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Best Hockey Gloves

for Elite, Performance and Recreational Hockey Players
Updated July 2023
Best Hockey Gloves header graphic

At IW Hockey, we strive to help you find the best hockey glove to match your level of play. We categorized hockey gloves into three levels; Recreational, Performance and Elite with each category having the best 'Overall Performance' and 'Best Value'. Overall Performance is picked on everything tech and spec while Best Value factors in tech, spec and affordability.

Best Elite-Level Hockey Gloves
Overall Performance CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro
Best Value Sherwood Rekker Legend Pro
Best Performance-Level Hockey Gloves
Overall Performance Warrior Alpha LX2 Max
Best Value HSC 4 Roll
Best Recreational-Level Hockey Gloves
Overall Performance Sherwood Rekker Legend 4
Best Value CCM Next

Best Hockey Gloves
For Elite-Level Players

For Overall Performance,
CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro Glove

CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro Hockey Glove Graphic
CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro Hockey Glove Palm Graphic

$179.99 MSRP for Junior (11", 12")
$229.99 MSRP for Senior (13", 14", 15")

Ushering in a game-changing technology, the CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro Hockey Glove features an AER-TEC Thermoregulation System. This design consists of a Suspension Mesh liner and Ventilation Ports in the backhand which work together to reduce hot spots and provide outstanding airflow, circulation, and sweat evaporation. Known for its lightweight properties, ZoteFoam along with high-density foam and pe inserts deliver elite-level impact protection in a featherlight design.

Pros Cons
Game-changing breathability Price
Pro Palm
Elite-level odor and moisture control

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For Best Value,
Sherwood Rekker Legend Pro Glove

Sherwood Rekker Legend Pro Graphic
Sherwood Rekker Legend Pro Palm Graphic

$139.99 MSRP for Junior (10", 11", 12")
$159.99 MSRP for Senior (13", 14", 15")

Boasting what's essentially an internal shot blocker, the Sherwood Rekker Legend Pro Hockey Glove features a triple-layer foam package along with Viconic Impact Protection. VIP is an elite-level material that can handle repeated slashes and blocked shots by dispersing that heavy impact energy into the surrounding foams. Around the wrist is hands down the best flex cuff on the market today, as it truly moves with your wrist and stays flush against the arm. Players can also opt to adjust the cuff opening to get the flare that suits their comfort.

Pros Cons
Elite-level backhand impact protection Palm overlay might not be some player's preference
AX Suede Palm with highly durable overlay
Customizable and flexible cuff



Honorable Mentions,
Warrior Alpha LX2 Pro & True Hockey Catalyst 9X3

A stellar runner-up for elite-level gloves is the Warrior Alpha LX2 Pro Glove, showcasing the best protection package from Warrior to date. It's designed with three layers of impact-absorbing foam and layered pe inserts shield the back of the hand, fingers, and finger block. It comes with a game-ready fit that requires no break-in period so you can hit the rink without worry.

The Catalyst 9X3 Glove offers a ton of premium features to boost comfort and flexibility alongside its elite-level protection. The unique way that True shaped and bonded the foams allow the glove to open and close with ease for maximum flexibility. A three-piece thumb and three-piece fingers further elevate hand dexterity so the player with quick hands can stick handling and shoot with lighting speed.

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Best Hockey Gloves
For Performance-Level Players

For Overall Performance,
Warrior Alpha LX2 Max Glove

Warrior Alpha LX2 Max Glove Graphic
Warrior Alpha LX2 Max Palm Graphic

$109.99 Junior MSRP (10", 11", 12")
$119.99 Senior MSRP (13", 14", 15")

A great choice for the competitive player who's seeking solid protection, comfort, and mobility but at a more affordable price can turn to the Warrior Alpha LX2 Max Hockey Glove. It features a dual-layer foam design with plastic insert reinforcement throughout the backhand, fingers, and finger block. Warrior's Buttersoft Feel was also implemented to give the LX2 Max the same broken-in fit as the top-level LX2 Pro!

