The Black Stallion 850 elkskin glove is a heavy-duty stick welding glove with a premium grain elkskin shell, a Nomex-lined back, a reversed-grain palm, a thumb strap and Kevlar stitching. It is made for stick welding and other hot, spark-heavy work, and it trades fingertip feel for heat protection. The Black Stallion 850 elkskin stick glove adds extra insulation for hot stick welding jobs.
Below are the manufacturer and retailer specs, the jobs it suits, and what to confirm on the Amazon listing. The glove was not hands-on tested for this article.
Quick verdict
Best for: Stick welders and heavy fabricators who want a soft elkskin glove with a heat-resistant back.
Bottom line: A strong stick-welding glove on paper. It is not the right choice for TIG, wet work or anyone who needs a verified certification that is not on the listing.
Black Stallion 850 specs at a glance
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Black Stallion (Revco) |
| Model | 850 Premium Grain Elkskin Stick Glove |
| Leather | Premium grain elkskin |
| Back | DuPont Nomex lining |
| Palm | Reversed grain, unlined per retailer listings |
| Thumb | Strap reinforcement |
| Cuff | Rigid cuff |
| Stitching | Kevlar thread |
| Sizes | S to 2XL per the manufacturer catalog |
| Color | Gold per the catalog, shown as yellow or white on some retailer pages |
What is the Black Stallion 850 elkskin glove?
Elkskin is soft and flexible for its thickness and insulates well. On the 850, the elkskin is extra thick, the back of the hand carries a Nomex lining for added flame resistance, and the seams are sewn with Kevlar thread so they hold up near sparks.
The reversed-grain palm gives a softer feel and better grip on electrode holders and clamps. The thumb strap reinforces a spot that sees a lot of stress.
Who the 850 is for
- Stick welders who work with high heat and heavy slag.
- Fabricators who handle hot metal during the day.
- Welders with larger hands, since the catalog lists sizes up to 2XL.
If you work in MIG and want padding, the Black Stallion GM1611-WT is a lighter option. For the lighter sister glove, see the Black Stallion 750.
Who should skip it
- TIG welders and anyone who works with small parts and needs fingertip feel.
- Anyone who works in wet conditions, because wet leather loses shape and gets stiff.
- Workers who need a certification, cut rating or waterproofing that is not on the listing.
Safety note: Wear the glove with the rest of your PPE and keep the cuff covered by your sleeve. Replace the pair when the leather cracks or seams open.
Pros and limitations
Pros
- Thick elkskin that stays soft
- Nomex-lined back and Kevlar thread
- Reversed-grain palm and thumb strap
- Wide size range
Limitations
- Bulky for precision work
- Not for wet conditions
- Color and sizes on Amazon can differ from the catalog
Related reading: Black Stallion 850 stick glove review | Black Stallion 750 review | How to maintain welding gloves
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Black Stallion 850 glove made of?
Premium grain elkskin with a Nomex-lined back and Kevlar stitching, per the manufacturer catalog and retailer listings.
Is the 850 good for stick welding?
Yes, stick welding is what it was designed for, since the leather, back lining and cuff target heat and spark exposure.
Is the 850 the same as the 750?
Per the manufacturer catalog they share the same construction. The 850 is listed in gold with sizes S to 2XL, and the 750 in pearl with sizes S to XL.
Can I machine wash it?
No. Spot clean with mild soap and water and air dry away from heat.
Is it suitable for TIG welding?
Not really. It is too thick for TIG filler rod control.
Bottom line
The 850 is a heavy elkskin stick glove with the features you want for hot work. Check the size and color on the Amazon listing, and choose a thinner glove if your main work is TIG or fine fabrication.
