Have you ever felt completely lost in a sea of softball gloves? Choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, especially for a 12U player.
Finding the perfect 12U Softball Glove is crucial. A poorly fitting glove can hurt your hands and make catching difficult. Too big, and you’ll miss catches. Too small, and it’ll be uncomfortable. Many parents and players struggle to understand the differences between glove sizes, materials, and styles.
This blog post will help you navigate the world of 12U softball gloves. We’ll break down everything you need to know to make a smart choice. You’ll learn about different glove sizes, materials, and features. You’ll also find tips on how to care for your glove and get the most out of it.
Let’s dive in and find the perfect 12U Softball Glove for your rising star! Read on to discover the secrets to selecting the best glove for your needs.
Our Top 5 12U Softball Glove Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 12U Softball Glove Detailed Reviews
1. Easton
Rating: 9.4/10
The Easton Fundamental Fastpitch Softball Glove comes in sizes 12″ and 13″, offering several stylish color options. It’s designed for young players starting out in fastpitch softball. This glove provides a great balance of affordability and decent performance. It’s a good choice for practices and games.
What We Like:
- Affordable price: This glove won’t break the bank, making it accessible to many players.
- Multiple sizes: The 12″ and 13″ sizes accommodate various hand sizes.
- Good for beginners: Its design is perfect for players learning the game.
- Durable construction: The glove holds up well to regular use. It can withstand many practices and games.
- Variety of colors: Players can find a style they like.
What Could Be Improved::
- Break-in time: It might take some time to break in the glove fully for optimal performance. This requires some effort.
- Limited features: It lacks some advanced features found in higher-priced gloves.
- Padding: The padding could be slightly improved for enhanced comfort and protection.
The Easton Fundamental Fastpitch Softball Glove is a solid option for young, beginning fastpitch players. It offers a good value for its price. It’s a great glove to start your softball journey.
2. Franklin Sports Girls Softball Glove – Women’s Windmill Fastpitch + Slowpitch Softball Glove
Rating: 9.2/10
The Franklin Sports Girls Softball Glove is a versatile glove designed for both fastpitch and slowpitch softball. It’s made for girls and women who want a comfortable and reliable glove for practice or games. This glove offers a good balance of features at a reasonable price point. It’s a great option for players just starting out or those looking for a dependable everyday glove.
What We Like:
- The glove is surprisingly comfortable. It feels soft and supple right out of the box.
- It’s lightweight, making it easy for younger players to handle.
- The design is attractive. Many girls will love the color options.
- The price is affordable. This makes it accessible to a wider range of players.
- It performs well in catching both fast and slow pitches.
What Could Be Improved::
- Some users reported that the glove needs more break-in time than expected.
- The durability might not be as high as some more expensive gloves. It might wear out faster with heavy use.
- The sizing might run a little small. Check the size chart carefully before purchasing.
Overall, the Franklin Sports Girls Softball Glove is a good value for the money. It’s a solid choice for recreational players. It offers decent performance and comfort at an affordable price.
It’s a great glove for beginners and casual players.
3. Rawlings Sure Catch Youth Softball Glove
Rating: 9.4/10
The Rawlings Sure Catch Youth Softball Glove comes in sizes 10″ to 12.5″, offering a great fit for young softball players of all ages and skill levels. It’s available in several stylish colors, so every player can find one they love. This glove helps young players develop their catching skills and build confidence on the field.
What We Like:
- Durable Construction: This glove is built to last. It can handle lots of use and still perform well.
- Comfortable Fit: The different sizes ensure a snug and comfortable fit for various hand sizes. Players can easily catch the ball.
- Good Value: The Rawlings Sure Catch offers excellent quality at a reasonable price. It’s a great investment for young athletes.
- Attractive Styles: The multiple color options appeal to young players. They’ll want to show off their glove.
- Easy Break-In: While some gloves require extensive breaking in, this one breaks in relatively quickly, getting players on the field faster.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Color Variety (Depending on Availability): While several colors exist, your local store might not carry the specific color you want.
- Sizing Can Be Tricky: It’s important to measure your child’s hand carefully before ordering to ensure a proper fit. Check the size chart carefully.
Overall, the Rawlings Sure Catch Youth Softball Glove is a solid choice for young softball players. It provides a good balance of quality, comfort, and affordability. The durable design ensures long-lasting use.
We highly recommend considering this glove for your young athlete.
4. Easton
Rating: 9.4/10
The Easton Fundamental Fastpitch Softball Glove comes in sizes 12″ and 13″, offering several stylish color options. It’s designed for young players starting out in fastpitch softball. This glove provides a good balance of affordability and decent quality, making it a popular choice for beginners.
What We Like:
- Affordable price: It won’t break the bank, which is great for parents.
- Good for beginners: The glove is easy to break in and use.
- Comfortable fit: Many players find it comfortable and easy to wear for extended periods.
- Multiple color choices: Players can find a glove that matches their style.
- Durable construction: It can withstand regular use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Leather quality: The leather might not be as high-quality as more expensive gloves.
- Limited features: It lacks some advanced features found in professional-grade gloves.
- Sizing: Some players might find the sizing a bit inconsistent.
The Easton Fundamental Fastpitch Softball Glove is a solid option for young players looking for a reliable and reasonably priced glove. It provides good value for its price point. It’s a great starting glove for those new to fastpitch.
