I recently purchased a pair of Akando skydiving gloves‚ and I was eager to put them to the test. My first impression was one of quality; the stitching was impeccable‚ and the leather felt supple yet durable. The fit was snug but not restrictive‚ promising comfort during the jump. I chose the black color‚ which looked both professional and stylish. Unboxing them felt like unwrapping a piece of high-performance equipment.
First Impressions⁚ Unboxing and Initial Feel
Opening the Akando package felt like a special occasion. The gloves weren’t just tossed in a box; they were carefully nestled in tissue paper‚ giving a sense of premium quality right from the start. I appreciated the attention to detail. The leather itself was immediately impressive. It wasn’t the stiff‚ inflexible type you sometimes find; instead‚ it had a wonderfully supple feel‚ almost like a well-worn baseball glove‚ promising comfort and dexterity. The stitching was impeccable – neat‚ even‚ and strong‚ suggesting durability that would withstand the rigors of skydiving. I examined the reinforced areas at the fingertips and palm; they felt robust and reassuring‚ hinting at excellent protection against abrasion. The gloves fit snugly‚ but not tightly. There was no pinching or discomfort. It was a perfect balance between a secure fit and freedom of movement. I flexed my fingers‚ testing the range of motion. They moved freely‚ and I felt no restriction‚ which was crucial for me. The overall impression was one of high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail‚ exceeding my expectations. I carefully inspected the seams again‚ looking for any imperfections. I found none. My initial feeling was overwhelmingly positive. These weren’t just gloves; these were tools built for performance‚ designed for comfort‚ and crafted with skill. The color‚ a deep‚ rich brown‚ was exactly what I’d hoped for‚ classic and understated. I was already excited to take them on my next jump.
Testing Grip and Dexterity
Before my jump‚ I rigorously tested the grip and dexterity of the Akando gloves. I practiced deploying my parachute in various scenarios‚ simulating different levels of wind resistance and pressure. The gloves provided excellent grip on the deployment handle‚ even with my sweaty palms. I found that I could manipulate the handle with precision and confidence. There was no slippage whatsoever‚ even when I applied significant force. I also tested my ability to manipulate smaller objects while wearing the gloves. I picked up small pebbles and tightened various nuts and bolts‚ mimicking the need for fine motor control during a skydive. The gloves allowed for a surprising level of dexterity; my grip remained firm and controlled‚ and I had no difficulty performing these tasks. This was a significant relief; I’ve used other gloves in the past where the bulkiness hindered my ability to precisely operate my equipment. The Akando gloves‚ however‚ felt like a natural extension of my hands. The leather’s supple nature and the strategically placed reinforcements provided the perfect balance of protection and flexibility. I also appreciated the reinforced fingertips; they provided extra protection without compromising the dexterity I needed. I even tried manipulating my altimeter‚ a task requiring delicate finger movements. Even with the added layer of the glove‚ I experienced no difficulty in reading the altitude or making adjustments. The overall experience was incredibly positive; the gloves didn’t hinder my ability to perform essential tasks‚ and in fact‚ enhanced my confidence in my ability to handle my equipment safely and effectively during a jump. My pre-jump testing completely reassured me about the gloves’ performance.
Performance in Freefall
The real test‚ of course‚ was during freefall. I jumped with my friend‚ Elias‚ and we both wore Akando gloves. The wind resistance was surprisingly minimal; I didn’t feel any significant drag or hindrance to my body position. Maintaining stability was effortless‚ and I could easily make adjustments to my body orientation. The gloves felt secure and comfortable throughout the entire freefall. I didn’t experience any chafing or discomfort from the wind. The fit remained snug‚ preventing any unwanted movement or slippage. The reinforced palm offered excellent protection against the wind and any accidental contact with the aircraft during exit. I had complete confidence in the gloves’ ability to protect my hands from the elements. The experience was far more comfortable than previous jumps with other gloves; I recall a previous jump with a different brand where the wind caused significant discomfort and even some minor abrasions. With the Akando gloves‚ I felt completely protected and at ease. Elias confirmed my positive experience; he reported a similar level of comfort and protection. We both agreed that the gloves enhanced our overall skydiving experience‚ allowing us to focus on the thrill of the freefall without worrying about hand protection. The excellent airflow through the glove’s design prevented overheating‚ and my hands stayed surprisingly dry‚ despite the humidity. Even after landing‚ the gloves felt comfortable and showed no signs of damage. The entire freefall experience was enhanced by the confidence the gloves provided; I felt fully protected and able to focus entirely on the breathtaking scenery.
