Ansell Microflex MF-300 Diamond Grip Gloves Review (2025): Premium Latex Option for Wet-Surface Grip
★★★★½ 4.4/5
Reviewed by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial — 2025
| Material | Natural Rubber Latex (NOT nitrile) |
|---|---|
| Thickness | ~4.7 mil |
| Color | Natural/Tan |
| Count | 100 gloves/box |
| Powder | Powder-free |
| Standard | ASTM D3578 |
| Latex | Contains latex — NOT latex-free |
The Ansell Microflex MF-300 is a premium powder-free latex examination glove—not nitrile—distinguished by its all-over diamond texture that significantly outperforms flat-surface latex on wet instrument handling. If latex sensitization is not a concern, this glove delivers superior tactile feedback and elasticity that nitrile cannot fully replicate.
Why This Glove Stands Out
Latex's natural elasticity gives the MF-300 a conforming fit that wraps hand anatomy more closely than nitrile at an equivalent gauge. Combined with the full-hand diamond texture, it maintains grip on wet glassware, instruments, and food-contact surfaces better than many nitrile competitors at the same mil thickness.
Performance and Fit
The diamond pattern raises above the glove surface across the palm and fingers, not just at the fingertips. In wet handling environments—food processing, dentistry, veterinary work—the texture channels liquid away from the grip zone. During comparative testing on wet surgical instruments, the MF-300 held contact significantly better than flat-surface latex at identical gauge.
Natural rubber latex provides a tactile sensitivity advantage over nitrile that remains meaningful for fine-motor tasks: suturing, dental procedures, precision electronics. The MF-300's gauge is calibrated to balance this sensitivity with durability—4.7 mil is heavier than thin exam gloves without compromising dexterity. Powder-free formulation eliminates talc contamination concerns.
Durability and Chemical Protection
Critical limitation: this glove contains natural rubber latex and poses Type I immediate hypersensitivity risk to latex-allergic individuals. It also contains rubber accelerators that may trigger Type IV contact dermatitis in accelerator-sensitive users. If anyone in your supply chain—workers, patients, or end users—has latex sensitivity, choose the Ansell Microflex SU-690 (accelerator-reduced nitrile) or the Microflex Supreno SE (fully accelerator-free nitrile) instead.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Full-hand diamond texture provides superior wet-surface grip versus flat or fingertip-only textured gloves
- Natural rubber latex elasticity delivers conforming fit and tactile sensitivity that nitrile cannot match
- Powder-free eliminates talc contamination on instruments, food-contact surfaces, and electronics
- ASTM D3578 compliance ensures minimum quality standards for examination gloves
Cons
- Contains natural rubber latex—CANNOT be used by or with latex-allergic individuals
- Natural rubber contains rubber accelerators that may trigger Type IV contact dermatitis in sensitized users
Who Should Buy This Glove
Order this glove for applications where latex is permissible and preferred: dental procedures, veterinary work, food processing, wet-handling lab work. Users who prefer the natural fit and tactile feel of latex and have verified no latex sensitivity in their team.
Who Should Skip It
Do not order if any worker, patient, or contact has latex allergy or sensitivity. Do not use in facilities with latex-free policies. For latex-free alternatives with comparable texture, see the Ansell Microflex SU-690 (violet nitrile) or the Microflex Supreno SE.
How It Compares
For a nitrile alternative with similar texture, the Ansell Microflex SU-690 Violet delivers reduced-accelerator nitrile with exam-grade AQL. For fully accelerator-free nitrile, the Microflex Supreno SE is the closest analog without latex risk. Neither nitrile option fully replicates latex elasticity, but both are safe for latex-sensitive environments.
Related Nitrile Gloves
- Ansell Microflex SU-690 Violet Nitrile (latex-free alternative)
- Microflex Supreno SE Accelerator-Free Nitrile
- Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800 Chemical-Resistant Nitrile
- Kimtech Polaris EN 374 Nitrile Exam Gloves
- Kimtech Purple Nitrile USP 800 Chemo Gloves
- Curad Nitrile Exam Gloves 150-Count
- MedPride Powder-Free Nitrile Exam Gloves
- Inspire Cobalt Blue Nitrile Exam Gloves
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ansell MF-300 nitrile or latex?
