BCB Lightweight Hot Weather Ballistic Gloves

These new Lightweight Hot Weather Ballistic Gloves from Cardiff-based BCB International were recently unveiled at IDEX 2019 in Abu Dhabi, writes Bob Morrison.

 

We grabbed the opportunity to photograph these new British-made gloves when out in the UAE but as the company only had them out there in size XS we asked one of the paramedics from Abu Dhabi Search & Rescue, Janine, if she would kindly model them for us. Last week, however, I picked up a pair in my size while visiting the company’s new HQ in Cardiff (feature coming soon) so I have now had a chance to try them for myself to see how they both feel and work.

 

These extremely lightweight tactical gloves (my Size 8 pair weigh just 25g apiece) which offer both cut and burn resistance without compromising tactile ability can even be used with touch screens, a feature which our heliborne paramedic model at first doubted until she tried it for herself. Manufactured from a Kevlar fabric, with steel in the weave, these tight-fitting gloves are intended primarily for mechanics working on hot engines and troops who have to change hot barrels in the field in hot climate theatres yet user finger dexterity is not impeded; I did not have a hot barrel to swap so instead I boiled my stainless steel kettle and then gingerly picked it up without using the handle, which is definitely not something I would try without protection.

 

The gloves, which have a knitted elasticated cuffs, are a bit tight the first time they are put on and fingers have to be coaxed right down to the tips but after a couple of wears they begin to fit just like a, well, glove. Patterned, with a silicon print to give good grip, they are manufactured in either Sand or Black base colour and are available off the shelf in four sizes from 7 (XS) through to 10 (L). The pair illustrated here, which I reckon are compatible with MTP or MultiCam camouflage, are the Sand version but I would describe them as being an Olive Drab with Dark Earth overprint and Olive Green lines. For more see this page on bcbin.com

[ images © Bob Morrison ]