Hand & Sun Protection

New Sun-reflecting, fish-fighting gloves from Buff, originally uploaded by Western Sport Shop.

Buff has made some excellent protective headgear for a few years now. We brought it in a go0d assortment last year, and it more than took off in popularity with anglers who spend a fair amount of time out in the sun.

The basic Buff Headwear is a simple tube, which can be worn in about a dozen ways without even thinking about it. We stock two models in a couple dozen patterns and styles - the "UV Buff" which is made with Coolmax Exteme fabric - a four-channel fiber forms a transport system that pulls moisture away from the skin to outer layers of the fabric, and it dries faster than any other fabric, thermoregulating the body - which blocks somewhere around 95% of the UV rays.

This is important for someone who spends any time around the water - where sunblock gets washed off pretty easily. With the Buff, it's easy and comfortable to wear it loosely around the neck at the start of the day, then pull it up to cover your ears or even the crown of your head as the sun rises. Easy and comfortable means you are likely to use it.

Of course, the sharp-eyed among you realize the above photo shows a pair of gloves - specifically the Buff Fighting Work Gloves. These were announced last fall, and we've been excited to get our shipment -

(excuse the press release, but they say it better than I could)

Buff Fighting Work Gloves

The Buff® Pro-Series Fighting Work Gloves...the best all purpose fishing glove! It will provide you multipurpose fish handling, light wiring and leadering, grabbing large catches or bills, as well as removing hooks. Pole grip palm makes it ideal for poling and paddling

Features & Benefits:

1. UPF 50+. Breathable, moisture wicking, 2-way Comfort Stretch for lateral movement.
2. Anatomical Thumb and wipe patch.
3. Adjustable hook and loop closure.
4. Full finger for protection.
5. Fingertip pulls.
6. 3 fingertip cut for dexterity.
7. Ergonomically stitched palm and fingers for natural, curved hand position which then reduces fatigue.
8. Durable Japanese aquatic synthetic suede. Will hold up to wet conditions and dries quickly.
9. Reinforced palm overlay and unique design which reduces bunching.
10. Flex Tech^™ adjustable cuff for mobility.

Now, we've also received the Buff Angler Gloves, which are a little lighter weight -

(more press release to follow...)

Buff Angler Glove

Pro-Series Angler Gloves, you'll never fish without them again. Every detail thoughtfully engineered for dexterity, comfort and the ultimate in Ultra Violet protection.

Ultraviolet Protection Factor(UPF):

Features & Benefits:

1. UPF 50+. Breathable, moisture wicking, 2-way Comfort Stretch for lateral movement.
2. Anatomical Thumb.
3. Extended cuff for UV Protection of wrist area.
4. Finger tip pulls makes it easier to pull off after use.
5. Fingertip cut for dexterity
6. Stripping guard-stitched with Dupont^® for added strength.
7. Accordion Finger Grip-Provides better grip and less hand fatigue which means better performance
8. Diamond Grip™ Palm by Clarino™-Each individual diamond cut provides suction power and extra grip for wet and dry conditions.
9. Ergonomically shaped palm/fingers-Designed and engineered for natural hand curve position which reduces bunching.
10. Durable Japanese aquatic synthetic suede-Will hold up to wet conditions better and dries quickly.

Both of these gloves provide 50+ UPF protection, are comfortable to wear all day and most importantly, give some protection to the easily sun-scorched hands - check them out in both stores this weekend!