HWI Gear

Overview

HWI Gear is a U.S. manufacturer and supplier of tactical, military, and outdoor sports apparel, with a strong focus on protective gloves and duty gear for law enforcement, military personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts. The company positions itself as a specialist in technical handwear and protective apparel, emphasizing performance, durability, and mission‑oriented design. It serves both federal contracts and commercial customers, supplying products that incorporate features such as fire resistance, cut resistance, and touchscreen compatibility.

History

HWI Gear, Inc. was founded on October 15, 2003, and federally registered in January 2004, establishing itself as a supplier of protective apparel for law enforcement and military members. The company became a key supplier of combat gloves and related technical data packages to U.S. Department of Defense agencies, building a reputation in tactical glove manufacturing. In January 2023, HWI Gear acquired Masley Enterprises, Inc., a 23‑year‑old protective handwear company known for highly technical, American‑made military gloves, and consolidated Masley’s production into its Denver operations with a commitment to manufacture by June 2023. The company continues to operate under the HWI Gear brand, maintaining its focus on tactical gloves and protective apparel.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

HWI Gear manufactures protective apparel in the United States, including gloves made with fire‑resistant and cut‑resistant materials, and also sources or produces items in other countries. The company operates production in Denver, Colorado, where it consolidated Masley Enterprises’ glove manufacturing after the 2023 acquisition. It maintains both in‑house manufacturing capabilities and distribution from a warehouse to support federal contracts and smaller commercial orders.

Notable Products

• Masley Tactical Gloves - Highly technical military gloves acquired and integrated into HWI Gear’s product line, known for American‑made construction and mission‑oriented performance.
• Combat Gloves for U.S. Military - Combat‑oriented gloves supplied to the U.S. Department of Defense under technical data packages and federal contracts.
• Fire‑Resistant Tactical Gloves - Gloves incorporating fire‑resistant materials designed for hazardous and high‑risk operational environments.
• Cut‑Resistant Duty Gloves - Protective gloves engineered with cut‑resistant materials for law enforcement and industrial use.
• Touchscreen‑Compatible Tactical Gloves - Tactical gloves featuring conductive materials that allow operation of touchscreen devices while wearing gloves.

Reputation

HWI Gear is generally regarded as a niche but reliable supplier of tactical gloves and protective apparel for military and law enforcement users, particularly valued for its focus on technical handwear and federal contract work. Enthusiasts and professionals often highlight its American‑made options and specialized protective features such as fire and cut resistance. Some users note that the brand’s product range and marketing presence are more limited compared with larger tactical gear companies, and availability can be constrained by its smaller scale and contract‑oriented operations.