Frequently asked questions

\

XFLEX

What sizes are available for Sharx® gloves?

Sharx® gloves are available in a range of sizes from 5 - 12 (XXS - XXXL), ensuring the perfect fit for all workers.

How durable are Sharx® gloves?

Sharx® gloves are designed to be exceptionally durable, with some models lasting up to 18,000 abrasion cycles in testing—double the performance of typical competitor gloves. This durability ensures longer wear and helps reduce overall glove costs.

Why is abrasion resistance important for gloves?

Abrasion resistance is a key factor in glove performance, measured on a scale from 1 to 4 (EN388). Within these levels, the performance can vary greatly. For example, a level 4 glove must withstand a minimum of 8,000 abrasion cycles, but Sharx® gloves achieve up to twice that, providing superior durability compared to gloves that only meet the minimum standard.

What are dip lines, and which one should I choose?

Sharx® gloves come in multiple dip lines, meaning different amounts of coating are applied to the glove. A palm coating is often enough for many tasks, offering flexibility on the back of the hand. For added cushioning or oil resistance, a 3/4 or full coating may be more suitable. This variety ensures that you get the exact coating you need for each task.

Are Sharx® gloves cut-resistant?

Yes, Sharx® Cut™ gloves offer EN388 cut resistance level 3, combining all the benefits of Sharx® gloves with superior cut protection.

Do the benefits of vitamin E and aloe vera in Sharx® Active™ wash out?

No, the encapsulated vitamin E and aloe vera in Sharx® Active™ gloves do not wash out. You can launder them multiple times, and the gloves will continue to offer skin benefits, wash after wash.

What do the dots on Sharx® Endurance™ gloves do?

The micro-dots on Sharx® Endurance™ gloves provide additional cushioning, improving comfort during repetitive tasks. This feature allows you to work longer without sacrificing comfort or performance.

What is micro-foam nitrile, and why is it used?

Sharx® uses micro-foam nitrile, a patented formulation that makes the gloves fully breathable. The thin coating ensures maximum dexterity and flexibility while maintaining durability, making it ideal for tasks requiring fine motor skills.

Are Sharx® gloves silicone-free?

Yes, most of the Sharx® glove range is silicone-free, ensuring no residue is left on the materials you're working with. Exceptions include Sharx® Endurance™, Sharx® Elite™ (with raised dots), and Sharx® Cut™ (with raised dots), which provide extra cushioning and durability.

XCUT

Why do some leather gloves contain Chromium?

Tanning is the process used to treat animal skins and hides, transforming them into durable leather. However, during this process, chromium VI can remain in the leather, which is why it is considered a substance of very high concern (SVHC) under European REACH regulations. As a result, its concentration is limited to 3 PPM in products that meet EN420 standards.

Is leather better for cut protection?

Historically, leather was widely used for cut protection, as it was one of the few available materials. However, modern alternatives like Sharx® CUTtech® technology have revolutionized cut-resistant gloves. Our CUTtech® platform combines high-performance fibers and yarns to deliver multiple levels of cut protection, offering better comfort and wearer satisfaction than traditional leather gloves. These advanced materials provide a snug fit and flexibility, making them ideal for precision handling tasks without needing to remove your gloves.

Does XCUT® contain silicone?

Some older models of XCUT® gloves contain silicone, but our latest XCUTt® Ultra™ is completely silicone-free. It provides EN level 4C cut protection in a thin, breathable, and highly comfortable glove, setting a new standard in safety and comfort.

How breathable is the XCUT® 34-470? It seems thick?

Despite its robust appearance, the XCUT® 34-470 incorporates AIRtech® technology, offering 360° breathability. This allows for full hand ventilation, keeping your hands cool and dry even during long hours of work, without compromising on durability or protection.

XCHEM

Why can't you make a glove to use with all chemicals?

 

There are thousands of different chemicals and even more mixtures on the market. Each chemical has its own characteristics and reacts differently with glove materials. This is why there is no such thing as a "one-size-fits-all" chemical-resistant glove. The most common material used for chemical resistance is Nitrile, which offers good resistance against oils, acids, hydroxides, and alkanes. To choose the right glove for your specific needs, please contact your Sharx® supplier or sales representative.

