Best of the Best: Rawlings Infield Gloves

Rawlings has been making baseball gloves since 1887, so it’s fair to say that they know what they’re doing when making a glove. One of the most preferred brands in the game, Rawlings gloves are used by Major Leaguers and every different position. But Rawlings isn’t limited to just the Major Leaguers. There are ample amount of gloves for the youth level as well. Let’s take a look at some of the best Rawlings infield gloves for both the older, and younger players.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B00WFBID7E” locale=”US” tag=”bullpenaces09-20″]Rawlings Pro Preferred Series[/easyazon_link]

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The Rawlings Pro Preferred Series glove is an individually hand crafted glove that serves any infielder. This gloves truly has a majestic look it, no matter the color scheme you buy. Users love the way the glove feels in the hand with the sheepskin, palm lining. Arguably one of the top models by Rawlings, the Pro Preferred an I-Web design with durability that will keep the glove looking fresh even over years of use. An 11 1/4″ design, the Pro Preferred is a smaller infield glove, but meets every criteria on the grading scale. If the user takes good keeping of the glove, this will last you a last time.

Pros:

• Sheepskin Palm lining for comfortability in the wrist
• Great modability for users who flare their gloves, or liked it shaped a certain way
• Laces are pretested at 100 LB tensile for strength and durability
• The thick laces keep the glove bonded together very nicely
• Users loved the strength of the glove, and the form it takes once it is broken in
• Wide wrist opening for easy slide in with the hand
• Glove comes in authentic pro patterns so your glove can look just like the pros
• Pro padding allows for custom pocket formation and lasting structure that limits wear and tear

Cons:

• Long break in time, 40% manufactory break and and 60% player break in
• A very stiff glove out of the box, so for users who prefer a more flexible glove, this may not be the right glove for you

[easyazon_link identifier=”B00WA1H59Q” locale=”US” tag=”bullpenaces09-20″]Rawlings 2016 Heart of the Hide Series[/easyazon_link]

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Rawlings Heart of the Hide glove comes in three lines: Dual Core, Pro Mesh, and the traditional Heart of the Hide. The Dual Core series is perfect for those who want to purchase the glove, and be able to use it in the same day. A softer glove, the Dual Core is the same quality leather but is able to be put to use right away. The Pro Mesh is also the same leather, and is a lighter glove that has reduced weight for those plays where you need to get the glove down and the ball out right away. The traditional Heart of the Hide is heavier than the Pro Mesh and does require a break in period. It’s one of Rawlings highest selling gloves. All three series comes in an 11 1/4″ design, perfect for those middle infielders.

Pros:

• Authentic pro pattern designs, for a fresh looking glove
• Comes in different webbing types
• Rolled leather welting for a smooth feel on the hand
• Soft leather finger back lining for a comfortable fit around the hand and wrist
• Tennessee tanning pro grade lace for added durability
• Thermoformed moisture wicking wrist pad
• One of the nicest looking gloves on the market
• Deer Tanned cowhide “plus” palm lining
• Great value and great color ways

Cons:

• An expensive glove
• Some customers thought the thumb pocket was too stiff

[easyazon_link identifier=”B016D45G1O” locale=”US” tag=”bullpenaces09-20″]Rawlings Gamer XLE 2016 Limited Edition[/easyazon_link]

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This 11 3/4″ glove, limited edition gamer glove is an awesome looking glove. It comes in a variety of color schemes, which really catches the eye of the beholder. Rawlings went above and beyond for this glove, as this really is a beauty. The gamer series has been one of Rawlings most popular lines due to its comfort, durability, and versatility. This glove will be 80% broken in by the time it arrives at your doorstep. A glove with this durability and the fact it’s already broken in for you makes it one of the premiere gloves on the market. The pro soft leather shelling around the wrist is tough enough to withstand seasons on end. This glove is one of the most comfortable on the market. This I-web glove is one of the most unique and dazzling gloves available.

Pros:

• Comfortability for all players at all levels of the game
• Limited edition colorway that stands out and also keeps it’s colorSent to you game ready with minimal break in time required
• Lots of customers spoke highly of the quality and the looks of it
• Comparable to a $300 dollar glove but much more affordable
• Full-grain leather lace for added structure and durability; also allows user to customize glove to personal preference
• Pro soft leather shell for additional structure foundation

Cons:

• Limited edition glove
• Some customers did have complaints that the pocket was too small

[easyazon_link identifier=”B01AWZIZX6″ locale=”US” tag=”bullpenaces09-20″]Rawlings GC Gamer Youth Pro Taper Series[/easyazon_link]

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The Rawlings GC Gamer Youth series focuses on comfort for the player. This 11″ glove is perfect for Little Leaguers in need of a glove that hits everything on the wish list. This glove has game ready feel and doesn’t require hours and hours of player break in. The GC Gamer Youth series is perfect for kids ages 9-12. The Pro Taper Fit offers a perfect and comfortable fit for smaller hands sizes and also has tighter finger slots. For an overall excellent glove for your Little Leaguer, check out this glove.

Pros:

• Leather and lace quality that matches any Rawlings glove
• Allows for growth in the hand
• Flexible wrist strap which adjusts for players various hand sizes
• PORON XRD palm and index finger pad – drastically reduces impact of the ball
• Full grain leather shell to match the pros
• Affordable glove
• Comfortable fit for all players
• Color based off Rawlings Pro Style scheme

Cons:

• Game ready feel but a stiff glove at first

[easyazon_link identifier=”B00KTJ1FPQ” locale=”US” tag=”bullpenaces09-20″]Rawlings Premium Pro Series Youth[/easyazon_link]

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The Rawlings Premium Youth Series is an excellent, affordable glove that gives your son or daughter the perfect glove for their hand. This glove comes in an H-Web and sizes all over the map, making it perfect for an outfielder and infielder in Little League. This leather glove is superior to the other youth leather gloves on the market. It is truly a long lasting glove and will make it through multiple Little League seasons. The pocket design is made specifically for the youth level to help keep the ball in the pocket and allows for the user to easily exchange the ball to their hand. The leather and padding on this glove truly matches one of $100 or more. Rawlings went above and beyond creating their youth Pro Series. The Patented Solid Core Technology  truly does enhance the users feel with the glove. It also is designed to help the function of it, giving the user that perfect fit which is so sought after.

Pros:

• Conventional back featuring a wide open above the wrist
• Just 20% break in making the perfect glove to buy off the shelf and ready to use right away
• Pro soft leather shell
• Pro grade leather lace just like the pros
• Deer Tanned cowhide leather lining
• Snug fit for players who want a tight, close knit feel around the wrist
• Moldable, balanced padding for the look and feel you want

Cons:

• Glove seemed smaller than expected for some users