Let's talk about a softball player's best friend (besides your trusty bat) - softball gloves! Sure, you can snag one at your local sporting goods store, but picking out the absolute best one can be a bit of a challenge. Lucky for you, we've got the inside pitch on how to choose the perfect glove to fit your specific needs. And if that's not enough to knock it out of the park, we'll even give you the lowdown on the top three fastpitch softball gloves that will have you catching like a pro. It's time to get your game on!
Buying Guide
Attention all you softball players out there, are you tired of breaking in your old softball gloves? We have the ultimate guide for the best fast pitch softball gloves. A solid softball glove is indeed a necessity for any softball player. But picking the right glove can be overwhelming. We've done the leg work so you can focus on your swing, and we've come up with some tips to help you find the best gloves.
The material of the glove is very important when deciding on a glove. The two most common materials used are leather and synthetic. Although synthetic gloves tend to be less expensive than leather, they're not as durable and tend to be less flexible. If you're looking for something more durable, then a leather glove is the way to go.
Materials
Today, most gloves are manufactured using high-quality leather. Some cheap brands are also available in the market, mainly using synthetic materials. These won’t last as long as standard leather gloves, but you need them now.
Good quality fastpitch softball gloves are made from steerhide, cowhide, buffalo leather, kip leather (from young cattle or steers), pigskin, and other exotic animal hides.
Steerhide is generally considered a fine material and is found in different varieties. Buffalo hide is also considered a good material but usually needs breaking in because it is stiffer. Manufacturers color the hides and give them a brand name.
Generally, gloves made of heavy leather are high-quality gloves capable of lasting longer, and they are different and have better performance.
Webbing
The webbing is the part of the glove that's crucial to helping you catch the ball. When it comes to webbing, there are two major designs: open and close.
A closed webbing design is ideal for infielders since it allows for quicker ball reactions. They are generally preferred by pitchers, as wearing these gloves does not allow the ball to be seen by batters. They have a hole for the index finger. Some types also have Velcro or D-rings to adjust the size for a better fit.
An open webbing is best for outfielders, giving them a clearer view and more reach. These open-mesh gloves can increase the ball’s grip and passing speed. These are T” or “H” design gloves. There are many more types available. They are usually a bit cooler and lighter. They can also be worn more comfortably on the wrist. Velcro and D-rings are commonly used to adjust the straps, which are just two of the many adjustment methods.
Size
The size of your glove makes a big difference in how you'll perform on the field, and the size required varies depending on the position. Smaller gloves range between 10 to 12 inches in size and are perfect for infielders, while larger sizes ranging from 12 to 13 inches are more suited to outfielders.
Brand
Quality gear comes from quality brands. The most popular brands that offer high-quality softball gloves are Rawlings, Wilson, Mizuno, and Easton. All of these brands have been known for producing high-quality gloves that'll give you the edge on the field; they are durable, dependable, and flexible.
Price
Pricing is a crucial factor when it comes to buying your fast pitch softball glove. Many top-tier gloves can be quite pricey but worth the expense. Typically, leather gloves tend to cost more than synthetic ones, but the investment is well worth it as they tend to have more longevity and durability. However, you can still find a good quality synthetic glove that's reasonably priced.
Difference between slow pitch and fast pitch glove
The main difference between a slow pitch glove and a fast pitch glove is the size of the pocket. A slow pitch softball glove will typically have a deeper, larger pocket than a fast pitch model to help make catching easier. Slow pitch gloves often tend to be bigger overall as well. However, while this is the most important distinction between them, there are some other key differences as well.
In terms of material used for construction and padding around the fingers, fastpitch gloves can vary more widely depending on what type of softball you're playing with — whether it's leather or synthetic materials makes all the difference in comfort levels when fielding. Additionally, since slow pitch gloves usually require less dexterity for players due to their larger sizes and pockets, they may be constructed from cheaper materials such as mesh or vinyl instead of leather or synthetics like those featured on higher-end models designed for use in fast pitch leagues.
Never forget to take good care of your new gloves; they will serve you well on the field. Use only the glove conditioner recommended by the manufacturer. If wet, towel dry or let dry naturally. Using a hair dryer can also give bad results. After that, if you feel the need, you can use a small amount of conditioner.
At the end of the game, remove all dirt and any excess moisture with your gloves. Insert a ball into the pocket and tie it along the length of the back wrap like you use to hold your hair back.
Here are the three best fast pitch softball gloves that can meet your requirements well. So move forward and know all about them.
How We Chose the Best Fast Pitch Glove
Oh boy, finding the perfect softball glove is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, a diamond in the rough, a unicorn in a field of horses. You get the point. But fear not, we've done the hard work for you and scoured the web to bring you the top 3 fastpitch gloves. Gone are the days of feeling lost in a sea of mitts, these gloves will have you catching fly balls like a pro in no time.
Trying to find the best softball glove can be really tough, especially if you don't know what you're looking for. With so many different brands and models of softball gloves out there, it's hard to know which one is right for you.
We've read hundreds of reviews online to help you find the 3 best fastpitch softball gloves. Our list includes gloves from top brands like Wilson, Rawlings, and Mizuno. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, we have a glove that will fit your needs.
🏅 Wilson A1000 fastpitch softball glove
❤️ Why we love this glove
With these gloves, you can have a secure fit that ensures comfort while playing. The thin heel pad of these gloves enables better closure and a quicker break-in. They will keep your hand dry, and you will be comfortable behind the dish and on the field.
🥎 features
The Wilson brand produces the best softball gloves series with a size of 12 inches. The leather material makes these softball gloves in black and white colors. They have both left and right-hand throw orientations.
