Breaking down the Tac SCO1 Tactical Insulated Winter Gloves
If you’ve ever experienced standing out in the cold in the middle of winter, while holding a cold rifle or shotgun, you know the hands are the first thing to get cold.
Finding that correct winter glove for law enforcement is always a challenge because you need them to do a specific job. They need to keep your hands warm while having the ability to access your duty pouches or weapons.
Let’s be honest, I’m not going to write about how the Tac SCO1 Winter Gloves solve all your problems. Our bodies are all built differently and we all have different preferences.
Over ten years of front line policing went into designing my glove. I wear them on a daily basis while on-duty. But is this glove for you? My goal with this article is to break down the design and features of the Tac SCO1 Winter Glove, so that you can make an informed decision.
BREAKING THEM IN
So you've just purchased a pair of Tac SCO1 Winter Gloves and they feel stiff. This glove is comprised of durable goat leather palm, and insulated with 70 grams of 3MTM ThinsulateTM insulation. Over time and use, these gloves will break in and still keep its dexterity. I recommend that you train with your gloves, know what you're capable of when wearing them, conduct dry reps with your pistol, go to the range, or just continually wear them. Have you ever worn a new pair of slash proof gloves that are completely comprised of leather? Or how about a new pair of jeans? These gloves feel stiff when you put them on, but over time and use, they quietly break in and you don't even notice.
ARE THEY SLASH PROOF?
No, these gloves are not slash proof or puncture resistant. It's a fine balance between how much insulation in a glove you can add before you lose your dexterity. Adding another layer of slash proof material would have taken away from both the insulation and dexterity, creating a thicker glove. In my opinion and experience, I'm not picking up needles or searching people's pockets while wearing my winter glove. I'll switch to a dedicated slash and puncture proof glove. Again, this is my own opinion, and we all have our own experiences.
DEXTERITY VS WARMTH
As already mentioned, the Tac SCO1 Winter Glove is comprised of 70 gram 3MTM ThinsulateTM insulation. To quote 3MTM, ThinsulateTM, it is "The original thin, light and warm synthetic insulation". Balancing warmth and dexterity is a fine line. Too much insulation causes a loss in dexterity. Too much dexterity and you're giving up layers of warmth. I've personally tested these gloves and I'm able to reach for my holster, draw my pistol, and pull the trigger.
BUT ARE THEY WARM?
That will be up to you. Everyone is different. I work in temperatures that can hover around -50 Celsius (-58 Fahrenheit). At the end of the day, when it's -50 Celsius, everything is cold. I stand by my glove and I wear what I promote.
THE GAUNTLET
I find that having a gauntlet style glove provides that extra coverage over the wrist, preventing any exposure of my skin. The cuff is still wide enough to pull over my sweater and jacket.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
The hook and loop on the cuff. I hook my gloves to my vest. That way they are always with me, and I'm not shoving them into a pocket where they might fall out.
Soft padded knuckles. You read that correctly. These aren’t hard knuckles so you don’t have to worry about where these gloves fall on the Use of Force continuum.
CONCLUSION
I hope this break down of the Tac SCO1 Insulated Winter Glove helps when you're making a decision on winter gloves. Everybody is different. Like any new article of clothing, we need to wear what feels right for us. I didn’t design the Tac SCO1 to look good over a jacket while you patrol parades at community events. I designed them for the warrior who has to stand out in the cold during the course of their duties.
If you have any questions or comments on what you like or don’t like, feel free to contact me.
To my fellow Brothers and Sisters in Blue, stay safe, and stay warm.
Terrance M.,
President/Owner
Ice Warrior Tac Gear