Have you ever felt the sting of a fastball that slipped right through your glove? Ouch! That stinging sensation is a clear sign: you need a better softball glove. Choosing the right glove is important for any softball player.
Picking the perfect glove is tough. There are many brands, sizes, and materials to consider. You need a glove that fits your hand well. It also needs to match your position on the field. A bad choice can make you miss catches and hurt your performance. This can lead to frustration and even injuries.
This blog post is here to help. We’ll break down everything you need to know about softball gloves. You’ll learn about different glove types, materials, and sizes. We’ll also give you tips on how to break in your new glove. By the end, you’ll be ready to choose a glove that helps you play your best! Now, let’s dive into the world of softball gloves!
Our Top 5 Softball Glove Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Softball Glove Detailed Reviews
1. Franklin Sports Baseball and Softball Glove – Fieldmaster Adult + Youth Baseball Gloves – Men’s + Women’s Infield + Outfield Mitt – Right Hand Throw – 12″
Rating: 9.2/10
The Franklin Sports Baseball and Softball Glove – Fieldmaster is a great choice for baseball and softball players. This glove is made for both adults and kids. It comes in different sizes for infield and outfield positions. The glove is designed to be comfortable and easy to use on the field.
What We Like:
- Easy Break-In: The glove is made with soft synthetic leather. This makes it easy to break in quickly. You can use it for baseball, softball, or teeball right away.
- Customizable Fit: It has a special thumb adjustment. You can make the glove fit perfectly. It is snug on your hand.
- Durable Design: The glove is made with strong synthetic leather. It is tough and will last.
- Comfortable Pocket: The pocket is hand-formed. This gives you a comfortable feel when catching the ball.
What Could Be Improved:
- Material: While the synthetic leather mimics real leather, some players may still prefer the feel of genuine leather.
In conclusion, the Franklin Sports Fieldmaster glove is a solid choice for players of all levels. It offers great features for a comfortable and effective playing experience.
2. Rawlings
Rating: 8.9/10
The Rawlings RSB Slowpitch Softball Glove is built for adult slowpitch softball players. This glove is a great choice for games or just having fun. It’s designed to be used in any position. The 14-inch Basket Web gives players a quick break-in and feels great. The glove helps you catch ground balls and stop extra base hits. It is designed for players who want a reliable glove.
What We Like:
- This glove fits any slowpitch softball player.
- It is ready to use right away.
- The glove is made of strong leather.
- It’s designed to be used in any position.
- It’s comfortable to wear.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players may prefer a different web style.
- The glove only comes in a right-hand throw option.
Overall, this Rawlings glove is a solid choice for slowpitch softball players. It’s a good glove to help improve your game.
3. Rawlings
Rating: 9.2/10
The Rawlings PLAYER PREFERRED Glove is ready for your next game! This baseball and softball glove is built for adult players. It’s designed for recreational use and is easy to break in. The glove has a 12.5-inch size. It is made for right-handed throwers. The basket web design makes it usable at any position on the field. This glove offers a great blend of quality and performance.
What We Like:
- The 12.5-inch size is great for adult players.
- The basket web is versatile. You can play any position with it.
- Full-grain leather makes this glove strong.
- Zero Shock palm padding protects your hand.
- The adjustable wrist strap gives you a comfy fit.
- It’s game-ready with an easy break-in process.
What Could Be Improved:
- The glove might not be the best for professional play.
The Rawlings PLAYER PREFERRED Glove is a solid choice for casual players. It is a good value for the price. This glove is a great option for anyone looking to enjoy baseball or softball.
4. Wilson 2021 A360 SP13 13″ Slowpitch Softball Glove – Right Hand Throw
Step up your slowpitch softball game with the Wilson 2021 A360 SP13 13″ Slowpitch Softball Glove! This glove is made for right-handed players and comes in a sleek black and grey design. It has a 13-inch size, perfect for catching those high-flying softballs. The glove features a closed V-laced web to help secure the ball. It is built with a CarbonLite Shell. This helps to make the glove lighter without making it weak. You can adjust the glove easily during a game with the Velcro design.
What We Like:
- The CarbonLite Shell makes the glove lightweight.
- The glove looks cool with its black and grey colors.
- The Velcro design allows quick adjustments.
- The closed V-laced web helps catch the ball.
- The glove is durable.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might prefer a different web design.
- The glove is available in only one color scheme.
The Wilson A360 SP13 is a solid glove for slowpitch softball. It’s easy to adjust and helps make those catches. If you are looking for a reliable glove, this is a good choice.
