Operating glove VADER by ESKA

An operational glove should be robust, flexible, and precise. It should allow for good tactile sensitivity and freedom of movement while being durable enough to protect against cuts and abrasions, all while being breathable and comfortable. The Austrian glove manufacturer ESKA offers the operational glove VADER, a model that meets most requirements. We put the VADER through a tough test. Here are the results.

During the Spartan Race, the first round of the test was successfully completed. It went over hill and dale, through water and fire. Many thanks to ESKA for providing the gloves.

The Construction

The inner palm of the VADER by ESKA is made with the high-quality soft-touch material Amara.

The material on the outside of the glove is Spandex. The glove's adaptation to the hand is optimally supported by the Spandex fabric.

A silicone print on the palm ensures improved grip for a variety of tasks.

The flexible 3D protectors on the operational glove VADER catch the eye from a distance. With every finger and hand movement, the protective clothing shifts over the affected body parts. This detailed solution has been proven multiple times and is of excellent quality. 

The VADER features a cut-resistant lining and reinforced fingertips for additional protection. The cut-resistant lining is a composition of para-aramid, polyester, and fiberglass. Para-aramid fibers (Twaron, Teijin) and Kevlar (DuPont) are very tear-resistant and particularly suitable for protecting people and materials. Polyester and fiberglass are tear-resistant, abrasion-resistant, shape-retaining, water-absorbing, and easy to care for.

The index finger is equipped with a movement fold. This is useful for the motion sequence when operating the trigger of a firearm. 

Reinforced fingertips on the VADER provide protection for the fingers. Additionally, the glove is protected against abrasion.

The glove is designed with an ergonomic cut and a box finger construction for excellent dexterity.

The entire palm is touch-sensitive, allowing for effortless use of smart devices.

The close-fitting, elastic cuff that seals the VADER is particularly practical.

The cuff is equipped with a Velcro closure to ensure a secure fit, regulate width, and prevent dirt or liquids from entering.

The cuff also features integrated cut protection.

The loop on the VADER is designed for attaching it to equipment, belts, etc. with a carabiner.

The absence of bothersome seams and the use of comfortable materials contribute to a comfortable fit.

Certifications and Significance

The VADER is certified according to EN 388:2016 for mechanical risks (abrasion, cuts, tear resistance, puncture). The ergonomic, ISO 13594 certified 3D backhand protector offers optimal protection. 

The standard EN 388:2016 establishes testing methods and performance levels for protective gloves. It defines testing procedures for abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture resistance as well as cut resistance under high force impact (TDM test). The results are indicated on the glove.

In the context of the TDM test (Tearing, Drawing, and Moving Test), a straight blade is moved over a curved test pattern. The minimum force required to cut through the average of the test pattern is determined after 20 millimeters. It starts at 2 Newton and is increased to up to 30 Newton. After each cut, a new, standardized blade is used along with an increase of 2 Newton until the glove material is cut through in a single stroke.

The standard EN 407:2020 is the basis for the requirements and testing procedures that apply to protective gloves and other hand protection equipment against thermal risks such as heat and fire. Gloves designed to protect against flames, contact heat, convective heat, radiant heat, small splashes of molten metal, and large amounts of liquid metal are subject to this regulation.

The ISO 13594 standard specifies the protection standard for motorcycle gloves. It ensures that the gloves provide better protection to the rider's hands in the event of a fall or accident. The standard specifies requirements and testing procedures for impact resistance, abrasion resistance, tear resistance, and cut resistance.

Cut Protection – What Does It Mean?

The VADER features a cut-resistant liner and reinforced fingertips for added protection. The work glove VADER has a cut resistance level of 4. This means it offers good to very good performance compared to other protective gloves.

A cut-resistant glove is a glove characterized by the incorporation of a cut-resistant fiber into the carrier material (liner) that distinguishes it from a regular glove. The most well-known fibers include Kevlar, Dyneema, steel, and fiberglass, which are used in a variety of products. The crucial difference between gloves of cut protection class 3 and class 5 lies in the strength of the cut-resistant fibers. The coating of the glove, whether nitrile or PU, does not influence the cut protection.

In Practice

We neither spared ourselves nor the material. The glove was extensively used. The rope was climbed multiple times and then lowered back down in a fast-roping style. 

Various obstacles were overcome. Even with wet gloves.

Every task was accomplished. The fit of the glove was optimal, leading to high satisfaction.

The glove allows for the handling of application tools such as flashlights. There are no hindrances or disruptions while shooting with the VADER, whether with a short or long weapon. Therefore, the VADER is understandably popular among various police and military units.

The glove shows no signs of damage, the silicone print is intact, and no seams show signs of deterioration.

We now arrive at the most challenging part of our test. Although we do not have a lightsaber, we faced VADER with simple means.

We began with simple and light cuts. Then we increased the pressure. The force was with us, and thus we were able to showcase VADER's limits. A steak knife or a serrated knife always causes significant damage. With a razor blade, a little more pressure is sufficient. 

CONCLUSION

When you hear the name  VADER, you immediately think of "Star Wars." The work glove from ESKA is an advanced development in this field and is light-years ahead. It is extremely robust, fits perfectly, and protects the sensitive and important hand. Thanks to the materials used, all touchscreen devices can be operated. Also important: all delicate tasks can be performed while wearing the glove. The  VADER fits like a second skin. However, caution is always advised when encountering sharp-edged objects, cutting and piercing weapons, as well as needles! The same applies to thorns and barbed wire.

We are overall very satisfied with the work glove VADER, which is why we can recommend it unreservedly. The task that the glove is meant to fulfill is accomplished by it.

The work glove VADER from ESKA is available in black, olive, and brown for 49.90 EUR directly from the manufacturer or from retailers who have the brand in their range.

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