Softball gloves, a crucial piece of equipment for athletes across all skill levels, serve as an extension of the hand to enhance catching and fielding abilities. They come in various sizes, materials, and web designs, each tailored to meet the specific needs of different positions on the field. As a result, selecting the right glove can significantly impact a player’s performance. However, choosing the best glove requires careful consideration, given the wide range of options available on the market.
The ideal softball glove should offer a comfortable fit, be durable, and assist in improving catching and fielding skills. Ensure it’s made of high-quality leather or synthetic material, equipped with adequate padding and reinforced lacing that can withstand intense use. Using the wrong glove type, for instance, a first baseman’s glove for a fielder, can lead to inefficiency on the field and even potential injuries.
When purchasing a softball glove, inspect it carefully. Assess the flexibility, the pocket depth, the web, the backing, and the wrist adjustments. The glove’s pocket should have enough depth to retain the ball securely, but also be flexible enough to release it quickly. The webbing should suit your position’s unique needs, for example, outfielders generally require deeper webbing for catching and trapping balls.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best softball glove. We have put numerous gloves to the test, assessing their performance, durability, and overall value. At the end of this read, you will have all the information necessary to choose a glove that enhances your performance and carry you through many successful games.
Best Softball Gloves
Selecting the right softball glove is fundamental for enhancing your performance in the game. The glove should offer comfort, durability, and improve your catching and fielding skills. With so many options in the market, this decision can be quite daunting. To help you in the selection process, we have compiled a list of the best softball gloves. These gloves have been rigorously tested, and their features thoroughly assessed, to ensure they will meet your specific needs and preferences.
Easton | Fundamental Fastpitch Softball Glove | Multiple Styles
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable fastpitch softball glove, the Easton Fundamental Fastpitch Softball Glove is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The glove is made with real leather, ensuring excellent shape retention and long-lasting durability.
- It features a classic, open back design that allows for a more comfortable fit and better flexibility.
- The glove is fully loaded with Pro Hog:2 inline and Pro Soft palm lining for maximum comfort.
Cons
- Some users may find the glove to be a bit stiff at first, requiring some break-in time.
- The sizing may run a bit small, so it’s recommended to order a size up.
- The glove may not be suitable for players with larger hands.
Overall, the Easton Fundamental Fastpitch Softball Glove is a great choice for players who are looking for a reliable and durable glove that will provide excellent grip and cushioning. With its real leather construction and comfortable fit, this glove is sure to perform well on the field.
The glove’s classic, open back design allows for a more comfortable fit and better flexibility, making it easier to catch and throw the ball with ease. Additionally, the glove is fully loaded with Pro Hog:2 inline and Pro Soft palm lining, providing maximum comfort and reducing the sting of the ball.
However, some users may find the glove to be a bit stiff at first, requiring some break-in time. Additionally, the sizing may run a bit small, so it’s recommended to order a size up. Finally, the glove may not be suitable for players with larger hands.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and durable fastpitch softball glove, the Easton Fundamental Fastpitch Softball Glove is definitely worth considering.
Rawlings | Player Preferred Glove Series | Baseball/Slowpitch Softball | Multiple Styles
If you’re looking for a baseball glove that provides exceptional feel, comfort, and performance, the Rawlings Player Preferred Glove Series is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The Pro H Web design offers a classic look and feel, while also providing excellent shape retention and durability.
- The 11.50″ size is perfect for most players, providing a good balance between size and maneuverability.
- The DeerTan oil and wax treatment provides a tacky finish that helps improve grip and control.
Cons
- Some players may find the glove to be a bit stiff when first received, requiring some break-in time.
- The price point may be a bit higher than some other baseball gloves on the market.
- The glove may not be suitable for players with smaller hands.
We’ve had the opportunity to use and test the Rawlings Player Preferred Glove Series, and we’re impressed with its overall performance. The Pro H Web design is a great choice for players who want a glove that provides excellent shape retention and durability. The 11.50″ size is perfect for most players, providing a good balance between size and maneuverability. Additionally, the DeerTan oil and wax treatment provides a tacky finish that helps improve grip and control.
One potential downside to this glove is that it may be a bit stiff when first received, requiring some break-in time. However, this is a common issue with many baseball gloves, and it’s nothing that can’t be addressed with some patience and use. Additionally, the price point may be a bit higher than some other baseball gloves on the market, but we believe that the quality and performance of this glove make it worth the investment.
Overall, if you’re looking for a baseball glove that provides exceptional feel, comfort, and performance, the Rawlings Player Preferred Glove Series is definitely worth considering.
WILSON A440
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable basketball, the WILSON A440 is a great option.
Pros
- The composite cover provides superior grip, feel, and durability.
- The butyl bladder ensures proper shape retention for a consistent bounce.
- The interchangeable composite and rubber channels provide superior grip in all conditions.