5. Franklin Sports Girls Softball Glove – Women’s Windmill Fastpitch + Slowpitch Softball Glove – Pink Mitt – Right Hand Throw – Adult – 12″
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to dominate the softball field with the Franklin Sports Girls Softball Glove! This glove is made for fastpitch and slowpitch softball. It’s designed for women and girls. The pink mitt is built for right-handed throwers. It has a 12-inch size, perfect for adult players. This glove is made to help you catch the ball with ease and play your best.
What We Like:
- FASTPITCH FIT: The glove has a narrower wrist opening. This is great for fastpitch players.
- LIGHTWEIGHT MESH DESIGN: This glove is made with lightweight mesh. It is comfortable and lets you move your hands quickly.
- ADJUSTABLE WRIST: You can adjust the wrist closure. This gives you a custom and comfy fit.
- SOFT POCKET: The pocket is soft. It breaks in fast and feels good when you catch the ball.
- GREAT FOR PLAYERS: The glove is adjustable and comfortable. It is perfect for softball players of all levels.
What Could Be Improved:
- Durability: Some users may want a glove that lasts longer.
- Material Quality: The mesh may be a bit thin for some players.
This Franklin Sports softball glove is a good choice for players who want a comfortable and easy-to-use glove. It is a great option for both beginners and experienced players looking to improve their game.
Softball Glove Buying Guide: Get Ready to Catch!
Picking a softball glove can be tough. You want one that fits well and helps you make amazing plays. This guide will help you find the perfect glove!
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a softball glove, think about a few important things.
- Size: Softball gloves are bigger than baseball gloves. This is to catch the bigger ball. Measure your hand from the base of your palm to the tip of your middle finger. Then, pick a glove size that matches your hand and playing position.
- Webbing: The webbing is the part between the thumb and fingers. It can be closed or open. Open webs are great for infielders who need to get the ball out fast. Closed webs help outfielders catch the ball better.
- Pocket: The pocket is where the ball goes. A deeper pocket is better for catching. It keeps the ball secure.
- Break-in: You want a glove that is easy to break in. This means you can start using it quickly. Some gloves need more time to break in than others.
Important Materials
The material of your glove matters a lot. It affects how long the glove lasts and how it feels.
- Leather: Leather gloves are very popular. They are strong and durable. Some leather is better than others. Full-grain leather is the best. It lasts the longest.
- Synthetic Leather: Synthetic leather is cheaper than real leather. It is also easier to break in. However, it might not last as long as a leather glove.
- Lining: The inside of the glove has a lining. This is where your hand goes. The lining should be soft and comfortable. It helps absorb sweat.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a glove great. Other things make it not so great.
- Good Quality:
- High-quality leather is a sign of a good glove.
- Strong stitching keeps the glove together.
- A comfortable lining makes the glove feel good.
- Poor Quality:
- Cheap materials won’t last.
- Weak stitching can break easily.
- A stiff lining is not comfortable.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the glove is important.
Infielders need a glove that is quick and easy to use. They need to get the ball out of the glove fast. Outfielders need a glove with a big pocket. This helps them catch the ball. Pitchers might want a glove with a closed web. This helps them hide the ball from the batter.
Think about how you play. What position do you play? How often do you play? This will help you choose the right glove.
Softball Glove FAQs
Here are some common questions about softball gloves.
Q: What size glove do I need?
A: Softball gloves are measured by inches. The size you need depends on your position and age. Generally, adult softball gloves range from 12.5 to 13.5 inches.
Q: What’s the difference between a baseball and softball glove?
A: Softball gloves are bigger and have a deeper pocket. This is to catch the larger softball.
Q: How do I break in a new glove?
A: You can break in your glove by playing catch, using a glove mallet, or applying glove oil. It takes time and effort.
Q: What kind of web should I get?
A: Infielders often use gloves with open webs for quick ball transfer. Outfielders might prefer a closed web for better catching.
Q: What material is best for a softball glove?
A: High-quality leather is the best material for a glove. It is durable and comfortable.
Q: How do I clean my softball glove?
A: You can clean your glove with a damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals.
Q: How do I store my softball glove?
A: Store your glove in a cool, dry place. You can use a glove wrap to help it keep its shape.
Q: How long does a softball glove last?
A: This depends on the quality and how often you use it. A good leather glove can last for several years.
Q: What is the best brand of softball glove?
A: Several brands make great softball gloves. Some popular brands are Wilson, Rawlings, and Mizuno.
Q: Can I use a baseball glove for softball?
A: Yes, but it may not be the best option. Softball gloves are designed to handle the larger softball more effectively.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.