Whether you’re trying waterskiing for the first time, or are an experienced slalom runner, the types of gloves you wear have a huge impact on your success as a water skier. Water skiing with bare hands can create strain on hands and wrists, and result in calluses and blisters. The best water ski gloves provide hand and finger protection and help you improve your grip, with a flexibility that maintains agility and comfort.
Are Water Ski Gloves With Dowels Right for You?
Among the key considerations when choosing new gloves is whether to get waterski gloves with dowel or without dowel. Those with dowels included are designed to provide skiers with a superior grip. They do this by anatomically transferring the pulling stress from forearms, hands, and fingers, up to the much stronger upper arm areas. The result is less muscle fatigue, as well as minimizing painful blisters and unsightly calluses. Plus if and when you do fall, the handle releases from your hands safely and easily.
Who Wears Dowel Style Water Ski Gloves?
These types of gloves are great for beginners, experienced water skiers who want to do longer runs, and anyone who can use a little help getting up or holding on (even the best skiers can benefit from this near the end of a long day of skiing). They are ideal for hanging on for long periods of time.
But if you are practicing doing turns or other stunts, then gloves without dowels are the better choice. This is because the extra padding and unique fit of these gloves with dowels can make blind grabbing extremely difficult.
Who Wears Traditional Waterski Gloves (Without Dowels)?
Skiers at all levels of experience wear water sports gloves when water skiing. A good pair of gloves are useful for providing overall hand and finger protection, wrist support, and added gripping power. Some people report that they prefer regular gloves without dowels because they prefer to build up their own strength and form in pulling themselves up and out of the water, without the aid of a built-in dowel. Still others like fingerless gloves for that direct touch.
The Best Water Ski Gloves With Dowels
Masterline Pro Lock Gloves
When it comes to top quality water ski gear, Masterline USA has long been in the forefront. And their pro lock gloves are no exception. These gloves include a reinforced palm strap with dowel for the ultimate in grip strength, designed with a third tab locking system which securely holds on when needed, and quickly releases in the event of a fall. The dowel technology is designed to move the force of the pull up into your arms, reducing fatigue and strain in your hands and wrists.
Boasting an optimal Masterline fit,these gloves are pre-curved to mimic the anatomical shape of the hand, easing stress on the fingers. They also have padded palms for shock absorption and extra padding at the wrist straps for added comfort and a snug, secure fit. With a choice of 6 sizes, from X-S to XX-Large, they are a great option for men, women, and older youth.
Radar Vice Gloves
Similar to the Masterline Pro Grip above are these Vice Grip Gloves from Radar Skis, which are also highly popular water ski gloves that are equipped with external grip dowels. They have a curved design with pre-curved fingers, which match the natural, relaxed position of hands. This, together with the dowel, all but eliminate hand and finger fatigue when skiing for long periods of time.
These ultra durable gloves are solidly stitched with double gauge thread for increased durability, and have a durable and lightly padded Aramid palm protection. The neoprene backing ensures a good snug fit with a bit of stretch for added comfort. Available in 5 sizes ranging from X-Small through X-Large.
The Best Water Ski Gloves Without Dowels
HO Sports 41 Tail Gloves
41 Tail Gloves from HO Sports have emerged as a top choice for water-skiers around the world. Designed specifically with waterskiers in mind, these high-performance, superior quality gloves have everything you could want. The neoprene backing ensures a comfortable, close fit without sagging, and the woven Kevlar palm is double stitched and ultra tough, delivering a solid no-slip grip, protection from hand and finger abrasion, and long lasting durability.
These gloves are pre-curved to maximized handle grip with the greatest comfort. The velcro knuckle and wrist straps allow for an adjustable fit that’s snug and safe without any pinch areas. And when straps are released, the glove opening is double wide and stretchable for quick and easy on and off between runs. Choose from Sm, Med, L, or XL.
NeoSport Neoprene 3/4 Finger Gloves
If you prefer the palm grip and protection of a glove but with the exposure of your fingers for complete feel and dexterity, then you’ll want to take a close look at these neoprene 3/4 finger gloves from NeoSport Wetsuits.
Designed for use in all water sports, these gloves multi-sport gloves feature a padded palm for protection and insulation, with cross stitching for a no-slip grip when wet. Inside fingers are vented for comfort and moisture management.
The anatomical fit design includes a 1.5mm neoprene backing that ensures bunch free wear that’s snug and comfortable, and the easy to use wrist fasteners ensure a reliable, comfortable fit.
Seavenger Mesh Reef Glove
These Seavenger Mesh Reef Gloves are high quality all around water sports gloves. The 1.5mm thickness adds a bit of thermal protection for long hours on the water, without compromising mobility or adding excess bulk. The added reinforcement on the palm and thumb improve wet grip and increase life of gloves.
The back lycra panel adds a touch of stretch for comfort and contour, and the wrap around velcro wrist band adds to the custom precision fit.
Available in 6 colors: black, red, blue, pink, and yellow. Choice of 7 sizes from XX-S through XX-L make these a great all around water sport selection for men, women, and older youth.
Many frequent skiers have multiple pairs of gloves and may use different pairs (or none at all) at different times, depending on the environment, the type of skiing they’re doing, and the amount of time they plan to be out that day. You might start the day bare handed or with fingerless gloves, then later in the day switch to your best pair of water ski gloves with dowel to assist in getting up on that ski and prolonging your grip to get the most out of each run.