Run BIG!
I wear a size 8 glove and got the Womens Large, but it was too big. If you get the right size I'm sure they are great, although taking them off is a pain. The sizing chart is a little misleading so be careful and order a size smaller then you expect.
Simple yet brilliant
My hands are the precise measurement for a mens small. However, listening to other reviewres, I ordered the next size down, which is the youth's large. Perfect fit except little finger is slightly short. Perhaps that's difference between a youth and a man but I'm glad I dropped a size down, you want these to be snug. I'll just live with it for now but if it aches, I'll just snip the tip of the little finger.
I bought these for scuba diving, not for protection but for improving my manouverability. I've not had the chance to test in that environment but in a pool you can certainly tell the difference. You can also feel it in your shoulder muscles immediately and swimming is so different (in a very positive way)
Great for surfing
Great for surfing. Get stronger and catch more waves. Who cares if you look like a kook! You’ll be the one laughing when your catching all the waves and building muscle!
Nice glove
Print out the hand size diagram off their site. Item is perfect for my hand. So far the gloves feel nice, I hope they last since they are latex and not silicone.
Customer service was great too!
They help me swim somewhat faster
Very good product, but run large
I love these gloves. I've tried many resistance gloves. These are the most comfortable and durable I've had and would highly recommend them. However, either kids hands are a lot larger than they used to be or my hands are really, really small. Knowing my hands are relatively small, but not unusually so, I opted for the kids large size. To my surprise they were too big. I ordered the kids small (skipped the mediums) and they fit perfectly.
Awesome product: ) a tiny bit hard to put ...
awesome product:) a tiny bit hard to put on (put on while in water is a big help or get the spray lubricant/protector to maintain health) but great arm workout while i'm chilling with kids in pool. Can'e wait to give a go in the ocean. Used them every day in a pool for 3 months and had no issues with falling apart or fading.
First-time user, not a professional swimmer, but liked the Darkfin Webbed Power Gloves.
As advertised, the gloves do give you fewer strokes per pool length. Also as some other reviewers have noted, they add resistance to your stroke and was in a bit of pain by the time I was done with my first workout. Have gotten used to the increased resistance and swim more confidently with them on. Indeed they are hard to put in and far easier to do so underwater. Sizing is key, I happened to use the sizing guide on Darkfin's site and bought the right pair.
Creature from the Black Lagoon
Alright I have to admit to using these gloves for a purpose for which they are not intended...as part of a Halloween costume. Yes, the creature from the black lagoon is not complete without webbed hands. Makes it hard to shake hands, but is fun to watch people try to shake the hand of a real creature. Have been on the Internet so long you could say I am an old hand with the web. See? It works. Also, not that expensive.
Perfect for catching more waves.
These work exactly as intended and are very comfortable, easy to clean, and durable. I frequently swim with these and the power of my strokes are amplified and so is the stress on my chest and arm muscles. It makes for a great workout.
I originally purchased these for better sprinting on a surfboard to catch more waves. In that regard they are perfect and I’m glad I have them.
Perfect for catching more waves.
These work exactly as intended and are very comfortable, easy to clean, and durable. I frequently swim with these and the power of my strokes are amplified and so is the stress on my chest and arm muscles. It makes for a great workout.
I originally purchased these for better sprinting on a surfboard to catch more waves. In that regard they are perfect and I’m glad I have them.
These are great! (Edit 4 months later)
As a paraplegic I need swim gloves to do any swimming of distance. I've had neoprene swim gloves but they just don't quite cut it. Then I tried a pair of these and was impressed. They take a bit of getting used to for technique, but the resistance you get for the power stroke is very good, and you don't have as much drag on the return which is also very nice. I have rather large hands so I got the largest size they have and they (just) fit. If you're looking for gloves to give you an extra boost, or to give you a better workout, these are pretty darn good!
**Edit 4/17 - I've gone through two pairs of these gloves already, both suffering the same fate. The webbing is not quite thick enough to stand up to the power put through them, and the webbing on both pairs split near the thumb on one glove, the second pair had multiple splits. Leaving the rating at 5 stars. I can't take a full star off for being so hard on the gloves.
Besides which customer service is top notch, they replaced the first pair at no charge (other than my needing to mail the gloves to them). I would still recommend these gloves, but if you are a powerful swimmer like me, you will probably need to join their club (see the paper that comes with the gloves for info) so as to make buying replacements cheaper. I've since moved on to a different set of swim gloves (with it's own set of challenges), but these are superb while they last. I just wish that the manufacturers would use a slightly thicker piece for their webbing layer. If they did that I would go back to using these in a heartbeat.
