Help on Mitts

[Indy33]

I know its a bat forum but can anybody offer any advice on a youth glove. I just ordered a 11.5 LS TPX series but they sent the wrong hand, so I need to return it. I love the look of the glove but it seems heavy and has a very thick bruise guard that will be tough to break in. I also considered the Akadema ATM92 youth and still may pick it up instead of exchanging the LS. Anyone have any opinions on either? Thanks

[dmc92]

The TPX is a great glove and is heavy but it really didn't take too long to break in. I am sure there are better gloves out there but my son loves his TPX. It is really a good solid glove.

[hardhitter]

Is great glove my son has been using it for 2 years, went from Easton Travel Ball to this. I have to say he loves it. holding up pretty good and the pocket formed very very good(lots of work to get it right) broke in pretty easy and the laces stay tied.

I like Akadema and Nokoma gloves, Glovesmith is next in line. smart move on any of these gloves, however feel is important and some kids might like different things

[Mid-Ohio Blaze]

We like the wilson line, but breaking in an a2000 will take you 8 months. But you get what you pay for.

[dsore1218]

My boys are older but they have had a variety of gloves through the years. I assume your son is an infielder if he is using a 11.5" glove. For the infield I think the Rawlings Gold Glove is the best bang for the buck for a younger player. Nice glove with lots of feel.

As your son gets older and the hits are harder he might move to an A2000 or Pro Preferred or the equivalent in a Mizuno/Nokona/Glovesmith, etc. Those will last longer, take awhile to break in but will last a lifetime.

We have tried some of the other brands. One of our all-time favorites is the Zett. Baseball Express sells them under their own name. Love the leather, love the glove, loved everything. It was taken out of my sons bag and we still look for it 18 months later. The leather and the way Zett treated it made this glove a real keeper.

My oldest boy had a A3000 that tore inside. He decided to spend his money on a SAF glove. He has been real pleased with the glove. I don't know that he would ever go back to the name brand gloves. Second son has an A2000 for pitching and the infield, Pro-Preferred and a Gold Glove for first, Pro-Preferred for the outfield and still carries two A-2000's for catching. He loves them, takes great care of them, will be able to pass them on one day but still misses that Zett.

[Speedy42]

also uses a Rawlings Gold Glove 11 1/2". He loves how it broke in nicely. Good youth glove for the price. Had it customized with red laces, red inscription, and American flag. For X-mas he'll get an 11' Gold Glove for shortstop and 2nd base.

[hardhitter]

I still prefer catching over everything else, but do use some stuff to help the process.

I like rawlings glovlumin(however it's spelled). Just a little to get things going. Once that's finished I use Lexol products to protect the leather. I've used other stuff like wilson pro stock conditioner and decided it wasn't needed.

I have my son use our home made glove mallet (Baseball with a 1" dowel about 12" long) Then we hit the batting cage for an hour or so, nothing works better for forming the pocket then a 70mph dimple ball hitting the same spot over and over. In practice he only wears the new glove in game goes back to what works.

I guess my question will be what do you use and do to break in your A2000, gold glove, heart of the hide, pro status or any other high end glove