Nick,
The"best" is a roping palm and the other is seaming palm -- both Smith palms. The diff is in the thickness and stiffness of the leather. Both are beefy and way nicer than the WestMarine variety.
Where do you live in WI - do you ever get down near Milwaukee? I own a Smith roping palm and I'd be glad to let you take a look at it.
Contact me off board at
rmpingel@earthlink.net
Bob