Rival RS1 Pro Sparring Gloves Review w/ Photos.

ECS123

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RIVAL # RS1. HI PERFORMANCE LACE PRO SPARRING GLOVES (LONG CUFF). BLACK/ GREY. 16oz.

Manufacturer's Description:

1.0 mm full grain all-leather construction.
Patent pending Ergolace Track System.
15 degree angled "Lace Track" at wrist for anatomical fit.
"X-Lace Track" on cuff for perfect lacing every time.
Over 1.75" of layered foam padding.

The "Lace Track" eliminates risk of lace burns. Unique Conic design with an extended cuff for maximum support and coverage. Ultra-comfortable laminated inner lining. Micro injected logo on the wrist.

Colors available from Rival for the RS1 Model are: Black/ Grey, Blue/ Grey, Red/ Grey, and in 14, 16, 18oz.

Price: $99.99.

Title MMA only carries the RS1 Model in Black/ Grey in 14, 16, 18oz.
Purchased from Title MMA at titlemma.com.

About Purchase:

Placing an order online was smooth and efficient. Title MMA's "new" website is well laid out and item size, color, and (accurate) stock availability is shown. Confirmation email was sent within 24 hours, tracking number was sent within 24 hours, and purchase was promptly shipped. Item was received within 2 days, and was well packaged.

About Product:

The gloves arrived well packaged in the original factory plastic bag, and initial impressions were that these are nice gloves. It was obvious that the gloves are professional grade, and the design, material, and workmanship are high quality. The thick, full grain, high quality leather has a semi-soft broken in, yet very durable feel to it. The gloves are very well padded in the fist, thumb, wrist, and on any contact areas. The padding thickness is 1.75"+ and the composition is what I consider to be optimum for protection to your hands, and your sparring partner. The stitching is high quality, it does not wander, and it is reinforced in all stress areas.

The graphics are micro injected, and labels are well done and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The internal lining is a soft, smooth, snag free material that envelopes the hand and wrist, and the internal wrist area is stitched compartmentally to prevent any shifting or clumping of the internal padding. This is an additional plus in the design, as I do not believe the type of internal padding used would be prone to clump anyway.

When you slip your hand into the glove, it feels like you are putting on a well made, well padded winter glove, but there is "no" excessive heat build up, and I believe moisture wicking capabilities will work well, and excessive heat should not be a problem. The glove has the grip bar feature, fits very well, and making a fist feels very natural. This model is listed as the "long cuff" version and should probably be more aptly named as, "the perfect length" version, for anyone who is interested in something other than a "short cuff" version. The longer cuff length, and lace up version provides excellent wrist support and padding.

And, now on to the topic of innovative design features. This model has several which include the following:
* Patent Pending Ergolace Track System, and
* The 15 Degree Angled "Lace Track" at Wrist for Anatomical Fit.

Now, let me preface this by saying, "I'm a traditional, old school, type of guy" that is not easily impressed with so called "innovative designs." They are what I commonly refer to as, "gimmicky." However, I must admit that these features truly are an "innovative design", and a long overdue, welcome design improvement. The Ergolace "X-Track" System allows you to criss cross the laces around the glove cuff, and they are laid below the surface in tracks that run between the padding. Not only is it a more secure lacing method, but it should also just about virtually eliminate the possibility of lace burns.

The other feature is the 15 Degree Anatomically Angled Wrist. This feature is not excessive and not only feels very comfortable and natural, but it also aids in having the punch strike impact on the proper section of the knuckles and fist.

I would say that in the one-hundred dollar price range, these are exceptionally nice, well made gloves, that the dedicated enthusiast would be very pleased to own. However, the truth is that these are exceptionally nice, well made gloves, for any high end price range. And, certainly very well worth the current asking price of $99.99.

I would rate these gloves as a solid 4.75/5 stars on overall quality, design, features, and price.

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Size Comparasion: Left to Right.

* Fairtex BGV1 Gloves 14oz.,
* Title Pro Super Bag Gloves 14oz.,
* Rival RS1 Pro Sparring Gloves 16oz.

I hope that this review was helpful!

:icon_chee
 
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Good review.

I'm getting the RS2 within a few weeks. I'd normally have gone for the RS1 (very focussed on wrist support), but Title had the RS2 on sale.

Does this mean you're done looking at the IMFs? :D
 
Good review.

I'm getting the RS2 within a few weeks. I'd normally have gone for the RS1 (very focussed on wrist support), but Title had the RS2 on sale.

Does this mean you're done looking at the IMFs? :D

I'm sure that you will like the RS2's. Ringside was out of stock on the IMF's in the color that I wanted, and I had been looking at the RS1's for a while, so I decided to go with the Rival's. And, I am very happy that I did.

:icon_chee
 
I guess we both wasted quite a bit of time researching them then :D

Congratulations on your purchase!
 
I'm so glad you did this review. I think you've made up my mind. Now, to ste...manage $100 for new gloves....
 
I'm so glad you did this review. I think you've made up my mind. Now, to ste...manage $100 for new gloves....

I am happy to hear that you found this review helpful. The design, materials, and attention to detail on these gloves is excellent. I am sure that you would be pleased with them.

:icon_chee
 
Those gloves looks sick! Thanks for the review.
 
so how is the wrist support? is it better than imf tech, or grants, or about the same?
 
so how is the wrist support? is it better than imf tech, or grants, or about the same?

The wrist support on the RS1's is second to none. I really do like my IMF's however, the RS1's are about the best that I have seen in that area.

:icon_chee
 
@ECS123 or anyone else with these gloves

can you use these on the bags?
 
@ECS123 or anyone else with these gloves

can you use these on the bags?

You can.. but you'll be replacing it very quickly. The padding is designed differently to a bag glove, and is much less dense. Just pick up a pair of their bag gloves, elite or d3o. All their gear is amazing.
 
What is the difference of gloves RS1 from RS2? Which is better to take?
 
anybody know how they compare against Reyes gloves?

I haven't used these gloves so can't comment re feel or padding (great review did a good job on that though), but from the Rival stuff I've seen in the gym the build quality is decent but not in the same league as Reyes.
 
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I haven't used these gloves so can't comment re feel or padding (great review did a good job on that though), but from the Rival stuff I've seen in the gym the build quality is decent but not in the same league as Reyes.

Thanks, I'm looking for an 18oz, so it's down to the rival rs1, Everlast mx, or Cleto Reyes.

Maybe since I already have a reyes glove I'm looking for something new, but if I have to go with reyes again I will
 
Thanks, I'm looking for an 18oz, so it's down to the rival rs1, Everlast mx, or Cleto Reyes.

Maybe since I already have a reyes glove I'm looking for something new, but if I have to go with reyes again I will

I am curious about the MX myself. The RS1s are a high quality glove, but feel lighter than Reyes and no leather beats the leather on the Reyes IMO. The wrist support on the RS1s is superior and the padding is more protective for sparring than the Reyes.

All and all a good alternative if you already have Reyes and want something more cushioned. I emphasize they do feel lighter than the stated weight despite their size and level of protection.

All the best
Gus
 
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