Cutters Force 6.0 Review: More Protection, Less Comfort — Is It Worth the Trade-Off?
Introduction
When you think of lineman gloves that have stood the test of time, the Cutters Force series is usually at the top of the conversation. Known for combining solid padding with practical grip and a snug fit, the Force line has always been a go-to for big boys in the trenches. But with each update, there’s always the question: did they improve or overcorrect?
The Cutters Force 6.0 is the latest iteration, and it brings some bold changes to what used to be one of the most comfortable gloves in the game. For linemen looking for a balance of protection, dexterity, grip, and style, this review dives into how the new Force 6.0 stacks up, especially compared to the much-loved Force 5.0.
Fit and Comfort
Let’s start with what used to be this glove’s biggest strength: comfort. Sadly, that’s taken a step back this year. One of the standout things about last year’s model (the Force 5.0) was how incredibly comfortable it was. It molded to your hand, gave you room to move, and simply felt better than almost anything else out there.
With the Force 6.0, however, things feel bulkier. When you line up the 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0, you’ll notice that the latest version looks and feels more like the 4.0. Some of the smart segmentation that allowed for a flexible, broken-in feel is gone. Instead, the glove’s back-of-hand padding feels thicker and less forgiving.
The biggest downgrade in fit comes at the thumb. This year’s thumb area is stiffer, less ergonomic, and simply too big for those with smaller hands. Where the Force 5.0 felt nimble and responsive, the Force 6.0 feels clunky in comparison. It’s still wearable, but it’s no longer the standout in the comfort category. Instead, it’s now “average” in a field where it used to dominate.
Breathability
If you’re hoping for breathability in a lineman glove, you already know the drill, there’s just not much. To Cutters’ credit, they did make a few small efforts to reduce heat, like adding perforations in key areas. But at the end of the day, these gloves get hot, and there’s no way around it. That’s the trade-off for using thicker foam padding and reinforced materials.
So yes, while it’s nice to see them trying to help airflow, these gloves still trap heat quickly, especially during summer games or long practices. If breathability is a top priority for you, you’ll need to look elsewhere or accept the fact that these won’t keep your hands cool for long.
Protection
Now here’s where things swing back in the Force 6.0’s favor. While comfort took a hit, protection definitely got better. In fact, Cutters seems to have made a clear choice between comfort and impact resistance, and they went with protection.
All across the glove, the padding is significantly denser and thicker than before. The soft, squishy feel of the 5.0 has been replaced by something more solid and defensive. This is especially noticeable in the fingers, where the upgraded foam gives a reinforced, secure feel during contact.
If you play a high-contact position or you’re constantly throwing hands in the trenches, you’ll appreciate the added armor. The trade-off is the reduced flexibility, but if your priority is staying protected, the Force 6.0 might be exactly what you need.
Grip
This is where things get a little complicated. The Force 5.0 was the first version we could confidently recommend for centers, thanks to two main features: improved dexterity and small overlays in the palm that helped significantly with ball control.
But the Force 6.0 seems a bit confused about its identity. On one hand, it reduces dexterity, which makes snapping or controlling the football harder. On the other hand, it adds new segmented palm padding that helps grip, but then removes the thumb overlay, which makes gripping harder again.
So what are we left with? A glove that doesn’t seem fully optimized for centers anymore. If you have large hands and powerful fingers, you might be able to make it work. But for players with smaller hands, or for those who rely on thumb grip and flexibility, this version can feel stiff and uncooperative. For most linemen, it still performs well. But if you’re a center, especially one with average hand size, you may want to look elsewhere.
Durability
One of the pleasant surprises of this year’s model is how durable it feels. In past reviews, especially on earlier Force models, some players complained about the grip peeling or the felt palm ripping after extended use.
That doesn’t seem to be the case with the Force 6.0. Between the thicker padding and the sturdier materials, these gloves look and feel ready to last. The overlays and seams appear reinforced, and the grip seems to hold up well under pressure. If you’re someone who expects your gloves to last through a full season (and maybe even into the next), the Force 6.0 earns solid marks here.
Style
Here’s a fun surprise, color options! For the first time, Cutters added blue and red alongside the standard black and white. That might not sound like a big deal, but in the world of lineman gloves, it is. Most brands don’t invest in color variety for trench gear because the demand is low, but Cutters said, “Forget that, the linemen deserve drip too.”
The color integration is clean and subtle, and it’s great to finally have more than just monochrome options to choose from. Hopefully, this leads to more brands following suit. For now, props to Cutters for leading the way.
Price
In terms of price, the Force 6.0 sits right in the middle of the lineman glove market. At $65, it lands between the Nike D-Tack (at $70) and the UA Combat (at $60). That feels fair considering the upgrades in protection and durability. Plus, despite adding new colors, which usually results in a price bump, Cutters kept the cost reasonable. That’s a win.
Position Fit
Last year, we could say the Force 5.0 worked for every lineman, including centers. This year, the Force 6.0 returns to a more traditional mold, best for offensive and defensive linemen, excluding centers.
The added stiffness in the thumb and the grip changes just make it too tough to confidently recommend this glove for snapping. For everyone else on the line, it still gets the job done and then some.
Final Verdict
The Cutters Force 6.0 isn’t perfect, but it is purpose-driven. By choosing protection over comfort, Cutters has built a glove that can withstand serious abuse in the trenches. While it may no longer be the most comfortable option out there, the added durability, improved padding, and smart design upgrades still make it one of the best lineman gloves for the price.
If you’re looking for comfort and finesse, you might want to check out older models or explore alternatives. But if you want to strap on gloves that can survive the grind of the line, the Force 6.0 is well worth the look.
