Gill Deckhand Long Finger - Review 2023

Overview

The Gill Deckhand Longfinger glove is a great performer for boating and especially sailing smaller crafts. There are cheaper sailing gloves that most seldom sailors will use and not think twice about, but for more constant use, the Gill Deckhands have proven to be a workhorse that has the right design features for maximum functionality and really impressive comfort.

The long finger model of these provides a little more warmth deeper into the fall season, while allowing for tying knots with dexteritous finesse, including even fishing lines. The short finger model does an even better job but are better suited for warmer climes.

Gill Marine is a sailing company that has been selling gear since the 70s. Indications of this company’s innovation are evident in the manufacturing of the fabric. The way the seams are placed away from points of pressure, where friction and abrasion are at their most common point of contact, speaks to the maritime experience of the designers.

This is a professional glove made for recreational use, the contradiction of which exists only insofar that the price of the product is smaller than its quality. Rather, for racers or chronic boaters, this deckhand sailing glove is a proven commodity of proven quality.

I’ve used these for years sailing on a Viking ship, working the big anchor by pulling tarred lines, pulling the halyard and sheets, as well as dinghy sailing and on fiberglass boats. My hands, palms and fingertips can attest to the protection they provide, while my shipmates can attest to my proficiency in tying knots with them.

Materials

Gill describes a 4-way stretch about knuckles to wrist fabric, part of the Gill Fabric System which they say offers a 50+ UV protection against the sun. During the warmest summer months of sailing, I can at least attest to never once getting any sun burn on my hands with my Deckhand gloves on.

This fabric on the back of the hand feels a lot like some kind of mesh material. It’s a type of microfiber that doesn’t absorb water while I’ve found it very breathable.

There’s neoprene around the wrists, which is great for when yours get swollen or for people with bad circulation. A fastener made of velcro placed under the wrist has a small profile to avoid getting in the way of watch or cuffs.

The material wrapped around the palm and fingers is described as having a double-layer Amara reinforced fabric. Amara is a type of faux-leather simulacram that looks a lot like suede and is fairly durable.

One great advantage of the Amara material is its ability to dry quickly. So, quick to dry and great at protecting makes the Deckhand great for constant use in changing weather conditions.

Gill Deckhand Long Finger sailing gloves are made by sailors for sailors. The bottom line is that they have tested great and are the editor’s choice because they are a proven product at sea.

The no seam fingers and wraparound-the-palm Amara material saves your hands abuse from salt, cold and friction, while still allowing for execution of manual tasks with finesse.

The price is so competitive given the quality of the construction and how its materials provide advantages when racing, paddling or boating or cruising. According Nick Gill, the founder, they can do it cheaper because they make it themself (refreshing in an age of outsourcing).

Proprietary materials here also make this an all-season sailing glove, providing warmth in the fall and winter, while giving protection from the sun and breathability during the summer. But for a true winter glove, the Gill Pro is a thicker and better alternative.

Bear in mind that they will start to fray after a couple of seasons. The seams won’t split, but don’t expect them to be invincible.

It’s a great sailing glove and one, we can say from experience, that won’t disappoint.

About Gill Marine Apparel

Nick Gill is a british sailor and pioneer in the area of maritime apparel. He sailed small open-topped boats from 5 years old, starting out in the 70s at a time when there wasn’t much as far as technical clothing for recreational mariners went.

There was no technical gear for civilians at all and the young Nick Gill, who was a business student, started what was a dinghy gear company.

Gill started working on the waterproof aspect of sailing gear, focusing on the seams to keep water out. He lived in a textile heartland near Nottingham, which gave him access to fabric-making expertise.

In 1983 he had bought the first of several hot air taping machines to seal textiles and make them watertight. Understanding how saltwater affects waterproof seals, Gill added layers and continuously tweaked their designs, constantly improving, innovating.

Later in the 80s he expanded his range of apparel to boots, gloves and fleece layers. Gill Marine hasn’t looked back bringing innovation that stems from a well-amassed experience.