If you’ve ever put on a baseball mitt that fits in all the wrong places, you know the importance of finding the right one for your kids. With summer right on the horizon, it’s time to get out the baseball gear and start practicing America’s pastime! If you’re thinking about a new glove, read up on the most popular ones before you start shopping. Here are five of the top picks in baseball gloves:
Akadema Precision Series: AMR34
Review: Akadema’s Precision Series gloves use a leather that is 20% lighter and tighter-grained than traditional steer hide known as “Precision Kip Leather.” This design allows for faster, easier glove break in, plus more tensile strength and even better pliability. The Precision Series also features an H-web and open back for a youth glove that’s designed for the pros.
Price Range: $150-$165
Where to Buy: Specialty online stores like Ball Glove Warehouse, or sporting goods stores such as The Sports Authority, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or Big 5 Sporting Goods.
Age Group: All Youth
Kids Will Love: Large reach, perfect for shortshop and field positions, lightweight and easy to break in.
Akadema Prodigy Series: ATM92
Review: The Prodigy Design Series by Akadema has some solid features for a less-expensive product line. The two-tone gloves are durable yet light, made from their proprietary AkademaLyte leather and steer hide. The Prodigy line also features a deep pocket, basket web, and open back with Akadema’s “Grasp Clasp Wrist System.”
Price Range: $55-$60
Where to Buy: Specialty online stores like Ball Glove Warehouse, or sporting goods stores such as The Sports Authority, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or Big 5 Sporting Goods.
Age Group: All Youth
Kids Will Love: The deeper pocket helps keep the ball in the glove, and the Grasp Clasp will keep this lightweight glove on.
Louisville Slugger Omaha Crossover Series: OCX1150 Youth
Review: Designed by Louisville Slugger for players who are moving from youth to higher competition playing, the Omaha Crossover Series have the look and feel of the gloves used in the major leagues with their pro-style patterns. These modified trapeze-web gloves are made from oil-treated landslide leather that’s very lightweight, yet offers extra comfort and protection with its signature “Bruise-Gard” padding in the finger and thumb areas.
Price Range: $55-$65
Where to Buy: Specialty online stores like Ball Glove Warehouse, or sporting goods stores such as The Sports Authority, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or Big 5 Sporting Goods.
Age Group: All Youth
Kids Will Love: The extra comfort and flexibility, plus the dye-through lacing adds incredible durability.
Mizuno Prospect Gameday Series: GPG55 Youth
Review: Modeled after Mizuno’s most popular Pro Level Classic Pro Series line, the Prospect Gameday Series uses American-tanned leathers with patented 3D technology pattern designs that are position-specific. The single-post web gloves are handmade in an ISO9001-certified facility with the identical design as the famous Hideki Matsui.
Price Range: $45-$50
Where to Buy: Specialty online stores like Ball Glove Warehouse, or sporting goods stores such as The Sports Authority, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or Big 5 Sporting Goods.
Age Group: All Youth
Kids Will Love: Great feel and glove control, solid yet stylish construction.
Vinci Pro Custom Pro Junior Series: BRV1953
Review: Vinci’s Pro Custom Junior Pro Series gloves are with pro grade leather palms, while the back is designed with a lighter weight, soft leather that’s still high quality, but ideal for youth handling. These deep-pocket Custom Pro Junior Series also break in much faster thanks to pre-treated leather, and are durably crafted with better glove control in mind.
Price Range: $45-$50
Where to Buy: Specialty online stores like Ball Glove Warehouse, or sporting goods stores such as The Sports Authority, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or Big 5 Sporting Goods.
Age Group: All Youth
Kids Will Love: Softer feel, deeper pockets with open back, breaks in quickly.
Sources:
“Akadema Precision Series: AMR34.” Ball Glove Warehouse
“Akadema Prodigy Series: ATM92.” Ball Glove Warehouse
“Louisville Slugger Omaha Crossover Series: OCX1150 Youth.” Ball Glove Warehouse
“Mizuno Prospect Gameday Series: GPG55 Youth.” Ball Glove Warehouse
“Vinci Pro Custom Pro Junior Series: BRV1953.” Ball Glove Warehouse
