There are many types of “German latex” available in the goalkeeper gloves market and it can be confusing to know the advantages and characteristics of each type. How durable is it? What is the grip? How does the glove perform in wet weather? What is more cost effective? We are here to answer all your questions.
With the grip goalkeeper gloves is meant the extent to which you, as a goalkeeper, experience the contact at the moment you catch a ball. The tighter the grip is, the easier it is to catch a ball. The smoother the grip is, the more difficult it is for the goalkeeper to grip and hold a ball
In addition to the quality of the material, there are other important elements which contribute to the grip of a goalkeeper’s glove For example, it makes quite a difference whether the foam is slightly damp or completely wet. The wetter and softer the foam is, the smoother the grip of the glove will feel. Vice versa, the drier the foam is, the more grip you will experience. If the foam is too dry, this will result in faster tearing of the foam.
German Latex
New Basic
You see it regularly on a label attached to the gloves “German Latex”. Now also that label is subjective there are different types of latex of German manufacture. For example, you have the New basic latex which is available in all possible colors. The new basic is made with a thickness of 3mm latex & 3mm foam. This latex can be found on another well-known Belgian brand and is known for its good grip. Because of the 3mm Latex, this latex is slightly thinner and therefore more sensitive to wear and tear compared to the gloves of other brands that are often in the same price segment. Due to the fact that this latex is 1mm less thick than the other types of latex, it will allow just a little more moisture through and thus have a slightly better grip in wetter weather conditions.
Giga Latex
The Giga Latex is a well-known type of latex for many well-known brands that market goalkeeper gloves in their mid-range segment. This latex is available in fewer colours (often Black and White) and has a 4mm latex & 4 foam. So the grip of this German latex can best be compared to the New basic, but the durability of this latex is considerably better.
Contact Latex
However, do you want goalkeeper gloves with superior grip & durability? Then contact latex is the cream of the crop and affordable too. This German Latex is only offered in the TOP segment of the brands as it is a latex that is also used for the development of professional gloves. It is a 4mm latex with 4mm foam which is available in different colors. Do you want to recognize this latex? Then you can always check whether the gloves have a foil on the latex that is difficult to remove. The grip exceeds the above latex types and has twice the durability of the new basic (especially on artificial turf).
Note: some brands dare to apply this foil on less quality latex, but you will quickly notice this when this foil very easily comes loose from the latex.
Conclusion
Do you want to enjoy your favourite goalkeeper gloves for longer?
Extend the life of your favourite grip goalkeeper gloves by applying our handy tips.