5. Rawlings
Rating: 9.2/10
The Rawlings Foundation Series Aaron Judge collaboration baseball gloves offer a fantastic blend of style and performance. These gloves come in several styles, letting you find the perfect fit for your position and playing style. They’re designed for players of all skill levels, from aspiring young athletes to seasoned veterans. The collaboration with Aaron Judge adds a cool factor, making these gloves a must-have for any serious baseball fan.
What We Like:
- High-quality leather: The gloves feel durable and should last a long time with proper care.
- Comfortable fit: Many reviewers praised the comfortable feel, even during extended use.
- Great for various positions: The multiple styles cater to infielders, outfielders, and catchers.
- Stylish design: The Aaron Judge collaboration adds a unique and appealing look.
- Good value for the price: Considering the quality and features, the price point is competitive.
What Could Be Improved:
- Break-in time: Like most new gloves, these require some time to break in for optimal performance. This can take several weeks of consistent use.
- Limited availability: These popular gloves sell out quickly, so you might need to act fast to get your size and style.
- Price point might be high for some: While considered competitive, the price may be a barrier for budget-conscious buyers.
Overall, the Rawlings Foundation Series Aaron Judge collaboration gloves are a solid choice for players seeking a high-quality, stylish glove. The pros definitely outweigh the cons, making them a worthwhile investment for many baseball players.
We highly recommend them!
Choosing the Right 12U Softball Glove: A Buyer’s Guide
Picking the perfect softball glove can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry! This guide will help you find the best 12U glove for your needs. A 12U glove is designed for players aged 11-12 years old, meaning it’s sized perfectly for growing hands. Let’s dive in!
Key Features to Consider
- Size: A 12U glove is usually 11.5″ to 12.5″ inches long. Make sure it fits your hand comfortably. You should be able to close it fully without strain.
- Position: Different positions require different glove styles. Infield gloves (shortstop, second base) are smaller and more compact. Outfield gloves are larger and have a deeper pocket to catch fly balls. Consider your playing position.
- Pattern: This refers to the glove’s shape and how the leather is stitched. Different patterns impact the pocket’s depth and the way the ball sits in the glove. Experiment with different patterns to find what feels best.
- Pocket: The pocket is where the ball lands. A shallow pocket is good for quick transfers (infielders), while a deep pocket is better for catching fly balls (outfielders).
- Webbing: The webbing is the material between the thumb and pinky. Closed webbing is great for blocking, while open webbing lets you see the ball better.
- Closing: A good glove should close easily and comfortably. The laces should be snug but not too tight.
Important Materials
- Leather: Full-grain leather is the best. It’s durable, forms to your hand over time, and offers great feel. However, it’s also more expensive. Steerhide leather is a good more affordable option.
- Lining: The lining should be soft and comfortable against your skin. Leather or soft synthetic linings are common.
- Padding: Padding protects your hand from hard-hit balls. Look for gloves with sufficient padding in the palm and fingers.
Factors Affecting Glove Quality
A higher-quality glove will generally last longer and perform better. Here’s what to look for:
- Construction: Check the stitching. Loose or uneven stitching is a sign of poor quality. Strong, well-stitched gloves will hold up better.
- Leather Quality: Thicker, more durable leather is better. Look for supple leather that feels strong but not stiff.
- Brand Reputation: Reputable brands usually prioritize quality materials and construction.
- Price: Generally, more expensive gloves are better made. But you don’t always need the most expensive option.
User Experience and Use Cases
The right glove will make a big difference in your game. Consider these factors:
- Comfort: The glove should fit comfortably. It shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.
- Ease of Use: A well-made glove will be easy to close and catch the ball. It should feel natural in your hand.
- Durability: Choose a durable glove built to withstand regular use. A well-maintained glove can last for several seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How do I break in a new softball glove? A: There are many methods. You can use a glove mallet, conditioner, or simply catch and throw repeatedly.
- Q: What size glove should I get? A: A 11.5″-12.5″ glove is usually recommended for 12U players, but try it on to ensure a proper fit.
- Q: How much should I spend on a 12U softball glove? A: Prices vary greatly. You can find decent gloves for under $100, but higher-quality gloves can cost more.
- Q: What’s the difference between an infield and outfield glove? A: Infield gloves are smaller and have shallower pockets, while outfield gloves are larger and have deeper pockets.
- Q: How often should I clean my softball glove? A: Clean your glove after each use with a damp cloth and glove cleaner.
- Q: How important is the glove’s webbing? A: Webbing affects how you see the ball and how easily you can block it. Experiment to see what you prefer.
- Q: What’s the best material for a softball glove? A: Full-grain leather is the best but more expensive. Steerhide is a good alternative.
- Q: Can I use a baseball glove for softball? A: It’s not ideal. Softball gloves are generally larger and have deeper pockets.
- Q: How long should a 12U softball glove last? A: With proper care, a good glove can last for several seasons.
- Q: Where can I buy a 12U softball glove? A: Sporting goods stores, online retailers (like Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods), and specialty softball shops are good places to shop.
In conclusion, every product comes with its own unique set of features and benefits, and its value ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. We hope this review has helped you gain a clear understanding of whether this product aligns with your expectations. Remember, making an informed choice ensures you get the best experience possible.
If you have any questions or thoughts about this product, feel free to share them in the comments section. Your feedback not only helps us but also assists fellow readers in making better decisions. Thank you for reading.