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| CaCO3Girl |
Posted - 08/22/2014 : 14:20:32
I understand the idea of paying for a name. I expect Nike shoes to cost more than the Wal-Mart brand shoes....but when it is the same manufacturer where does the big price difference come into play?
Is one glove really THAT different than another? For example, I'm looking at the Dick's sporting goods first base gloves page. I see Rawlings 13" Renegade Series first base mitt described as:
Oiled, full-grain leather for a soft-to-the-touch feel and
premium performance
Speed Trap technology helps players of all strengths snap the
glove closed with ease
Brushed nylon interior with comfort foam fingerback lining
Cushioned palm pad reduces sting from ball impact
80% factory / 20% player break-in
Conventional open back
Then there is Rawlings 13" Heart of the hide duel core series first base mitt described as:
Ultra-durable USA Horween leather
Dual Core Technology offers position-specific break-in points
PORON XRD palm protection reduces the "sting" from ball impact
Offers a softer feel with less break-in time and more comfort
USA-tanned, camel-colored pro rawhide laces
Conventional open back
Can someone please explain why glove #1 is $60 but glove 2 is $250? And does it really affect player performance, and when did you start buying the "expensive" gloves for your kid?
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| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| KeithB |
Posted - 03/01/2015 : 13:20:31
Personally, I'll save my money for when he gets older, provided he's still playing. I also don't mind a used glove that's already been broken in. eBay has good deals. |
| AUBB |
Posted - 02/12/2015 : 11:03:11
CaCO3,
My son and I are glove snobs, so take my comments with a grain of salt.
For a travel ball player looking to play 40-60+ games in a season + practice, etc, a $70 mitt may not last too long.
Like other comments, when my son's glove starts to "flop-over", he feels that it's done. Some players like flimsy gloves, and it depends on the position, but better gloves hold their shape, have better leather, better padding, laces etc that JUST hold up longer.
The #1 reason I see gloves falling apart, is due to the sweat & salt from the hand INSDIDE the glove.
Get used to wearing a batting glove, and you will reduce the wear/tear of the palm lining.
He uses 85% Rawlings gloves, but has an A2000 for his outfield glove, all purchased for 30-40% off.
Recommendation - if he's serious, buy him a decent glove. If he quits, you'll have a nice leather memento. |
| nastycurve |
Posted - 11/28/2014 : 15:47:12
Never clean the hat! if its too terrible, get a new one. Never wash it, never clean it. |
| Marlin |
Posted - 08/25/2014 : 09:34:08
Baseball players don't clean their hats. |
| CaCO3Girl |
Posted - 08/25/2014 : 08:55:28
Thank you for all the replies. So to sum up, a $60 glove might last only one season, whereas a $250 glove will last longer if taken care of. However, since my kid is 12 I think I'll stick with the $60-$100 range glove and leave the high end gloves for future play...you know I can't even get him to remember to keep his hat clean, I think I'll wait awhile to get him a glove he actually has to take care of :-)
Thank you everyone! |
| wareagle |
Posted - 08/23/2014 : 09:24:18
It's all about what they like , and yes, a little show as well. My son usually gets himself a new glove every year. He usually uses his birthday money and money he has saved. Going on 14u and probably has$1500 worth of gloves. Kinda crazy, but that's what he likes. He never spends money on video games or the other devices and it makes him happy. He likes a stiff glove and once they get broke in good he is looking for a new one. There really is not much difference in the gloves other than preference. My personal opinion is the A2000. It popular, holds up well so you could use for several years. Most of the cheaper gloves will get flimsy after the first year. |
| BaseballMom6 |
Posted - 08/22/2014 : 18:48:33
yes the higher priced glove is a better quality leather and will last much longer, BUT, it will take longer to break-in. If your child is young, there is no need to spend that kind of money, their hands will grow, their position may change, they may stop playing. So I would go with a less expensive glove at the younger age, and save your money for when they grow. My 15U player now uses higher end gloves, but when he was 6U-11U we stuck to the much less expensive, super quick to break-in type gloves especially since he carries a fielder's, 1st base, and catcher's mitt. It adds up quick! |
| bballman |
Posted - 08/22/2014 : 18:24:41
As others have said, it comes down to the quality of the laces and leather. The more expensive gloves are made to last longer. However, this will only happen if you take care of them. Do not heat them in the oven to break them in. Make sure you clean them and keep it lubricated. Either with some kind of glove oil, or Vaseline. If you don't they will dry out and crack.
In terms of performance, it really doesn't matter. An expensive glove is not going to make your son play better. You can catch a ball just as good with a $60 glove as a $250 glove. As Mad1 said, a lot of it comes down to feel as well. Some gloves will fit your player's hand better. Your son may like the feel of the $60 glove more than the $250 glove.
But when it comes down to it, it's just a matter of how long the glove should last, nothing to do with performance or skill. |
| Mad1 |
Posted - 08/22/2014 : 15:55:53
Quality of leather, laces and durability. Mine is going to 13u this year. He uses Rawlings Heart of the Hide Dual Core and did for 12u too. Will be replacing his Catchers mitt with a Heart of the Hide this year also. Holds up much better than the lower quality gloves he had before. Better laces and leather in the Heart of the Hide series holds up much better. Had a A 2000 also, but he didn't like the fit of it because hand opening seemed larger than heart of the hide, and Rawlings glove broke in easier, and seems to stay formed better, with less lace stretch. Just preference I guess. |
| turntwo |
Posted - 08/22/2014 : 15:29:18
Quality of leather, means longer lasting, more durable. You may buy 3-4 $60 gloves, in the same time that his 1 $250 glove is still serviceable.
Mine is only 9... The most I've spent is $80 on a fielders glove, that I hope will last MANY years. (At least 3) |
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