For “hand sized” plants, I hardly ever use any protection. If you hold it loosely, trying to let it have contact with a large part of your hand, it works fine for me. The fishhook type mammillarias are difficult though, I think I used a piece of tissue paper to handle M. perezdelarosea and bocasana. I don’t do Opuntioids ;-).

Its really wide though. I also underestimated the spines....

If it doesn’t work with your bare hand, I would use layers of kitchen towel or soft cloth for straight spined plants. No cloth for hooked spines: if necessary you can wet paper and tear it away, cloth is a problem, once it is firmly hooked. Leather protects well of course, but it might break thinner spines. Fine for Ferocactus of course ;-).

Use a U shaped length of thick wire. Hold the wire ends in your hand and squeeze them together to hold the cactus in the middle of the U shape. Doesn't damage spines as gloves and cloth may. Adjustable for many size of cactus up to around 15cm diameter.

I use layers of newspaper and gloves.

Leather welding gloves. Cheap enough to keep a pair in the house at all times

I agree with gdinieontario.Just gloves and hold it loosely with my hand.I also like what s g suggested.

I use thick oven mitts.. Only once did the spines poke through.

Bigger tongs.

I use these for cactuses with no glochids. Works like a charm