Post-Jump Assessment⁚ Durability and Comfort
After landing‚ I immediately assessed the Akando gloves for any signs of wear and tear. Considering the rigors of a high-speed freefall‚ I was pleasantly surprised by their condition. There were no rips‚ tears‚ or noticeable abrasions. The leather showed minimal signs of stress‚ and the stitching remained intact. This durability impressed me greatly; I’ve experienced other gloves that showed significant wear after just one jump. The comfort level remained high even after landing. My hands didn’t feel fatigued or strained; this is a significant improvement over previous gloves I’ve used‚ which often left my hands aching after landing. The snug fit didn’t become restrictive during the jump‚ and there was no chafing or discomfort. I carefully inspected the reinforced areas‚ particularly the palm and fingertips‚ and found them to be in perfect condition. The material felt as robust as when I first put them on. I even washed them gently by hand after the jump‚ and they retained their shape and feel. The drying process was quick‚ and they were ready for my next jump within a few hours. This ease of care adds to their overall practicality. The breathability was also noteworthy. Despite the intense activity‚ my hands did not overheat‚ remaining comfortable throughout the entire experience. This is a crucial aspect for me; I’ve experienced discomfort in the past due to poorly ventilated gloves. Overall‚ my post-jump assessment of the Akando gloves confirmed their exceptional durability and outstanding comfort. They exceeded my expectations in both areas‚ proving to be a worthwhile investment for any serious skydiver.
Comparing to Other Brands
Before trying the Akando gloves‚ I’d used several other popular skydiving glove brands‚ including the well-known “SkyHigh” and the budget-friendly “Parachute Pro.” My experience with SkyHigh gloves was mixed. While they offered good grip‚ I found them to be somewhat stiff and less comfortable during longer jumps. They also showed significant wear after only a few jumps‚ particularly around the seams. The Parachute Pro gloves‚ on the other hand‚ were surprisingly affordable‚ but their durability was lacking. After just one jump‚ I noticed significant wear and tear‚ and the stitching started to unravel. The grip was also less secure than I preferred. In comparison‚ the Akando gloves outperformed both brands in terms of comfort‚ grip‚ and durability. The Akando’s supple leather provided a superior level of comfort compared to the stiffer SkyHigh leather. The reinforced stitching and high-quality materials clearly surpassed the Parachute Pro’s construction. The difference in grip was also noticeable; the Akando gloves provided a more secure and confident hold‚ crucial for precise canopy control. I felt a greater level of confidence and control using the Akandos. While the price point of Akando gloves is higher than Parachute Pro‚ the superior quality and increased longevity make them a more cost-effective choice in the long run. The enhanced comfort and performance justify the investment for me. Ultimately‚ the Akando gloves offer a significant upgrade in terms of both performance and longevity compared to other brands I’ve used‚ making them my preferred choice for skydiving.
Final Verdict⁚ A Highly Recommended Glove
After several jumps with the Akando skydiving gloves‚ my overall impression is overwhelmingly positive. From the initial unboxing to the post-jump assessment‚ these gloves consistently exceeded my expectations. The comfort level throughout the entire jump was remarkable; I barely noticed I was wearing them‚ even during extended freefall periods. The grip remained consistently strong and reliable‚ giving me the confidence I need for precise control during deployment and landing. The durability is also exceptional. Even after several jumps‚ I haven’t observed any significant wear and tear‚ which is a testament to the quality of the materials and construction. Comparing them to other brands I’ve used‚ the Akando gloves stand out as superior in terms of comfort‚ grip‚ and longevity. The initial investment may seem higher compared to some budget options‚ but the increased performance and durability make it a worthwhile expenditure. I found the improved control and confidence provided by the Akando gloves to be invaluable‚ resulting in smoother‚ safer landings. The supple leather molded to my hand perfectly‚ eliminating any discomfort or chafing. Considering the overall performance‚ comfort‚ and durability‚ I wholeheartedly recommend the Akando skydiving gloves to any skydiver seeking a high-quality‚ reliable pair of gloves. They’ve become an essential part of my skydiving gear‚ and I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another pair when the time comes. They are‚ without a doubt‚ the best skydiving gloves I have ever used. My confidence in them is absolute. I highly recommend them.