Ansell Microflex Diamond Grip MF-300 vs. UniSafe Diamondback: An ASE Master Tech’s Story and Technical Review.

• January 30 2026

Quick Summary: 

• The Comparison: Both the UniSafe Diamondback DBPF800 and Ansell Microflex Diamond Grip MF-300 offer a heavy-duty ~8 mil thickness, making them roughly equivalent in durability and barrier protection.

• Other Similarities: Both gloves utilize premium Offline Chlorination processing for superior strength and easier donning and both gloves have a similar textured grip.

• The Difference: The primary difference is the supply chain. Diamond Grip is sold through distributors; UniSafe is sold direct-to-consumer.

• The Bottom Line: By selling direct, UniSafe Diamondback offers very similar technical specs and grip as the Microflex Diamond Grip MF-300 but typically costs 40-50 percent less per case.

The Spark: 

I want to take you back to the late 1990s. I was working as a mechanic at a shop. We went through a lot of gloves, and one day my boss Joe bought a case of Ansell Microflex Diamond Grip Gloves (MF-300).

Even back then, I noticed the difference immediately. They were tough, they were comfortable, they gripped well, and they didn't tear the second you snagged a bolt. But there was a catch: these gloves were expensive. Really expensive.

Fast forward a couple of years. I was out on my own, driving a beat-up van door-to-door, selling rags to shops; yes, we got our start with shop rags. As I was driving around I kept asking myself, "What else do these guys need?" I knew from experience that mechanics needed a glove as good as the Diamond Grip, but the price tag was an issue. That day I decided I was going to be the solution.

The Mission: Gold Standard Quality, Working Man’s Price

I set out to build an alternative that matched the "gold standard" of quality but at a price that actually felt fair.

Getting there was a trial by fire. I’ve tested countless samples and vetted so many factories I lost count. I’ve dealt with the same headaches you dread: gloves that are 8mil but rip like tissue paper, gloves that are tough to don, tacky and even gloves that I thought were going to be the winner but arrived with dirt and bugs melted into them. YUCK!

I took those losses so you don’t have to.

UniSafe Diamondback is the result of persistence. I’ve done the legwork to ensure that when you reach into a box, you’re getting a tool you can trust, at a price that respects your bottom line. The goal is to put money back into your pocket each month and give you a tool that you will use all day every day that actually works well and you enjoy using.

The Manufacturing Secret: Why Offline Chlorination Is Best

There are a few choices for ~8 mil latex gloves on the market, but most of them don’t feel right or perform the same. That’s because the secret isn’t just in the thickness of the rubber—it’s in the processing.

Key similarities between the Ansell Microflex Diamond Grip and the UniSafe Diamondback include the high quality of the raw materials and, most importantly, the Offline Chlorination process.

Almost all standard, cheaper gloves use "online chlorination" or a polymer coating process because it’s faster and cheaper. Both the Diamondback and the Diamond Grip are treated offline. This means the gloves are removed from the line and washed/treated in tumblers after an initial online chlorination process.

This time and labor intensive process makes the biggest difference, and most factories don't have the machinery to do this even if they wanted to. This process:

• Tightens the bonds between latex molecules for superior strength.

• Removes excess proteins, significantly reducing allergy risks.

• Creates a smoother, non-tacky interior that makes the gloves easier to don.

Where Diamondback Pulls Ahead

Since both gloves offer the same robust ~8 mil thickness and the same premium processing, they are functionally equivalent for heavy-duty work. However, the Diamondback pulls ahead in Value.

The "Direct" Advantage: Because we sell directly to you, we eliminate the distributor markups that inflate the price of the big brands. You get the same heavy-duty performance for significantly less money.

Comparison Chart: Diamondback vs. Ansell Microflex

Value Conclusion

If you are looking for a brand name, Ansell is a fine choice. I used them myself back in the day and I respect the quality. It was the benchmark that inspired me.

But if you’re looking for that same premium experience Diamondback is the clear winner. Get the same offline-chlorinated toughness for significantly less investment per case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are UniSafe Diamondback gloves as thick as Ansell Microflex?

Yes. Both gloves are considered heavy-duty latex gloves with a finger thickness of approximately 8 mil. For all intents and purposes, they offer an equivalent barrier against punctures and tears.

What is the difference between offline and online chlorination?

Offline chlorination is a premium, time-intensive batch process that washes gloves in tumblers. It removes more proteins and creates a smoother, non-tacky interior compared to the cheaper online chlorination or polymer coating methods used by budget gloves. It also tightens the bonds between the latex molecules. Both Diamondback and Diamond Grip use this premium offline chlorination process.

Why are Diamondback gloves cheaper if the quality is the same?

The price difference is due to the supply chain. Ansell gloves are the big name and these gloves typically pass through distributors, each adding a markup. UniSafe sells directly to the end-user, allowing us to offer the same spec glove at a lower price.

About The Author

Lawrence Drucker is the founder of UniSafeGloves.com, established in 1999. Before starting the company, Lawrence spent years as an ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician, relying on disposable gloves every day. From practical experience he understands what works and what doesn’t work in a glove for people who work with their hands. He now has decades of experience working directly with engineers on glove design and making innovative gloves built for people who work with their hands.

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