Gloves.....way to much glass and to sharp objects in my opinion. I bought a cheap pair but solid and I haven't had to replace them this year and still look strong.
I am a no glover because I'm paranoid that I'll hit something. I can feel around the hole and figure out what I'm working on. Also the gloves make it hard for me to change settings on my detector with out taking them off. I can feel where the buttons are on my detector and not even have to look at them now to gb, pin point, program switches and so on. That being said if you looked at my hands you would think I stuck them through a meat grinder. So choose wisely
Gloves always. I have gotten stuck and cut a few times, sticking my bare hands into those little holes. I use the ones that Loco Digger uses, but mine are orange, to better match my outfit!
I only wear one glove whenever I'm detecting I put it on my left hand and I use the Digger and the detector with my right hand. I use the gloved hand to dig around in the hole looking for the Target.
I use soft leather gloves that are rancher style. I also use a cheap fiberglass reinforced plastic trowel. If I dinged a $20 gold piece, I'd be furious. After a piece of broken glass slices your finger, you will see what I mean.
I prefer gloves, but if I find a place to hunt and happen not to have them, I will go forward carefully without them. It's slower being safe barehanded, but I also have a better feel working in the dirt that way.
XP Deus (2019)
Fisher CZ-21 (2019)
CTX 3030 (April 2017)
AT Pro
Garrett Carrot
Pro Pointer
Stavr Scoop Moonstrik 6
Stealth 720i (BNIB)
Home made beach scoop
Interesting analogies, but since I don't have to tie kerosene soaked rags around my ankles, I do not and have never used gloves while MD'ing. I do, however, carry a pair with me to prevent frostbite but never while digging.
Marvin
PS, my immune system works as designed so I'm not the least bit worried about Germs.
Only once in eight and a half years detecting and that was last winter when the weather was tolerable but the ground was frosty. Didn't like em, felt awkward and couldn't feel what I was doing. So far only ever had one small cut. In fact first I ever knew folks to wear them was when I joined forums and seen photos.