Caiman Welding Gloves Full Review
Caiman is a professional-grade welding glove brand distributed under the PIP (Protective Industrial Products) umbrella - one of the largest PPE manufacturers in North America. Despite being less well-known in consumer welding circles than Tillman or Black Stallion, Caiman is widely used in industrial and trade environments where glove performance and durability are primary purchasing criteria.
Is Caiman a Reliable Welding Glove Brand?
Yes. Caiman gloves are specified by professional welders in production and maintenance environments. Key differentiators:
- Multiple leather types - goatskin, cowhide, pigskin, and deerskin depending on model
- Kevlar thread stitching throughout (not standard cotton/polyester)
- Carabiner clip on TIG gloves for hanging when not in use
- Scalloped cuffs on some models to prevent spatter accumulation
- Sold at industrial safety distributors and on Amazon
Caiman Welding Glove Lineup
Caiman 1600 Premium Goat Grain TIG Gloves
The 1600 series is Caiman’s flagship TIG welding glove and one of the most respected TIG gloves available.
1600-4 (Medium) - Amazon ASIN B00IFDXSTE (~$25–35) amazon.com/dp/B00IFDXSTE
1600-5 (Large) - Amazon ASIN B00IFDXYPW (~$25–35) amazon.com/dp/B00IFDXYPW
Key features:
- Top grain goatskin palm - thin, flexible, maximum dexterity
- Gold split cowhide cuff - 4-inch extended gauntlet
- Unlined - direct heat/arc feedback for fine TIG work
- Kevlar thread throughout
- Carabiner clip for convenient storage
- Sizes: Small through XL
Caiman 1540 Goat Grain Unlined Palm TIG/Multi-Task (~$20–25)
Shorter cuff version for bench TIG work; unlined palm for dexterity.
Caiman 1871 Goat Grain Insulated Back (~$22–28)
Wool-insulated back for warmth; unlined palm retains dexterity.
Caiman 1879 21” Pigskin Heavy-Duty MIG/Stick (~$80–90)
21-inch extended arm coverage; triple-layer cuff; heavy-duty protection for overhead MIG and stick work.
Caiman 1878 21” Deerskin FR Insulated MIG/Stick (~$55–65)
Deerskin leather with FR insulation; extended arm coverage.
Does Caiman Make TIG-Specific Gloves?
Yes - the 1600 series is purpose-designed for TIG welding:
- Thin goatskin palm for tactile feedback on the torch
- Unlined construction (no bulk between hand and torch body)
- Extended cuff protects the wrist from arc radiation
- Carabiner clip for overhead hanging between passes
The 1600 competes directly with Tillman 1338 and Miller 263354 in the professional TIG glove tier.
Caiman vs. Tillman vs. Black Stallion
| Feature | Caiman 1600 | Tillman 1338 | Black Stallion GM1510 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palm leather | Goatskin | Goatskin | Goatskin |
| Lining | Unlined | Unlined | Unlined |
| Cuff | 4” extended | 4” extended | 4” extended |
| Stitching | Kevlar | Kevlar | Kevlar |
| Carabiner | Yes | No | No |
| Amazon available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | ~$25–35 | ~$30–45 | ~$20–30 |
For TIG welding: All three are excellent. The Caiman 1600’s carabiner clip is a practical detail; the gold cowhide cuff differentiates the appearance. Price advantage often goes to Caiman.
For MIG and stick: Caiman’s 1879 pigskin and 1878 deerskin extended-cuff models provide best-in-class arm coverage at professional grade.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: amazon.com/dp/B00IFDXSTE (1600-4 Medium)
- Amazon: amazon.com/dp/B00IFDXYPW (1600-5 Large)
- Full Source, Zoro, MSC, Grainger: Full Caiman lineup including extended-cuff models
FAQs
Is Caiman a reliable welding glove brand? Yes - widely used in industrial and trade environments. Kevlar thread construction, multiple leather options, and professional-grade build quality across the line.
How does Caiman compare to Tillman and Black Stallion? All three are professional-tier brands. Caiman 1600 TIG gloves are comparably specified to Tillman 1338; price and the carabiner clip often differentiate them for buyers. For extended MIG/stick coverage, Caiman’s 21-inch models provide exceptional arm protection.
Does Caiman make TIG-specific gloves? Yes - the 1600 series (goatskin palm, unlined, extended cuff) is among the most respected TIG gloves available from any brand.
