Assisting Gloves -- standard action, swift action, or both?

[outshyn]

For reference:

https://aonprd.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Assisting%20Gloves

The issue with these gloves: it says it uses a command word to activate, which is by default a standard action. However, it then says it's a swift to get the benefit (Aid Another bonus).

My question is: is the text about it being a swift action meant to modify the usual activation? So it's only a swift action and the gloves then give an Aid Another check and become inert. OR, is it meant to be that you use a standard action to turn 'em on, then they hover around you for up to 1 minute, waiting for a swift action to make 'em do something?

I think the latter interpretation is correct and intended, but also makes the gloves borderline useless in combat. If you're in the middle of a standard action to swing at an enemy, you don't have another standard action available in order to activate the gloves for a +2.

What do you think?

[Pizza Lord]

It is a standard action to activate the gloves. This creates a disembodied hand that will pretty much exist for 1 minute or until you use a swift action to have it make an Aid Another check.

It's not thrilling, but that's not the same as useless. It's a cheap, one-shot item, like a guidance or resistance. It just means you need to spend a standard action and then you have 10 rounds to use it. It's like saying true strike is useless for the caster, since they have to cast it. It just takes planning, or... use them to help you with a skill check when you aren't in combat.

[Azothath]

command word & standard action to activate then one attempt 1d20+(BAB or skill rank) DC10 check for assist (+2) using swift action within 10 rounds. Then gloves become mundane hand weights at 1lb.

===
you'd be better off spending the cash on jewely & clothes, perfume, plain bribery, or a Str/Cha boost scroll. It is just a lower priced item sold to noobs to make 90gp for the crafter.
- Magical Consumer Reports & Reviews