The Best Jet Ski Gloves Compared [Video]

A pair of gloves is just one of several useful jet ski accessories. Based on our research, the best jet ski glove configurations are as follows:

• Fingerless jet ski gloves
• Half-finger gloves
• Full-finger gloves

If you want to compare these designs head-to-head, you’ve come to the right place.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know under one roof!

Do You Need to Wear Gloves on a Jet Ski?

There’s no question that wearing gloves on a jet ski has many advantages, including:

• Ensure a decent grip
• Keep your hands warm
• Enhance comfort and safety
• Prevent blisters and calluses
• Protect the backs of your hands from sunburn
• Protect your hands from bugs, rain, water spray, and flying debris

The main advantage of wearing jet ski gloves is the enhanced grip they provide, which comes in handy, especially in rough water conditions.

Without gloves, friction may result in pain, blisters, and calluses on your hands.

Keep in mind that the design and material of jet ski grips may vary from one model to the next. While the latest models come with ergonomic and skin-friendly grips, vintage 2-stroke skis feature very basic handlebars and grips.

On these older skis, wearing well-padded jet ski gloves is a must to prevent hand pain.

Besides the handlebars, you have to grip a lot of other things like the ropes, trailer, and even shell-covered docks.

Besides greater comfort, gloves can protect your hands against these types of surfaces, as well as keep bugs, flying debris, water spray, and even rain off your hands.

They also come in handy on chilly days, especially the thicker neoprene models.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk in detail about the best jet ski glove designs!

The Best Jet Ski Gloves

Jet ski gloves have to meet many expectations, but the most important ones are as follows:

• Quick drying
• Easy to put on and take off, both wet and dry
• Protect your hands
• Allow your skin to breathe
• Durable

Many types of powersport gloves can be worn on jet skis, which were originally designed for ATVs, motorcycles, mountain bikes, or even tow sports.

However, dedicated jet ski gloves are specifically designed with the marine environment in mind and feature padding and silicone grips on critical areas.

Fingerless Jet Ski Gloves

The cheapest jet ski gloves are the fingerless gloves that leave all of your fingers exposed.

This design allows you to operate your smartphone or camera without taking the gloves off. They do a good job on warm sunny days but are not recommended for chilly weather.

The drawback of these gloves is that they are fairly hard to take off.

Half-Finger Gloves

Half-finger and ¾ finger jet ski gloves are halfway between fingerless and full-finger counterparts.

They offer more protection and a better grip than fingerless gloves but leave the end of your fingers uncovered. They can also keep your hands warmer in cold weather.

Unfortunately, these types of jet ski gloves are also difficult to remove. To make life easier, some models come with little tabs for easy removal, just like many mountain bike gloves.

Full-Finger Gloves

Many riders claim that full-finger jet ski gloves are the only way to go.

The more basic models are made of a stretchy mesh material that ensures great breathing and mobility, but without sacrificing grip and protection. They do a good job in warm weather but are not primarily designed to keep your hands warm.

If you want to ride your jet ski in cold weather, you should invest in a pair of neoprene jet ski gloves (a.k.a. wetsuit jet ski gloves).

They are made of wetsuit material and come in many different thicknesses and designs. The general rule is that the thicker the material the warmer they keep your hands, but the stiffer they feel.

The best practice is to check the manufacturers’ specifications regarding recommended temperature ranges.

Neoprene jet ski gloves are a nice addition to your riding gear if you already have a wetsuit.

Full-finger jet ski gloves are easier to take on and off than their shorter brothers, but using a smartphone or a touchscreen with them on could be tricky.

How Much are Jet Ski Gloves?

As a rule of thumb, the price of jet ski gloves ranges from $15 up to $80.

The cheapest jet ski gloves are the fingerless models, which cost anywhere from $15-$30. On the other end of the spectrum, you can find full-finger, neoprene jet ski gloves with a price tag of $25-$80.

The most well-known jet ski glove manufacturers are as follows:

• Ridefit
• Jettribe
• Slippery
• Jet Pilot
• Fly Racing
• OEM (Sea-Doo, WaveRunner, etc.)

Conclusion

Contrary to popular belief, hand protection while on a jet ski is essential, regardless of the weather!

On a sunny day, a nice pair of gloves can protect your hands from UV rays, bugs, and water spray. If you have to ride in the rain or cold weather for any reason, gloves can also offer decent hand protection.

As a final word, jet ski gloves are essential for any jet skier who rides aggressively, in cool weather or does long tours!