This is a useful guide for selecting the best Handbell Gloves for Ringers for their individual need and use. These suggestions are based on over 25 years of making and selling gloves for Bell Ringers and Bell Choirs. We even have a special category link on our Home page devoted to Handbell Gloves.
Cotton Gloves verses Nylon Gloves
My first major suggestion is DON’T buy nylon gloves for Handbell Gloves! Always buy and use 100% COTTON gloves.
Cotton gloves for handbell use are better for the following reasons. First, 100% Cotton gloves last much longer than nylon gloves and fit the hand better (snugger) for better dexterity. Additionally, cotton protects the bells better due to its density and softness. Cotton gloves also act as a better barrier from hand oils that will tarnish the bells. Blended cotton gloves are OK but blended cotton gloves tend to be inferior since they are generally blended with weaker fibers to make them less expensive than 100% cotton gloves. Blended gloves are also less durable and the seams tend to break down quicker.
It should be noted that gloves made from 100% cotton are also washable and can be bleached when they become soiled.
Nylon gloves may look good and are more size friendly
since they stretch but they are weaker. They also tend to get runs like nylon
stockings due to the active stress from the constant hand movements. This
includes stress on the stretchy seams which will split quickly. Nylon gloves
are also slick and slippery which is undesirable when good grip is essential. By
having to grip the bells harder with nylon gloves due to the slippery issue
also creates hand fatigue.
Colors: Black & White
Although White Gloves are the most popular, many bell choirs prefer to use Black Gloves. It’s really a matter of choice but it is presumed that the Black Gloves are used since they will not show any soiling over time.
Dotted Palm Glove Models for better grip
Our glove models with the rubber Dotted Palms and Fingers are by far the most popular models with ringers. They offer a much better grip which also provides more dexterity and less hand fatigue. We also have gloves without the dotted palms and fingers for those that prefer a slicker grip.
Handbell Glove Models
We offer 8 different Handbell Glove models. Although this many may seem to be perplexing, we really have 4 models when you consider we offer the same models in either black or white.
MC-571 – Deluxe Beaded Grip Sure Gloves with Velcro Wrist Closure
These are our most popular Handbell Gloves which come in both Black and White Models. These are the ultimate grip gloves which offer robust gripping and reinforcement elements in high stress areas of the gloves including the thumb crotch. Even the side finger panels (fourchettes) are dotted for extra dexterity.
This model also has a special Velcro Wrist Strap Closure for a more comfortable and snug fit.
This model is very popular among active ringers due to their high dexterity, extra durability, and long glove life.
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MC-550 – White Cotton Beaded Gloves
This is our other very popular Handbell Glove model.
These are the beaded palm and finger version of our most popular white gloves.
I’ve only listed here our two most popular Handbell gloves but you can use the link below to see all 8 models. It would be too redundant to list all of the gloves in this post. The other models include Black versions and extra-long versions for those that prefer to hide their skin.
See all Handbell Gloves using this link.
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Joe McGarry
The Glove Guru