Glove Name: Uhlsport 034
Manufacturer: Uhlsport
Year First Made: 1978?
Glove Cut: Standard Flat Cut
Description: - GRIP: 3mm German Supersoft- WRIST: Double Elastic, with Elastic Band and velcro Closure- BACKHAND: Molded Waffle Latex- IDEAL FOR: Various conditions from dry to muddy
Reason for Nomination: The Uhlsport 034 ushered in the modern era of goalkeeper glove technology. It was a staple for Uhlsport endorsees from its introduction in the late 70's, until 1988. It's unriavled grip and longevity surely warrant a nomination to the hall of fame.
Definite yes. Although surely it wasn't introduced in the late 70s? More like 1981/82?
I actually liked the earlier backhand design a little better but without question the standout glove of the early 80's.
Justin, it was a guess, but I thought I had seen pictures of GK's wearing the gloves in the late 70's. Maybe our friends at Uhlsport can confirm the date of release?
You could be right Chew. At the 1978 World Cup there were still lots of keepers with generic gloves, and even some still playing barehanded, but I don't think there were any Uhlsports. By the 1982 World Cup it was almost all Uhlsport, so it all seems to have happened sometime in between.
Same thing in the NASL - that picture of Winston DuBose in the white pants, playing without gloves, is from the 1978 championship game. In the 1980 championship game, Hubert Birkenmeier wore the 031 () and Jan van Beveren the 025. It's amazing how fast the game went from no gloves to incredibly good gloves.
Good choice Chewie. This glove (with the Dino model) is a reference. One of the first with a latex palm.
The 034 was my first pair of glove. Very expensive for a young guy like me but the best at this time.
For me this is THE classic glove of all time...definately yes
Yep I had these as a nipper in 1989. Reusch/Sondico were more loved by me and Keepers my age, but have ubber respect for these gloves, very iconic.
One of my two favourite gloves of all time - the other being the Sukan Reusch 122.
Only one thing i would have modified on the 034's - a slighlty thicker or more 'padded' palm...
For those of you voting "No", I would love to hear why. Have you tried the glove? Should that be a pre-req to voting?
Great choice Chewie, I voted for them for the reasons you outlined. The grip was great but also very durable. The only downside for me was the elasticity in the wrist closure was lost after a while. Still well worth a nomination!!!! I would jump at the chance to have a pair of these again.
ChewieGK1: For those of you voting "No", I would love to hear why. Have you tried the glove? Should that be a pre-req to voting?
I have not voted for this one, because I do not have any experience with it as the glove is as old as I am
Had not voted for the Sells one as I have never worn the glove earlier...I will not be posting any vote on a glove I have not worn...
It's a definate yes from me! I remember vividly buying this glove and being enthralled with the 'professionalism' it induced just by trying them on. The only downside was how rock hard and crumbly the palm went after storing them for the summer!
www.WarbyGK.com
I have to agree. If you have never worn a glove it is hard to have an opinion. Maybe it would be good to see the history behind some of these gloves, as people have added, before you vote either way. In this case I had to say yes as it was pointed out, that it is one of the first true GK gloves.
Definitely THE coolest, possibly the greatest glove of all time(and I don't say that lightly or flippantly!)
What we need to appreciate guys is the CONTEXT of this glove- when it came out Reusch were doing a few interesting things and Sondico were also, but the 034 just blew them all away! It looked amazing and performed brilliantly- it was one of those gloves that you feel brilliant just wearing it.
I also would love someone to explain why they voted against it(everyones entitled to an opinion- just like to know why?)