Mechanix M-Pact
The Mechanix M-Pact are mid-range impact resistant work gloves. In addition to the general protective function, like any other gloves, their design features allow you to additionally protect the palms and knuckles from shocks and vibrations (scientifically: metacarpophalangeal joints). The name "M-Pact" is derived from the English "Impact" (impact).
These gloves can be used for any activity that requires hand protection: repair and construction work, extreme sports, auto-moto-bike, military-sporting events, etc. They are also suitable as weapons.
The M-Pact is arguably the most popular and extensive range of Mechanix gloves and deservedly so - they perfectly combine good protection, comfort, lightness, and an affordable price tag. To help you more easily identify in all their diversity, I will briefly give you the main differences between the modifications of the M-Pact gloves. Each model has a link to their official page.
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M-Pact - let's call them the "basic" model, which is what the further review is devoted to. At the moment there are 5 colors: red, black-yellow, black-blue, black-gray, black-red.
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M-Pact Covert is a military model. It differs from the basic one only in a modest black color and a loop on the cuff in the area of the fastener.
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MultiCam M-Pact - the same as Covert, but in camouflage colors (there is also Coyote brown).
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M-Pact Fingerless - half gloves (fingerless). The differences, I think, are obvious.
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The Women’s M-Pact is a women’s model, women’s size. Surprisingly, there is only one color - nondescript gray, even pink ones were not made.
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Material4X M-Pact - synthetic leather palm Material4Xwhich is more resistant to abrasion and wear than conventional synthetic leather.
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The Safety M-Pact (Hi-Viz) - enhanced protection gloves. TRP toe pads are lengthened to the very tips. The thumb and part of the index finger received the same overlays. They have a bright "fluorescent" color of light green and orange (they do not glow by themselves, do not think), the inscriptions are applied with reflective paint.
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M-Pact CR5 - cut resistant gloves (declared level 5 according to CE / EN388). In terms of execution, they are similar to the previous ones, but the palm has an Armortex layer. These are the most protected and most expensive gloves in the M-Pact series.
None of the listed gloves are fireproof! Do not use them near open flames, sparks, high temperatures, etc.
Features of Mechanix M-Pact gloves (basic):
- Impact Guard - foam pad EVA to protect the first knuckle.
- Thermoplastic rubber pads (TPR) to protect your knuckles and fingers.
- Elastic material TrekDry for comfortable ventilation.
- TPR closure with Velcro for a secure fit.
- Reinforced palms made of Armortex (tough textured rubberized fabric).
- Two-layer material at the tips of the index and thumb.
- Raised forefinger and thumb for a better grip.
- Inserts from Poron XRD to absorb shocks and vibrations.
- Durable synthetic leather palm.
The correct size is easy to find out by measuring the circumference of the arm with a measuring tape. Wrap the tape around your arm at the widest point of your palm and check the length on the chart. On the pages of gloves (links above) there is a PDF document that needs to be printed and by attaching a hand to the printout, you can find out the size (it takes into account not only the width, but also the length of the hand). If your girth is in the middle of the dimensions, then the manufacturer advises you to take the smaller one.
The official price for M-Pact gloves is from $ 26 to $ 42 depending on the model. The standard model is priced at $ 35, but you can find them on Ebay and Amazon for $ 20-25 (plus shipping). The main thing is to beware of fakes! (see comparison of original gloves and fakes). Russian prices at the moment are 1600-2200 rubles. Not cheap, but there are gloves and more.This, probably, is the meaning of protection, that your limbs are always more valuable.
Ergonomics
It is clear that it is not yet possible to convey personal feelings over the Internet, but I will try to show and tell how Mechanix M-Pact sit and how they behave in practice.
The palm rests do not impede movement at all, but they take on a more ergonomic position with the updated gloves.
But the joint of the index finger is practically unprotected from direct blows. The available pad covers only the base of the finger from the side, which is a very good position to protect the joint from, for example, the blow of a flying hammer. All other knuckles are covered with a 5mm TRP layer.
