At SPOVAK, which will be held 16-17 March 2014 in Biddinghuizen, the Netherlands, Hunter Sportswear launched its latest innovation: a safety glove for ice-skaters with the highest´class 5´cut resistance. The glove represents a breakthrough in hand safety. It offers users the highest level of cut resistance, combined with a high level of comfort. Thanks to its light weight, the glove is able to provide wearer comfort comparable to that of standard sports gloves.
The enabling technology behind the new glove is breakthrough Dyneema® Diamond Technology, a patented fibre innovation from DSM Dyneema. The key feature is that the yarn has a cut-resistance twice as high compared to regular High Molecular Polyethylene yarn, which can be achieved without the use of glass or steel. Gloves reinforced with fiberglass or steel are heavy and stiff, making them uncomfortable to wear. Moreover, fiberglass is brittle and may break during use and cause skin irritation.
Dyneema® Diamond Technology is the only fibre that can be used to create a comfortable, thin, supple glove that guarantees up to Level 5 protection, making the level of protection these gloves offer similar to that provided by gloves reinforced with fibreglass or steel. However, gloves made with this advanced technology remain lightweight and flexible.
Hunter spokesperson, Jeroen de Vries, explains: ´Ice-skating is a wonderful sport, but it is not without danger. Sharp blades can be dangerous ´ especially during a fall or in a crowded ice rink. Hands and particularly fingers are at risk. So ice-skaters are looking for increased hand safety. Having worked with DSM Dyneema before, we realised that class 5 was attainable, without the use of glass/significant loss of dexterity. This inspired us to work with DSM to develop this particular solution. Thanks to these new gloves, maximum hand safety is now available.´
De Vries adds: ´Just like cyclists have accepted the need for bicycle helmets, both professional and recreational ice-skaters are looking increasingly for greater levels of protection. In my view, over the next five years or so we will see a growing demand for protective sportswear.´
For further information:
Anouk Luykx,
Tel.: 164 317 017,
Email: aluykx@emg-pr.com