Have you ever watched a pro baseball game and wished you could make those amazing catches? Getting the right glove is the first step!
Finding the perfect Youth Outfield Glove can be tricky. There are so many sizes, styles, and materials to consider. Parents often feel overwhelmed by the choices, and kids might end up with a glove that’s too big, too small, or just plain uncomfortable. It can be frustrating and even expensive to make a mistake.
This blog post will help you navigate the world of youth outfield gloves. We’ll break down everything you need to know, from choosing the right size to understanding different materials. You’ll learn how to find a glove that fits perfectly, feels great, and helps your young player improve their skills. We’ll even share some tips on breaking in a new glove.
Ready to discover the secrets to finding the best Youth Outfield Glove for your young athlete? Let’s get started!
Our Top 5 Youth Outfield Glove Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Rawlings | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
 | WILSON 2023 A500 Youth Baseball Glove | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
 | WILSON 2022 A700 Youth Baseball Glove | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
 | Rawlings | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
 | Rawlings | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Youth Outfield Glove Detailed Reviews
1. Rawlings
Rating: 9.4/10
The Rawlings Select PRO LITE Youth Baseball Glove is a popular choice for young ballplayers. It comes in several sizes (10.5″ to 12.25″) and styles, mirroring gloves used by professional players. This makes it a great option for kids who want a glove that feels like a pro’s.
What We Like:
- Lightweight Design: The PRO LITE is surprisingly light, making it easier for young players to handle and reducing fatigue during long games or practices.
- Durable Construction: Rawlings uses quality materials. This glove should last a long time with proper care.
- Comfortable Fit: Many reviewers praise the comfortable fit. It feels good in the hand and doesn’t cause discomfort.
- Pro-Style Look: Kids love the look and feel of a pro-model glove. It inspires confidence and excitement.
- Variety of Sizes: The range of sizes ensures a good fit for many young players, regardless of age or hand size.
What Could Be Improved:
- Price Point: The PRO LITE is more expensive than some other youth gloves. This might be a factor for some families.
- Break-in Time: Like most new leather gloves, it requires some break-in time to achieve optimal performance. This can take a few weeks of regular use.
- Limited Availability: Certain sizes and styles might sell out quickly. Checking availability before purchasing is recommended.
Overall, the Rawlings Select PRO LITE Youth Baseball Glove receives high marks for its lightweight design, durability, and pro-style features. While the price might be a consideration, the quality and feel make it a worthwhile investment for serious young ballplayers.
It’s a great glove, but remember to check for availability!
2. WILSON 2023 A500 Youth Baseball Glove
Rating: 8.6/10
The WILSON 2023 A500 Youth Baseball Glove aims to give young ballplayers a great glove for practice and games. It’s designed to be comfortable and durable, helping kids develop their skills. This glove is made for younger players, offering a smaller size and lighter weight than adult gloves.
What We Like:
- The glove is lightweight. This makes it easy for younger players to handle.
- It feels comfortable. Many young players reported a good fit.
- The leather is durable. It should last through many games and practices.
- The price is reasonable. It’s a good value for a quality youth glove.
- The Wilson name brings confidence. It’s a trusted brand in baseball.
What Could Be Improved:
- The break-in period is a bit long. It takes some time to soften the leather.
- Some users mentioned the laces could be stronger. A few reported minor issues with the laces.
- Sizing might be tricky. You should carefully check the size chart before purchasing.
The WILSON 2023 A500 Youth Baseball Glove is a solid choice for young players. It offers a good balance of quality, comfort, and affordability. Parents should consider the break-in time, but overall, this glove provides good value.
3. WILSON 2022 A700 Youth Baseball Glove
Rating: 9.4/10
The WILSON 2022 A700 Youth Baseball Glove is a popular choice for young ballplayers. It’s designed to be comfortable and durable, helping kids develop their skills on the field. This glove offers a good balance of features for its price point. Many young players find it easy to use and break in.
What We Like:
- It feels comfortable. Young players find it easy to grip.
- The leather is durable. It can withstand lots of use.
- The price is reasonable. It’s affordable for many families.
- The glove breaks in relatively quickly. This makes it game-ready sooner.
- Its design is appealing to kids. Many young players like the look.
What Could Be Improved::
- The laces could be stronger. Some users reported laces breaking after extended use.
- The padding could be slightly thicker. More padding might improve comfort for some players.
- The sizing might run a little small. It’s crucial to check the size chart carefully before purchasing.
Overall, the WILSON 2022 A700 Youth Baseball Glove is a solid choice for young players. It offers good value for the money. However, parents should carefully consider the potential issues with laces and padding before buying.
4. Rawlings
Rating: 9.2/10
The Rawlings R9 Contour 12″ baseball glove is a popular choice for young players and serious hobbyists. This right-handed throw glove features a Pro H-web, known for its versatility in catching various types of pitches. It’s designed for comfort and durability, promising a great experience on the field.
What We Like:
- The glove feels comfortable and fits well. Many reviewers praised its lightweight design.
- The Pro H-web performs well, making it easy to catch pop-ups and grounders.
- It’s durable. The leather seems strong and should last through many games.
- The price point is competitive for a glove of this quality.
- The 12-inch size is suitable for many positions on the field.
