Kevlar Gloves pros/cons

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kidspot

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I was holding an urchin yesterday (very gently) and when i set it down I noticed that one of the spines had punctured my glove (and finger I might add as well) which got me to thinking . . . how are the kevlar gloves at resisting punctures and abrasions? Are they as good as the name implies? And what about flexibility - what sacrifices are made for the protection?

any comments?

Aloha, Tim
 
My guess is that you and the urchin have differing opinions about what constitutes "gentle." ;)

Kevlar gloves are stiffer than regular neoprene and are terrific protection from scuffing action, some protection from punctures and pretty worthless when it comes to resisting cutting/slashing. They work reasonably well but leaving the urchins alone is 100% effective...
 
reefraff:
My guess is that you and the urchin have differing opinions about what constitutes "gentle." ;) . . . They work reasonably well but leaving the urchins alone is 100% effective...

lol - true - but they are fascinating to watch move and . . . well yes you are right . . . and this being my second "less than pleasant" encounter with them you'd think I'd learn my lesson wouldn't you? ;)
 
Tim, first question: Why are you holding an Urchin? Bad idea. :)

I know you're getting in to DIR so the second question is: Is touchin' stuff DIR? :)
 
CALI68:
Tim, first question: Why are you holding an Urchin? Bad idea.

I know you're getting in to DIR so the second question is: Is touchin' stuff DIR? :)

OUCH! - ok now that hurts . . .(just a little too close to the truth isn't it?):) I was curious - my curiousity has been satisfied. I thought I remembered as a child playing with them very carefully (and NOT getting poked) I was wrong however - so now I do not need to do it again. As to touchin' stuff being DIR . . . believe it or not I actually touch very little while diving, but sea stars, sea cucumbers and the soft urchins and sea shells I bring up for the kids to hold, just like the touch pool at the aquarium (yes I am using that as my justification). But NO MORE spiny urchins. And I make sure they (or I) put them back as carefully as possible when we are done - I am an old fashioned conservationist, but not an environmentalist (I believe the world God gave us is there for us to use, enjoy and benefit from, but not abuse).

I guess from what I'm hearing though - there are very few reasons why kevlar gloves would be needed - and if they reduce your flexibility I'm not sure I like that - I'd rather have more flexibility. Same reason I've been reluctant to go up to a 3mil wetsuit - I like the ease of movement in my thin suit. (of course the water temp finally made me change my mind on that one - I miss being able to stay down for 90 min without getting cold).

Thanks for the advice (and jibbes too)
Tim
 
:)
 
I really needed that laugh Cali - thanks :)

(my second favorite forum closed down yesterday, so it's nice to know there are always friends around to tease ya a bit online . . .)

Tim :)
 

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