Sparring Glove Recommendations for Karate?

Question

I'm a purple belt in shotokan and am looking for my first pair of sparring gloves. Preferably in the $30-range, but negotiable. Recommendations would be much appreciated as well as maybe a link to an online store.

Thanks,
Matt.

Answer 1

You don't say what kind of sparring but since you are a a purple belt in Shoto-kan I will assume it is point sparring; (light contact to the head, no contact to the face, and light to medium contact to the body). For this I would recommend foam dipped gear unless you are going to use it for working out on and hitting heavy bags. If so then vinyl gear is better (especially hands) since the heavy bag will rip and tear foam dipped gear.

Tiger Claw makes some excellent vinyl gear-especially for feet and you want to make sure for the hands you get the ones that enclose your fingers. Most schools, instructors, and tournaments will let you use vinyl gear as long as it covers your toes and encloses them and your fingers for the hands. While it does become smelly it can be washed on gentle cycle and air dried and store it in a plastic bag once in a while with a sheet of fabric softener.

Foam dipped gear tends to fit a little better, does not smell but you have to take care of it and not leave it in your car all the time. The heat and cold break it down and cause it to harden and crack so you need to take more careful care of it and can not use it for heavy bag type workouts without risk of ripping it. Century Martial Arts carries their own brand as well as some others like Macho both of which are very good for foam dipped gear.

Answer 2

The most inexpensive route is Century's Student Glove (dipped foam, $20, I think). But, you should check with your instructor. They may require you to purchse from them, or purchase a specific style of glove (say, the wrist-wrap, mma style, which are $40-60...).

www.centuryma.com

Answer 3

You better get some advise from your instructor.
Often "Vinyl Dipped Foam" is what is required.
Your school may use something else.

http://www.valleymartialarts.com/index.php?main_page=index
http://www.centurymartialarts.com/