Inside the Development of 10W: Creating a Tougher Palm Suede
A decade ago, AX Materials set out to develop a glove material that could withstand the harshest conditions without sacrificing comfort or dexterity. The assignment was simple: create the most abrasion-resistant palm suede on the market.
Easier said than done, but if anyone could do it, it was AX. Pushing the limits for glove materials meant engineering a single-layer suede that could handle constant friction, heavy impact, and extreme wear. At the same time, it needed to stay flexible and comfortable for all-day use. That mission led to AX Suede 10W, the toughest 0.80mm palm suede for gloves.
Eleven years later, AX Suede 10W has been incorporated into more than 8 million gloves. Professionals across numerous industries, including construction, mining, sports, and tactical operations, soon recognized it as indispensable. With 10W, glove failure was no longer an option.
Proven and Tested for Abrasion Resistance
It’s the abrasion resistance of AX Suede 10W that sets it apart, proven via third-party EN388 and ANSI Abrasion testing to reach the highest scores possible.
Despite being just 0.80mm thick, 10W provides four times the abrasion resistance of comparable materials. The ASTM D3884 test demonstrates that 10W shows very little wear even after 4,000 cycles, whereas standard palm suedes typically can’t make it past 1,000.
The strength of 10W is achieved by weaving larger, denser fibers in a proprietary knit construction that reinforces the fabric without compromising breathability. A light sanding finish is then applied to create a smooth surface for a soft hand feel.
These design choices yield a material that withstands constant wear and tear while remaining flexible for daily use. While many products claim durability, 10W demonstrates it through third-party data and comprehensive field testing, leading seasoned professionals to refer to it as the “bulletproof” option for gloves.
The Hidden Advantage of 10W’s Dark Charcoal Color
One question frequently arises: “Why don’t you offer the material in black?”
10W’s limited selection of dark colors might seem like a drawback, but it’s actually a performance-driven decision. The high-density fibers that give 10W its remarkable durability also make the material more resistant to dye. Achieving a deep black would require excessive dyestuff, increasing the risk of color bleeding and uneven results. By selecting dark charcoal as the deepest shade, AX avoids these pitfalls while maintaining a signature, consistent look that holds up glove after glove.
Rather than trading performance for aesthetics, dark charcoal has become a staple of 10W’s design. Leading brands also prefer this distinctive shade to set their gloves apart from competitors using black materials.
Who Relies on 10W? The Go-To Material for Demanding Jobs
Since its launch, AX Suede 10W has undergone relentless field testing across 30+ major brands supplying gear for high-intensity jobs, including mining, oil and gas, construction, demolition, tactical operations, and more. Time after time, 10W has shown it can withstand constant abrasion and impact without a breakdown in sight. This track record has led to millions of 10W-equipped gloves, reinforcing the idea that 10W is more than just a breakthrough material: it’s a trusted standard.
- Industrial Workers: 10W is the go-to choice for workers in construction, maintenance, and abrasive material handling. Gloves made with 10W ensure dependable protection against tools, machinery, sharp edges, and impact hazards.
- Athletes: Hockey and lacrosse players count on 10W for stick handling, glove-on-ice action, and repeated impact. Its durability keeps them in the game, even under intense wear conditions.
- Outdoor and Tactical Users: From military personnel to winter sports athletes, 10W holds up in the most extreme environments. It endures fast-roping, rope tows, rappelling, and firearm handling for long-lasting protection.
- Everyday Use: 10W is also trusted for carpentry, warehouse work, towing, landscaping, and home improvement, making it the top pick for both professionals and DIYers alike.
Setting the Industry Standard: Why 10W is Leading the Way
Durability often comes at the expense of comfort, but AX Suede 10W proves it doesn’t have to. By resisting the kind of everyday impact that quickly destroys other gloves, 10W also lowers the hidden costs of frequent replacements and downtime, which is a major advantage in high-wear fields.
When the job demands durability, AX Suede 10W answers the call. Designed for relentless use, proven in the toughest settings, and trusted by professionals worldwide, it sets the industry standard for abrasion resistance. No compromises. Just results.
