Play Test: Reusch Argos Pro G2 Ortho-Tec GK Glove
Reusch have long been known for making some of the best gloves in the world and pioneering some of the newest ranges in removable ortho tec finger protection technology. With many of the top keepers around Europe wearing Reusch we decided to take a look at the new Reusch Argos Pro G2 Ortho-Tec.
The bright red palm of the Argos Pro G2 definitely makes it stand out and has been visible on our screen lately, modelled by QPR s Julio Cesar PSG s Salvotore Sirigu. The latex on the palm is Reusch s new top of the range G2 latex, which has been designed to make the palm stronger in terms of both abrasion resistance and cushioning. The design also improves the grip in both wet and dry conditions.
The glove features an elastic fastening wrist bandage, designed to add comfort and wrist support. In wet damp conditions ortho-tec gloves can be tricky to put on. Reusch s answer to this was to add a pull loop to the wrist band which is a feature we've not given too much attention to in the past. With this being the first time we've used one, it was a surprise to see how much easier it made putting on the second glove. 
The removable ortho-tec system allows you to unzip the backhand and adjust the bones you use to completely customize your needs. The thumb is also boned adding to the overall protection. The glove comes with a toolkit which makes adjusting your protection even easier, we did a quick test before we started removing and re-inserting all 5 ortho-bones on hand in a little under 2 minutes with the help of the tool kit, highlighting just how easy it is to adjust the protection to suit your personal needs.
One of the main times the ortho-tec system is called into action is one handed saves when the hands/fingers are at full stretch. The shooting drills we did tested the system and we were really impressed by the support and protection that the bones provided. To have this kind of support behind the ball would definitely be an advantage during games. 
The fit of the glove also uses Reusch s new keep control feature which is designed around having a negatively stitched small finger overlapping the latex to improve control when throwing the ball. Tests on this all provided accurate results on the distribution side but the design does slightly take away from the comfort as the extra latex tightens the fit on the little finger. Although we enjoyed it, we're not sure it's a feature for everyone.
The ergonomic palm embossing is designed to replicate the natural lines of your palms fingers as your hand is making a grasping movement. This was one of the key comfort factors of the glove and helps to even out the slight discomfort caused by the rigid nature of the ortho-tec bones.
The gloves also feature expanded finger tips which is done to maximise the contact area, enlarging the catching area of the hand. The theory is to add to the grip and give better control when catching the ball. We found this particularly an advantage and really comfortable when having volleys fired in and was a massive confidence booster when catching crosses.
Talking crosses, the enlarged finger tips as well as the control from the ortho-tec genuinely made my hands feel safe as houses when working on several cross taking drills we worked on.
The backhand of the glove is packed with technology. Aside from the zip removable ortho-bones the whole backhand features an air vent system which made from a highly breathable air mesh material that covers the whole upper hand and gives optimum air circulation. 
The backhand also has Pro flex technology which is designed for optimum fit and comfort. The material used is Reusch s SG latex which is the material used on the palm of many gloves in the Reusch range. The thought behind this is to offer great abrasive qualities when punching the ball, and we definitely found this was the case when doing several punching drills. 
The Reusch Argos Pro G2 Ortho-Tec is a great glove packed with technology. The only thing we could grumble about is the fit of the keep control feature but this will appeal to some other keepers. The bones are brilliant, lightweight and flexible thanks to the palm embossing. A brilliant glove that is easy to see where your money is going when purchasing a pair of these.
The new Reusch Argos Pro G2 Ortho-Tec is available to order now at selected online stockists including Pro-Direct Soccer.