You gotta think outside the box on these.
OK here's the deal. I love these gloves but it's been a rocky road. The first several pairs blew out early. There's a design flaw. The webbing is on the back of the hand, which means the stress point is between the thumb and fore finger. So the gloves kept ripping at the seam. You would expect that since that is the weakest point in the construction. After noodling on the issue a while it dawned on me that what had to happen was that the stress points had to be protected. I tried several strategies but let's just say keep it simple stupid. I decided to wear the gloves on opposite hands so the webbing is now on the palm side. It takes a little getting used to because the gloves are engineered to be worn on like a glove. Fortunately the material stretches over time and forms to the hand well. Now I have putter 500 miles on the last pair with no sign of seam failure. Previously I was fortunately to get 100 miles on a pair. So if you're going to order these either order a bunch of them or simply wear them on the opposite hand. Enjoy.
Better for surface swimming
Better for surface swimming. they make a difference. Hard to use underwater, but fir is good. get a size larger than you'd usually choose.
cool... but
they do work you can feel the extra speed and power they give you in the water but they are pretty thin so you have to be gentle with them when you take them off or put them on. also when you paddle water gets stuck in them sometimes
She's faster than the fishes!
My neice is a little surfer girl, and these are perfect for her. They don't slick up too much when they get wet so she can grip her board really well, but they work really well to tread water. These gloves have the fishes doing double takes!
Not Disappointed
These really worked well. They provided great traction so there was little wasted motion on each paddle stroke. I had great use of my hands wearing them, I didn't feel constrained. They fit well and didn't balloon out by letting water in. It wasn't bad putting them on, maybe a little tough, but they are tough enough to take the tugging.
They do help to propel you through the water
I use these when my Friend and I go out snorkeling in Laguna Beach, Ca. Love the tide pools there. They do help to propel you through the water much easier.
Good gloves, order larger size.
This is my second pair as the first size I ordered was basically for a child even tho it's measurements said it would fit. So order a size larger.
I use them for river surfing in Alberta.
They're nice gloves, I wouldn't say they offer a ton of protection from the cold but it's better than nothing. They're strong & durable & increase your paddling huge.
These are very good, though make sure you get a bigger size ...
These are very good, though make sure you get a bigger size than you think you need. The ones I got are tight on me even though I thought I was careful to get a bigger size.
They take a few minutes to put on, but ...
They take a few minutes to put on, but it is well worth the wait. I have found that, when I doing a stroke (such as the breast stroke) in which I need to bring my hands forward, the webbed gloves allow me to clench my hands and reduce resistance. These gloves work my arm muscles into a burn unlike anything I have ever used.
As for the tearing that I have read about: I apply a prodigious amount of talc on the inside, and after a month they show no signs of shredding.
Too large for my hands
Have to send them back. All the other reviews said order a size smaller. I have small hands and could only order size small. I didn't see a size XS or smaller. Haven't sent them back yet because I am waiting for an answer from the company, not to charge me return shipping since the sizing information was incorrect. I put them on easily without wetting them and they were too loose. All the other reviews said they were difficult to get on and fit tightly. You need a tight fit since they will loosen somewhat in water.
They might be OK if they made more sizes to fit and to choose from.
they are not bad, but it feels very uncomfortable to use latex
They are not bad, but it feels very uncomfortable to use latex, is better neoprene, and they only lasted 8 months, after that the latex starts to break apart
I will not recommend the glove to divers
I purchased the glove for diving however I proved to be quit a challange to pick up items as the Web kept blocking the object. I couldn't hold on to lobsters either because the Web kept getting in the way. I will not recommend the glove to divers. However this is a good training glove or for free divers.
Not great for my cold water surfing application
I guess I didn't read the thickness very carefully in the description but please know that these are fairly thin before pruchaseing. If you are expecting to surf in cold water with these you might want to think twice if you are a temperature wuss like me. I like the idea of this product so I may try the thermal version instead of which I was previously unaware. They honestly feel like dish washing gloves and make a nice whoopee cushion noise on my palms when I make a fist. So these could prove entertaining while waiting in the line up for the next wave. In my opinion the pictures make the gloves look very form fit and sleek and this is somewhat true for the side they show you in the picture. The back side looks much less appealing to me and not what I would imagine from a product with a bad @$$ name like Darkfin. I posted pictures and you can draw your own conclusions. Again love the idea of this product but this particular model did not work well for my needs. Bummer dude...
