I know this is a dormant thread, but I searched for "gloves" after my experience yesterday, and here I am.
I started playing when I was 9, and I am almost 6 decades now. The last time I I got a blister was my teens when I played like an animal. These days, I play much different - loose grip, lighter touch.
I never considered gloves. It seemed unnecessary to me. Yesterday I had a first gig since - last year. At the same time, I also switched sticks because my beloved Regal Tip Jazz Nylons - and RT's in general - are pretty much wiped off the planet. I chose a Promark Jazz Nylon which is nearly identical to the RT Jazz Nylon - in length, width, and weight. But, I guess the finish is different.
Well, the gig yesterday was outdoors. It was Cold. Halfway through the gig, I got a deep blister on my pinky that ripped open. Was painful, and I couldn't have the stick come in contact with it. So I spent the rest of the gig with the pinky out of the left hand grip.
So, maybe for these early spring, chillier gigs, I should get some gloves. Going to go look at the suggestion for golf gloves. Looking for something very thin. Just enough to help with the grip and avoid a blister.