Baseball Glove Manufacturers - Who's Best?

[ICCYFAN]

I'm a youth baseball coach in eastern Iowa and I frequently purchase gloves on eBay for area kids. I aspire to purchase high quality used gloves for bargain prices OR less popular high quality new gloves. I've always been partial to Wilson, so I attempt to pick up A2000's and A2K's whenever possible, but there's generally heavy bidding on those. I recently picked up a Mizuno Pro GMP4 and a Mizuno BUW for $60 and $35 respectively, so I see those as desireable targets! I've purchased a couple Easton EPro models; I prefer them to the newer IPro and KPro series. Finally, my target for the past year has been 2007 model Worth Ranger(s), a great all-leather mitt I'm able to buy new for $25 - $30. They retailed for $180 at Scheel's in 2007 but evidently never reached popularity with the market. I love 'em!

I've never owned or purchased a Rawlings, Nokona or Louisville Slugger glove, as Pro Preferred, HOH and all Nokona's go too high at auction; I don't know anything about LS.

Open ended question(s):
Who's your favorite glove manufacturer and why?
What models do you favor?

 

[Tweedt4Cy]

I always pitched with a Nokona and played 3rd with a rawlings...its really all about the feel and what you personally like! I felt i more comfortable fielding with the rawling...which is y i wore it to play 3rd. I personally base it on personal feeling and what u like best...it can vary between people and positions!

 

[cyfan964]

I've tried just about every glove out there and always found myself going back to Mizuno. Good price, good quality, great feel. I would go with Mizuno, but as the previous poster stated it all comes down to your individual feel.

 

[IcSyU]

Let's see: My catcher's mitt was the A2000, my pitching glove was an A1, and my screw around during BP glove was an A3000. Love them all still. Have used the pro preferred, excellent glove.

Catcher's mitt:

Pitching glove:

Batting practice glove:

Our baseball team was A3's at 3rd and SS. 2nd baseman had a Pro Preferred. 1st baseman had a Mizuno and an A3 (I don't remember which one he used). Outfielders had a Pro Preferred (LF), an A1 (CF), and an A2 (RF).

FWIW, Easton makes an absolute garbage catcher's mitt. I would never wish one of those on anyone.

 

[OC Cyclone]

I've always used a Mizuno with amphibian lining. Still in as good of shape as when i got it 7 years ago. However, I think Wilson makes the best catcher's mitts.

 

[IcSyU]

However, I think Wilson makes the best catcher's mitts.

QFT.

Rawlings makes a good mitt, but dang was my A2403 a great glove! Still is actually!

 

[mramseyISU]

I always wore a rawlings in the field but prefer a Wilson catching bullpen. I always liked the way the nokoma gloves felt in the store but never could bring myself to pull the trigger on one.

 

[EYEoftheSTORM]

After playing when i was younger i had always used a Rawlings. Usually always the heart of the hide editions. But now i use a Nokona and i will never go back.

First off it was literally the easiest glove i ever broke in for example My father and I went down to Des Moines and bought it there and i messed around with it the whole car ride home to Boone (where i lived) and it was able to be used to play catch by the time i got home.

Second, the price may be a little steep but you are going to get the highest quality of glove with it

and third, it is made with only the highest cuts of leather. its so soft and so strong, and when you put the glove on it has a mice comfortable fit as well.

Now i am no Nokona sales man. I just preffer the Nokonas to any other glove and i have tried them all

 

[ICCYFAN]

I've always used a Mizuno with amphibian lining. Still in as good of shape as when i got it 7 years ago.

I bought an 11" Mizuno BUW (Baseball Unites the World) with the amphibian lining on eBay for $30 (plus shipping). The seller didn't advertise the model make or number, so people shied away from it; I thought it looked like a GMP4 so I took a shot! My best eBay bargain yet! I had planned to get it to my youth team's second baseman, but my HS freshman usurped it over his A2000-1788!

 

[Dave19642006]

I use a Wilson A3000 its durable, it feels great on the hand. The drilex helps keep the moisture to keep my hand dry when wearing the glove. Now if you decide to purchase it , expect to pay around $200.00 - $300.00 for it.

Now I see it is for youths in that case get the following gloves:
Mizuno Prospect series, GPL1150 or a Rawlings Junior Pro Lite Series: JPL110. You can get either for about $50.00

If you can get Italian Leather gloves get those, but be prepared to take a second mortgage out

 

[Seth]

I've always played with a Rawlings. They just seem to last forever and get better with age.

 

[leg4cy]

Best glove that can be relatively cheap: Mizuno
Best glove period: Rawlings Pro Preferred

 

[cyclone111]

Rawlings pro preferred best glove i have ever used.. Never wears out and has always stayed firm..

 

[Tweedt4Cy]

Rawlings pro preferred best glove i have ever used.. Never wears out and has always stayed firm..

Yep, used my rawlings pro preferred for all 4 years of high school ball! Awesome glove!

 

[tim_redd]

My glove. I like it a lot.

pro preferred pro-s15tc

 

[cybsball20]

My personal favorites are the pro level Mizuno. They are solid, lightweight and just soft enough... Rawlings probably makes the best over all models but I know ALOT of outfielders prefer the Wilson's because they hold their shape better... I would NEVER suggest a Nokona. They are too heavy and floppy...

 

[ICCYFAN]

My personal favorites are the pro level Mizuno. They are solid, lightweight and just soft enough... Rawlings probably makes the best over all models but I know ALOT of outfielders prefer the Wilson's because they hold their shape better... I would NEVER suggest a Nokona. They are too heavy and floppy...

Are you referencing the Mizuno Pro Limited (GMP series) gloves or something not available to the public? I had a GMP4 several months ago that I thought was the best quality glove ever to touch my hand; neither of my sons preferred it to their Wilsons, so I passed it along to a friend for his son. Afterwards, I bought a Mizuno BUW - MBL 41 and I like it even more!

My personal favorite glove is a Wilson A2000 - B2 model! While they consider it a "pitcher's model", I think the two-piece web is perfect for a utility glove.

Final Note: I've been told by several that Worth was purchased by Rawlings several years ago. In my mind, Worth was always a "junk glove" company, but I really like the quality of their Ranger baseball and Liberty softball gloves. Anybody else had one or have an opinion?

 

[cybsball20]

The one I am currently using is the Mizuno PRO-NMR, not sure if it's available to the public but I don't think it is made anymore... I got it from Pokie Reese who aparantly got it from Nomar...

 

[ktoddcyclones]

I use a Rawlings basket webb for 3rd and pitcher 11 1/2 inch. A mizuno catchers mitt. And an Easton first baseman's glove.

 

[ICCYFAN]

And an Easton first baseman's glove.

I tried for months over the winter to pick up an A2000 or Pro-Preferred first baseman's glove, only to be stymied at every turn. I eventually bought a slightly used Easton E-Pro 32 and I'm glad I waited! It's probably a little too big for 12U kids right now, but it's a great glove and it'll keep!