The [url="http://http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/climb/climbing-gloves/stone/"]Black Diamond Stone[/url] gloves offer a great combination of durability and dexterity by using many different layers of goat skinthicker at the high use areas and thinner and the low use areas. They challenge the PMI Fingerless Glove as having the best dexterity. The goat skin makes them soft and comfortable right away; they don't require a long break-in period. The downside is that at $40 they are the most expensive fingerless glove out there. They are the only fingerless glove we know of with longer protection on the bottom of the finger than the top. The thumb area is particularly well protected.
This is our top-rated glove for big wall leading. Is it worth $40? That is a hard call. The PMI Fingerless Glove is only $32 and you could make about seven pairs of Homemade Fingerless Climbing Glove for the same price. Will these make you a better wall climber? No. Will you be really psyched to have such an awesome pair of gloves when thousands of feet off the ground? Yes.
See how this compares to other products in our complete Climbing and Belay Glove Review
Hands-on Gear Review |
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Street Price:
Varies from $30 - $40 | Compare prices at 5 resellers
Pros: Great dexterity, soft, durable Cons: Large wrist closure, expensive Best Uses: Big wall climbing and aid climbing
Overview
Compare top rated competitors side-by-side > OutdoorGearLab Editors' Hands-on Review
Likes
These are the most tricked out fingerless gloves. They have a few features not found on other gloves like an extra leather extender under the fingers and Kevlar stitching. The coolest thing about them is the fit; they have great articulation and the goat skin fits perfectly. There is no extended break-in period: they fit great right away. They have great reinforcement in the high wear areas and great dexterity. Dislikes The elastic cuff around the wrist is a little bigger and bulkier than we like. We prefer the smaller Velcro closure on the PMI and Metolius gloves. But that is a small dislike and most people may not care. Best Application These are ideal for big wall leading. For belaying, we would rather have a full-fingered glove like the Black Diamond Transition. Value This is the most expensive glove we tested. It is $10 more expensive than most other gloves. It comes down to just how much you love the fit and feel of this glove. — Chris McNamara Compare this product side-by-side to top competitors >
OutdoorGearLab Member ReviewsMost recent review: March 26, 2013
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