The Reusch Xosa Pro G1 is a very sought after goalkeeper glove, especially as it is very reasonably priced and was worn during the World Cup by Brazil’s Julio Cesar, Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera, and Paraguay’s Justo Villar. We featured the glove on our Most Affordable Gloves Worn During The World Cup post and recently reviewed the Reusch Xosa Pro G1 goalkeeper glove in a size 8.5 in the aqua/flash green/yellow color scheme on a hard ground field and an artificial grass field. I tend to wear a size 8 or 9 depending on the cut, the 8.5 was a perfect fit.
Palm – The Xosa Pro G1 uses Reusch’s G1-Ultrasoft foam which is very flexible and quite soft.
The grip performed great on hard ground and artificial grass. It also had great absorption qualities which were very noticeable when handling crosses. The palm was also surprisingly durable; Reusch rates the durability of the G1-Ultrasoft foam a 6 out of 10, but the most noticeable wear on the palm was the left glove’s Reusch logo wore off as pictured. Also, some of the stitching started to pull, but only slightly.
Fit – The Xosa Pro G1 uses Reusch’s Expanse Cut and ESS (Ergonomic Support System) technologies. The Expanse Cut increases the ball contact area by placing the seams outside of the glove. The ESS is the reason behind the gloves’ optimal feel with its anatomic shaping of the hand in a natural catching position. The palm also extends slightly to the side of the hand underneath the pinky (where the ESS label is).
Style – These gloves are a bit on the loud and colorful side compared to others on the market which may turn off some goalkeepers, but then again, goalkeepers’ personalities are a bit loud and colorful. It’s also worth mentioning that it’s pretty tough to find a goalkeeper jersey and a pair of cleats that don’t go with the gloves’ style. They are also sold in a black/yellow color scheme which is not as loud, but not as nice looking in our opinion either.
Innovation – One of the most innovative features of these gloves is the Pull Loop. Many goalkeepers of the top of line goalkeeper gloves
have an elastic wrist with a wrap around wrist closure. The problem with this is that the easiest way to pull your gloves on tight is to tug at the wrist strap which, overtime, could rip at the seams or even tear up the foam on the palm of the glove. Reusch’s Pull Loop solves that problem. Another notable feature is the AirVentSystem which helps keep your hand cool when playing in hot weather. You can actually feel a breeze through the mesh.
Value – These are awesome gloves, especially for the price! You can find the Reusch Xosa’s online or in your local soccer shop for roughly $80. Reusch did a great job of creating a quality and simple glove at an affordable price.
Improvements/Changes – Reusch should add another color scheme with a more subtle design for those keepers that don’t like flashy gloves and cleats. Another common request for this glove is adding finger protection spines.
Conclussion – These goalkeeper gloves may be tough to find, but they’re worth the hunt! I think Reusch could get away with selling these gloves for a lot more. It really is a simple glove that puts the emphasis in all the right places – fit, comfort, and grip!
The Reusch Xosa Pro G1 Goalkeeper Glove
Grip – 9
Absorption – 9
Durability – 7.5
Comfort/Fit – 10
Style – 8
Innovation – 9
Value – 10
Overall – 8.9
The complete MLS All-Star Roster was announced a couple of days ago and 