Pros Cons
Great protection for the competitive player No odor control in the liner
Durable exterior Slightly looser fingers than other contoured-fitting gloves
Game-ready, broken-in fit

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For Best Value,
HSC 4 Roll Glove

HSC 4 Roll Hockey Glove Graphic
HSC 4 Roll Hockey Palm Graphic

$59.99 MSRP for Junior (12")
$59.99 MSRP for Senior (14")

At $69.99, you just can't beat the value that the HSC 4 Roll Hockey Glove offers. Its protection, which consists of thick dual-density foams and pe inserts, matches most performance-level gloves but is a fraction of the cost. They feature a wedge knuckle saver pad for extended impact protection to the backhand and a classic clarino palm for a great stick feel.

Pros Cons
Incredible price Junior model is the same price as Senior
Wedge Knuckle Saver for extended backhand protection 1-Piece Thumb
Solid protection package

Honorable Mentions,
Sherwood Rekker Legend 2 & True Hockey Catalyst 5X3

Absolutely ideal for the sniper on a budget, the Sherwood Rekker Legend 2 Hockey Glove provides value in all areas. It has a great protection package for puck battles, a premium Nash Palm for the ideal stick connection, and a COP-r29 liner for some of the best odor and sweat management on the market.

The True Catalyst 5X3 also offers some of the best value on the market today. Aside from a few differences in the quality of materials, the 5X3 shares the exact same protection package as the Catalyst 9X3. That means you're getting pro-level impact protection at half the cost!

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Best Hockey Gloves
For Recreational-Level Players

For Overall Performance,
Sherwood Rekker Legend 4 Glove

Sherwood Rekker Legend 4 Hockey Glove Graphic
Sherwood Rekker Legend 4 Hockey Palm Graphic

$59.99 Junior MSRP (10", 11", 12")
$79.99 Senior MSRP (13", 14", 15")

The Sherwood Rekker Legend 4 Hockey Glove is a premium choice for the recreational player wanting great protection in a lightweight and comfortable package. It showcases a Nash palm for an enhanced stick feel and excellent durability against wear and tear. A soft polyester liner delivers out-of-the-box comfort and features a player ID label for personalization.

Pros Cons
Great coverage and protection for the casual hockey player 1-Piece Thumb
Nash palm Limited color options
Game-ready mobility and comfort

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For Best Value,
CCM Next Glove

CCM Next Hockey Glove graphic
CCM Next Hockey Glove graphic

$59.99 Junior MSRP (10", 11", 12")
$74.99 Senior MSRP (13", 14", 15")

CCM's Next Hockey Glove have a ton of value for the brand-new player, offering a great protection package in the fingers, backhand, and finger block. With game-ready comfort and flexibility, the CCM Next Glove comes with a 2-piece thumb that is rarely seen at this price point.

Pros Cons
Affordable protection Limited color options
2-Piece Thumb 10" size does not have a 2-piece thumb
Sensalast palm with an added overlay

Honorable Mentions,
Sherwood Rekker Element Four & Warrior Covert QR5 40

Ideal for players in recreational hockey leagues, the Warrior Alpha LX2 Comp Glove offers a comfortable and tailored fit, conforming effortlessly to the natural contours of the hand. Specifically designed for casual games, it features a standard foam protection package that ensures adequate protection without unnecessary bulk.

The Tour Code 3 Glove, originally designed for roller hockey, can be an excellent choice for the highly casual player who enjoys leisurely games on the local pond or outdoor rink. Combining the agility of a lacrosse glove, it outshines other hockey gloves in terms of mobility, offering unparalleled dexterity on the ice. Despite its nimble design, the glove does not compromise on protection, boasting dual-density foam and plastic inserts to ensure reliable impact resistance.

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Hockey Glove Sizing and Selecting

Learn how to fit and choose the hockey glove that's right for you

If you are unsure how to select the right size or having trouble deciding which level of play best suits your game, head over to our dedicated learning centers by using the buttons below!