski can be a lot of fun, but injuring your hands in the process is not so pleasant. You can protect your hands while jet skiing by wearing a high-quality pair of gloves. Read below for a buyer's guide to jet ski gloves that will examine what to look for when shopping for this gear.
Why You Need Jet Ski Gloves
Before you learn what to look for in jet ski gloves, you might ask yourself, "Why do I need gloves for jet skiing?" Gloves are essential for several reasons when you go out on the water.
A Firm Grip
As you ride your jet ski, your handlebars can get wet and too slippery to hold onto with your bare hands. This problem makes it necessary for you to wear gear that will give you a nice firm grip on the controls. With that grip, you can easily maneuver your jet ski while staying comfortable.
Worn Jet Ski Handlebars or Rough Edges
It can also be difficult to get a grip with your bare hands when your jet ski’s handlebars have worn down. In addition, they may have rough edges that cause your hands pain. In both cases, you need gloves. You’ll be glad that you have them to keep your hands from getting injured.
Fatigue and Pain
You can also experience fatigue if you tightly grip the handlebars while riding your jet ski. Gloves can prevent this from being so painful.
Blisters
Blisters can form on your hands while gripping the handlebars of a jet ski, so you will need protective gear. Gloves can prevent blisters from developing on your fingers and palms.
Sunburn
You will likely ride your jet ski on warm, sunny days. If you ride without gloves, you increase the chances of developing sunburn on the back of your hands. Gloves will prevent your hands from being exposed to harsh UV rays.
A Hot Jet Ski
Warm weather can also have an effect on your jet ski; it may make the handlebars hot. Fortunately, gloves will keep you from burning your palms and fingers on hot handlebars.
Cold Weather
You might like to jet ski in the fall and winter months, but the temperatures in those seasons can be rather cold. If you ride without gloves, the conditions might make you uncomfortable to the point where your fingers feel frozen. If you wear gloves, you will have a better chance of keeping your hands warm while extending your riding season.
Splinters and Other Dangers
If you ride your jet ski and come in contact with old wooden docks, you may get splinters when touching the wood. Gloves can protect your hands from splinters, water spray, bugs, and debris you may encounter on the water.
What You Should Look For
You should look for several products and features when buying jet ski gloves. These pointers can help you avoid injuries and other discomforts while jet skiing.
Buy Jet Ski Gloves
Some people decide to use other power sports gloves, including ATV, mountain bike, or motorcycle gloves, when they ride their jet skis. However, it is best to wear actual jet ski gloves for the most protection.
Manufacturers make their jet ski products with water conditions in mind so that they are more durable, have a better grip, and will do a better job of keeping your hands warm. For example, jet ski gloves often feature silicone grips on the palms and fingers.
Fingerless, Half-Finger, and Full-Finger Gloves
When looking at jet ski gloves, you may have trouble deciding between gloves that are fingerless, feature half fingers, or have full fingers. All have their distinct advantages, which we will explain.
Fingerless gloves can increase your ease of mobility on your jet ski. However, you may find that you do not like to have your fingers exposed in chilly weather.
You can enjoy more protection for your fingers with half-finger gloves, which live up to their namesake by covering half of your fingers. Additionally, they provide more warmth during cold weather and an even better grip than fingerless gloves.
When you wear full-finger gloves, you can enjoy even more protection if you ride your jet ski in cold weather. They can make it difficult to grip and feel certain controls, so remember to buy gloves with an adequate amount of mobility.
Rubberized Palms and Breathable Materials
Rubberized palms will allow you to get a good grip on the jet ski's controls. You may also benefit from buying gloves made with breathable materials. They offer more comfort so that your hands do not become clammy or irritated.
Stretch Fabric
Another feature to look for in jet ski gloves is a stretchy fabric. It can make operating controls easier while riding. When buying these kinds of gloves, check that the insides do not have stitching that can cause blisters to form on your hands.
Neoprene
Neoprene is an ideal material for jet ski gloves. Manufacturers often use this family of synthetic rubber for wet suits. It is less sensitive to changes in temperature than rubber and is available in several thickness levels to keep your hands warm.
The thicker the material, the warmer your hands will be. However, the increased thickness can affect your mobility. Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations regarding ideal temperatures.
Quick-Drying Capabilities
Look for gloves with quick-drying capabilities. After all, you don't want your gloves to be hard to take off because they’re wet. Quick-drying capabilities will also help the gloves dry faster before you store them. Never keep them in your jet ski since the wetness may cause them to become moldy.
Now you know what to look for when buying jet ski gloves! With this guide, you should be able to buy products that will help you take care of your hands so you can have much more fun on the water. If you want to buy jet ski gloves or other Sea-Doo riding gear products, Peakboys can help. We have a wide selection of items to keep you safe and comfortable on your jet ski adventures.