Difficult
Very difficult to get on your hands. I do mean difficult but once you do they are great.
Great product but wrong choice of item
I was able to wear the gloves and found them very useful and resistant but I need to send them back due wrong choice of product choice (heavy duty vs light use). will do.
Fish hands are awesome!
According to my wife, at least! She's very happy with them.
Great product.
Gloves are awesome. Split toe booties take a beating! Great product.
Perfect Darkfin gloves swimming makes easier.
Kind of reminds me of "creature from the black lagoon" but would swimming easier.
They are the best!
Be the Creature from the Black Lagoon!
They are the best!
Great company and great products!
Great company and great products! You won't be disappointed.
Excellent products!
Excellent products! I've had the same pair of gloves forever, but wouldn't mind an upgrade ;)!!
These products are great!
I've always loved water and have been swimming in many places, even in a volcano in north Nevada.
These products are great!
Best gloves ever!!
These are the best gloves ever!! I absolutely love mine and I love the company!
Darkfin gloves make all the difference
Darkfin gloves make all the difference in the water! And they instantly make you badass when you slip them on!
Excellent product! (y)
Excellent product! (y) I have two pairs of gloves and I use them very often, for snorkeling and freediving...
I love how Darkfin gloves provide new dimension of motion underwater and allow more efficient usage of energy.
I <3 Darkfin gloves!
I absolutely love these gloves!
I absolutely love these gloves! They went WAAAYYY beyond my expectations. The Black OPs gloves are just as awesome. Great products, great company, great service.
Thanks guys love the products
I have a pair of the darkfin gloves and I love them, all the products are awesome. All I need now is a pair of booties to go with my gloves to be complete. Thanks guys love the products
Amazing products
Amazing products, I've used the Black OPS for many OCR events and training and the webbed ones for swimming and white river Kayaking! They also provide with amazing service!
Ocean,rivers,springs these are great gloves
These have really surpassed anything I thought I was buying. With my fins I'm confident, with my gloves and fins I will challenge anything. The added safety alone is well worth what your charging. Ocean,rivers,springs these are great tools. Thanks.
More in the future...
I enjoyed getting a chance to use these gloves I can't wait to use these more in the future.
5 stars
5 stars.Great gloves Great customer service. Planning to order again. Would recommend to anyone.
We have been spoiled with Darkfin’s product
We have been spoiled with Darkfin’s product line for years. We were also sad to hear of the potential news of Darkfin’s closing. But now that Andrew and his wife are carrying on Roy’s creation, we look forward to usher in the new chapter of the Darkfin saga.
Darkfins are one of my favorite pieces of gear
Darkfins are one of my favorite pieces of gear. I've been using them for years on the river to get that extra propulsion while riverboarding. I absolutely love them.
Darkfins are one of my favorite pieces of gear.
Darkfins are one of my favorite pieces of gear. I've been using them for years on the river to get that extra propulsion while riverboarding. I absolutely love them.
Very durable, faster in water
Met the A team at Devils Den in Williston, FL Great couple! Andrew gave me a sample to test out. Very durable, faster in water and felt like a superhero in them
Good gloves, order larger size.
This is my second pair as the first size I ordered was basically for a child even tho it's measurements said it would fit. So order a size larger.
I use them for river surfing in Alberta.
They're nice gloves, I wouldn't say they offer a ton of protection from the cold but it's better than nothing. They're strong & durable & increase your paddling huge.
These are very good, though make sure you get a bigger size ...
These are very good, though make sure you get a bigger size than you think you need. The ones I got are tight on me even though I thought I was careful to get a bigger size.
They take a few minutes to put on, but ...
They take a few minutes to put on, but it is well worth the wait. I have found that, when I doing a stroke (such as the breast stroke) in which I need to bring my hands forward, the webbed gloves allow me to clench my hands and reduce resistance. These gloves work my arm muscles into a burn unlike anything I have ever used.
As for the tearing that I have read about: I apply a prodigious amount of talc on the inside, and after a month they show no signs of shredding.
My kids loves these gloves!!
My kids loves these!! They use them for swimming in the pool and snorkeling. They even make an archery glove that my kids enjoy. Great product!
Really amazing product!
Really amazing product! Had a great time snorkeling around with these. Really improves speed and ease of swimming, also gives protection to your hands while your digging around in the sand for treasures!!!
This product really is EXTRAORDINARY in both performance and resilience!!!