The cuts in the linings in places fall on the joint, in places not quite, and it's not even the size that matters. Fortunately, the TRP is so soft that even if these slots were not there at all, it would not interfere with the movement of the fingers.
The clasp can snag its protruding edge on clothing or objects and unfasten, but the new edition Velcro minimizes this.
Of course, any gloves reduce the sensitivity and dexterity of the fingers, but in the M-Pact you can easily work with small objects, press small buttons, etc. Naturally, they do not work with capacitive smartphone screens.
The double but soft tips of the updated version are more comfortable, although the Armortex will be more durable, especially when working with rough materials.
In general, the gloves are very comfortable, and the updated version wins in this regard. They sit like family, even though they are larger, but for better tactile sensations, it is desirable that they fit more tightly.
Mechanix M-Pact is moderately warm and breathable, which allows them to be used over a fairly wide range of temperatures. At + 25 ° and above, it can already be hot in them. At subzero temperatures, they warm up a little, but in the absence of strong winds. In cold weather, TPR linings hardly tan, but Poron XRD inserts become like a crust (simple EVA does not do that).
Peculiarities
It should be noted right away that this manufacturer has always been “on the edge of innovation”. He even began his work by launching a product that was then unusual on the market - tactical gloves. This Mechanix wear development was presented in 1991, when the Daytona 500 was held. The company is headquartered in Valencia (California). Already its first products, despite the meager assortment, found wide demand in different parts of the world.
The popularity of the products of this brand is not decreasing. New research and technological searches are being actively pursued. Mechanix wear strives to create gloves that are impeccable in functionality, size and dimensions.
Testing of new products takes place in a wide variety of conditions, and the assortment allows you to find the optimal solution for:
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motorcycle racers;
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race car drivers;
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working personnel;
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police officers;
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military personnel;
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staff of gardens and parks;
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representatives of rescue and fire departments;
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foresters;
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home craftsmen.
The company promises to consumers:
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flawless anatomical design;
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long period of use;
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modern execution;
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ease of washing in household washing machines;
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resistance to flame, various blows and cuts.
How to choose?
The main thing is to avoid cheap fakes. These Mechanix wear products are at least in the middle price range. The position in the size range is selected taking into account the length of the index finger and the width of the palm. It is worth considering that sometimes the size of the thumb is critical. A good product should not have bad seams and protruding threads. The rest of the requirements are clear:
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for construction and industrial work, the most important thing is resistance to cuts, pricks and blows;
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tourists are more interested in moisture resistance;
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equipment for hunters, fishermen, military and police officers is selected taking into account the sensitivity of the palm and ease of manipulation;
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be sure to take reviews into account;
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attentive people get acquainted with the current recommendations on the forums and only contact specialized stores and official outlets of the brand.
Watch a video on how to distinguish original Mechanix wear from a fake one.
Range
Start your review with the 2010 M-Pact Covert Glove Impact Resistant Tactical Gloves. Enhanced protection is achieved with a rubber cover and EVA foam pads. The TPR cuff is complemented by a toe area made of the same material. Effective joint protection is provided.
Full protection is promised with the ArmorCore Extrication Glove. Such characteristics, of course, led to a noticeable increase in price. But the product is perfect for rescue operations even in case of fires. Covering the palmar area will reliably protect against cuts and punctures. The upper is made of Kevlar and the most vulnerable areas are reinforced with TPR.
The Mechanix CG Polar Pro Glove is a great winter glove designed even for extremely cold days. Re-used TPR protection to protect against impact without compromising mobility. The combination of natural leather and water-resistant nylon is quite justified.
The Mechanix original Covert Glove deservedly belongs to the universal category. In the description, the manufacturer focuses on original performance and high functionality at the same time. With a reversible spandex upper, the fit is better than expected. The special Trek Dry material enhances micro-ventilation. The Velcro system helps to adjust the volume around the wrist.
The Safety FastFit gloves are suitable for work purposes. Stripes of reflective material and a particularly contrasting insert contribute to increased visibility. Long cuffs simplify handling and ensure a tight fit. Additionally, reinforcement panels were used between the fingers and on the thumb.
