Bionic Glove/Fitness

Posted: 08/21/2006 In Category(s): Reviews :: Product Reviews

With a name like "bionic," this glove oughta be able to help anyone wearing it leap tall buildings and whip a gang of bad guys. While that's likely asking a bit too much, it is worth noting that they pack a lot of promise since the fit and function is designed by an orthopedic hand surgeon.

A little background first: Bionic Glove as of Summer 2006 sells a line of eight gloves for a variety of activities, from fitness to gardening to horseback riding. But over the years since former orthopedic hand surgeon Jim Kleinert started working on the technology (and earned dozens of patents), he has seen a glove be used for a variety of activities and even for everyday wear for comfort by arthritic sufferers.

We at SNEWS® tried the Fitness glove for this review, primarily for weight-lifting and indoor cycling, as well as general exercising. The technology has a lot to offer. The fit is incredible with itty-bitty stretch panels in various places (back of thumb joint, across the knuckles) to make sure it never inhibits you. It allows range of motion when gripping a handle or bar without the bagging that can happen in the palm or annoying tightness restricting movement across the back of the hand.

Its light weight means you can wear it to the gym and to and from various activities and classes without feeling hot, sweaty or constricted. You could also wear it cycling outside. But that very light weight also means it is truly only a FITNESS glove and not a hard-core weight-lifting or body-building glove or a mountain biking glove. For some, it may lack enough cushioning on the palm, although it has a small cush panel along the heads of the bones on your palm below your fingers.

Our male tester found the size that the measurement directed him toward was perfect. Our female tester, however, found that the size indicated by the measurement chart was constricting and uncomfortably tight and she had to size up. Also, she found the fingers a bit too tight and a struggle to get off, but that's one trade-off with "like a glove" fit (Our male tester thinks the fit is divine). Women's come in small to extra large, while men's come in medium to XX large.

In addition, the glove fingers extend just TO the first knuckle, which is the norm but some gloves do cover the first knuckle for more protection. Which finger length you may prefer is a matter of personal taste. Then there's the question of wrist-support or not: Some like it and demand it, some hate the thickness of a strap on the wrist. These do not have a wrist strap or additional support, but that is also in keeping with its lightweight fitness attributes.

All in all, these gloves and their bionic design are the cat's meow for the right person and activity. Yes, they aren't cheap, but the insets of stretch and thoughtful construction make them worth the money.

(Although our review is about fitness gloves, we must add that we also tried the "classic" glove that is labeled "gardening." This is the glove that is used for all kinds of things, including yard work and housework. With a full-fingered fit, we see how it could become the choice of someone with arthritis or on cooler days in the garden. We love everything about how it indeed retains its "like a glove" fit but still allows freedom of movement.)

SNEWS® Rating: 4.0 hands clapping (1 to 5 hands clapping possible, with 5 clapping hands representing functional and design perfection)

Suggested Retail: $40

For more information: www.bionicglove.com

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