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Best 10 Lobster Gloves in 2020 [Update]

If you are going lobster fishing, you’re going to need a good pair of gloves. Wild lobster, especially the spiny lobster species, can be difficult and dangerous to handle if your hands are not adequately protected. Here are some things to look for when buying a suitable pair of lobster gloves.

The Basics

Why would you need gloves to go lobster fishing? Well, for several reasons. Lobsters are marine crustaceans with hard exoskeletons, claws, and sharp, spiny legs — an obstacle if you are using a net, seine, or diving to hand-catch them.

The American Lobster (Homarus americanus) is perhaps the most well-known species of lobster, with a large, heavy body and comparably heavy claws. Its claws can be a pinching hazard, and the spines on the species’ legs and rostrum (just above the head) can also make it difficult to handle.

Spiny Lobsters are a group of several lobster species in the family Palinuridae. Common species off the coasts of the United States include the California spiny lobster (Palinurus interruptus) and the Caribbean spiny lobster (Palinurus argus).

Unlike the American Lobster, spiny lobsters do not have large frontal claws. Rather, they have long, spiny antennae and protruding spines on the head, back, and the underside of the tail.

The spiny lobster also has a strong bite, one that is normally reserved for crustaceans, mollusks, and other prey. For these reasons, you will almost certainly need a solid pair of gloves when handling a spiny lobster.

Key Criteria

But what should you think about when purchasing lobster gloves? There are a few things to consider, including:

• Your environment – If you are lobster fishing in cold weather (or, alternately, diving for lobsters off a hot, sunny beach).
• Material – If the glove material is waterproof, flexible, warm, or breathable (as need be).
• Protection – If your gloves can specifically protect you from lobster claws or spines. Also, from rocks, nets, or fishing lines.
• Size – If your glove can fit you and is comfortable to wear.
• Your Lobstering Style – If you wear a wetsuit when lobster fishing (or if you are more likely to catch lobsters from a boat).

For example, if you are combing rocky reefs for spiny lobsters in warm weather, you are going to need lighter, breathable, more flexible lobster gloves. You might also want to consider durable wetsuit gloves suitable for divers.

If you are off the coast of New England fishing for the American lobster in colder, deeper waters, you will probably need a heavier, warmer pair of gloves. You will also want gloves that are fully waterproof.

Features

Lobster gloves have several key features. Let’s look at a few of them.

Materials

Lobster gloves can be made of several materials. These include:

• Kevlar – a strong synthetic fiber material made of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen molecules,
• Carbon Fiber – a strong, stiff, durable, synthetic material made mostly of carbon atoms,
• Polyethylene – a waxy-feeling, synthetic plastic that is used in bags, bottles, and lightweight gloves,
• Spandex – a lightweight, stretchable, synthetic fiber material, can be combined with polyurethane (poly-spandex),
• Neoprene – a somewhat solid synthetic rubber material used in diving dry suits and wetsuits,
• Leather – a durable clothing material made from animal hides, and
• PVC – or polyvinyl chloride, a water-resistant plastic polymer.

Each material has its pros and cons (as discussed later).

Weather Resistance

Some lobster gloves are UV-resistant. This can come in handy if you are in the sun for long periods of time. Other gloves are specifically designed for cold weather, with carbon-fiber interior arrangements and even battery set-ups for heating.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing may be a good idea for some, though not all lobster fishing. In colder weather, you will definitely want a solid pair of waterproof gloves, almost without exception.

In warmer weather, waterproofing is not quite as important. Though for spiny lobsters, durable, strong gloves will come in handy, whether the gloves are waterproof or not. Be careful when choosing diving gloves — as diving gloves are not necessarily waterproof gloves.

Benefits and Drawbacks

There are several benefits (and drawbacks) to certain materials. This depends on the material, and of course, the specific environments and species for which you intend to use your lobster gloves.

A material like Kevlar is strong and will generally hold up when handling spiny lobsters. It is not waterproof, however, and is best used in warmer waters.

Carbon fiber can be waterproof and also hold up well under different temperatures. It may not be as reliable as heavier rubbers for colder-water lobster fishing, though.

Polyethylene is a waterproof material. It, however, is lightweight, and may not offer the protection needed for sustained lobster fishing.

Spandex would be an ideal glove base for warm, shallow lobster fishing. On the other hand, it would need to be combined with stronger materials in order to be a durable lobster glove.

Neoprene is used in most diving gloves, so it is a diving-friendly material. Neoprene alone may not make a decent lobstering glove by itself and would likely need to be used in a glove with other stronger materials.

Leather gloves may not be the most dive-friendly gloves. They would be suitable, however for cooler climates because of their durability, so long as they are waterproof as well.

PVC, especially when lined with foam insulation, would be an excellent waterproof glove. It would be ideal for durable, cold-weather lobster fishing.

Choosing the Right Gloves

The best way to choose the right lobster fishing glove is to know how you are fishing. This includes what type of lobster you’re looking for and your environment.

Though different materials seem to have their pros and cons, you probably will not be using a glove made of only one type of material. It is more likely that you will use some combination of these materials.

Best 10 Lobster Gloves [This Month]

Conclusion

Getting well-balanced, durable gloves, however, should be your main priority. This way, you will have gear that will keep you productive, comfortable, and safe.