Maxfli · Golf Balls & Golf Gloves
Maxfli Rain Golf Gloves
Water-repellent gloves; coating chemistry unknown. Caution advised.
Maxfli Rain Golf Gloves feature water-repellent treatment typical of rain apparel, but the brand discloses no PFAS policy or coating composition. water-repellent coating-treated textiles commonly contain PFAS; verification impossible without testing.
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Material
Synthetic leather/microfiber with water-repellent coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
clothing is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Maxfli Rain Golf Gloves use synthetic microfiber leather with a water-repellent coating. Synthetic leather is typically polyurethane or polyester polyol blends, often stabilized with formaldehyde-releasing resins during manufacturing. The water-repellent finish is the critical unknown: water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings on textiles traditionally contain PFAS, though some brands now use PFAS-free alternatives. Maxfli has not disclosed the specific chemistry of their coating.
The brand's record and disclosure
Maxfli (owned by Callaway Golf, now Topgolf Callaway Brands) has not published transparency reports on chemical use in apparel or made public commitments to PFAS-free water-repellent coating technology. No major product recalls or formaldehyde violations are on record for Maxfli gloves. The brand's silence on coating chemistry is typical of mid-market sports apparel but leaves end-users unable to verify safer alternatives were chosen.
How it compares in its category
Golf gloves are a smaller subcategory of sports apparel. Premium brands (e.g., Bionic, FootJoy higher-end lines) sometimes disclose non-PFAS water-repellent coating treatments; Maxfli occupies the mid-market without such claims. Most rain gloves at this price point use undisclosed water-repellent coatings, making Maxfli typical rather than a standout concern. However, gloves with minimal coating or uncoated microfiber represent a safer alternative if PFAS risk matters to you.
If you buy it
Wash before first use to remove loose dyes and residual finishes. Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent; avoid hot water and tumble drying, which can degrade the synthetic leather and cause microfiber shedding. Air dry flat. Do not machine wash or bleach. Replace when seams fray, material cracks, or water no longer beads on the surface, typically after 1-2 seasons of regular play. Store in a dry place to prevent mold growth.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Formaldehyde resins in synthetic leather
Polyurethane and polyester synthetic leather often use formaldehyde-based cross-linking resins. No specific testing data for Maxfli gloves is public, but residual formaldehyde can off-gas, especially if gloves are stored in warm, humid environments. Risk is low with typical use but higher during manufacturing and storage.
Azo dyes in synthetic leather and microfiber
Synthetic leather and microfiber textiles may be dyed with azo dyes, which can break down into aromatic amines under sweat and friction. Maxfli has not disclosed dye chemistry. Risk is mitigated by pre-washing and the short contact time with skin (gloves are worn over hands, not in direct prolonged contact with sensitive areas).
Microplastic shedding from degraded synthetic coating
As the water-repellent coating and microfiber surface degrade over time with use and washing, small fibers can shed into water or onto skin. This is a general hazard of all synthetic textiles but becomes more acute if gloves are regularly washed in hot water or machine dried.
Unknown water-repellent coating chemistry (likely PFAS)
Maxfli has not disclosed whether their water-repellent coating is PFAS-based or PFAS-free. Industry-wide, most durable water repellents on budget-to-mid-market golf apparel still contain PFAS compounds such as Teflon-type coating or C6/C8 precursors. This is the primary non-PFAS-specific concern for this product.
Skin sensitization from fragrance or antimicrobial finishes
No public reports of allergic reactions or antimicrobial chemical use in Maxfli gloves. However, some glove manufacturers add odor-control or moisture-wicking chemical treatments; Maxfli's ingredient disclosure does not confirm either is absent.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Golf Balls & Golf Gloves
Bridgestone
Men's Pair Golf Gloves
Leather, synthetic leather, or textile blend
Lower PFAS concern, but brand provides no transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Bridgestone
Soft Grip Golf Glove
Leather, synthetic grip material, textiles
Lower concern. Golf glove without known waterproofing or Teflon-family coating treatment.
⚠Risky category by default
Bridgestone
Lady Golf Glove
Synthetic leather or leather with standard stitching
Golf glove with typical materials, lower concern profile.
⚠Risky category by default
More golf balls & golf gloves grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.