Please notice new 10 point rating system below
Reusch X1 Ortho Tec
CUT Flat with flared finger tips
FIT Supprisingly snug
LATEX 3mm X1
FEATURES
Removable SpinesWrapped ThumbFlared Fingers
AVAILABILITY
www.betweenthesticks.com
PRICE $101.95 REVIEW
As you all know, I generally despise finger protection gloves. They normally offer little to no feel, are hard to break in, and promote poor technique. Well after my thumb was kicked by my own deffender at full force, they became necessary for a string of games. I have not had much exposure to finger protection gloves over the last few years, so I asked Victor at between the sticks what he reccomended, and he suggested the reusch. I was always impressed with the reusch spine design, and the fact they had removable finger, AND thumb protection was a massive plus. The fit of the gloves is perfect for me. I have a fairly wide hand, and love flared fingers, so as soon as they were on, I knew I was hooked. I started off with just the thumb protection for most of my games, because that is really all I needed. The reusch spines in my opinon, are the best protective spines available. They are light, flexible, and amazingly strong. They do not skimp on the spines like so many other companies choose to. The result is an amazingly simple, supportive and protective spine. I played two days after my injury with little to no thought of the injured thumb. Once the glove was on, I knew that I was well protected. It offered the perfect amount of support and flexibility. I have used the glove with all spines, and after a short break in time, they become and after thought, and in my mind, that is vital in a FP glove.
The X1 is by far my favorite Reusch latex now. It offers a fantastic blend of tacky grip, cushioning, and feel. It will be very hard for me to try another Reusch latex after using X1. The dry grip is stunning. It is as tacky as Contact latex, but it offers more feel, which is paramount to me. I never once questioned if the grip was going to disappear like with many other companies chemically injected palms. The grip was as good the first game as it was the 20th. I love the fact it has almost zero prep time. A simple rinse, and the glove is ready to go. X1 is supprisingly good in wet as well. I used it several times in misty conditions, to a gentle downpour, and it remained tacky, and all of it's grip was in tact. The durability of X1 is truly amazing. I still wear them after probably 25 games, and countless kick abouts, and training sessions. If I were reusch, I would rubbish all of the other latex's besides X1 and SSG, and make every glove available with it. That is how much I love it. The last Reusch ortho I used was the Roll Spezial from Just Keepers about 4 years ago, and the X1 blow them out of the water. My only real complaint about the glove is the bandage wrist closure is very very tight, and almost cumbersome to get on, but after it is on, I think most Goalkeepers will appreciate what a fantastic glove it is.
SUMMARYHigh level of protection, without sacraficing fit and grip. The Ferrari of Finger Protection gloves as far as I am concerned.
Pros
FitProtectionGripShock Absorbtion
CONS
Difficult to get on, and only available in this version in the US as far as I know
RATINGS (Out of 10) Dry Grip: 9.0Wet Grip 8.0Durability: 9.25Fit: 8.75Cushioning: 8.5Value: 8.0 Overall Rating: 51.5 A-/B+Reccomendation: Sure buy if you need high end finger protection
Couldn't agree more about X1 latex Chewie, its the reason i cant put my Serie A X1's down as match gloves at the moment.
UEFA 'B' Licence Goalkeeper Coach
Did you give these gloves a prewash guys?
Goalkeeping is not just a position on the field, it is a way of life, it is an attitude on and off the field.
I did not have to Stets...They are tacky out of the package. A quick rinse is all mine needed.
Thanks Chewie
I'm trying to decide on new gloves for high school season.
Brilliant glove, with or without FP.
I decided to go with Vapor Grip3's, had them before, great glove, and the Sells TGB SMU for training.