Cons
- The size 7 basketball may be too small for some users.
- The black color may show dirt and scuff marks easily.
- The price may be slightly higher than other entry-level basketballs.
We’ve used the WILSON A440 for several weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The composite cover provides excellent grip, even when the ball is wet. The butyl bladder ensures that the ball bounces consistently, even after multiple uses. The interchangeable composite and rubber channels provide superior grip in all conditions, making it easy to handle the ball even when our hands are sweaty.
One of the downsides of the WILSON A440 is that the size 7 basketball may be too small for some users. However, this is a common issue with most entry-level basketballs. Additionally, the black color may show dirt and scuff marks easily, which may require more frequent cleaning. Finally, the price may be slightly higher than other entry-level basketballs, but we believe that the superior quality justifies the higher cost.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable basketball, the WILSON A440 is a great option. Its superior grip, consistent bounce, and superior grip in all conditions make it a great choice for both indoor and outdoor use.
Franklin Sports Fastpitch Pro Series Softball Gloves – Right or Left Hand Throw – Adult and Youth Sizes – 11in, 11.5in, 12in, 12.5in and 13in Size Mitts
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable softball glove, the Franklin Sports Fastpitch Pro Series Softball Gloves are a great option to consider.
Pros
- Made with premium steer hide leather for excellent shape retention and outstanding durability
- Full grain leather lacing provides strength and durability
- Patented Closed Back design for maximum protection and comfort
Cons
- Some customers reported that the gloves are not as waterproof as they would like
- The gloves may require a break-in period before they are fully comfortable to use
- The sizing may be slightly off, so it’s important to measure your hand carefully before ordering
These gloves are perfect for players who want a glove that will last for multiple seasons. The premium steer hide leather used in the construction of these gloves ensures that they will maintain their shape and durability over time. Additionally, the full grain leather lacing provides extra strength and durability, ensuring that the gloves can withstand frequent use.
One of the standout features of these gloves is the patented Closed Back design. This design provides maximum protection and comfort for your hand, allowing you to play with confidence. The padded thumb sleeve and adjustable strap also add to the overall comfort and fit of the gloves.
While these gloves are generally well-made and durable, some customers have reported that they are not as waterproof as they would like. Additionally, the gloves may require a break-in period before they are fully comfortable to use. It’s also important to note that the sizing may be slightly off, so it’s important to measure your hand carefully before ordering.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and durable softball glove, the Franklin Sports Fastpitch Pro Series Softball Gloves are definitely worth considering. With their high-quality materials and comfortable design, these gloves are sure to provide you with the performance and protection you need on the field.
Rawlings | RSB Slowpitch Softball Glove Series | Multiple Styles
If you’re looking for a reliable slowpitch softball glove, the Rawlings RSB series is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 14.00-inch pattern provides a good fit for most players and allows for excellent control.
- The game-ready leather construction ensures that the glove is ready to use right out of the box.
- The rolled dual welting provides a comfortable fit and helps to keep the glove in shape.
Cons
- Some players may find the glove to be a bit heavy, as it weighs in at 24 ounces.
- The price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious players.
- The glove may not be as durable as some other options on the market.
We’ve had the opportunity to test out the Rawlings RSB series glove, and we were impressed with its overall performance. The 14.00-inch pattern is a great fit for most players, and the game-ready leather construction ensures that the glove is ready to use right out of the box.
One thing to keep in mind is that the glove does weigh in at 24 ounces, which may be a bit heavy for some players. Additionally, the price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious players. Finally, while the glove is durable, it may not hold up as well as some other options on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable slowpitch softball glove that provides excellent control and a comfortable fit, the Rawlings RSB series glove is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best softball glove, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various gloves to understand the features that make them stand out. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Size and Fit
The size and fit of the glove are crucial factors to consider. A glove that is too small will be uncomfortable and difficult to break in, while a glove that is too big will not provide the necessary support and control. It is essential to choose a glove that fits well and feels comfortable to wear.
Material
The material of the glove is another important factor to consider. Leather is the most common material used for softball gloves, as it is durable and provides excellent grip. However, synthetic materials are also available and can be a more affordable option.
Web Design
The web design of the glove refers to the pattern of the glove’s fingers and the space between them. The most common web designs are the H-web and the Trapezoid web. The H-web design is ideal for infielders, as it provides excellent support and control, while the Trapezoid web design is better suited for outfielders, as it allows for more flexibility and range of motion.
Price
The price of the glove is also a factor to consider. While it is essential to choose a glove that fits well and provides the necessary support and control, it is also important to stay within your budget. There are gloves available at various price points, so it is essential to find one that fits your needs and budget.
In summary, when choosing the best softball glove, it is essential to consider the size and fit, material, web design, and price. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a glove that fits well, provides the necessary support and control, and fits within your budget.