Latex. The Microflex MF-300 is a natural rubber latex examination glove, not nitrile. If you require a latex-free glove, see the Ansell Microflex SU-690 (violet nitrile) or Microflex Supreno SE (accelerator-free nitrile).
Can someone with a latex allergy use the MF-300?
No. This glove contains natural rubber latex and poses Type I hypersensitivity risk. Anyone with a latex allergy must not use this glove or be in proximity to others wearing it. Choose a 100% nitrile option.
What makes the diamond grip pattern different?
The diamond texture covers the full palm and fingers, not just fingertips. This increases surface contact area on wet instruments and provides better grip than standard single-texture or flat-surface latex gloves.
What is ASTM D3578?
ASTM D3578 covers rubber examination gloves for medical application—specifying minimum thickness, physical dimensions, AQL defect rates, and performance requirements for natural rubber latex exam gloves.
Is the MF-300 powder-free?
Yes. Powder-free—no talc contamination on instruments, food-contact surfaces, or sensitive areas.
Can I use these for food handling?
Yes, if no latex allergy is present in your team or customer base. The powder-free formulation is appropriate for food contact. Verify compliance with local food service regulations.
What is Type I latex hypersensitivity?
Type I is an immediate IgE-mediated immune response to natural rubber latex proteins. Symptoms range from hives and itching to anaphylaxis. This is distinct from Type IV contact dermatitis caused by rubber accelerators.
What is Type IV contact dermatitis from gloves?
Type IV is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to chemical accelerators used in glove manufacturing (thiurams, carbamates, mercaptobenzothiazoles). Symptoms appear 12–48 hours after contact. Both latex and nitrile gloves may contain accelerators—for accelerator-free options, see the Microflex Supreno SE.
How does latex compare to nitrile in chemical resistance?
Latex resists aqueous solutions and mild cleaning chemicals but is poor against petroleum-based solvents and many organic chemicals. Nitrile generally outperforms latex on chemical resistance for oils, fuels, and many solvents.
What is the shelf life?
Three to five years when stored away from UV light, ozone, and heat. Natural rubber degrades faster than nitrile under poor storage conditions.
Are these gloves sterile?
No—these are non-sterile examination gloves. For sterile procedures, surgical-grade sterile latex gloves with individual packaging are required.
What sizes are available?
XS through XL. Latex conforms more naturally to hand shape than nitrile—sizing is typically the same as your usual examination glove size.
Can I use these for tattooing?
If your clients and state regulations permit latex, yes. Many tattoo artists prefer latex for its tactile sensitivity. If any client has latex allergy, switch to nitrile.
Is the MF-300 good for dental procedures?
Yes—dental professionals who prefer latex and work in latex-permissible environments frequently choose full-texture latex for its tactile properties during procedures. Verify patient latex status before use.
What nitrile alternatives does Ansell make?
Ansell offers the Microflex SU-690 (violet, reduced-accelerator nitrile, 3.9 mil), the Microflex 93-256 (orange, 9.5 mil, MEGA Texture for industrial), and the TouchNTuff 93-800 (aqua, 8.3 mil, chemical-resistant) as nitrile alternatives.
The Bottom Line
The MF-300 is one of the better powder-free latex examination gloves available when latex is permissible. The full-hand diamond texture is a genuine grip improvement over flat latex. However, its use is appropriately limited to latex-safe environments—for everyone else, a nitrile alternative is the correct choice.
About the Author
Steven Eaton is the founder of WC Safety and a hands-on industrial PPE specialist with over a decade of experience sourcing and evaluating disposable gloves, respirators, and hearing protection for industrial, medical, and food-service environments.
Testing Methodology
Reviews are based on manufacturer specification sheets, ASTM/EN certification documentation, published comparative testing, and direct product handling. Ratings reflect build quality, specification value, and suitability for the intended application.
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All product claims are drawn directly from published technical data sheets, ASTM/EN certification records, or manufacturer documentation. WC Safety does not fabricate specifications, certifications, or comparative claims. Errors may be reported to safetynw2012@gmail.com.