Have you ever watched a pro softball game and wondered how those outfielders make those amazing catches? It all starts with the right glove!
Finding the perfect Softball Outfield Glove can be challenging. There are so many different sizes, styles, and brands. Many players get confused about leather vs. synthetic materials, or what size glove they actually need. Choosing the wrong glove can hurt your hands and make catching difficult.
This guide will help you understand what makes a great softball outfield glove. You’ll learn about different glove features, how to choose the right size, and the best materials for your needs. We’ll even offer some top recommendations! We’ll make finding your perfect glove easy.
Let’s dive in and discover the secrets to finding the Softball Outfield Glove of your dreams!
Our Top 5 Softball Outfield Glove Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Easton | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
 | Rawlings | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
 | Rawlings | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
 | Baseball & Softball Sliding Mitt + Baseball Thumb Guard – Youth & Adult Sliding Glove | 9.6/10 | Check Price |
 | WILSON 2024 A1000 Outfield Fastpitch Softball Gloves – 12.5″ | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Softball Outfield 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 good balance of affordability and decent quality. It’s a great option for practice and games.
What We Like:
- Affordable price: It won’t break the bank, making it accessible to many players.
- Comfortable fit: Many reviewers said it felt comfortable on their hands.
- Durable construction: The glove seems to hold up well with regular use.
- Variety of colors: Players can choose a glove that they like.
- Good for beginners: It’s perfect for those just learning to play fastpitch.
What Could Be Improved:
- Break-in time: Some players reported needing more time to break it in for optimal performance. This is common with new gloves.
- Limited padding: The padding might not be as substantial as higher-priced gloves.
- Leather quality: The leather isn’t top-of-the-line, but it’s acceptable for the price.
The Easton Fundamental Fastpitch Softball Glove is a solid choice for young, beginning fastpitch players. It offers good value for the money. It’s a great glove to learn and grow with.
2. Rawlings
Rating: 9.4/10
The Rawlings Player Preferred Adult Ball Glove is a popular choice for baseball and slow-pitch softball players. It comes in many styles, so you can find one that fits your hand perfectly. This glove is designed for players who want a high-quality glove without breaking the bank.
What We Like:
- It feels great. The leather is soft and supple.
- It’s durable. This glove will last for many seasons.
- The glove breaks in quickly. You’ll be ready to play right away.
- Many styles are available. You can choose a glove that fits your playing position.
- It offers great value for the price. You get a high-quality glove at a reasonable cost.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might find the glove a little stiff at first.
- The color options could be more varied.
- Finding your perfect size might take some time. Rawlings offers different sizes.
Overall, the Rawlings Player Preferred Adult Ball Glove is a solid choice for adult players. It offers excellent performance and value. It’s a great glove for both casual and serious players.
We highly recommend checking it out!
3. Rawlings
Rating: 8.8/10
The Rawlings RSB Slowpitch Softball Glove Series offers a variety of styles for slowpitch softball players of all skill levels. These gloves are designed for comfort and performance, promising a reliable catch every time. They come in different sizes and colors, so you can find the perfect fit.
What We Like:
- These gloves feel great. They’re comfortable and break in quickly.
- The leather is durable. It will last through many games and practices.
- Rawlings makes quality gloves. This series lives up to the brand’s reputation.
- The price is reasonable. You get a lot of glove for your money.
- Many different sizes and colors are available. Players can find their perfect fit.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might find the padding a little thin. More padding could improve comfort.
- The glove’s laces could be stronger. Stronger laces would be more durable.
- Finding certain colors and sizes can be difficult. Stock levels vary by retailer.
Overall, the Rawlings RSB Slowpitch Softball Glove Series is a solid choice for slowpitch players. They offer a good balance of comfort, durability, and affordability. We highly recommend checking them out!
4. Baseball & Softball Sliding Mitt + Baseball Thumb Guard – Youth & Adult Sliding Glove
Rating: 9.6/10
This Baseball & Softball Sliding Mitt and Thumb Guard protects your hands during those crucial slides! It’s designed for both youth and adult players, offering comfort and protection whether you’re playing baseball or softball. This combo set includes a sturdy sliding mitt and a separate thumb guard for extra safety.
What We Like:
- Excellent protection: The mitt and thumb guard combine to shield your hands from scrapes and injuries during slides.
- Durable materials: It’s built to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
- Comfortable fit: The design allows for a good range of motion, so you can still move quickly.
- One size fits most: It’s adjustable to fit many different hand sizes.
- Good value for money: You get both a mitt and a thumb guard at a reasonable price.
What Could Be Improved:
- Sizing could be more precise: Some users might find the “one size fits most” approach a little too general.
- More color options would be nice: Currently, only a limited number of colors are available.
