Gloves are an important part of the game. A lot of brands offer many options to choose from, but it can be difficult deciding on which one will suit you best since there's so many possibilities out there. We're here to help with this task - we'll talk about what matters most in selecting your new glove and then give three recommendations tailored just For You (based off factors like budget or experience level). Don’t hesitate any longer.
Guide to Clap it up for Softball Gloves
You already know the importance of having a high-quality glove. It's your ultimate team partner to catch every fly ball, to field grounders, to make agile throws. A softball glove must fit comfortably, shaped based on your position, and offer the right webbing. In this blog post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know before buying a new softball glove.
Materials
There are three main types of materials for softball gloves: synthetic, leather, and mesh. Synthetic and mesh gloves are known for their lightweight, affordable and easy to break-in features. Leather gloves are considered to be more durable, have better longevity, tend to feature more advanced web designs, and provide better protection. Leather gloves are an excellent choice for experienced players who play regularly, as they will be able to break-in the glove over time.
Web types
The webbing is a significant component of your softball glove. It determines the level of support, durability, and visibility of the glove. The open web, or basket web, is the most popular for baseball or softball outfielders. The closed web, also known as the basket weave, is more suited for infielders who need to scoop up grounders quickly. The modified trap web or the "H" web is the most versatile and preferred web for pitchers and middle infielders.
Size and Position
The size of your glove largely depends on your position. Outfielders may prefer larger gloves up to 14 inches, while middle infielders and pitchers use smaller gloves between 10-12 inches. Catchers have the largest gloves in the field, ranging from 33-35 inches. When shopping, be sure to try on different sizes to find your ideal fit.
Budget
Softball gloves range in price from $40 to $500, depending on their quality, materials, and features. We recommend a budget of at least $100 to get a high-quality and long-lasting glove that suits your needs. Remember that a great glove can make a significant difference when it comes to winning a game, so the extra investment can be worth it.
Maintenance
To get the most out of your new softball glove, break it in gradually by playing catch or placing a ball inside the glove and wrapping a rubber band around it. It's essential to clean your glove regularly, wipe it down after each game or practice, and apply leather oil or conditioner at least once a season to preserve its durability.
How We Chose the Best Softball Gloves
It can be difficult to pick the best softball glove. There are many different brands and models, so it is hard to know which ones are good for you. You want a glove that will stay nice for a long time. We read loads of reviews on Amazon, and listed the three best gloves available. These gloves come from famous brands, so you can trust that they are good quality.
🏅 Rawlings Softball Glove
❤️ why we love this glove
These lightweight and durable softball gloves provide extra quickness, optimal balance, and shape retention. Moreover, these gloves are very comfortable for players.
These softball gloves have a comfortable fit on every women’s slow pitch or men’s slow pitch player as they come with a Velcro strap and Neo-Flex Back.
⚾ features
The Rawlings brand produces the RSB slowpitch softball gloves with a size of 13 inches. The leather material is used to make these gloves. They come in grey and black colours with right and left-hand throw orientations.
These gloves are made for adult slowpitch softball players, and you can use these gloves for recreational or competitive adult slowpitch softball and baseball.
With these gloves, the players can have a quickly broken-in pocket, and they are also comfortable enough to provide confidence when you stop the extra base hits and snag the ground balls.
🥈 Franklin Sports Softball Glove
❤️ why we love this glove
With these gloves, you will play comfortably, and they help you facilitate quick hands out in the field. These gloves have an adjustable wrist closure, ensuring a customised fit that will be comfortable for you.
⚾ features
The Franklin Sports brand produces these softball gloves with a size of 13 inches. Polyvinyl Chloride material is used to make these gloves. They come in pink colour and right and left-hand throw orientation.
These softball gloves come with a lightweight technical mesh. The soft pocket material allows for a quick break-in and a responsive, dynamic feel when you catch the ball.
Moreover, they can be the best choice for every softball player of any age group due to their comfortable fit and adjustable sizing.
🥉 Rawlings Sure Catch Softball Glove
❤️ why we love this glove
These softball gloves can be the best choice for players between the ages of 4-11 as they are easy to use for the kids who are starting to learn how to play the game.
In addition, these gloves are lightweight and durable and provide comfort, extra quickness, and optimal balance to young athletes.
⚾ features
The Rawlings brand produces this Sure Catch Softball Glove Series with a size of 12 inches. The leather material is used to make these gloves. They come in white, grey, and purple colours and also right and left-hand throw orientation.
These softball gloves are utility gloves for pitchers, outfielders, or infielders. These softball gloves, along with the basket web design, enable the younger players to play anywhere on the field.
They have SureCatch Technology, which enables you to close the gloves easily and quickly, even if you are using them for the first time. The softball shell and basket web pattern enable you to catch the fly balls and scoop up grounders easily.
Softball Glove FAQs
Buying a softball glove can be confusing. There are so many different types and brands available, and it's hard to know which one is the best for you. Not only do you have to worry about what type of softball glove to buy, but you also have to think about the size, fit, material, and brand. It can be really hard to make a decision when there are so many factors to consider.
We've done the research for you. We've compiled a list of the best softball gloves on the market based on customer reviews and our own personal testing. Whether you're looking for an infielder's glove or a catcher's mitt, we've got you covered. The following is a list of the most frequently asked questions to help.
Can a fastpitch softball glove be used for the slow ball pitch?
The answer to this question may be yes as well as no. Fastpitch gloves can be used for slowpitch softball. Though, they have subtle differences.
For instance, fastpitch catchers require thicker padding gloves due to the faster ball. So, it is possible to use both gloves interchangeably, but this may affect your performance.
What size softball gloves do college players make use of?
Generally, college players use 12 to 14 inches softball gloves on the basis of the width and length of the player’s hand.
Is a softball glove bigger than a baseball glove?
Yes, the softball gloves are bigger as compared to the baseball gloves. The softballs are bigger than regular baseball. Therefore, the bigger glove size will accommodate the bigger ball easier.
What is the difference between a softball glove and a baseball glove?
The main difference between a softball and baseball glove is the size. A softball glove is larger, typically measuring between 11-12 inches in circumference compared to the 9-10 inch circumference of a regulation baseball glove. Additionally, due to the difference in size and size of ball, a softball glove will generally have more padding than a baseball glove for protection when catching fastballs.
Is it okay to use a baseball glove for softball?
Yes, it is okay to use a baseball glove for softball. However, you may find the extra length of a baseball mitt slightly cumbersome and difficult to control. Instead, we recommend using a glove specifically designed for softball that has shorter fingers and shallower pockets allowing you to move more quickly around the field when catching or fielding. Using a softball glove also helps improve your grip so that you can throw faster with greater accuracy.
What is the difference between infield and outfield softball gloves?
Infield softball gloves are generally more lightweight and more flexible than outfield gloves. The smaller size allows for better mobility in the infield, while the larger size of an outfield glove provides a wider catching surface area. Additionally, infield gloves typically feature open webbing that allows for faster ball transfers to hands while outfield gloves tend to have closed webs that trap the ball within its pocket.
The Softball Glove for You
Softball gloves may seem like a small part of the overall experience, but they can have a significant impact on your performance. A good glove will help you grip the ball, endure hits, and field with confidence. Remember the key components; materials, web types, size, positing, budget, and maintenance when making your final choice, and you can’t go wrong. Here’s wishing you happy glove shopping and good gaming!
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