Which Setwear Glove Should You Buy? EZ-Fit vs Pro Leather vs Hot Hand & More

Last updated: 7 August 2026. Prices are in AUD and correct at the time of writing, check the linked product pages for live pricing.

The quick answer: pick the Stealth for the most feel and touchscreen use, the EZ-Fit as an everyday all-rounder, the Leather Fingerless when you need bare fingertips, the EZ-Fit Extreme or Pro Leather for heavy grip and rigging, and the Hot Hand whenever heat is involved. Below is how they actually differ.

Setwear glove comparison table

Stealth vs EZ-Fit: the two everyday gloves

These are the gloves most crew reach for day to day. The Stealth is the lightest and most affordable, with a touchscreen-friendly, low-profile, light-duty build, best when feel matters more than protection and you're constantly on a phone or tablet. The EZ-Fit adds real padding: a synthetic-leather palm with gel/foam padding, a padded nylon-mesh top, a spandex knuckle panel and a seamless index finger for sensitivity. It's machine washable and handles general set, grip and stage work better than the Stealth. Choose Stealth for pure dexterity and price; choose EZ-Fit if you want one glove that does most things.

EZ-Fit vs EZ-Fit Extreme: how much toughness do you need?

The EZ-Fit Extreme steps up the materials with top-quality leather and synthetic-leather construction, an anatomically cut palm, a smooth-surface thumb, reinforced thumb and fingertips, and a second layer of leather on the index finger, thumb and palm, the spots gloves wear through first. If you're rough on gloves or handle more abrasive gear, the Extreme lasts longer than the standard EZ-Fit for a small step up in price.

Pro Leather: the heavy-duty rigging glove

The Pro Leather is full leather throughout, with an anatomically cut leather palm and heel and a second layer of leather on the index finger, thumb and palm. Setwear positions it for grip, rigging, staging, set construction, rope handling and cable work. It trades some dexterity for serious protection and durability, the glove for crew whose day is cable, truss and rope. Available in black or tan, XS to XXL.

Leather Fingerless: when you need your fingertips

Sometimes you can't work in a full glove, tying knots, threading small hardware, operating a camera. The Leather Fingerless gives you palm protection from high-grade leather with extra palm padding, a padded two-way-stretch spandex top, an elastic-and-hook-and-loop cuff, and a terrycloth sweat-wipe panel, while leaving your fingertips free. A favourite of camera operators, stagehands, riggers and AV crew.

Hot Hand: the heat-resistant specialist

If heat is anywhere in your day, the Hot Hand is the answer. It's 100% heat-resistant leather with a reinforced second layer on the palm and key areas, rated by Setwear to Contact Heat Level 2 at 250°C / 480°F, with insulation against hot and cold, pinched fingertips and an extended cuff. Gaffers and sparks use it for hot fixtures, gel frames and lamps; it's also built for rigging, rappelling, belaying and cold-weather work. Follow the manufacturer's guidance on heat exposure, no glove makes hot gear safe to hold indefinitely.

Which should you buy?

Most crew / general set work: EZ-Fit. Tight budget or maximum feel: Stealth. Camera / knot work: Leather Fingerless. Hard-wearing grip: EZ-Fit Extreme. Rigging & heavy grip: Pro Leather. Anything hot: Hot Hand. Many crew own two pairs, a light glove for feel and a leather or heat glove for the heavy stuff.

New to the industry? See our guide to what gloves you need for your first day on a movie set, and if you handle gear all day, our pick of the best Setwear gloves for handling equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most heat-resistant Setwear glove?

The Hot Hand Glove. It's 100% heat-resistant leather and rated by Setwear to Contact Heat Level 2 at 250°C / 480°F, the best heat protection in the Setwear glove range.

What is the difference between EZ-Fit and Pro Leather?

The EZ-Fit is a lighter, padded synthetic-leather glove built for dexterity and everyday work. The Pro Leather is full leather with reinforced palm, thumb and index finger, built for heavy-duty grip, rigging and rope work, more protection, slightly less feel.

Which Setwear glove is best for camera assistants?

Many camera crew prefer the Leather Fingerless (for bare-fingertip control) or the Stealth (touchscreen-friendly and lightweight), depending on whether they want palm protection or maximum feel.

Are Setwear gloves good for rigging?

Yes. The Pro Leather is the go-to for rigging, staging and rope handling, while the Hot Hand adds heat resistance for rigging near hot fixtures.

Do Setwear gloves come in different sizes?

Yes, the range runs XS to XXL. Measure around the widest part of your palm and match Setwear's size chart; size down if you want the most dexterity.

Where to buy in Australia

Black Flag Distribution is the official Australian distributor of the professional film, television and production brands featured in this guide. We support our valued specialist retail partners and prefer that you purchase through them wherever possible: use the store finder to locate your nearest authorised dealer. If you would rather buy direct, we can also facilitate your order.