I am in the market for a new catcher's mitt for my son and wanted to get some recommendations on good catcher's mitts. Any input would be appreciated. He plays high school jv. Thanks.
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Wilson A2403 2092-T (31 1/2 inch)my son just bought this one and is using it alot. Very similiar to the Pudge glove but 1 inch smaller. Tight fit for big hand.
Wilson A2403 PUDGE (32 1/2 inch) my son has two of these, one he has used for 7 years. This is a very popular mitt.
Wilson
Wilson A2403 PUDGE (32 1/2 inch) my son has two of these, one he has used for 7 years. This is a very popular mitt.
Wilson
bballdad1,
I would second the vote on the Wilson 2403. Not a glove that is better when talking about life of glove, leather quality, and feel. Great glove!
I would second the vote on the Wilson 2403. Not a glove that is better when talking about life of glove, leather quality, and feel. Great glove!
Another good glove is the Rawlings Pro Preferred, PROSCM20.
Both the Wilson 2403 and Rawlings PROSCM20 take a while to break in. If you are looking for a glove to use this spring, a glove that breaks in much quicker is the Nokona CM5KPRO.
Both the Wilson 2403 and Rawlings PROSCM20 take a while to break in. If you are looking for a glove to use this spring, a glove that breaks in much quicker is the Nokona CM5KPRO.
The Akadema APM-40 or APM-42. Will last every bit as long or longer than the 2403, plus it has a reinforced thumb, something that's week on that glove, and it cost a whole lot less.
quote:Originally posted by Glove Man:
The Akadema APM-40 or APM-42. Will last every bit as long or longer than the 2403, plus it has a reinforced thumb, something that's week on that glove, and it cost a whole lot less.
We use this glove and Glove Man once again demonstrates a vast knowledge of everything baseball. Our kids love these gloves.
My son had one of the ORIGINAL AKADEMA mitts (back when they were called ACADEMY)--got it when he was 12--and it lasted every bit of five years. Got the newer model last year for legion play. In fact, he has 2 infield gloves and an outfield glove by Akadema, too. Wouldn't use any other in his utility work.
Once again there is a lot of good info here by different knowledgeable folks. I really believe that glove selection is very individual. He should try on many different types and brands to see what fits his style. Even if he's buying online he can find a local dealer where he can try them. Then he should speak to other catchers he see's and ask their opinions and coaches as well. Then combine that with the knowledge you have gained here and you should be on your way. Good luck
Rawlings Heart of the hide PROCM11
For the prices gloves go at its a nice deal at
$160
For the prices gloves go at its a nice deal at
$160
What is the differnce in kip leather and steerhide?
Is it worth the extra 50-60 dollas that wilson and rawlings sell their gloves for?
Is it worth the extra 50-60 dollas that wilson and rawlings sell their gloves for?
I would agree that the rawlings pro preferred is a pretty good glove. My son speaks very highly of it.
Pro grade steerhide is thick tough leather, and it is traditional baseball glove leather.
Kip leather is a bit thinner, lighter, but is not as durable as steerhide. Kip leather gloves tend to break down and loose thier shape pretty rapidly compared to a properly cared for steerhide glove.
If you like spending $249 every year then go for the kip leather, if you'd like a glove that lasts for 3 or more years go with a pro level steerhide (Wilson A2000, Rawlings Heart of the Hide, Mizuno Pro, Akadema Professional Series, Kelley ProLine).
Funny thing is, kip leather ususally costs less for the manufacturer thank pro grade steerhide, yet they charge more for it. Go figure
Kip leather is a bit thinner, lighter, but is not as durable as steerhide. Kip leather gloves tend to break down and loose thier shape pretty rapidly compared to a properly cared for steerhide glove.
If you like spending $249 every year then go for the kip leather, if you'd like a glove that lasts for 3 or more years go with a pro level steerhide (Wilson A2000, Rawlings Heart of the Hide, Mizuno Pro, Akadema Professional Series, Kelley ProLine).
Funny thing is, kip leather ususally costs less for the manufacturer thank pro grade steerhide, yet they charge more for it. Go figure
I really appreciate all the good information and advice. As Coachric says, glove selection is very individual. My son has a Rawlings Pro Preferred infielder's glove and he loves it so he decided to get an 06 Rawlings Pro Preferred catcher's mitt (2-tone black and grey). I know it's a little bit more expensive. Again, thanks for all the good information and good luck to all of you with the 2006 baseball season.
I agree its feel. We were always Rawlings heart of the Hide guys but the past few years like the Mizuno's.
I am also in the market for a new mitt, and I was looking at the Pro Preferred, and bought one, but it ended up being out of stock, but I am still looking for a good deal now. Are you sure that kip leather doesn't last as long, because I read that Paul LoDuca has been using his pro preferred mitt for 3 years or so, and that is in the majors. I know they only use it for games, but still that is over 300 games. Would they last a long time if you took good care of them? I was looking at the Kelley Elevation mitt, but decided against it just because I tried my friends, and was not to keen on the shape/feel. I am also looking at the A2000 M1BG, but can't find it anywhere in town to try on, and I won't buy one without trying it on. What do yall recommend.
My son got a new mitt this year..we purchased the TPX PRO8CL based on a recomendation from one of the FSU coaches when he attended a catching clinic there over Christmas break. He seems to like it alot.