Overall, this Baseball & Softball Sliding Mitt and Thumb Guard is a great investment for any serious player. It offers fantastic protection and comfort at a fair price. The combination of the mitt and thumb guard provides superior safety compared to using only a mitt.
5. WILSON 2024 A1000 Outfield Fastpitch Softball Gloves – 12.5″
Rating: 9.4/10
The WILSON 2024 A1000 12.5″ Outfield Fastpitch Softball Glove is a serious piece of equipment for serious players. This glove is designed for outfielders who need a large catching surface and a comfortable feel. It’s made from high-quality leather, promising durability. Many players find this glove helps them make great catches.
What We Like:
- The glove feels great. It’s comfortable to wear for long periods.
- The 12.5″ size provides a large catching area.
- The leather is strong and should last a long time. It breaks in nicely.
- Many players report excellent ball control with this glove.
- The glove’s design helps with quick and easy transfers.
What Could Be Improved::
- The price is a bit high for some players.
- The break-in period might take a little longer than some other gloves.
- Finding this glove in stores can be challenging.
Overall, the WILSON 2024 A1000 12.5″ Outfield Fastpitch Softball Glove is a top-notch product. It offers great performance and comfort. This glove is a worthy investment for dedicated fastpitch players.
Choosing the Right Softball Outfield Glove: A Buyer’s Guide
Picking the perfect softball outfield glove can make a big difference in your game. A good glove feels comfortable, helps you catch balls easily, and lasts a long time. This guide will help you find the best one for you!
Key Features to Look For
- Size: Outfield gloves are usually larger than infield gloves. 12-14 inches is common for outfielders. Bigger gloves cover more ground. Younger players might prefer smaller gloves.
- Pattern: The glove’s pattern affects how it feels and how well it catches balls. Different patterns fit different hands. Try a few on to see what feels best.
- Pocket: The pocket is the deep part of the glove where you catch the ball. A deep, well-formed pocket helps secure the ball. Look for a pocket that’s easy to close.
- Material: The glove’s material affects its durability and how it breaks in. Leather gloves are more durable but take longer to break in. Synthetic leather is a good cheaper option.
- Webbing: The webbing is the material between the thumb and pinky finger. Different webbings are designed for different playing styles. Some help block the sun.
- Closure: The glove’s closure (laces, straps) should be secure and easy to adjust. A good closure keeps the glove snug on your hand.
Important Materials
Softball gloves use various materials. Leather is a popular choice because it’s durable and forms to your hand over time. However, leather gloves are more expensive and need more care. Synthetic leather is a more affordable alternative. It’s often just as good, and it’s easier to maintain.
Factors Affecting Glove Quality
- Construction: A well-made glove uses strong stitching and high-quality materials. Look for even stitching and sturdy seams.
- Leather Quality: Higher quality leather is thicker, more durable, and will last longer. You’ll often pay more for this.
- Breaking-in Process: All gloves need to break in. This means softening the leather so it fits your hand better. Some gloves break in faster than others.
- Brand Reputation: Established brands usually make higher quality gloves. However, some newer brands also offer great gloves at affordable prices.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your softball position greatly influences your glove choice. Outfielders need large gloves to cover lots of ground. The glove should be comfortable enough to wear for hours. A well-fitting glove helps prevent injuries. A poorly fitting glove can be uncomfortable and make catching difficult.
Different gloves are designed for different skill levels. Beginners might benefit from a less expensive glove to learn with. Advanced players may want a higher-quality glove for better performance. Consider your skill level and budget when choosing a glove.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How do I break in a new softball glove?
A: Use a glove mallet, glove oil, and lots of practice to soften the leather. - Q: What size glove should I get?
A: Outfield gloves are typically 12-14 inches, but the best size depends on your hand size and preference. - Q: What’s the difference between leather and synthetic leather gloves?
A: Leather gloves are more durable and form to your hand better, but are more expensive. Synthetic leather is more affordable and easier to maintain. - Q: How much should I spend on a softball glove?
A: Prices vary widely. You can find good gloves for under $50, but high-end gloves can cost over $200. - Q: How do I clean my softball glove?
A: Use a soft cloth and mild soap to clean dirt. Avoid getting the glove too wet. - Q: How often should I replace my softball glove?
A: With proper care, a good softball glove can last for several years. - Q: What is a closed back glove?
A: A closed back glove has a solid back, providing more support and stability. - Q: What is an open back glove?
A: An open back glove has a more flexible back, allowing for a more relaxed fit. - Q: Do I need a special glove for fastpitch or slowpitch?
A: While not strictly necessary, some players prefer slightly different gloves for each. Fastpitch often requires faster reactions. - Q: Where can I buy a softball glove?
A: Sporting goods stores, online retailers, and even some department stores sell softball gloves.
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.