One of the most important people in the FootJoy golf glove manufacturing process is Mr Medium.
He, together with Mr Medium Large and Mrs Small, sits at the end of the production line to test and validate the size of every glove before they are shipped to the consumer. The size of his hand guarantees a perfect fit and it is this attention to detail that helps FootJoy gloves stand out from the crowd.
One of its premium offerings is the StaSof glove, which FootJoy has been making since 1980 and the 13th generation continues the tradition of craftsmanship with over 40 steps involved in making one glove.
So does the latest FootJoy StaSof meet the expectations created by its distinguished ancestors?
The quality of the Pittards Taction 2 Advanced Performance leather is evident as soon as you take the StaSof from the packet and it has a quality feel on the hand. A golf glove should be like a second skin and this is exactly how the StaSof feels when you put it on.
It is made to an exacting specification of 0.4mm to 0.45mm thick and when you hold the club you lose nothing of the feel in your hands. Instead you get a reassuring feeling of quality and performance that gives you confidence to swing freely.
This particular leather has been a staple in FootJoy gloves for some time, such as the SciFlex that uses it in the palm.
From experience I know that it is reasonably hard wearing and certainly up to expectations of premium gloves that are designed for performance rather than durability.
A new single stitch PowerNet knuckle, which minimises seam contact on the hand, has been added and together with finer gauge elastics works really well as the StaSof is extremely comfortable with a lightweight feel. The moisture wicking elastic cuff has been re-designed and is soft and unobtrusive when you address the ball.
The glove's breathability is excellent, with the PowerNet knuckle working with micro perforations found on the front and rear of the fingers.
This helps to keep your hands cool and dry in hot conditions although these gloves will actually perform even better in higher humidity as the leather acts to increase grip as your hand perspires.
For a glove to work properly choosing the correct size is crucial so you should pay as much attention to making sure a glove fits as you would a shoe. Most people use a glove that is 1 or 2 sizes too large and a good rule of thumb is that the closure tab on the back of the glove, in the case of the StaSof a new ComforTab Velcro closure, should have a quarter of an inch of Velcro still showing when you have put the glove on.
As it's a premium golf glove you will want your StaSof to last as long as possible and the best way to do this is to help maintain its shape, and therefore the fit on your hand. One tip that will help is storing the glove in the packet between rounds rather than folding and leaving it in a pocket of your bag.
The golf glove is an often overlooked piece of equipment but for golfers who put performance first the FootJoy StaSof should be at the top of your shopping list.