#6 on this list
Transition
Black Diamond
The Black Diamond Transition is designed as a premium, heavy-duty glove for climbers who want the rugged resilience of leather combined with modern, articulated tailoring. Built around durable goat leather with abrasion-resistant woven nylon panels across the back, it targets long days on big walls, aggressive via ferrata routes, and demanding alpine descents where lesser gloves shred. In independent testing, the Transition frequently earns high marks for overall ergonomics and ergonomic comfort. Black Diamond incorporates pre-curved fingers and articulated patterning, which noticeably cuts down on hand fatigue when gripping ropes or holding fixed lines for hours. The palm and knuckles feature heavy-duty stitching and reinforcement, giving it substantial resistance against sharp rock edges and hot cords. The primary trade-off is the higher retail price point and added bulk. At the upper end of the climbing glove price scale, it demands a real investment for a category where many climbers settle for cheap hardware-store alternatives. Furthermore, while the woven nylon panels offer some breathability, the substantial leather coverage means it still runs warmer than lightweight mesh crag gloves. **Highlights** * Full goat-leather construction with reinforced palm and knuckle patches. * 3D articulated patterning significantly reduces hand fatigue during long gripping sessions. * Abrasion-resistant stretch woven nylon across the knuckles balances durability and fit. * Neoprene cuff with hook-and-loop closure and large carabiner clip-in loop. * Kevlar stitching in high-friction zones helps resist premature seam blowout. **Watch-outs** * Higher price point compared to standard belay gloves. * Slightly bulkier feel makes it harder to fit into tight harness pockets.
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#7 on this list
Splitter II Gloves
Outdoor Research
The Outdoor Research Splitter II is not a belay glove; it is a purpose-built crack climbing glove engineered to replace disposable tape gloves. Using an open-palm, open-finger architecture, the Splitter II covers only the back of the hand and the knuckles, providing a durable friction barrier when jamming your hands into rough granite, sandstone, or basalt splitters. Reviewers consistently rate the Splitter II as an essential tool for dedicated crack climbers. The outer layer utilizes a thin, ultra-durable synthetic suede and polyurethane film that mimics the feel of athletic tape without the waste or adhesive mess. Because the palm and inner fingers remain completely bare, you maintain 100% skin-to-rock contact for face holds, crimps, and palming maneuvers, switching between crack jams and face moves seamlessly. The trade-offs are strictly related to its specialized nature. It offers zero protection for rope handling, belaying, or rappelling, meaning you still need a separate pair of belay gloves on your harness. Furthermore, the minimalist finger loops rely on thin elastic bands that can pinch or tear over time if improperly sized or subjected to violent flaring jams. **Highlights** * Minimalist open-palm architecture leaves skin free for face climbing and smearing. * High-friction synthetic overlay shields the back of the hand from painful rock abrasion. * Ultra-thin profile fits smoothly inside narrow hand cracks without adding excessive bulk. * Hook-and-loop wrist closure features an angled design to stay out of the way of jams. * Reusable design significantly reduces the cost and waste of disposable climbing tape. **Watch-outs** * Zero utility for belaying, rappelling, or standard rope friction management. * Elastic finger loops can feel tight or wear out after sustained abuse in coarse rock.
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Transition | Splitter II Gloves |
|---|---|---|
| Glove Style | Full-finger | — |
| Primary Material | Goat leather and stretch woven nylon | — |
| Stitching | Reinforced Kevlar thread | — |
| Cuff Design | Neoprene with hook-and-loop closure | — |
| Attachment | Integrated carabiner clip loop | — |
| MSRP | Approximately $60 | — |
| Design Type | — | Open-palm crack glove |
| Shell Fabric | — | 80% polyester, 20% polyurethane |
| Overlay Material | — | 55% polyurethane, 45% nylon |
| Closure | — | Angled hook-and-loop wrist strap |
| Typical Price | — | Around $45 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Transition
- Pre-curved 3D articulation reduces hand fatigue during rope handling
- Supple goat leather with reinforced palm patches provides strong abrasion resistance
- Kevlar stitching protects high-friction seams from premature blowouts
- Comfortable neoprene cuff with a durable harness clip-in loop
- Higher price point than standard leather belay gloves
- Bulkier profile takes up more room when clipped to a harness
- Leather coverage generates warmth in high summer temperatures
Splitter II Gloves
- Ultra-thin profile preserves natural hand dimensions in tight cracks
- Open palm leaves skin completely free for face climbing and smearing
- Reusable design eliminates ongoing expense and waste of tape wraps
- Angled wrist strap stays clear of rock contact during deep jams
- Provides zero rope protection and cannot be used for belaying
- Elastic finger loops can pinch webbing or wear down over time
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.