2011 Glove Madness Champion

The day has finally come – where we find out who the 2011 Glove Madness Champion is. It has come down to GlovePlus Black Nitrile and Gloveworks Powder-Free Nitrile. Let’s see how they got here:



GlovePlus Black Nitrile (GPNB)



Starting out as the #1 seed in the GlovePlus Bracket, GPNB’s first matchup was against GlovePlus 3mil Vinyl. They smoked the new-comer utilizing their Durability and quickly advanced to the Elite Eight. Here they played against another vinyl, the GlovePlus Powder-Free Vinyl. Proving their Strength against their vinyl opponent, they bested them and moved to the Final Four where they had their first matchup against another nitrile – the Ammex Powder-Free Nitrile. This was their closest match all tournament, but they brought out their 20% Thicker than Standard Nitrile to take the win.



Gloveworks Powder-Free Nitrile (INPF)



INPF, being the #1 seed in the Gloveworks bracket, started the tournament with a tough match. Their first opponent, Gloveworks Nitrile, put up a good fight but eventually couldn’t hang since they weren’t Powder-Free. The INPF team moved onto the Elite Eight where they faced Gloveworks HD Latex. Here they showed their Nitrile Strength and better Price Stability to upset the bracket and knock out the #1 seed. In their Final Four match against XNPF. It was a close match with INPF being able to knock it out with a Thicker Mil and Tactile Sensitivity.




The game began with some hesitation from INPF as they didn’t get the tip-off and started trailing during the first quarter. They stayed this way all throughout the second quarter as well. It became clear after the half that GPNB had intimidated their opponent with their complete lack of wear or visible markings due to their Black Exterior. INPF started to get back into the game during the third quarter, making some headway towards a comeback and starting to use a little smack talk to try to intimidate GPNB right back – but with their 20% Thicker than Standard Nitrile skin it was no use and they continued to power through and dominate. With so much certainty about their game, GPNB began playing to the crowd with Dexterous moves and Strength show-offs. As the cameras flashed to catch them in action, INPF became more dazed by the flash photography while the GPNB’s black exterior only seemed to soak it up. It was a lock before the game even ended.

GlovePlus Black Nitrile are the 2011 Glove Madness Champions. Their only words as they received the trophy? “Onward and Upward!”

Final Four, Game 2

Final Four
Gloveworks Bracket vs Xtreme Bracket

INPF vs XNPF

Finishing out the last match of the Final Four, the previous winners from the Gloveworks and Xtreme Brackets went finger to finger in a no-holds-barred match up. Gloveworks Powder-Free Nitrile (INPF) and Xtreme Powder-Free Nitrile (XNPF) were pretty evenly matched being both Textured and Powder-Free Nitrile gloves. Both teams at the top of their game have shown their strength in handling the toughest Industrial jobs. But it was the Thicker mil of the INPF along with its unsurpassed comfort and Tactile Sensitivity that pulled a victory in the end. All of the INPF supporters roared with delight, chanting their familiar slogan as the INPF moves onto the final round – “This Glove Works!”

Winner: Gloveworks Powder-Free Nitrile (INPF)

Final Four, Game 1

Final Four
Ammex Bracket vs GlovePlus Bracket

APFN vs GPNB

As the first Final Four were decided, we had to conclude that it was not surprising that all our finalists are Nitrile. Throughout the competition, our Nitrile teams have proven that they had the best Durability, Puncture Resistance and stood up to some of the harshest chemicals. So in the first match of the finals, we had two juggernauts – our Ammex Bracket winner Ammex Powder-Free Nitrile (APFN) and our GlovePlus Bracket winner GlovePlus Black Nitrile (GPNB). The strengths of these two teams, however, is very different. While GPNB has superior Industrial Strength, the APFN has the more versatile Exam Grade feature. But the APFN is just another blue nitrile and doesn’t separate itself from the competition like GPNB’s cool, Black Exterior. The game was a close one all throughout – each team relying on their attributes to keep the score almost even until the end of the 3rd quarter when GPNB used their secret weapon – 20% Thicker than Standard Nitrile. APFN wasn’t ready for this boost in GPNB’s game, and began to fall further and further behind. GlovePlus Black Nitrile became our first 2011 Glove Madness Finalist and will take on the winner of the Final Four Game 2 on Thursday, March 31st.

