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Best Hockey Gloves

for Elite, Performance and Recreational Hockey Players
Updated October 2024
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.

While we are keeping this list to retail glove models only, we want to give you a quick heads up about IW's huge selection of Pro Stock hockey gloves. These gloves boast professional-level protection, comfort, and performance but at a stellar price. Not only that, they come with actual NHL team and player graphics that you can't get at the retail level.

Best Elite-Level Hockey Gloves
Overall Performance CCM Tacks XF Pro
Best Value Sherwood Code Encrypt Pro
Best Performance-Level Hockey Gloves
Overall Performance Warrior Covert QR6 Team
Best Value Winnwell AMP700
Best Recreational-Level Hockey Gloves
Overall Performance Warrior Rise
Best Value Sherwood Code Encrypt 4

Best Hockey Gloves
For Elite-Level Players

For Overall Performance,
CCM Tacks XF Pro Glove

CCM Tacks XF Pro Hockey Glove Graphic
CCM Tacks XF Pro Hockey Glove Palm Graphic

$189.99 MSRP for Junior (11", 12")
$229.99 MSRP for Senior (13", 14", 15")

Protection? Check. Breathability? Check. Best-in-class comfort? Check. The CCM Tacks XF Pro nails every box on the checklist and takes the best-performing elite-level glove. Multi-density foams along with an Impact Protection Plate provide energy-stopping protection against slashes or blocked shots.

First introduced in the FT6 Pro, CCM's AER-TEC Ventilation Port was added to the XF Pro's backhand and works perfectly with the Nest Tech finger block. This delivers unmatched breathability to keep sweat and moisture at bay. The XF Pro has the best fit from CCM to date for ultimate comfort and comes with premium odor control technology to ensure it stays fresh between games.

Pros Cons
Ultimate impact protection Expensive
Premium breathability No 10" glove size for junior players
Elite-level odor and moisture control

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For Best Value,
Sherwood Code Encrypt Pro Glove

Sherwood Code Encrypt Pro Graphic
Sherwood Code Encrypt Pro Palm Graphic

$159.99 MSRP for Junior (10", 11", 12")
$189.99 MSRP for Senior (13", 14", 15")

Looking for pro-level protection, comfort, and performance at a more affordable price? Look no further than the Sherwood Code Encrypt Pro. It too features an integrated shot blocker and multi-laminate protection that delivers elite-level impact protection without weighing you down.

Built for quick hands, the Encrypt Pro comes with three-piece fingers and a two-piece thumb, letting your hands dangle the puck with speed and rip shots with lightning-quick accuracy. Sherwood is known for their out-of-the-box comfort and the Encrypt Pro is one of the best-fitting gloves to date. It is thanks to the internal comfort foams and AX Suede palm, which also features premium odor control with Microban Technology.

Pros Cons
Elite-level backhand impact protection Kevlar overlay might not be some player's preference
AX Suede Palm with highly durable overlay
Incredible fit and comfort



Honorable Mentions,
Warrior QR6 Pro & CCM JetSpeed FTW

It was extremely hard to leave the Warrior Covert QR6 Pro Glove out of the top two, but it should be highly considered for players who prioritize wrist slash protection. Warrior's AxyFlex cuff is the star of the show as it moves seamlessly with any movement of your wrist. It keeps protection exactly where it needs to be without limiting your range of motion for stickhandling, shooting or passing. It comes with an elite-level protection package and if you've ever worn a Warrior glove before, you know you'll be getting their Buttersoft Feel for silky comfort and a broken-in fit before you even hit the rink.

The CCM JetSpeed FTW Glove was perfectly built for women's hand proportions, delivering unmatched comfort and stick-handling performance for women. It also serves as a great option for any player with smaller hands in general and who has struggled to find a glove that fits them properly. It's built with an elite-level protection package, premium mobility and comfort, and CCM's AER-TEC Thermoregulation System for unmatched airflow.

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Best Hockey Gloves
For Performance-Level Players

For Overall Performance,
Warrior Covert QR6 Team Glove

Warrior Covert QR6 Team Glove Graphic
Warrior Covert QR6 Team Palm Graphic

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

Built for competitive hockey players who rely on great protection but are seeking a glove at a more approachable price should check out the Warrior Covert QR6 Team Glove. It has Warrior's Duo-Lam protection package, built for competitive impacts and features Warrior's Buttersoft Feel for game-ready mobility. Constructed with a durable exterior and highly comfortable palm, the QR6 Team is built to last.

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,
Winnwell AMP700 Glove

Winnwell AMP700 Hockey Glove Graphic
Winwell AMP700 Hockey Palm Graphic

$99.99 MSRP for Junior (10", 11", 12")
$109.99 MSRP for Senior (13", 14", 15")

Offering great value for the competitive player is the Winnwell AMP700 Glove. While color choices are limited, the protection features thick foams backed by PE inserts, a solid standard for any performance-level glove. A nash palm provides a comfortable and secure grip for your stick while internally, Cleansport NXT technology battles and eliminates odor caused by sweat and moisture.

Pros Cons
Affordable Limited color choices
Great protection package for competitive play Junior models have a 1-piece Thumb
Odor technology

Honorable Mentions,
CCM Tacks XF 80 & Sherwood Code Encrypt 2

The CCM Tacks XF 80 mirrors the same high-end fit you'll find in the XF Pro but comes with a more affordable protection package. Dual-density foams, PE inserts, and of course, CCM's Impact Protection Plate deliver great protection for the aggressive player without breaking the bank. Its nash palm excels at durability and moisture control while giving you a clean and comfortable stick connection.

A truly bang for your buck option is the Sherwood Code Encrypt 2 Hockey Glove. It offers the perfect balance of affordability and performance for highly skilled and competitive players. It shares many of the same elite-level features found in the top two price points, delivering outstanding comfort, protection, and performance while being under $100.

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Best Hockey Gloves
For Recreational-Level Players

For Overall Performance,
Warrior Rise Glove

Warrior Rise Glove Graphic
Warrior Rise Hockey Palm Graphic

$69.99 Junior MSRP (10", 11", 12")
$79.99 Senior MSRP (13", 14", 15")

The Warrior Rise Hockey Glove is a premium choice for the recreational player wanting great protection in a lightweight and comfortable package. It showcases a Clarino palm for a great stick feel and comes with an added overlay for extra durability. A soft microfiber liner delivers out-of-the-box comfort and does a great job at wicking away sweat and moisture.

Pros Cons
Lightweight 1-piece Thumb
Palm has overlay for added durability Limited color options
Game-ready mobility and comfort

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For Best Value,
Sherwood Code Encrypt 4 Glove

Sherwood Code Encrypt 4 Glove graphic
Sherwood Code Encrypt 4 Glove Palm graphic

$54.99 Junior MSRP (10", 11", 12")
$69.99 Senior MSRP (13", 14", 15")

Sherwood's Code Encrypt 4 Hockey Glove has a ton of value for the brand-new player, offering a great protection package that includes dual-density foams in the fingers. A standout feature at this price point is the addition of Microban technology, Sherwood's premium odor control that usually isn't found at this price.

Pros Cons
Affordable protection Limited to only black color
Microban odor technology No palm overlay
Nash palm 1-piece thumb

Honorable Mentions,
Winnwell AMP500 & Tour Code 3

Ideal for players in recreational hockey leagues, the Winnwell AMP500 offers a comfortable and tapered fit, contouring the natural shape of the hand that flares out at the cuff for great wrist mobility. Specifically designed for casual play, 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!