MIZUNO PROSPECT GXS101 YOUTH
This catcher’s mitt was designed with the younger player in mind. Equipped with a V Flex Notch, the Mizuno Prospect GXS101 will help to keep the glove closed, allowing youngsters to hold the ball with a better grip.
Coop’s Advice
Pros: This is the perfect glove for catchers between the ages of 8-12 (depending on experience and strength). The importance of a catcher being able to squeeze the glove while adjusting to becoming a catcher is so great and easily attained with this glove.
Cons: This glove is not meant for long-term use. The leather is not top quality, therefore it will not last long. However, not important with young catchers.
EASTON SYNERGY ELITE
This catcher’s mitt was made with a fastpitch ball in mind. The 33-inch size of the glove is an easy fit for the female hand, and the comfort from the super soft sponge-tricot finger lining relieves the stress from a game that has gone way into overtime.
Coop’s Advice:
This is a great glove for the next progression to the catching position.
It is large enough to be able to handle any of the breaking pitches young catchers are getting used to, along with blocking and higher pitches.
Pros: Break in time is a little longer than that Mizuno Youth glove, but ready for use within less than 30 days after purchase. Better leather which allows for longer use.
Cons: Best only for youth or small female hands.
Wilson A2000 Super Skin 34
*Coop’s FAV!*
This Wilson A2000 fastpitch catcher’s mitt is the biggest and baddest catcher’s mitt on the market. This glove has something that not many others do. The SuperSkin feature in is actually twice as strong and half as heavy as leather, so it helps the mitt last long despite the fast pitches it catches in the game. This mitt also uses a closed web for a more secure pocket.
Coop’s advice:
This is the best closed web glove you can find! The leather and Super-Skin feature makes it a glove that really stands out beyond any others. Wilson has always created a longstanding glove for years and has great customer satisfaction.
Pros: The leather is durable and will withstand practically anything. This mitt was made to fit both catchers with small hands and big hands. Will last for years upon years after purchase. (I have had mine for 8 years and its still in great shape.)
Cons: Break-in time is longer due to the quality of leather being top notch. Price can be high, but well worth it. This will be the last catcher’s mitt you will ever buy.
Rawlings Liberty Advanced 34″
Let me just start with saying that, yes this is a Rawlings glove, no this is not a baseball glove. Rawlings has taken over the Worth side of softball equipment. Rawlings has been creating some of the best gloves in the baseball business, therefore there is no reason to believe that would not do the same for softball.
A game-ready feel with full-grain oil treated shell leather Poron® XRD™ palm and index finger pads significantly reduce ball impact for greater protection.
It also features:
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All leather lace for increased durability and shape retention
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Balanced patterns and adjusted hand openings for improved fit and control.
Coop’s Advice:
This is a great glove for those who prefer the “H” webbing as well as catcher with bigger hands. The 34’ size truly helps catchers catch the ball within the pocket every time and avoidance of the “catcher’s thumb”.
Pros: Great leather and long-lasting.
Cons: Only comes in the white feature.
About the Author: Claudia Cooper played at North Carolina State from 2006–10. She had the second highest OBP for the Wolfpack during her Junior season and rounded out that year with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage. After graduation, she spent the 2010–11 season as a student assistant at her alma mater. Since leaving NC State, Coop has been a staff instructor at Elite Training Academy, coaching individuals, small groups and teams. Book her here.
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