Well here is the long awaited review of the three glove challenge....You may notice that Pro-GK is not represented in the three way (now, two way challenge). After several attempts to get me the product, Pro-GK failed to deliver. I felt it unfair to make D-Flekt, and Zapkam wait while Pro-GK attempts to send me gloves to test, so I thought it necessarry to give my results of the two companies that I have had since October.
So basically what I did was identical tests with both pairs of gloves. Twenty shots at me with D-Flekt pro roll, then twenty with IGS GripZ. Varrying conditions were included. Wet weather, natural turf, second generation artificial grass, and good ole astro turf. Gloves were prepared identically, to avoid any differences before testing. Ok, here are the results:
D-Flekt Pro Roll:
The fit on the D-Flekt glove was spot on. Thomas sent a 9, and it fit perfectly. Not to tight, not to loose. The fingers were the correct length, and the thumb was perfect (I often find thumbs too long on most gloves anymore). The classic look of the glove is understated, and classic. I have to admit, I like the fact the new D-Flekt models have their own flair and design aspects vs. the same old Selsport clone look.
The gloves gripped well in ALL conditions. From Wet weather matches, to indoor matches on old school astro turf, the gloves performed, plain and simple. Nothing crazy, just good sure grip. Are they tacky like Contact foam? NO. Does the grip compare to most of the other latex's out there at the same price range? NO....It is FAR better than 99% of the gloves at that range. The one glove within it's price range that is it's equal as far as I am concerned is The One Glove. There are actually things I like about the D-Flekt glove better than the One Glove however. I like the all latex feel, and the lack of extended wrist. (not to take anything from The One Glove, as it is brilliant). The shock absorbtion was first class, and the durability was as expected for a supersoft glove, and maybe even a tad above average.
I was supprised at how well the D-Flekt did in the testing to be honest. I am generally leary of gloves at this range, as I have been burned before (ZeePK, other Pakistan knock offs). The glove has everything you need. Great fit, good solid grip in a variety of conditions, and most of all, a fantastic price. I would not hesitate to purchase D-Flekt gloves in the future (and I will). It is a great glove, at a great price.
http://www.d-flekt.com/
Zapkam IGS GripZ:
I received a 9 in the IGS as well. It was VERY difficult to get on, but once it was on, it was literally like wearing a second skin. The glove was stiff at first, but once I wore it for 30 minutes or so, it became much more comfortable. The internal latex was a bitt annoying to be honest, and I would probably steer clear of it if Zapkam continues to have it in every model. The grip on the IGS in dry was just OK, and dissapointing in Wet. My Sells Permagrip premiers have far better grip in dry, and are about equal in wet, and it is a dry weather only glove. The grip constantly felt like it was powdery, and slick. It never materialized as I hoped it would. I would consider the Zapkam a decent training glove, but would never wear it for matches.
The thing that really turned me off the Zapkam was the durability, and the lack of quality in . The gloves lost large chunks of latex after the first wear, and was almost unsuable after only three uses (once on Grass, once on artificial grass, once on astro turf). Three splits occured on the stiching during the testing. On the thumb, on the middle two fingers, and on the bandage wrist. The glove began to disentegrate far to early for me to take it as a serious option vs. the D-Flekt glove, or other gloves at that price range. Overall, I would more than likely not purchase a pair of Zapkams in the future after this test. I do admire their courage in attempting to build a new brand, at an affordable price, but right now they are just knock off's to me. Their line has nothing to seperate itself from others, and several designs are basically rip offs of other companies. If they create something unique in the future, I would possibly give them another try, but I would need to hear the opinions of users before doing so.
http://www.zapkam.co.uk/
Overall, it was not much of a challenge. D-Flekt won hands down, and will get my business in the future. I hope Zapkam improves their product, and continues its attempts to break into the market. Thanks to both companies for their help in this test.
Please feel free to ask questions!
Greg
Thanks Greg, very informative. Congrats to Nico for producing a quality product. Any chance of perhaps some "after" pictures, showing the wear and tear for both gloves?
Ill get them tonight Justin!
Thanks!
Great review Chewie, I been using my D-Flekt AquaStars and have been very impressed with them.
JMPfaff: Great review Chewie, I been using my D-Flekt AquaStars and have been very impressed with them.
Dida still needs a team! lol
Why be negative when you can be Positive? Beats me!
Keepers are criticised and praised, its the keepers choice to decide what to listen to.
Has anyone tried the Pro-GK by any chance?
just adding to the d-flekt theme, the pro roll have become my training glove of choice on astro turf. i also got to try the aquastar tonight and although it doesn't seem to be specifically a wet weather glove, it's a very comfortable and well constructed product.
Chewie,
I really appreciated the review of the two products. I've been vacillating between the two brands and your positive review of D-Flekt, coupled with Nico's timely response to questions, sealed the deal in my mind.
I have used the older Zapkam XZG Z-Wrap and I thought the grip was pretty good and the durability was excellent. It easily lasted me over 20 games in all conditions (outdoor, indoor - field turf and green carpet). It was a decent priced mid level glove.
Maybe the problem was that you didn't prewash them enough. I had to prewash mine at least 5 times before maximum grip came.
You can check out my review here:
http://theglovebag.com/forums/t/3972.aspx
To be honest, I will not spend that much time pre-washing anymore (will not wash more than twice). I do not think there would be a correlation between washing and durability. I always moisten my gloves before playing, and wash them after each use.
No offence Chewie, but I think what Jwchin was referring to is grip. The correlation is not between washing and durability. Rather, the correlation is between washing and getting an enhanced grip. Some of these mid level gloves need a couple of 'wash and wears' before the optimum grip comes out.
Of course, in an ideal world, gloves would be great to go straight from the packet, but this is the reality. Just offering my two cents worth. Certainly on this evidence, the D-Flekts grip came good sooner than the Zapkams. Whether or not the Zapkams were at optimal grip though, I'm not sure.
I haven't tried either gloves, so whatever views I offer are purely theoretical, based on my experience with other gloves. But great review Chewie, thanks.
Ahhhh....No worries. They grip was actually pretty decent on the Zapkams after the first wash, but not nearly as good as the D-Flekts.
PRO-GK is being used quite a bit at the semi-pro club i play for with many goalkeepers in he league wearing them. Ive worn them for a few training sessions and they are a decent glove. They are quyite expensive though for a company that is just starting up compared to the likes of D-Flekt and The One glove.
Thanks Smithy...I was really hoping to compare the three. The one thing that Pro-GK had to overcome was the high cost (compared to D-Flekt and Zapkam).