What Could Be Improved:
- Breaking in the glove takes time and effort. Some players reported needing extra time to soften it.
- The glove’s color might fade slightly with prolonged use and exposure to sunlight.
- Some users found the wrist strap a bit stiff initially.
Overall, the Rawlings R9 Contour baseball glove offers a solid combination of comfort, performance, and value. It’s a great option for players looking for a reliable glove that can handle regular use. This glove is a worthy investment for any aspiring baseball player.
5. Rawlings
Rating: 9.2/10
The Rawlings NXT Youth Baseball Glove Series offers young ballplayers a comfortable and reliable glove in several sizes (11.5″ to 12.25″). These gloves come in different styles, so players can find one that fits their hand perfectly and matches their team colors. They’re designed for a comfortable fit and improved ball control, helping young players develop their skills on the field.
What We Like:
- Comfortable Fit: The Contour Youth Fit design feels great on smaller hands. It conforms well and doesn’t feel bulky.
- Durable Construction: These gloves are built to last. They can handle the wear and tear of regular use. Rawlings uses quality materials.
- Variety of Sizes: The range of sizes ensures a proper fit for players of different ages and hand sizes. This is a great feature.
- Good Value: The Rawlings NXT series offers great performance at a reasonable price. You get a lot for your money.
- Multiple Styles: Players can choose a glove that looks great. Many color options exist.
What Could Be Improved:
- Break-in Time: Like most new gloves, these require some break-in time before they feel perfectly supple. This can take a few weeks of use.
- Limited Availability: Certain sizes and colors might sell out quickly, especially during peak baseball season. Check availability early.
Overall, the Rawlings NXT Youth Baseball Glove Series is a solid choice for young baseball players. It provides a comfortable fit, durable construction, and a good price point. The variety of sizes and styles makes it easy to find the perfect glove for your needs.
The Rawlings NXT gloves are a great investment for any young player serious about improving their game.
Choosing the Right Youth Outfield Glove: A Buying Guide
Picking the perfect outfield glove for a young baseball or softball player can be exciting! This guide helps you find the right fit and features to ensure your young athlete enjoys the game.
Key Features to Look For
- Size: Gloves come in different sizes. Younger players need smaller gloves. Check the manufacturer’s size chart. Too big, and it’s hard to catch. Too small, and it’s uncomfortable.
- Position: Outfield gloves are usually larger than infield gloves. They need more space to catch fly balls.
- Material: Leather gloves are durable and break in nicely. Synthetic leather is a more affordable option.
- Webbing: The webbing between the fingers affects how the ball sits in the glove. Different web patterns are better for different players.
- Padding: Good padding protects the player’s hand. It makes catching easier and more comfortable.
- Closure: A secure closure (like laces or straps) keeps the glove on the hand.
- Price: Prices vary widely. Consider your budget and the glove’s quality.
Important Materials
Gloves are often made of leather or synthetic leather. Leather gloves are generally more durable and offer a better feel over time. They require breaking in. Synthetic leather is more affordable but may not last as long. Padding inside the glove protects the player’s hand. The lining should be soft and comfortable.
Factors Affecting Quality
- Leather Quality: Higher-quality leather is stronger and more durable. It forms to the player’s hand better.
- Construction: Well-stitched gloves hold up better. Look for strong stitching throughout.
- Padding: Sufficient padding protects the hand from hard-hit balls. Too little, and it hurts. Too much, and it’s bulky.
- Break-in Process: Leather gloves need time to break in. This softens the leather and makes catching easier. Synthetic leather usually needs less break-in time.
User Experience and Use Cases
A well-fitting glove improves a young player’s confidence and skill. It makes catching easier and more comfortable. The right glove encourages participation and enjoyment of the game. A poorly fitting or low-quality glove can lead to frustration and injuries.
Outfield gloves are used for catching fly balls, long throws and grounders. The larger pocket helps players secure the ball even if it’s traveling at high speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What size glove should my child get?
A: Check the manufacturer’s size chart. It usually considers age and hand size. It’s better to err on the slightly smaller side. - Q: How do I break in a new leather glove?
A: Use a glove mallet or your hands to work the leather. Use glove oil to soften it. Catch balls regularly. - Q: What’s the difference between leather and synthetic leather gloves?
A: Leather is more durable and feels better over time, but it’s more expensive and needs breaking in. Synthetic leather is more affordable and requires less break-in. - Q: How important is the webbing?
A: The webbing affects how the ball sits in the glove. Some players prefer certain patterns. Experiment to find what works best. - Q: How do I clean my glove?
A: Use a soft cloth and mild soap to clean the glove. Avoid getting the glove too wet. - Q: My child’s glove is too tight. What should I do?
A: Unfortunately, you probably can’t stretch it significantly. Consider buying a larger glove. - Q: How much should I spend on a youth outfield glove?
A: Prices vary greatly. Set a budget and look for a glove that meets your needs within that budget. - Q: What if my child’s hand grows?
A: Gloves can last for a while, but you might need to buy a new one as their hands grow. - Q: Can I use an adult glove for a child?
A: No. Adult gloves are much too big and will be difficult and uncomfortable to use. - Q: Where can I buy a youth outfield glove?
A: Sporting goods stores, online retailers, and even some department stores carry youth baseball and 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.