Leather Keeping Gloves Built for Test Level: Gray-Nicolls Pro Performance Wicket Keeping Gloves in White
Overview
The Gray-Nicolls Pro Performance wicket keeping gloves are Test-level leather keeping gloves for keepers who take their game seriously. This white pair comes in Youth, Adult and Large. An updated Octopus rubber grip, backed by an XRD layer for impact protection, gives a large, grippy catching surface.
These gloves sit in the 2027 Classic range, one step below the Classic Players Edition. The outer is a grade A leather combination, and the lining is leather too. The Octopus palm feels soft and tacky as the ball arrives. That helps it stay in the gloves on a sharp edge.
Inside each finger, ultra light thimbles with vapour foam inserts guard the tips against a ball that jams the fingers. Winter nets are close and Christmas is ahead. A new pair makes a smart gift for a keeper getting ready for April.
Features
- Grippy catching surface: the updated Octopus rubber palm puts a large area in contact with the ball, so catches feel secure.
- Protection under the palm: an XRD layer behind the grip helps absorb the sting of fast deliveries.
- Safer fingertips: ultra light thimbles with vapour foam inserts protect the ends of your fingers without adding much weight.
- Natural catching shape: the improved T-shaped webbing between thumb and finger helps the glove close around the ball.
- Less bulk at the wrist: a leather cuff with HD foam padding protects the wrist while keeping the glove trim.
- Premium feel: grade A leather on the outside and a leather lining inside give a soft, supple fit.
- Clean white finish: the white colourway suits traditional whites in red ball cricket.
Design and Materials
Gray-Nicolls builds these gloves from a grade A leather combination. Leather moulds to the hand as it is worn in, so the fit gets more personal over a season. The lining is also leather, which feels smooth against the hand or over a pair of inners.
The palm carries the updated Octopus grip. Gray-Nicolls describes it as flexible, lightweight and more durable than before. Behind it sits an XRD layer for impact protection. The cuff is leather with HD foam padding, designed to protect the wrist while cutting down bulk.
Key Technologies
Updated Octopus Grip: A rubber palm pattern with a large contact area for the ball. Gray-Nicolls has made it more flexible, lighter and more durable.
XRD Layer Backing: An impact layer sits behind the Octopus grip. It helps cushion the palm when catching hard, fast deliveries.
Grade A Leather Combination: The outer uses a grade A leather mix. It gives a supple feel that softens with use.
Improved T-Shaped Webbing: The web between thumb and first finger forms a T shape. It helps create a natural pocket for the ball.
Ultra Light Protective Thimbles: Thimbles in the fingertips carry vapour foam inserts. They guard the tips against impact while staying light.
Padded Leather Cuff: The cuff is leather lined with HD foam padding. Gray-Nicolls designed it to protect the wrist and reduce bulk.
Leather Lining: A leather lining runs inside the glove. It feels smooth on the hand and wears well over time.
Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Brand |
Gray-Nicolls |
| Range |
Classic (2027) |
| Model |
Classic Pro Performance wicket keeping gloves |
| Playing level |
Test |
| Colour |
White |
| Sizes |
Youth, Adult, Large |
| Outer |
Grade A leather combination |
| Palm grip |
Updated Octopus rubber grip with XRD layer backing |
| Webbing |
Improved T-shaped webbing |
| Finger protection |
Ultra light thimbles with vapour foam inserts |
| Cuff |
Leather, HD foam padding |
| Lining |
Leather |
VKS Review
The Pro Performance is a proper match glove for a keeper who plays a lot of hard ball cricket. The leather outer and Octopus palm give a soft, sticky feel on take. The XRD backing and fingertip thimbles add protection when the ball arrives hard off the edge.
It costs more than club gloves such as the Classic Elite or Classic Select. That price buys real leather and a better palm. Keepers on a tighter budget, or juniors still growing, may get better value from those models. If you want the very top of the range, look at the Classic Players Edition. For most regular keepers, the Gray-Nicolls Pro Performance wicket keeping gloves strike a strong balance. You can visit our London store in Ealing to try them on before you buy.
Q&A Section
What size wicket keeping gloves should I buy?
These come in Youth, Adult and Large. Pick the size where your fingertips reach the thimbles with inners on, without cramping. If you sit between sizes, our Ealing team can help you try both.
Should I wear inners with these gloves?
Yes, most keepers wear inners for extra padding and to soak up sweat. Gray-Nicolls makes Pro Performance WK inners in Adult and Large to match. Try the gloves on with your inners so the fit is right.
Is this glove suitable for club keepers?
Yes, although Gray-Nicolls rates it for Test level. Club keepers who play every week will feel the benefit of the leather and Octopus palm. Occasional keepers may get better value from the Classic Elite or Classic Select.
Does the white glove differ from the black and grey versions?
The leather, grip, thimbles and padding are listed the same for all three colours. The catalogue notes some differences in cuff style between colours. If cuff shape matters to you, ask our team to show you in store.
How do I look after the rubber palm?
Wipe the palms with a damp cloth after play to remove dirt. Let the gloves dry naturally, away from radiators and direct sun. Heat can harden both the leather and the rubber grip.
Do new keeping gloves need breaking in?
A little, yes. Leather softens and shapes to your hand over a few sessions of catching practice. Use them in nets before a big match so the pocket feels natural.
Which keepers are the Gray-Nicolls Pro Performance wicket keeping gloves best for?
They suit regular keepers in senior club and school first team cricket. The leather build and protective thimbles stand up to a full season. Younger keepers in smaller sizes should also consider the Classic Ultimate, which comes in Junior.
