When choosing rugby grip mitts, finding the right size is essential to ensuring comfort and control on the field. In this Rugby Grip Mitt Sizing Guide, we’ll help you understand how to find the perfect size mitts that will enhance your performance.
Imagine trying to catch a fast pass with too big mitts, causing your grip to slip or too small, making your hands feel restricted. The right fit can significantly affect how well you handle the ball, protect your hands, and feel throughout the match.
In this guide, we’ll cover what to look for when sizing your rugby mitts, why sizing matters, and how to measure your hands correctly. We’ll also recommend top mitts and tips to help you get the most out of them.
What Makes Sizing Important in Rugby Grip Mitts?
The fit of your rugby grip mitts is crucial to their overall effectiveness. The right size ensures that the mitts perform at their best, giving you control over the ball while keeping your hands comfortable and protected.
Here’s why proper sizing is so important:
1. Better Grip Control
One of the primary purposes of rugby grip mitts is to help you maintain control of the ball, especially in challenging weather conditions. If your mitts are too loose, they may slip around on your hands, making it harder to get a secure grip on the ball.
On the other hand, if your mitts are too tight, they can restrict your hand movements and reduce flexibility. A properly sized mitt should fit snugly while allowing a full range of motion so you can grip the ball tightly without losing control.
2. Comfort and Flexibility
Rugby matches can be physically demanding, and the last thing you want is to be distracted by uncomfortable mitts. Mitts that are too tight can cause discomfort, squeezing your fingers and reducing circulation.
Loose mitts, meanwhile, can bunch up or slip off during intense movements. Choosing the right size ensures that your mitts stay comfortable throughout the game, letting you focus on your performance rather than adjusting your gear.
3. Hand Protection
Rugby is a contact sport, and your hands can take a lot of impact during scrums, tackles, and passes. If your mitts don’t fit properly, they might not offer the protection you need. A well-fitted mitt provides padding and support in the right areas, helping protect your hands from injuries and allowing you to move freely.
Example:
Imagine playing in a high-stakes rugby match with mitts that are too big. Every time you try to grab the ball, it slips because your mitts don’t provide a secure fit. Or, worse, you’re dealing with mitts that are so tight that your hands feel numb by halftime. A well-fitted mitt gives you the grip and comfort to perform your best throughout the game.
Why Is It Important to Measure Your Hands Properly?
Measuring your hands correctly is the first step to getting the right size mitts. If you measure properly, you could avoid ending up with mitts that don’t fit well, affecting your performance. Here’s why proper hand measurement is so important:
1. Accurate Fit
The most common reason players end up with mitts that don’t fit properly is that they need to take the time to measure their hands accurately. Manufacturers use different sizing charts, so relying on your usual glove size may only sometimes give you the best fit. By measuring your hands correctly, you can match your measurements with the size chart provided by the brand to get the perfect fit.
2. Better Performance
Well-fitted mitts help improve your performance on the field. With the right size, you can grip the ball confidently, move your hands freely, and avoid discomfort. A tight fit that doesn’t restrict movement is critical to maintaining control during intense matches.
3. Durability
When mitts fit correctly, they are less likely to stretch out or wear down prematurely. Mitts that are too large may get pulled and torn more efficiently, while too-tight mitts may stretch the material over time. Choosing the right size ensures that your mitts last longer and provide consistent performance.
Example:
Imagine buying too small mitts because you didn’t measure your hands correctly. They might feel okay at first, but after a few games, they start to feel tight, and you realize they’re limiting your flexibility. Measuring your hands carefully ensures you avoid this problem and get the right size the first time.
How to Measure Your Hands for Rugby Grip Mitts
Measuring your hands for rugby grip mitts is simple and only takes a few minutes.
1. Measure the Width of Your Hand
Using a flexible tape measure, wrap it around the widest part of your hand (just below the knuckles), not including your thumb.
Make sure the tape is snug but tight enough. This measurement gives you the width of your hand, which is the critical factor in determining your mitt size.
2. Measure the Length of Your Hand
Place the tape measure at the base of your palm and stretch it to the tip of your middle finger. This will give you the length of your hand. Some mitt brands use hand length as part of their sizing guide, so it’s essential to have this measurement on hand.
3. Check the Brand’s Sizing Chart
Once you have your hand measurements, compare them with the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer. Each brand may have slightly different measurements for small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes, so using the chart with the specific mitts you’re buying is crucial.
Example:
Think of measuring your hand like measuring your foot for shoes. Just like wearing shoes that are too big or small can cause discomfort, the same goes for rugby mitts. Measuring ensures you get the perfect fit to play your best without worrying about your gear.
Product Recommendations for Rugby Grip Mitts
Here are some top rugby grip mitts available, along with their sizing guidelines:
1. Gilbert Rugby Grip Mitts
- Material: Synthetic rubber with grip-enhancing technology.
- Sizing: These mitts are available in small, medium, large, and extra-large. Measure your hand’s width and length to match their detailed sizing chart.
- Why We Recommend Them: These mitts provide excellent grip, comfort, and protection, making them ideal for casual and competitive players.
2. Canterbury Phoenix Grip Mitts
- Material: Polyester and elastane blend with rubber grip zones.
- Sizing: Available in youth and adult sizes. Use their sizing guide to find the best fit based on your hand measurements.
- Why We Recommend Them: Lightweight and flexible, these mitts are perfect for players who need grip and flexibility in all conditions.
3. Adidas AdiGrip Rugby Mitts
- Material: Polyester with a rubberized palm.
- Sizing: These mitts have a snug fit and are available in various sizes. Be sure to consult Adidas’ sizing chart to find your perfect match.
- Why We Recommend Them: They are ideal for players who want a combination of comfort, grip, and durability.
Tips for Getting the Best Fit and Caring for Your Mitts
Try Them On Before Game Day: Once you get your mitts, try them on and move your hands around to ensure they fit well and don’t restrict your movement.
Break Them In: Wear your mitts during practice to break them in before wearing them in a match. This will help them mold to your hands for a more comfortable fit.
Wash and Dry Properly: Follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to keep your mitts in good condition. Avoid using high heat when drying to prevent shrinking or damaging the materials.
Conclusion
In this Rugby Grip Mitt Sizing Guide, we’ve covered why sizing is essential for comfort and performance. Properly fitted mitts ensure you have the grip, flexibility, and protection to play your best.
By measuring your hands correctly and using the brand’s sizing chart, you can find mitts that fit perfectly and enhance your control on the field. With the right size and care, your mitts will help you stay comfortable and confident during every match, allowing you to focus on the game and perform at your peak.
Don’t forget to check out our recently published articles for more rugby training tips, gear reviews, and helpful advice!