These softball gloves are made for unlimited repetitions on the field for practice and to handle the pressure on game day. The leather material used to make these gloves is durable, which is helpful for the players to demonstrate their defensive skills.
In these gloves, the dual welting is beyond just a cosmetic effect as they are incorporated into the liner of all pitcher, outfield, and infield models, providing support and help for the gloves to hold their shape with time. Moreover, they feature ProLux leather for the soft field against your hand.
🥈 Rawlings Liberty Advanced fastpitch softball glove
❤️ Why we love this glove
It will be the best choice for utility players looking for gloves that break in rapidly and make a long-lasting pocket. Because of the full-grain leather, these softball gloves are durable, and you will be comfortable with them.
🥎 features
The Rawlings brand produces this liberty advanced fastpitch softball glove series with a size of 11 3/4”. The blend material is used to make these gloves in rose gold and white colors. This glove has both right and left-hand throw orientations.
These fastpitch softball gloves are made for outfielders, infielders, and pitchers. These gloves are perfect for high school players to professionals. With the pull strap closures, you will find the perfect fit for your hand.
🥉 Mizuno MVP Prime fastpitch softball glove
❤️ Why we love this glove
These prime fastpitch softball gloves consist of smooth leather with the best softness and oil balance to have the firm control and outstanding feel that professional players demand.
🥎 features
The Mizuno brand produces these fastpitch softball gloves with a size of 12.5 inches. The leather is used to make these gloves in grey and white colors. This glove has a left-hand throw orientation.
This fastpitch softball gloves come with the engineering philosophy of tailoring the products to maximize performance and meet female athletes’ needs. They also feature professional-level durable lace.
These gloves have a pattern design, which centers the pocket naturally under the index finger in order to have the most versatile break-in possible.
These three fastpitch softball gloves will be the best choice. They can meet your requirement criteria and provide you with comfortable gameplay. Moreover, you can also explore more fastpitch softball gloves if you think that these are not perfect for you.
FastPitch Softball Glove FAQs
It can be tough to know which softball glove is the right one for you. There are so many different brands and models on the market, how can you be sure you're making the best choice? Check out our fast pitch softball gloves FAQ section. We've compiled the most commonly asked questions about softball gloves, and we answer them here.
What are the features of a good fast pitch softball glove?
The best gloves will provide you with the advantage needed to catch those balls coming in at high speeds and keep your fielding game strong.
Consider these key features:
Look for soft yet durable materials that will keep their shape but still be pliable enough to comfortable grip the ball.
There are many styles of webs available, each with its own set of benefits depending on the position being played. Look for closed webs for more control; and open web designs with good flexibility.
Look for quality models with excellent stitching and a solid construction that can withstand regular use on the diamond throughout multiple seasons of play.
Make sure you find a glove size that fits snugly yet comfortably while giving you full range of motion when catching balls thrown from all angles during play.
What is the best fast pitch softball glove for me?
When it comes to finding the best fast pitch softball glove for you, there are several factors to consider. First of all, you should look at the material of your glove. The most common materials used for a quality fast pitch softball gloves include: leather, synthetic leathers (including nylon mesh), and neoprene. You'll want to choose a material that is durable and comfortable - something that fits well in your hand and will be long lasting throughout the season.
Next, make sure you pick a glove with good fit according to its age range guidelines: youth league players typically prefer 11-inch gloves while high school aged players generally tend towards 12½-13 inches. Adult players may go up to 14-15 inch gloves depending on their position or size requirements; outfielders may opt for even larger models with extra webbing or open back palm designs for superior catching capabilities.
You'll also need to factor in padding when picking out your perfect fit - more cushioning often equates to better protection on those hard hits but too much can limit comfort levels which can mean decreased performance due to reduced movement abilities. Additionally look into adjustable straps if they're an option as these allow you customize the feel of your glove based on personal preferences like tighter wrist closure or looser fingers depending on how much control/flexibility you need from each individual area around your hand.
Finally, don't forget about pocket design! Regular pocket designs work fine but deeper pockets help reduce ball spin once caught making them great options for infielders who want less chance of errors due mistakes in their grip during fielding exchanges so check out this feature if applicable as well! With all these features lined up properly there's no reason why any player shouldn't have access great playability from their fast pitch softball glove this season!
What differentiates between slowpitch and fastpitch softball?
There are two types of softballs, so consider both when choosing a new softball glove:
- The first is slowpitch softball, a recreational version of softball played by adult men and women.
- While the second is fastpitch softball, which is considered a competitive sport for girls and women of all ages.
Remember that men’s soft-pitch gloves are generally wider than women’s soft-pitch gloves and have long fingers. Check the label and buy the correct size for your version.
How often should I buy a new softball glove?
The material of a softball glove greatly affects its durability. Synthetic gloves and leather gloves each have their advantages and should be considered. However, leather gloves generally have the ability to last longer than synthetic.
Signs that should prompt replacement gloves are as follows;
- Excessively weak structure and form
- Rips, cracks, or tears
- There is a significant change in weight.
- The pads are thin and do not protect the hands.
The Best Fast Pitch Softball Glove for You
There's no denying that picking a nice fastpitch glove is essential for any softball player looking to significantly upgrade their game. With all the different types of gloves out there, it can definitely be hard to find what suits your needs best. But with this guide and our reviews, we hope you're now feeling more informed and confident in selecting your ideal glove. You now have all the necessary information to snag the steal -- so don't forget, the right glove really makes all the difference.
Let's make sure all your catches stick!
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