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How Do I Choose the Best Drum Gloves?

A. Leverkuhn
A. Leverkuhn

Drummers who want to find the best drum gloves can profit from understanding how other drummers use these items to play in comfort and to play well. Not everyone may think about getting specific varieties of gloves for optimal drum play, but many experienced drummers know that having the right set of drum gloves can make a big difference. Drummers use gloves for improving grip, to deal with the effects of extended play on the hands, or even for cold weather in outdoor marching bands or drum lines.

One of the first considerations for drum gloves is whether the drummer wants full gloves or fingerless gloves. Some drummers say that fingerless gloves are better for preventing blisters because they don’t brush against the knuckles of the fingers. Other drummers, particularly many of those in marching bands, need to have full gloves, either to protect hands from the cold or to conform to dress codes for a school or university band.

Drummers may choose to purchase drum gloves to avoid damaging their hands from friction created by the drumsticks against their skin.
Drummers may choose to purchase drum gloves to avoid damaging their hands from friction created by the drumsticks against their skin.

Drum players can also find out which are the best types of drum gloves through trial and error. Drummers often advise each other about which drum glove types feel the best over time. Many drummers prefer not to play with gloves at all, but many of those who do, have found gloves that they feel work better. It’s important to note that not all of these gloves are specifically made for drumming. Some drummers buy biking gloves, batting gloves, or other recreational gloves and claim that they work better than gloves that are specifically created for drumming.

Drum gloves may help prevent the development of blisters.
Drum gloves may help prevent the development of blisters.

When shopping for drumming gloves, musicians can also look at some of the available designs of gloves that provide more comfort for extended play. For example, drummers can get lambskin gloves that may feel better on the hands as they pound away on a drum kit or an individual percussion instrument. Some particular grip features, like rugged exteriors, can also help with drum play.

Along with features and overall quality, it’s important for buyers to carefully consider the sizing of drum gloves. Some of these products might have vague sizes, and gloves of the wrong size can cause a lot of chafing and pain after extended use. Shoppers should make sure that the drum gloves will fit their hands, either by trying them on before purchase, or, when this is not possible, getting more details about specific sizing. Ie. Length of fingers and glove width.

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    • Drummers may choose to purchase drum gloves to avoid damaging their hands from friction created by the drumsticks against their skin.
      By: Harry Lewkowicz
      Drummers may choose to purchase drum gloves to avoid damaging their hands from friction created by the drumsticks against their skin.
    • Drum gloves may help prevent the development of blisters.
      By: eyetronic
      Drum gloves may help prevent the development of blisters.