Akadema fielding gloves...

We are looking at some Akadema gloves for our 9 year old daughter for softball. Will let you know what we think once we pull the trigger.

I don't know, never used one, but heard great thing about them. I don't like much padding in my catchers mitts, but I like 'em stiff. Let me know how they are, I can't find any here to try on.

My son has the AOZ91, the Ozzie Smith Reptile infield glove and loves it. It really reduces spin when it hits the glove.

Thanks gogolf18. Is that glove designed to have two fingers in one slot at the end. Meaning the ring and pinky finger together. I have my son trying that with his current glove and he likes it. It seems to help him manipulate the glove.

Deacon, sorry for the delay. The glove you just described is the Reptilian Claw, it's a 12.75" pro level outfielder's mitt. IMO it's way too big for a 7 year old. For that age group you're much better staying with their Prodigy line or Rookie line, I'd say a 11"or 11.25" glove in these lines would be ideal. My son is 7 and he used the AZR-95 cause I have had i for a few years, just waiting for him

Kelley also makes a good quality youth glove, the Galaxy series, I'd stay within the same size range with them as well.

Thanks Glove. I beleive they make a youth Reptilian, but if this one is 12.75 then yeah, it is way to big for my guy. The one I am looking at is a Prodigy series Reptilian. Kind of like they have a Youth series Praying Mantis. I was wondering if it has that same feature of the larger glove. He has the youth Mantis and he love's it.

Unfortunately the youth gloves don't have that feature, but all you have to do is remove the piece of leather that holds the pinky in place, and he should be able to squeeze pinky and ring finger in the last stall. Over time the stall should expand and become more comfortable.

The ADN-96 or AOZ-91 would be a perfect for your little all-star, both are youth Reptilians.

DP,

The AOZ91 is designed specifically for the youth infielder at 11.25" and is basically fingerless. My just turned 11 year old loves it for the dirt and switches to the Mizuno CGY 1200 for the outfield.

gogolf,

Is the aoz91 a faily light glove? I was at a store today and put my hands on a 11.25" glove from Glovesmith. I was amazed at how light this glove was compared to his current Wilson.

Gloveman, any comments on glove weights. I liked the Glovesmith as it was very light. I would like to try a Kelley, but it is almost impossible to find one to feel first.

Thanks,

Tim

A friend bought an Akadema for his teen son. The pocket ripped out after fairly little usage (perhaps a few months). He had quite a bit of trouble trying to get the glove replaced.

DP,

Like a feather!!

My son has the Catchers mitt and a MI glove...Both are excellent and he will not play with any thing else...

The Praying Mantis closes it's **** self and is very durable...2.5 seasons and still going with some noticable wear from blocking...

His 2 Bagger glove is awesome...keeps it's shape well and has had zero lacing problems...

GnR

I had my Akadema for 6 years. I still have it. I used it untill mid-way through my freshman year and then switched to a Mizuno. Akadema's are very reliable gloves. I'd suggest anyone to get one. I take pride in having such a great glove

Kelley's are great glove, I highly recommend them.