Suffice to say that the same pair of gloves from 2015 shown on video comment still kick hard these days. A friend recently offered me a hand out free pair, and I refused them because mine are still fine and those will do better with another owner!!! This product really is EXTRAORDINARY in both performance and resilience!!!
They were fantastic gloves
I agree with this review. I wore the gloves during the Spartan Ultra Beast 24 Hour World Championship in Iceland and as for their grip capabilities, they were fantastic. I could grip ropes, chains, wood, webbing, and spears in raining and snowy conditions, no problem. But after a few hours my hands got cold and I added a mitten shell. All became right in my world again with warm hands. I just took the shells off to complete the obstacles. Overall these gloves are a MUST for obstacle racing.
good gear truly makes a difference.
My husband got me into freediving a few years ago. He bought me all the gear. Leader Carbon Fins, a 5 Mm Open cell wetsuit, a Omer Zero3 mask, and a pair of Darkfin Gloves. I didn't know what to think at first because everybody else had the rest of my gear but only a few people had the webbed gloves. It was not long before i was diving comfortably to 76ft deep. I know that good gear does not necessarily make a good diver. But good gear truly makes a difference.
They’re awesome!
Ok so, I accidentally ordered twice somehow back to back. I contacted Andrew to ask about the return policy and he was very helpful and said no problem as long as I’m happy. Great policy. As for the gloves, I was swimming against the tide and still making headway like a fish in the water. Made swimming more fun. I suggest everyone have a pair for tropical vacations and snorkeling. They also made me more comfortable touching things underwater I normally wouldn’t. They’re awesome!
Absolutely awesome gloves
Absolutely awesome addition to my gear used them during spring fest while the company came out and supported the event. The owners are very cool easy to talk to and we'll informed about there product. Thank you guys the gloves are awesome!!!
Check these gloves
You gotta check these gloves out! Freedivers - they make a big difference during your surface rests!
Awesome Gloves
Looking for awesome gloves for various water activities? Look no further because these gloves are for you. As an avid Freediver and Surfer these gloves help me move efficiently through the water. With multi-purpose capabilities and tons of uses for the DarkFin Gloves you can't go wrong. They are affordable, comfortable, and extremely durable. I definitely recommend DarkFin Gloves! A+ Oh and did I mention the Fast Shipping and Great Customer Service! It makes all the difference in the world! :) DarkFin Gloves are worth every penny!
Separo Gloves
I use these gloves for lobstering and they handle better than the mechanix gloves I used to have. We had 17 Spiny lobsters in 45 minutes and the gloves took the punishment like Rocky 5!
You won't regret it.
I used to hate these gloves because my brother was so much faster in the beautiful waters of Norman's Kay with Darkfin than any of us. I remember him always saying, "you could buy a pair as well". I never did, and I regretted it forever. Darkfin made a huge difference! Now, I hand-make every glove sold, and understand why they cost what I was not willing to spend back then. The level of detail and specificity that each glove takes to make is unfathomable. No other glove in the world is made like Darkfin. They are extremely unique in every aspect. I can't wait to see how far this company goes. We would like to be able to ship a pair of darkfin gloves to every person in the world. If you are debating weather you should buy a pair, don't hesitate, don't make my mistake. Buy a pair and try them. You won't regret it.
My kids loves these!!
My kids loves these!! They use them for swimming in the pool and snorkeling. They even make an archery glove that my kids enjoy. Great product!
Sceptical yet curious
I'm a whitewater kayaker. My blade is an extension of my body and I depend on it 99.9% of the time. Ok, I swim a little more than that..97% of the time. I followed you guys on FB for a while before actually using your product. Sceptical yet curious. Santa delivered, I tested my gloves the very next day. Due to flooding in the Southeast, most creeks are brown and burly.. My .1%, I mean 3%, came calling after catching edge in a ledge hole, and I swam. The thing I love about the DF glove is that while holding my paddle in one hand, I could swim better with the other. This meant faster more efficient self rescue. Also the friction between my glove and my paddle made the paddle easier to grasp in chaos. A revised glove specifically designed for paddler fineness would be really cool, especially in the winter time when the water is cold. Also if you guys don't already have a alternative to latex for those allergic to synthetics..that would be great too! I'm really into this company and see a huge market for you guys! Keep up the good work and send me some swag!!
Felt like a superhero
Met the A team at Devils Den in Williston, FL Great couple! Andrew gave me a sample to test out. Very durable, faster in water and felt like a superhero in them
Great products, great company, great service.
I absolutely love these gloves! They went WAAAYYY beyond my expectations. The Black OPs gloves are just as awesome. Great products, great company, great service.
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