Winner: GlovePlus Black Nitrile (GPNB)

Elite Eight Second Round, Games 3 & 4

First Matchup:

GPNB vs IVPF

Day two of the Elite Eight matchups continued today, starting with our GlovePlus bracket. #1 seed GlovePlus Black Nitrile (GPNB) was taking on #2 seed GlovePlus Powder-Free Vinyl (IVPF) in what looked to be an interesting game. While both gloves are Powder-Free and Industrial Grade, the top-selling vinyl IVPF was clearly intimidated by the GPNB’s Nitrile Durability and powerful presence. GPNB began the game running circles around IVPF, allowing the IVPF to only utilize their Lower Price towards the end of the game. In the end, GlovePlus Black Nitrile’s unique style and toughness triumphed making them the GlovePlus Bracket champions. They will be matched up against Ammex Powder-Free Nitrile in the Final Four tomorrow, March 29th.

Winner: GlovePlus Black Nitrile (GPNB)

Second Matchup:

ILHD vs INPF

Our final Elite Eight game matched up #1 seed Gloveworks HD Latex (ILHD) against #2 seed Gloveworks Powder-Free Nitrile (INPF). ILHD had a lot of pressure riding on them considering they are the last Latex team in the tournament. Their Heavy-Duty style had proved their supremacy over their latex foes, but they couldn’t simply rely on that going up against the seasoned veteran INPF. With their Nitrile Strength and less-volatile pricing, INPF came in strong and ready to take the bracket. Although ILHD had some fancy moves, establishing their superior Dexterity, INPF had the stronger defense and resistance. What looked to be a shoe-in for ILHD early on, Gloveworks Powder-Free Nitrile came back with a vengeance and for the upset. They will be going up against Xtreme Powder-Free Nitrile on Wednesday, March 30th in the Final Four.

Winner: Gloveworks Powder-Free Nitrile (INPF)

Elite Eight First Round, Games 1 & 2

First Matchup:

VSPF vs APFN

Closing out the Ammex bracket, we had another fast paced match as #1 seed Ammex Powder-Free Nitrile (APFN) took on #2 seed Ammex Stretch Vinyl (VSPF). Both gloves showed strong results in their earlier matchups and on the surface seemed pretty evenly matched being both Powder-Free and Exam Grade. But the APFN, with its Textured Grip, showed better traction on the court while still standing up strong to chemicals. The VSPF’s chameleon-like ability to fit and feel like latex was not enough to pull an upset and take the bracket. Ammex Powder-Free Nitrile will move on to the Final Four and play its next match on Tuesday, March 29th.

Winner: Ammex Powder-Free Nitrile (APFN)

Second Matchup:

XNPF vs XNPFL

Game two continued the excitement on the first day of the Elite Eight. Coming out of the Xtreme division, our #1 seed Xtreme Powder-Free Nitrile (XNPF) was going head to head with the #3 seed Xtreme Nitrile Extra-Long (XNPFL). Both gloves have Industrial strength along with being Powder-Free, but many glove enthusiasts were sure that even though XNPF was the tenured team and #1 seed, XNPFL had the advantage in the match with their Extra-Long Cuff. Everyone quickly learned that this was not the case today. XNPF started out strong – with their win yesterday, their nitrile skin had become more agile with long-term activity and increased their dexterity and comfort. No amount of additional length could compete with the warmed-up Nitrile veteran. It was a shut-out and proved that Xtreme Nitrile Powder-Free is the best glove in the Xtreme Bracket this year. They will move on to the Final Four on Wednesday, March 30th.

Winner: Xtreme Powder-Free Nitrile (XNPF)

Sweet 16 Final Round, Games 7 & 8

Today was the last day of the sweet sixteen matches, and it was apparent that all the teams remaining were hoping to make it to the Elite Eight. However, only two could triumph and move on to try to become 2011 Glove Madness Champion.

