5.11 Tactical Taclite 4.0 Gloves

5.11 Tactical is a California-based company known for designing and manufacturing high-performance tactical apparel, gear, and accessories. The brand originated in the 1960s when rock climber Royal Robbins developed the first pair of durable climbing pants, named “5.11” after the highest level of difficulty in the Yosemite Decimal System, signifying exceptional performance. In 2003, the company was officially established as 5.11 Tactical, focusing on outfitting law enforcement, military personnel, and first responders. Over the years, the brand expanded its offerings to include tactical backpacks, footwear, and everyday carry (EDC) gear, catering to professionals and outdoor enthusiasts. In my opinion, 5.11 has come a very long way since I was first introduced to the brand about 15 years ago. Today, we will be looking at their Taclite 4.0 Gloves.

5.11 Tactical Coverage on AllOutdoor

The 5.11 Taclite 4.0 Gloves were provided by 5.11 for this review, and while I am allowed to keep them indefinitely, this will not change my current or future opinions of their products. I have been using these gloves for about 9 months at this point. 

First Impressions

When I first got my hands on the 5.11 Taclite 4.0 Gloves, I was immediately drawn to their sleek, tactical design. Known for producing gear for law enforcement and military use, 5.11 brings that same quality to these gloves, but they’re accessible enough for everyday folks. They’re made from tough nylon ribspan with a breathable four-way stretch, which gives them a durable yet flexible feel. The sheepskin palm caught my attention right away—it’s soft but responsive, hinting at the precision they’d offer. The adjustable hook-and-loop wrist closure and a handy sweat-wipe cuff round out the design, making them feel practical and well-thought-out.

Ease of Use

Something I love about these gloves is how user-friendly they are. Slipping them on is a breeze—no awkward tugging or bunching, just a smooth fit. The hook-and-loop closure lets me tweak the snugness to my liking, which is great whether I’m prepping for a range session or a round of golf. Taking them off is just as easy, which I appreciate when I’m switching tasks quickly.

They also come with touchscreen compatibility, a feature I didn’t expect to love as much as I do. At the range, I can check my phone for a timer or app without stripping off the gloves. On the golf course, I’ve used it to update my scorecard digitally—super convenient. The sweat-wipe cuff is another small but brilliant touch. During a hot day swinging clubs, I found myself wiping my brow more than once, and it held up without feeling gross or soggy.

Dexterity for Shooting

When it comes to shooting, dexterity is non-negotiable, and the Taclite 4.0 Gloves deliver. The sheepskin palm provides excellent tactile feedback, letting me feel the trigger and grip my firearm confidently. I’ve used them with both pistols and rifles, and in every case, they’ve kept my accuracy on point—no slippage, even after hours of use. Reloading magazines and adjusting small controls felt natural, almost like I wasn’t wearing gloves at all.

Dexterity for Golfing

Golfing was where these gloves surprised me. I wasn’t sure how a tactical glove would fare on the course, but they adapted beautifully. The sheepskin palm gave me a secure yet sensitive grip on my clubs, letting me feel every swing from tee to green. Driving shots felt powerful, and putting was precise—two things that matter a lot in a golf glove.

The breathable stretch material kept my hands cool over 18 holes, which is a big win in warm weather like Alabama. They’re thicker than traditional golf gloves, though, so if you’re used to that featherlight feel, it might take some adjusting. For me, the extra sturdiness was worth it, especially since I can use them beyond the course.

Versatility Across Tasks

These gloves aren’t just a one- or two-trick pony. I’ve worn them for yard work, driving, and even some light DIY projects, and they’ve held up every time. The nylon construction shrugs off rough handling, and the sheepskin palm keeps my grip solid, whether I’m wielding a rake or a steering wheel. During a recent landscaping stint, they saved my hands from blisters while letting me handle tools with finesse. The touchscreen feature came clutch again when I needed to check my phone mid-task.

Pros and Cons

After months of testing, here’s my take on the 5.11 Taclite 4.0 Gloves:

Pros:

• The nylon ribspan and sheepskin combo is surprisingly durable.
• Fantastic feel for shooting and golfing.
• Breathable and adjustable, they stay comfy even during long wear.
• From the range to the course to the yard, they handle it all and are very versatile

Cons:

• Sizing can run small—check the chart carefully before buying.
• Around $40, they’re not cheap, but the quality feels worth it to me.

Final Thoughts

The 5.11 Taclite 4.0 Gloves have won me over with their ease of use and dexterity across shooting, golfing, and more. They’re not the lightest gloves on the market, but their durability and versatility make them a great choice and if you need any more or a reason to buy them, just ask James Reeves, he is always endorsing them. If you’re looking for a pair that can keep up with your active lifestyle, I’d say give these a shot.

Patrik Orcutt

Patrik is a freelance photographer who has been lucky enough to see a lot of the world and document his travels with his camera. He has worked for the U.S. government as a Public Affairs Officer documenting Multi-National Special Forces Training around the World. He is currently working on becoming a Blackhawk Pilot for the Army while being an avid gear junky and outdoor enthusiast.