Among the essential gear for divers is a reliable pair of dive gloves, and the Scubapro Everflex Dive Glove 3mm stands out as a top choice. In this comprehensive review, we'll dive deep into the features, design, performance, and overall value of these gloves, giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Design and Material

The Scubapro Everflex Dive Glove 3mm is designed with both comfort and functionality in mind. The gloves are made from high-quality, 3mm-thick Everflex neoprene, known for its excellent flexibility and durability. This material choice is significant for several reasons. First, the thickness of 3mm strikes a perfect balance between warmth and dexterity. It's thick enough to provide insulation in moderately cold waters, yet thin enough to maintain a good sense of touch and manual dexterity, which is crucial for handling diving equipment underwater.

Additionally, the Everflex neoprene is highly flexible, conforming to the shape of your hands for a snug, comfortable fit. This flexibility is enhanced by the gloves' unique design, which includes pre-formed fingers. This pre-forming means the gloves are shaped to the natural resting position of your hands, reducing fatigue and making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods.

Durability and Protection

When diving, your hands are often the first point of contact with the underwater environment, which can include rough surfaces, sharp objects, and potentially harmful marine life. Therefore, durability and protection are critical aspects of any dive glove. The Scubapro Everflex Dive Glove 3mm excels in this area. The gloves feature a double-lined neoprene with a textured, non-slip finish on the palms and fingers. This texturing not only provides a better grip on equipment but also adds an extra layer of protection against abrasions and cuts.

Furthermore, the gloves have reinforced fingertips, a common area of wear and tear. This reinforcement ensures that the gloves can withstand frequent use and harsh conditions, extending their lifespan and making them a cost-effective investment for regular divers.

Thermal Properties

One of the primary functions of dive gloves is to keep your hands warm in cold water conditions. The Scubapro Everflex Dive Glove 3mm is designed with thermal protection in mind. The thickness of the neoprene provides adequate insulation, while the glove's tight-fitting design minimizes water exchange. This reduced water flow inside the glove helps maintain your hand's natural warmth, preventing heat loss during dives.

It's important to note that the gloves are best suited for diving in moderately cold waters. If you're planning to dive in extremely cold conditions, you might need gloves with greater thickness for additional insulation. However, for most recreational diving scenarios, the 3mm Everflex gloves offer sufficient thermal protection.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is key in any dive gear, and the Scubapro Everflex Dive Glove 3mm does not disappoint. The gloves come in a range of sizes, accommodating divers with different hand sizes. It's crucial to choose the right size for a snug yet comfortable fit. Gloves that are too tight can restrict blood flow and movement, while those that are too loose can lead to increased water flow inside the glove, reducing its thermal efficiency.

The gloves also feature a long wrist cuff, which is designed to overlap with the sleeve of your wetsuit. This design helps to create a better seal, preventing water entry and enhancing the glove's thermal properties. The wrist cuff has a Velcro closure, allowing you to adjust the tightness for a personalized fit and ensuring the gloves stay secure during your dive.

Performance Underwater

The true test of any dive glove is its performance underwater. The Scubapro Everflex Dive Glove 3mm is designed to enhance your diving experience. The gloves' flexibility and pre-formed shape allow for natural hand movements, making it easier to operate your dive gear, adjust settings, and communicate with hand signals. The textured palms and fingers improve grip, essential for handling equipment such as cameras, lights, and dive computers.

Moreover, the gloves' durability becomes evident underwater, where they withstand contact with rough surfaces and sharp objects. This durability is not only a safety feature but also adds to the gloves' value, as they require less frequent replacement compared to less durable options.

Environmental Considerations

Scubapro is a brand known for its commitment to the environment, and the Everflex Dive Glove 3mm is no exception. The neoprene used in these gloves is made with a solvent-free adhesive, which is less harmful to the environment compared to traditional neoprene manufacturing processes. This eco-friendly approach is a significant consideration for environmentally conscious divers who want to minimize their impact on the oceans.

Value for Money

When considering the purchase of dive gloves, the price-to-value ratio is an important factor. The Scubapro Everflex Dive Glove 3mm offers excellent value for its price point. While they may be slightly more expensive than some entry-level options, the gloves' durability, comfort, and performance justify the investment. For regular divers, the longer lifespan of these gloves means fewer replacements and ultimately cost savings in the long run.