First Matchup:

IN vs INPF

The first round today pitted two opponents who consider themselves longtime rivals and the most comparable matchup so far – our #2 seed Gloveworks Powder-Free Nitrile (INPF) against our #3 seed Gloveworks Nitrile (IN). With such history between these two and both gloves being Industrial Grade nitrile and resistant to the same chemicals and tough applications, the crowd was going crazy hoping to see a heated match. Unfortunately for the fans, the game started out slow with neither team able to score against the other’s almost identical defenses. It wasn’t until the third quarter that the tables began to turn with INPF having cleaner moves due to being Powder-Free. In the end, IN’s game just became messy in comparison. Gloveworks Powder-Free Nitrile will now face Gloveworks HD Latex in the Elite Eight on Monday, March 28th.

Winner: Gloveworks Powder-Free Nitrile (INPF)

Second Matchup:

XNPF vs X3

The 2011 Glove Madness games continued as #1 seed Xtreme Powder-Free Nitrile (XNPF) took on the #4 seed Xtreme X3 Nitrile (X3). The rookie X3 team, new to the Xtreme bracket, has been very vocal leading up to today’s match. “We’re the new guys, the hot shots, and we’re gonna go out there and show how it’s done. Our 3mil Thin-wall Technology keeps us lean to show off our amazing dexterity and durability.” But on the courts the XNPF team dominated showing why they are the best in the Xtreme division. “We knew going into it that it would be a difficult match but we focused on all the things that made our XNPF team so great: the strength of our 4mil Nitrile, our Micro-Textured surface for that non-slip grip, and all for a great value. The Xtreme Powder-Free Nitrile will take on Xtreme Nitrile Extra-Long in the Elite Eight tomorrow, Friday March 25th.

Winner: Xtreme Powder-Free Nitrile (XNPF)

Sweet 16 Third Round, Games 5 & 6

First Matchup:

VSPF vs APFLT

The next round of Glove Madness took place pitting perennial favorites #3 seed Ammex Powder-Free Textured Latex (APFLT) against #2 seed Ammex Powder-Free Stretch Vinyl (VSPF). Both teams sported a strong defense with their Exam Grade offering barrier protection against blood borne pathogens. Heading into the game many favored the APFLT with their Textured Fingertips for a better grip, but it was the VSPF’s ability to fit and feel like latex without any chance of adverse reaction that proved to be the winning combination. With latex prices at an all time high, the Ammex Powder-Free Stretch Vinyl proved that this synthetic glove is the perfect fit and will definitely give Ammex Powder-Free Nitrile a run for their money in the Elite Eight. Check out that match on Friday, March 25th.

Winner: Ammex Powder-Free Stretch Vinyl (VSPF)

Second Matchup:





GPNB vs GPX3

Coming out of the GlovePlus bracket, we have our #1 seed GlovePlus Black Nitrile (GPNB) going head to head with #4 seed GlovePlus 3mil Vinyl (GPX3). Both teams are relative newcomers, so anticipation was in the air to see how they would compete against each other. GPX3 started out fast and agile – using their Thin-wall Technology to show they had what it took to be the right glove in light duty applications while also showing off their always appealing low prices. But, proving why they owned that #1 seed spot this year, GPNB dominated when it came to longevity and durability. Their Black Nitrile had the strength to last longer and handle more wear-and-tear than their opponent and also show no signs of weakness through their tough black exterior. GlovePlus Black Nitrile brought it – and they will have to bring it again on Monday, March 28th when they battle Ammex Powder-Free Vinyl in the Elite Eight.

Winner: GlovePlus Black Nitrile (GPNB)

Sweet 16 Second Round, Games 3 & 4

First Matchup:

ILHD vs TLF

In the matchup between our #1 seed Gloveworks HD Latex (ILHD), and the #4 seed Gloveworks Powder-Free Latex (TLF), size mattered. Both competitors came to the game sporting the fact they are Powder-Free, Chlorinated and Fully Textured. The advantage, however, went to the ILHD with their staggering 8mil thickness - double the mil of the TLF. As the game progressed the ILHD never relented and proved that the extra thickness does increase endurance without affecting dexterity. It was clear from the beginning of this match that the Gloveworks HD Latex were going home with the win. Their next game will be in the Elite Eight on Monday, March 28th.

