Riposte Parafencing Glove
// A WORLD FIRST PARAFENCING GLOVE providing secure agility
FIT Design Award Winner 2024 - parasports
https://fitdesignawards.com/winners/fit/2024/355/0/
A sport product design specific honor awarded by a jury of industry professionals and esteemed educators.
The Riposte Parafencing Glove is a glove designed specifically for world-class Parafencers, or Wheelchair Fencers, who wear off-hand gloves to better grip the guide rails on their wheelchairs. This glove features directional and dynamic grip that improves rail agility without limiting gripping power - it actually increases it. Additionally, the patterning is designed to limit seam ripping and wear, and key laser-cut perforations and material choices allow for enhanced flexibility and ease of use gripping the rail. A pull tab and easy velcro tab make donning and doffing the glove a breeze during intense matches or lengthy practice sessions. Team USA logoing and a colorway that complements parafencer's uniforms makes for a professional look that will complement any Paralympians' style.
The Riposte Parafencing Glove uses a seamless synthetic leather palm that is directionally mapped in relationship to the way parafencers slide across their off-hand guide/grab rail on their wheelchair. This pattern is realized through a series of raised synthetic leather ridges that are raised with compressible foam. In the valleys of these ridges there is silicone bemis, which is extremely grippy. The idea is that as the parafencers reposition their hands on their guide rail, they will have maximum agility with a loose grip due to the decrease in friction with the first contact-point being the leather and not the bemis. Once the parafencers grip down on the rail, the silicone bemis will engage with the metal rail and dramatically increase the grip, giving them an extra secure hold on-demand. The directionality of the ridges also means that during a strong grip rotation is extremely difficult, but repositioning by sliding will be optimized. They can still rotate by releasing pressure on their grip. The lack of seams on the palm increases durability. Laser cut thumb vents improve flexibility. A knit back is breathable, wicking, and comfort. Straps and pull tabs make for easy on/off.
Slide Deck
