Best Waterski Gloves — The PIGOSKI Lineup
The short answer
If you're running the course at 32 off or shorter and want the longest-lasting glove, get THE APEX Kevlar — $69.99. If you're skiing recreationally or training, get ULTRA GRIP — $59.99. If you trick ski or you're a beginner working up to slalom, get GMS — $39.99. All three are built by professional waterskiers, worn by World Record holders and World Champions, and priced honestly.
The PIGOSKI lineup at a glance
| Model | Palm material | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE APEX | Kevlar + Alcantara | Tournament slalom (32 off and shorter) | $69.99 |
| ULTRA GRIP | Synthetic with Spider Web Grip™ | Everyday recreational and training slalom | $59.99 |
| GMS | Lightweight synthetic | Trick skiing and beginner slalom | $39.99 |
| ULTRA LINERS | Snug-fit liner | Pair with any glove for sore hands | $14.99 |
How to choose: what kind of skier are you?
Tournament slalom skier
If you're running the course at 32 off (52 km/h, 11.25 meters of line shortening) or shorter, the cable load on your hands is significant. You need a Kevlar palm that won't tear under repeated heavy pulls, and a closure system that locks the glove in place through every pass. THE APEX is built for that load. Kevlar palm infused with Alcantara for feel, D-ring closure, pre-curved fit broken in from the first pull.
Everyday recreational and training slalom
If you ski multiple times a week behind the boat but you're not pulling 38 off in a tournament, you don't need to spend tournament-tier money on a glove. ULTRA GRIP is the everyday workhorse — synthetic perforated palm with our proprietary Spider Web Grip™ stitching, a thread pattern engineered into the palm for maximum hold on the handle through every pull. Pre-curved, no break-in needed.
Trick skier or beginner
Trick ski demands different things from your gloves than slalom. You need maximum tactile feel for handle passes, minimum bulk on your hands, and a closure that doesn't get in the way of toe holds or rapid handle changes. GMS — Gravity Meets Speed is built for that. Worn by multiple World Record holders and World Champion trick skiers. The same lightweight, tactile feel makes it ideal for beginner slalom skiers learning the rope.
Kevlar vs. synthetic: which palm material do you need?
Kevlar is significantly more abrasion-resistant than synthetic palms. A Kevlar glove will outlast a synthetic glove by months or years if you're a heavy skier. The trade-off is feel — Kevlar is stiffer until it breaks in, or you can buy a pre-curved Kevlar glove like THE APEX that ships broken-in.
Synthetic palms with proper grip engineering — like the Spider Web Grip™ stitching on ULTRA GRIP — are softer, more flexible, and require no break-in. They wear faster than Kevlar but cost less and feel more like a second skin.
Rule of thumb: if you run the course at 32 off or shorter and ski more than once a week, the Kevlar APEX pays for itself in longevity. If you ski recreationally, ULTRA GRIP is the better value.
What pros wear
The PIGOSKI lineup is worn by a roster of World Record holders, World Champions, and Pan American Games champions. The brand is built by professional waterskiers, not a generalist watersports brand stretching to fill a glove SKU. Specialist beats generalist.
Pricing
PIGOSKI gloves are priced honestly. APEX at $69.99, ULTRA GRIP at $59.99, GMS at $39.99. The construction is tournament-grade, the materials are well known, and there's no markup tax built into the brand.
Find the right size
Use the Kiwi Sizing tool on each product page — it asks for hand circumference and hand length and recommends a size. If you're between sizes, size down for tournament use (locked-in feel) and size up for recreational use (forgiving fit). Returns are accepted within 30 days if the fit isn't right.
Frequently asked questions
Are PIGOSKI gloves real Kevlar?
THE APEX uses a Kevlar palm infused with Alcantara. ULTRA GRIP uses a high-grip perforated synthetic with Spider Web Grip™ stitching — no Kevlar. GMS uses a thin synthetic for maximum tactile feel — no Kevlar.
How long do waterski gloves last?
A Kevlar glove like THE APEX can last 2-3 seasons of heavy slalom use. A synthetic glove like ULTRA GRIP typically lasts 1-2 seasons depending on frequency. Saltwater and direct sun shorten lifespan; rinse and air-dry after every ski to extend it.
Can I use the same gloves for slalom and trick?
Technically yes, but you'll be happier with a glove built for the discipline. Heavy slalom load wears out a thin trick glove fast. A heavy slalom glove is bulky for trick handle passes. THE APEX or ULTRA GRIP for slalom; GMS for trick.
Do PIGOSKI gloves run small or large?
True to size for most skiers. Use the Kiwi Sizing widget on each product page. Most skiers between two sizes prefer to size down for tournament use and size up for recreational use.
Where are PIGOSKI gloves made?
Built by professional waterskiers and manufactured to spec. The brand is based in Winter Garden, Florida.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. International shipping via USPS or DHL, typically 7-21 business days depending on destination. International customers are responsible for any customs duties.
Built by professional waterskiers.
World Records. World Champions. Tournament gear at an honest price.