Charles,
Thank you for your input and for your insight regarding the needs of someone working with this sort of material. I'm a physical chemist so I try to keep my hands clean as much as possible.
I have noticed that the nitriles tear more easily than the latex, as you mentioned. Do you know a reasonable place for a non-professional to get them? They seem to be about twice the price of latex, from what I have seen. I completely agree that it is worth it to protect yourself.
thanks,
-David