#9 on this list
Talon Belay Gloves
Metolius
The Metolius Talon Belay Glove is aimed squarely at climbers looking for a fully enclosed, non-leather belay glove at an affordable price. Made from a mix of synthetic materials and stretch textiles, it provides complete full-finger coverage to protect against dirty ropes and superficial friction without using animal products. Independent reviews highlight the Talon as a capable, low-cost option for gym climbers and casual outdoor craggers. The synthetic palm offers decent friction against the rope brake strand, and the lighter construction means your hands retain good mobility. For basic top-rope belaying and standard gym sessions where ropes deposit thick layers of aluminum dust on bare hands, the Talon does its job without fuss. Where the Talon struggles is during severe, high-heat friction cycles. Synthetic fabrics lack the heat tolerance of genuine cowhide or goatskin; long, rapid multi-pitch rappels can generate enough friction to melt or glaze the palm fibers over time. As a result, serious trad climbers and alpine travelers will want to invest in leather handwear, leaving the Talon to lower-intensity cragging and gym duties. **Highlights** * Vegan-friendly all-synthetic build avoids animal products entirely. * Full-finger design keeps hands completely clean from rope grime and aluminum oxidation. * Breathable backhand material keeps hands relatively cool during gym sessions. * Accessible price point makes it an inexpensive backup glove for the gear bag. * Easy-to-use hook-and-loop closure secures the wrist cuff smoothly. **Watch-outs** * Synthetic palm material can glaze or melt under fast, sustained rappel friction. * Overall lifespan is significantly lower than full-grain leather options.
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#10 on this list
Crack Glove
Ocun
The Ocun Crack Glove is an established favorite among traditional climbers who want robust, heavy-duty protection for hand and fist jams. Similar in concept to the OR Splitter, this is an open-palm glove covering only the back of the hand and knuckles, but it takes a distinctly more protective approach by incorporating a sticky rubber patch across the backhand. Field tests from gear reviewers regularly emphasize the sheer grip and security this glove provides in rough parallel splitters. The CAT 1.5 rubber compound mirrors the friction of climbing shoe rubber, actively helping jams stick in slick or polished rock where standard tape might slide. The rubber also provides significant structural cushioning, taking the sharp bite out of rough granite crystals and jagged limestone pockets. The trade-off for that extra rubber protection is thickness. Because the rubber sheet is noticeably thicker than the ultra-thin synthetic film found on the OR Splitter II, it artificially increases the size of your hand. In tight hand cracks or thin-hands splitters, that extra millimeter can be the difference between a secure jam and having your hand fail to enter the crack. The wrist strap closure can also occasionally snag on deep, recessed placements. **Highlights** * Sticky CAT 1.5 rubber backhand provides exceptional friction inside rock fissures. * Substantial rubber layer cushions bones and knuckles against painful crystal pressure. * Open-palm design keeps fingers and palms entirely free for face holds and crimps. * Elastic finger loops and anatomical patterning keep the rubber firmly anchored. * Microfiber stretch base fabric wicks sweat away from the back of the hand. **Watch-outs** * Thicker rubber profile can make hand jams feel too tight in narrow crack sizes. * Zero utility for belaying, rappelling, or everyday rope handling.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Talon Belay Gloves | Crack Glove |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Material | Synthetic palm and stretch textile back | Microfiber base with CAT 1.5 rubber |
| Glove Style | Full-finger coverage | — |
| Wrist Closure | Hook-and-loop strap | — |
| Animal Products | None (100% vegan build) | — |
| Price Point | Approximately $25 | — |
| Primary Focus | Gym belaying and casual cragging | — |
| Design Type | — | Open-palm crack glove |
| Coverage | — | Back of hand and knuckles |
| Closure Style | — | Hook-and-loop wrist strap |
| Approximate Price | — | Around $40 |
| Palm Protection | — | None (open palm) |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Talon Belay Gloves
- 100% synthetic construction makes it an accessible, vegan-friendly belay option.
- Breathable backhand fabric prevents overheating during long indoor gym sessions.
- Immediate out-of-the-box dexterity with zero break-in period required.
- Protects hands thoroughly from black aluminum oxide grime and superficial rope burns.
- Synthetic palm material can glaze or melt under fast, high-friction rappels.
- Significantly shorter overall operational lifespan compared to natural leather.
- Thermal transfer during fast lowers can quickly warm the inside of the glove.
Crack Glove
- High-friction CAT 1.5 rubber grips securely on polished rock
- Cushions back of hand against sharp rock crystals
- Eliminates repetitive tape glove waste and setup time
- Open palm preserves full skin-to-rock tactile sensation
- Rubber thickness can make tight hand cracks feel impassable
- Wrist strap and hardware can catch inside deep fissures
- Provides no palm protection for belaying or rappelling
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.