When selecting seamless work gloves, grip is one of the most important features to consider. After all, seamless gloves are designed to provide a second-skin feel — but without the right grip, that comfort won’t translate into safety or performance.
The type of grip you need depends on your work environment. Are you handling oily machine parts, working in wet outdoor conditions, or dealing with dry materials? What hazards are present, and what kind of tools or equipment will you be managing?
A poor grip can compromise the entire glove. Even if it’s protective, a glove that slips or fails to hold securely can slow workers down, reduce productivity, and increase the risk of hand-related injuries. A well-matched grip, on the other hand, boosts dexterity, control, and durability — making seamless gloves work to their full potential.
So, how do you know which seamless glove grip is right for your job? Let’s walk through the most common options and what they bring to the table.
Types of coating and their grips
Polyurethane: Polyurethane, or PU, is a lightweight, flexible, durable grip coating that features good abrasion and puncture resistance. This coating is incredibly popular and sufficient for a wide range of applications.
Helix® products with a polyurethane grip: 1033, 1074, 1074IMP, 1082, 2050, 2052, 2068, 2070, 2076, 2085, 3013, 3059, 3060
Natural wrinkle rubber latex: Natural rubber latex is flexible, more resistant to abrasion compared to PU and nitrile, but has minimal tackiness. Natural rubber latex features an excellent dry grip.
Helix® products with a natural rubber latex grip: 2061, 2081, 2086X, 3070, 2081, 3070W, 3071
Sandy nitrile: Sandy nitrile is, of course, known for its high abrasion resistance. It’s also more elastic and form-fitting compared to other nitrile coatings. It’s excellent in oily situations and very good in wet environments.
Helix® products with a sandy nitrile grip: 1075, 1075IMP, 1095, 2059, 2062, 2065, 2073, 2074, 2077, 2096, 3006, 3014, 3014IMP, 3027, 3027IMP
Foam nitrile: Gloves with a sponge coating (chemically foamed) are softer and more flexible than flat nitrile and perform well in dry and oily applications.
Helix® products with a foam/sponge nitrile: 1053, 1081, 1091, 1092, 2052, 2066, 2080, 3016, 3025, 3026, 3026IMP, 3051, 3062, 3062IMP
Micro foam nitrile: Formulated to be thinner than a nitrile foam coating, micro nitrile coatings can have a slightly tacky finish and feature good breathability and flexibility.
Helix® products with a micro nitrile grip: 1041, 1042, 1070, 1071, 1073, 2089, 3015
Extra Grip (XG) foam nitrile: Solvent-free and derma safe, the Extra Grip nitrile coating offers excellent dexterity for an exceptional grip in wet or oily situations.
Helix® products with an XG nitrile grip: 1090, 3055
Neoprene/nitrile blend: A neoprene-nitrile blend coating offers superior abrasion resistance compared to latex. Flame-retardant and solvent-free – this blend is safe for people with a latex allergy.
Helix® products with neoprene/nitrile blend grip: 2082
Flat nitrile: A thin, liquid-resistant barrier. Very tacky with superior grip in dry environments.
Helix® products with a flat nitrile grip: 1040
PrimeFoam: Premium Foam Nitrile dip with higher abrasion resistance compared to flat nitrile and PU.
Helix® products with a PrimeFoam grip: 3010, 3011, 3022, and 3023
PrimeSoft: Premium Foam Nitrile dip with higher abrasion resistance compared to flat nitrile and PU. Superior grip in dry, wet, and oily conditions.
Helix® products with a PrimeSoft grip: 3050
Silicone Xtra grip (SXG) foam silicone: A soft, extremely grippy, non-marking dip built explicitly for the glass industry and plastic industries.
Helix® products with a SXG foam silicone grip: 3084
Soft nitrile: Solvent-free and derma-safe. Similar performance to foam nitrile, but is thinner and has better flexibility.
Helix® products with soft nitrile blend grip: 3054
What's right seamless coated grip for you?
With seamless work gloves offering so many grip options, it’s easy for workers to default to trial and error when finding a favorite. While some coatings clearly perform better in certain environments — like nitrile for oily conditions or polyurethane for dry precision work — the right choice often depends on balancing application needs with personal preference.
HexArmor® can help
From the oil rig to the warehouse to the lumber mill, HexArmor’s seamless glove lineup offers a wide range of grip coatings — giving workers the flexibility, durability, and breathability they need to stay productive in any environment.
Do you have questions about which glove materials are best for your application? Let us know if you need help, or click here if you're ready to start a trial - our Solution Specialists are ready to work with you. Call 1.877.MY.ARMOR or send us a message.
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