Is Sharx® Chem™ cut resistant?

 

Yes, Sharx® Chem™ Cut™ combines all the benefits of Sharx® Chem™ with EN388:2016 cut level 3B protection, providing superior protection against both chemicals and cuts.

Miscellaneous

What does Sharx® stand for?

 

Literally, Sharx® stands for "Advanced Technology Gloves." We believe in constant innovation and quality, and we are always working to refine our products and develop new solutions.

What is the ClassicRange?

 

The ClassicRange includes more traditional products suitable for a wide range of applications, all made to Sharx®'s high standards of quality and cleanliness.

Do you outsource any production?

No, we do not outsource any part of our production process. This allows us to maintain consistent, high-quality standards across all our products.

Where do you manufacture your gloves?

All of Sharx® products are manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities in Sri Lanka.

Why don’t you make the exact glove I need for my application?

We design gloves for environments, not specific applications. Why? Because it’s easier for you to find the right glove for the job. For example, XFLex® is for precision handling work in dry environments, XGRIP® is for oily and wet environments, XCUT® is for cut protection, and XCHEM® is for chemical exposure. Some specialized applications may require an alternative product.

What is water-based manufacturing?

Water-based manufacturing means that water is used as one of the key ingredients in the production process, ensuring cleaner and more environmentally friendly production.

What is DMF?

DMF (Dimethylformamide, CAS: 68-12-2) is an organic solvent used in the production of solvent-based polyurethane gloves. It is classified as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) by the European REACH regulations due to its toxicity to reproduction. Sharx® gloves are guaranteed to be SVHC-free.

Why do you only have four glove lines?

In an industry where companies often offer hundreds of gloves, yet the wrong gloves are selected most of the time, we decided to simplify the process. Our four glove lines cover about ninety percent of industrial glove needs, making it easier to choose the right product.

Do you make polyurethane-coated gloves?

Yes, we offer polyurethane-coated gloves, specifically designed for tasks requiring high dexterity and flexibility, while also offering superior durability.

Are your gloves approved for food contact?

Yes, certain gloves in the Sharx® range, like XFLex® Ultimate™ and XGRIP® Zero™, are FDA compliant (21 CFR 177) and meet European food safety standards (EU1935/2004). Contact your Sharx® representative for specific product applications.

Do you have a puncture-resistant, heat-resistant, cut-resistant glove that is breathable and oil-resistant?

Yes, while we could combine all of these characteristics into a single glove, comfort would be significantly reduced. Glove selection typically involves prioritizing specific features based on your tasks. Sharx® offers four specialized glove lines to meet your needs, each designed to balance comfort and performance for specific environments.

How should I choose the correct glove for my application?

 

Our four glove lines are designed for different environments, making it easy to choose:

  • XFLex® for precision handling in dry environments

  • XGRIP® for work in oily and wet environments

  • XCUT® for tasks with a risk of cuts

  • XCHEM® for chemical exposure

Purchasing

Can you arrange a discount for me via your distributor?

 

Our distribution partner network will be happy to provide you with a quote based on your specific needs.

How can I get samples?

 

Samples are typically available from your local Sharx® representative or distributor.

 

Why do I have to buy through an intermediary?

Our sales partners handle the importation of Sharx® products to ensure proximity and availability of our gloves exactly when you need them.

Can we buy directly from Sharx®?

We do not supply products directly to the end-user. Instead, our gloves are available through our global partner network. You can find your local distributor here.

How long will it take to get products we have ordered?

Thanks to our distribution partner network, delivery is typically quick. Please ask your Sharx® representative or supplier for more specific information regarding your region.

Where can we buy your products?

Please visit our website or contact your local Sharx® representative to find the distributor supplying Sharx® products in your area.

Standards


How do you test the cut level of a glove?

 

Typically, a circular blade moves backwards and forwards across the material being tested under a fixed load. The number of blade revolutions needed to cut through the material determines the cut level it is awarded.

What is the difference between ANSI and EN cut standards?

 

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) testing provides another way of measuring the cut performance of a glove. Testing differs from EN388 in the methodology used, and the performance levels do not always match up directly. For example, an EN388 cut level 3 may equate to an ANSI cut level 2.