Red Dragon
Red Dragon Dreadnought Gloves
Red Dragon Dreadnought Gloves
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HGC Notes: This version comes with Rivets replacements, but it must be DIY (do it yourself).
We only recommend these gloves to the HEMA enthusiast that are capable of modifying equipment, or someone who wants a protective rapier glove for a one finger in ricasso grip. The Dreadnought can be good for One handed swords but it needs elastics or tape on the fingers to make sure those plates don't turn or shift.
After testing these gloves, we decided that these gloves are not safe for Longsword unless modified. We believe these gloves have the potential to be great, but with additional modifications. With mods, these gloves would be perfect for most trainers. Especially Sidesword, and Saber.
Suggestions on how to modify these gloves:
- Right now the plates tend to shift around the fingers,
so use tape or hair ties/elastics at the base of the finger joint or middle, and at the tip section.
- Replace the Knuckle bow rivets and finger rivets with Chicago binding screws and place nylon washers on the inside.
- Lastly, if you want it to be better for Longsword you will need foam padding in between the plastic and the glove.
- Link to modification instructions HERE
The gloves are ultra lightweight, and super sleek, it truly could be the perfect glove for sideswords and sabres. We tested these on various hilts, and they even fit in a rapier guard without the knuckle protruding or being a problem.
Red Dragon product description:
Our new Red Dragon Dreadnought gloves take hand protection to the next level! These highly articulated gloves offer an incredible balance between comfort, protection and dexterity. At only 295g each, they are some of the lightest hard-shell gauntlets on the market. They provide great protection when sparring with a range of different weaponry including sabre, messer and (controlled) longsword. They were developed to be budget friendly and are certainly the most protective 5 finger gloves at this price point.
The modular design makes them easy to repair when required (so put your duct tape away!) and allows for upgradable change parts to be added. These gloves will evolve based on continued and welcome feedback.
Please note: These gloves are not designed or recommended for high intensity longsword sparring or tournaments/competitions.
Customer Reviews
As a HEMA newcomer, I'm looking at these gloves pragmatically, through an engineer's lens; and I'm impressed. They've managed to create something really clever with simple materials.
Though I've only spired once with them so far, my first experience was actually pretty great. They fit well, and even fit in a small-ish saber guard, and gave me a confidence boost (I could feel the extra protection, so to speak). The protection did its job, and I am happy with how flexible they are.
The plastic parts seem solid, and took a few strong whacks - no pain. If a rivet pops out, it's no big deal - easy enough to fix while chilling on the couch watching Netflix.
The fabric's longevity is my main question mark. The fabric feels fine to me, but I'm not the best judge of that. Ideally, they'd last for years, but even if they don't, I think they're worth it to me at this price. I'm handy enough with repairs, and the gloves come with replacement rivets, plus spares (namely to replace the softer metallic rivets that were seemingly accidentally used in assembly). If they wear out sooner than expected, I won't be too bothered given the cost.
I am happy with my purchase, and I'm OK with the tradeoffs. I'll be keeping an eye out for new innovations that build on this concept!
