When you’re looking for the most comfortable glove for goalkeepers, it’s likely that you’ll be hearing a lot regarding “glove cut”. What exactly are these cuts for goalkeepers? Which one would you pick?
In a nutshell, goalkeeper glove cuts are how the two pieces of materialthe latex palms as well as the backhands — are stitched. It’s as easy as that.
The cut on your glove will affect the comfort level as well as flexibility as well as the “feeling” that the ball has. The cut you select is mostly a matter for your personal preference. The key is to try different cuts until you come across the brand/cut combination that is comfortable for you.
In this article, I’ll discuss the different kinds of gloves for goalkeepers and what they’re intended to accomplish.
Flat Palm
Glove Cut Features
Flat Palm is a classic entry-level cut that first appeared as goalkeeping gloves first appeared on the scene.
The glove is composed of a individual piece of latex that is attached on the inside of the glove with gussets stitched between fingers and palm.
Gussets are situated on the outside of the glove, providing the user a comfortable feel around your hand (unlike Negative Cut gloves that are stitched on the inside).
Usually , they don’t come with an over-the-knee thumb.
The glove with the lowest price cut generally, they are priced between PS10-20.
Verdict
The flat Palm gloves are simpler to make as opposed to the more contemporary designs featured in this article. They’re therefore generally less expensive to purchase and best designed for people who want “casual” glove for goal-keepingthat can be worn on the playground, in your park or for spares.
There are Flat Palm gloves on the shelves in sports shops. If you choose to purchase the gloves, you need to make sure you don’t go overboard. If you go over the PS20 cost, you’ll prefer to invest in higher-end — and more fitting Roll Fingers Negative cut, the hybrid-cut gloves (read for more details).
Although there are definitely top-quality Flat Palm gloves on the market (usually with fashionable squared-off fingers) in essence, the style is basic. These flat Palm gloves are made to maximize the surface area of the latex, not to stretch to fit the contours of your fingers or wrap around the shape of your ball. There are better alternatives.
Roll Finger
Glove Cut Features
The goalie gloves with a roll finger are very popular and traditional.
The latex is curled or rolled around your fingers to provide comfortable and good fit inside the gloves.
The backhand is connected to the palm with no need for Gussets. This is why it’s called “roll finger”.
Less snug than gloves with Negative cut (or hybrids that incorporate Negative cut characteristics).
A well-known and well-loved cut usually has an estimated price that is PS20+.
Verdict
Goalkeeping gloves made of Roll Finger have been through the ages and are still used by a lot of goalkeepers in the present. They’re also comfortable and offer excellent grip. They’re an excellent choice for those who want loose fitting.
I like the way the majority of Roll Finger gloves are slightly arched, which means that the palms of latex wrap in the shape of the ball to help absorb the force of strong shots.
However, I have found that the extra room created through the roll Finger cut can make them feel a slightly “flappy” in comparison to the Negative cut gloves (depending on the size and brand you choose). In addition, the lack of gusset results in a slightly uncomfortable shape around the fingers.
While the design is superior over those who prefer the Flat Palm cut, the Roll Finger is still only my second choice.
Negative Cut
Glove Cut Features
Goalkeeper gloves cut in negatives are sleek and stylishly created. They’ve been gaining popularity in recent years.
The same as Flat Palm gloves in that they utilize only one piece of latex that is attached to the backhand with Gussets.
In contrast to Flat Palm gloves as the stitching of the gussets are in the glove and cannot be seen from the outside.
This glove is more tightly woven and more “natural” fitting than other goalie gloves that allow for maximum control of the ball.
A high-end cut usually has a cost of PS30plus.
Verdict
Negative cut gloves provide maximum performance and convenience. The grip overall is in line when compared to Roll Finger, however, they have certain advantages.
What I really like about Negative cuts is the fact that it offers an ideal fit to your hand and finger shape, and leaves the least amount of (wasted) space within the gloves. The result is that your hands feel more powerful and more comfortable as opposed to Flat Palm or Roll Finger and Flat Palm gloves.
Additionally the stitching on the inside has created padding on the finger tips which provides both protection as well as a firm, smooth area to distribute the ball. If you’re bowling it underarm or overarm, or even tumbling onto the bars the Negative cut can be adaptable to any circumstance.
The only negative aspect of negative gloves is the stitching on the inside causes an increase in tension inside the latex, which means the cut wears more quickly than Flat Cut or Roll Finger gloves.
Negative Roll
Glove Cut Features
A Negative Cut is a new Hybrid glove design that blends Negative cut and Roll Finger features to improve fit, comfort, and comfort.
A narrower design is intended to give more flexibility and a better feeling.
Fingers are rolled exactly as fingers as with a Roll Finger cut, while the palm’s interior is stitched as Negative cut.
This glove is even more secure than the standard Negative cut gloves.
A top cut typically is priced at PS30+
Verdict
In a few ways, it is the Negative Roll may be the most sophisticated goal-keeping glove cut. It “moulds” to the shape of your hand, rather than forming the typical “mit” shape that is common to the other cuts of goalkeeping gloves.
For all its advantages, I’d argue that the tight and narrow design that has space between fingers results in less surface area and consequently less latex contact with the ball as compared to standard roll or negative finger gloves. Do you really need it?
Normal Negative Cut gloves are my choice. The saying “If there’s no problem, don’t bother to repair it” is a good one to think of.
Many brands of gloves are now focused on hybrid options, like The Negative Roll (which I’ll talk about later). If you’re keen to try out this unusual cut, you’ll have to purchase it from a specialized goal-keeping brand (e.g. Precision).
Hybrid Cut
Glove Cut Features
The term “Hybrid” cut an amalgamation of various cuts. It doesn’t refer to a particular type of glove.
Goalkeepers can choose to testing various Hybrid cuts to find the one that best suits their needs.
Most popular Hybrid cuts include the Roll Finger Negative and Flat Palm-Roll Finger combinations, looking for the “best combination of the two options” glove (see GK Saver 3D).
Hundreds of brand names are available to Hybrid cuts.
A top cut typically will cost PS30+ , due to the additional manufacturing costs.
Verdict
Hybrid options are available with a higher cost because they’re harder for goalkeeper manufacturers to master from a manufacturing and design standpoint. However, it could be that the extra expense is worth it when you’ve discovered “the right one”.
I’ve played with Hybrid goalkeeping gloves before. The experience was completely positive and I loved the possibility I could see two of my favorite cuts (Negative and the Roll Finger) were combined into something completely unique and original. However did you think that the Hybrid design really have an difference to my game?
It’s not bad, but… it’s not any more than any other non-Hybrid model I’ve used honestly.
Keep in mind that although your gloves may help you gain more control over the ball, there is no way that a new cut version will transform you into a more versatile goalkeeper. When you begin to dive into Hybrids (and other options that cost a lot) you’ll see a decrease in your returns as time goes on.
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