Technical Untangled - Cut Level A5 and A9 Gloves: What’s the Difference, and Which Is Right for You?
At Tilsatec, we’re often asked: What’s the real difference between cut level A5 and level A9 gloves, and which should you choose? Not all cut resistant gloves are created equal. If you’ve ever compared A5 and A9 cut gloves and wondered what the real difference is, you’re not alone.
We design gloves across the full range of cut levels from A1 to A9, so understanding what each level offers helps you choose the right protection for your job.
These ratings come from the ANSI 105-24 standard and are used to match glove performance to the risks you’re working with. In this article, we’ll break down what those cut levels actually mean, ASTM F2992 testing and how it is relevant for higher rated gloves, and where you’re most likely to see each level used in real working environments.
In real working environments, the difference between these levels can significantly impact both safety and productivity.
How ASTM F2992 Cut Testing Works
ASTM F2992 is a standardised test method used to determine the cut resistance of materials, particularly those used in personal protective equipment such as gloves. The test measures the force required for a straight blade to cut through a material under controlled conditions using a precision instrument known as a TDM (Tomodynamometer).
Here’s how it works:
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A sample is placed under a straight-moving blade in a single direction. This blade is used once and replaced after each cut.
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Varying levels of force are applied to the blade and these are plotted against the distance at which a cut through is detected.
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Upon completion of the test, the force (in grams) required to cut through the material over a specified distance of 20mm is determined, thereby providing an indication of its protective performance.
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The test is carried out in triplicate, and the average of the three tests is used to give a final performance level according to ANSI/ISEA 105-24.
The higher the force required, the greater the cut resistance of the glove.
The results from ASTM F2992 are used to assign cut resistance levels according to the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard, ranging from A1 (lowest cut resistance) to A9 (highest cut resistance). This allows manufacturers and end users to select appropriate protective materials based on the level of cut hazard present in the working environment.
ASTM F2992 is widely recognised for its accuracy and reliability, particularly because it minimises blade dulling effects and provides a more consistent measure of cut resistance compared to older test methods.
ANSI/ISEA 105-24 Cut Levels Explained (A1–A9)
The results of the test are categorised into nine levels:
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Level A1 (200–499 grams) – Minimal cut protection
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Level A2 (500–999 grams) – Very low cut resistance
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Level A3 (1,000–1,499 grams) – Low cut risk
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Level A4 (1,500–2,199 grams) – Moderate cut protection
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Level A5 (2,200–2,999 grams) – Good cut protection
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Level A6 (3,000–3,999 grams) – High cut protection
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Level A7 (4,000–4,999 grams) – Very high cut protection
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Level A8 (5,000–5,999 grams) – Extremely high cut protection
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Level A9 (6,000+ grams) – Maximum cut protection
Each step up represents a meaningful increase in the force required to cut through the glove.
Cut Level A5 vs Cut Level A9: What’s the Real Difference?
At a glance, both level A5 and level A9 gloves offer cut protection, but they are designed for very different risk environments.
Cut Level A5
A5 gloves are designed for moderate cut hazards where dexterity and comfort are still essential.
Typical applications include:
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Light to medium metal handling
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Automotive assembly
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Construction
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Manufacturing
Across the Tilsatec Comfort+ range, these gloves are designed to balance protection and flexibility without compromising comfort during prolonged use making them ideal for tasks that require precise handling of tools and components.
Cut Level A9
Cut Level A9 gloves provide the highest level of cut resistance, designed for environments where sharp materials present a constant and severe hazard.
Typical applications include:
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Heavy metal fabrication and stamping
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Glass handling and recycling
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Waste and recycling operations
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Oil & gas and heavy industry
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Aerospace and advanced manufacturing
For applications requiring the highest levels of protection, products such as the Tilsatec 53-9121 go beyond standard Level A9 requirements.
These gloves are engineered to offer exceptional cut resistance for the most demanding environments.
At Tilsatec, we work closely with customers to assess the real level of cut risk before recommending a glove. In many cases, users are either over-specified, reducing comfort and dexterity, or under-protected, increasing the risk of injury.
Our approach is to match protection to the task, ensuring the right balance between safety, performance, and wearability.
Choosing the Right Level for the Job
Selecting between cut level A5 and A9 isn’t about choosing the "best" glove, it’s about choosing the right glove to protect against the risk.
Key considerations include:
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Severity of cut hazard – Are edges sharp, jagged, or continuous?
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Frequency of exposure – Is cutting risk occasional or constant?
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Dexterity requirements – Does the task require fine motor control?
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Comfort and wear time – Will gloves be worn continuously for long periods?
Over-specifying protection can reduce comfort and productivity, while under-specifying can increase the risk of injury.
Understanding the difference between A5 and A9 gloves is essential for choosing the right PPE. While Level A4 offers a versatile solution for moderate risks, Level A9 is designed for more demanding environments where a higher level of protection is non-negotiable.
By understanding how ASTM F2992 and ANSI/ISEA 105-24 testing works and what each cut level represents, safety professionals can better match gloves to the task, helping them select the right solution from the Tilsatec range while improving safety and performance on the job.
Ready to find the right gloves for your application? View the coated high cut range here.