There is a wide range of goalkeeper gloves, including the more exciting “hybrid” glove cuts that we have now added to our collection. Because we too are growing and want to serve you better and meet your needs to train or play your matches with the best possible gloves. But how do I choose the right fit and what does it mean and do I really feel the difference? We are here to explain this to you in detail so that you will soon know the advantages and disadvantages of these different types of goalkeeper gloves.
Negative:
Let’s start with the fit, which is chosen by most professional goalkeepers. Just to be clear, just because 70% of goalkeepers choose this fit does not mean it is the best option for you. Don’t emulate your idol, as his characteristics or preferences will undoubtedly be different from yours, but we will come back to that later!
Goalie gloves with a negative fit are similar to the old-fashioned classic flat palm gloves, as they use a single piece of latex that is attached to the backhand via inserts.
Unlike flat palm gloves, the stitching for the inserts is inside the glove and not visible from the outside.
This provides a tighter, more “natural” fit than other goalkeeper glove types, allowing for maximum control over the ball. They feel like a second skin, giving you very fast control and feel of the ball when it comes into contact with your hands.
VERDICT
Negative cut gloves offer maximum performance and comfort. The overall grip is similar to that of flat palm fit, but with some additional benefits.
We also asked our ambassadors for their opinion and they like the fact that the negative cut ensures a fit that fits the shape of your hands and fingers, leaving little excess (wasted) space inside the gloves. The result is that your hands feel stronger and have more control over the ball than with flat palm gloves.
Moreover, the stitching on the inside provides padding at the fingertips, which offers both protection and a smooth and firm surface to distribute the ball over. Whether you are rolling the ball underarm or need to make a pendulum throw, the negative cut is versatile for any situation.
The only real disadvantage of negative gloves is that the stitching on the inside creates more tension in the latex, which means that this cut wears out a little faster than any other fit.
Roll negative:
We promised to come back to this. As we already mentioned, a lot of professional goalkeepers play with the negative fit, yet top players like Thibaut Courtois or Simon Mignolet choose this roll negative. It mixes the best features and characteristics of the Roll Finger cut (security in the grip and enveloping latex around the fingers) and those of the Negative cut (better passing and sensitivity with the ball).
VERDICT
The opinion of our ambassadors is positive about this fit and they enjoyed the fact that two of their favourite cuts (Negative and Roll Finger) were combined into something unique. But did the roll negative fit really have an impact on their ball retention?
Well… honestly, we don’t think it will have an impact on the grip of your gloves. It’s more a sense of what you feel best about. By using a roll finger on the outer fingers, this glove is slightly less flexible than those with a negative fit, but offers extra latex that comes into contact with the ball.
Hybrid
The glove retains the fitting properties that are characteristic of this fit. The advantage of the exclusive cut is mainly in the central fingers, which are lighter than e.g. a classic roll finger due to the notches and immediately take the shape of the ball. As a goalkeeper, you therefore have to pay less attention to how you shape your fingers to be able to grip the ball. The roll finger in front of the outer fingers of the hand always provides a little more grip and safety when gripping the ball.
VERDICT
Roll Finger goalkeeper gloves have stood the test of time and are still worn by many goalkeepers today. Most importantly, they are comfortable and offer excellent grip. They are a wise choice for goalkeepers who prefer a looser fit.
This fit is especially preferred by young goalkeepers or goalkeepers with smaller hands. The way these fit Roll finger gloves are slightly curved means that the latex palms wrap around the curve of the ball and absorb the impact of powerful shots.
Opinions vary, but what everyone agrees on is that this fit is slightly looser compared to the negative fit. In addition, the design that does not use inserts between the fingers creates a slightly awkward shape around the fingertips.
So remember that although your gloves can help you get a better grip on the ball, no new cut will make you a better all-round goalkeeper.