Winner: Gloveworks HD Latex (ILHD)

Second Matchup:

GPPFT vs IVPF

In the first game of latex vs vinyl in this tournament, many people were torn on who would be the favorite. While the #3 seed GlovePlus Powder-Free Latex (GPPFT) boasts being Powder-Free, Fully Textured and Exam Grade, the #2 seed GlovePlus Powder-Free Vinyl (IVPF) could compete being Latex-Free, Powder-Free, and being Industrial Grade. All throughout the match we watched these two rivals go back and forth. It was only until the last quarter that we noticed that the high-rising latex price increases began to take their toll on GPPFT. So far the closest match of the tournament, IVPF was barely able to edge out their competition. Living to play another day, GlovePlus Powder-Free Vinyl play their next match on Monday, March 28th.

Winner: GlovePlus Powder-Free Vinyl (IVPF)

Sweet 16 First Round, Games 1 & 2

First Matchup:

APFN vs VPF

The first match-up proved to be a great start to the 2011 Glove Madness Tournament. Coming out of the Ammex bracket, we had the #1 seed Ammex Powder-Free Nitrile (APFN) going up against the #4 seed Ammex Powder-Free Vinyl (VPF). With both gloves being Latex-Free, Powder-Free and Exam Grade, we knew the match was going to come down to two factors: durability and overall value. The VPF started out with a huge advantage by leveraging their affordability over their nitrile opponent. However, APFN countered with their micro-roughened textured grip and natural nitrile strength to prove that they could last longer when it got rough. The match came down to showcasing who was overall the better value, and APFN demonstrated that today. Ammex Powder-Free Nitrile will now be moving into the Elite Eight. Their next match-up will be Friday, March 25th.

Winner: Ammex Powder-Free Nitrile (APFN)

Second Matchup:








XNPFL vs XNGPF

Things are heating up in our second round as two relative newcomers to the industry battle it out to see who is good and who is the best. Rookie glove and #2 seed Xtreme Green Nitrile (XNGPF), being the only green glove in the competition, stands apart from the crowd but sophomore star and #3 seed Xtreme Nitrile Extra-Long (XNPFL) has the reach to see this to the end. Both competitors are Latex-Free, Powder-Free and have the Industrial fortitude to stand up to the toughest jobs. However the XNPFL with its longer length edged ahead of its rival winning by a cuff. The Xtreme Nitrile Extra-Long will move into the Elite Eight and face its next challenger on Friday, March 25th.

Winner: Xtreme Nitrile Extra-Long (XNPFL)

2011 Glove Madness

It's that time of year - the time when competition is at it's peak. The time we wait for all season to find out who really has what it takes to best their competitor. And no, I'm not talking about basketball - I am talking about gloves! We took the best of the best, the cream of the crop, the top competitors and pitted them against each other to watch them duke it to become the 2011 Glove Madness Champion. Check out the bracket for our top 16 contenders this year. Matches start on Monday, March 21st. Find out the results here on the Ammex blog or by following us on facebook!

First latex, now Oil?

Whether you use or sell disposable gloves, I am sure you have noticed that prices are on the rise across the board. Latex has had a sharp increase because of a couple issues: flooding in Southeast Asia and slower production from rubber trees due to the winter season. This creates the classic scenario of low supply and high demand, which continues to drive up prices. That explains latex, but why are nitrile and vinyl also increasing?

The answer again is supply and demand. With latex glove prices increasing, everyone is seeking lower cost alternatives, such as nitrile and vinyl gloves. However, because of the speed of the latex increase, that left little time for the nitrile and vinyl glove producers to ramp up production to meet the new increased demand. Add to that the soaring cost of oil, which is used to manufacture both nitrile and vinyl, and also increased transportation costs and you can see how the rising cost of oil impacts everything. Everyone notices the price of oil when you go to the pump, but it isn’t your first thought when you are reaching for a glove.