Ever felt the sting of a missed catch, the ball slipping right through your glove? That’s a feeling no softball player wants! Finding the right softball glove can be tricky, especially when you’re playing fastpitch. It’s a game of speed, skill, and quick decisions, and your glove is your most important tool.
Choosing the wrong glove can mean dropped balls, missed plays, and frustration. There are so many different sizes, webs, and materials! How do you know which one is best for your position and playing style? We’ll help you sort through the confusion. This guide will break down everything you need to know about softball gloves for fastpitch, making the selection process much easier.
By the end of this post, you’ll be able to understand the key features of a great fastpitch glove, learn how to choose the right size and web, and discover the best materials for comfort and durability. Get ready to improve your game and feel confident on the field! Let’s dive in and explore the world of fastpitch softball gloves!
Our Top 5 Softball Gloves Fastpitch Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Softball Gloves Fastpitch Detailed Reviews
1. Franklin Sports Fastpitch Softball Glove – Fastpitch Pro – Adult and Youth Softball Mitt – Infield and Outfield – Right Handed Glove – Pink 13″ Righty
Rating: 9.4/10
The Franklin Sports Fastpitch Softball Glove is a great choice for softball players. This glove is designed for both adults and youth. It can be used in the infield or outfield. The pink 13″ right-handed glove is ready to help you make plays. It is made to be comfortable and easy to use on the field.
What We Like:
- LIGHTWEIGHT MESH DESIGN: The glove is made with a lightweight mesh. This helps you move your hands quickly.
- ADJUSTABLE WRIST: You can adjust the wrist closure. This gives you a comfortable fit.
- SOFT POCKET: The pocket is soft. It is easy to break in and feels great when catching.
- GREAT FOR YOUNG PLAYERS: The glove fits players of all ages. It is easy to adjust.
What Could Be Improved:
- Durability: Some users may find the mesh material less durable over time with heavy use.
- Color Options: The pink color may not be preferred by all players.
Overall, the Franklin Sports Fastpitch Softball Glove is a good option for players of all levels. It is comfortable, easy to use, and helps you play your best. This is a great glove for anyone looking to improve their softball game.
2. Easton
Rating: 9.0/10
The Easton FUNDAMENTAL Fastpitch Softball Glove is built for fastpitch softball players. This glove is designed for comfort and performance. It features a 12.5″ size and a woven web. It is perfect for outfielders and pitchers. This glove is ready to use on the field.
What We Like:
- FASTPITCH SOFTBALL SPECIFIC PATTERN: The glove fits fastpitch softball athletes well.
- EASY BREAK-IN: Oil-tanned cowhide leather makes the glove easy to break in. It feels great.
- SECURE FIT: The Quantum Closure System gives a comfortable and secure fit.
- DURABLE: Soft palm lining and rawhide lace add durability. The pocket and web are tough.
- POSITION: This glove is great for outfielders and pitchers.
What Could Be Improved:
- Information about the leather quality could be more detailed.
- More color options might be nice.
This Easton glove is a solid choice for fastpitch softball players. It offers good features at a reasonable price. This glove is a reliable option for the field.
3. Rawlings
Rating: 8.5/10
The Rawlings Sure Catch Series Fastpitch Softball Glove is a great choice for young softball players. This 12-inch glove comes in a stylish purple, grey, and white design. It’s built for players aged 4 to 11 and can be used in the infield, outfield, or even on the pitcher’s mound. The glove features a Basket Web design and is ready to use right away. It is a great option for beginners.
What We Like:
- Designed for young players, making it easy to use.
- The all-leather shell is durable and lightweight.
- Padded finger linings offer comfort for young hands.
- Sure Catch Technology helps players close the glove easily.
- The Basket Web and soft shell are perfect for softballs.
- Comes ready to use immediately with a 100% factory break-in.
What Could Be Improved:
- The glove’s features are focused for youth players only.
This Rawlings softball glove is a fantastic option for young softball players. It’s a well-designed glove that is ready to use and helps young players learn the game.
4. Mizuno GPSL1200F3 Prospect Select Fastpitch Softball Glove 12″
Rating: 8.8/10
The Mizuno GPSL1200F3 Prospect Select Fastpitch Softball Glove is built for young female softball players. This glove is a 12-inch, right-hand throw model. It’s made with quality materials to help players perform their best. This glove is designed for comfort and durability on the field. It helps players catch and field the ball with confidence.
What We Like:
- The butter-soft PU palm lining makes the glove feel great. It is comfortable and durable.
- The full-grain leather shell is strong. It will last through many games.
- Mizuno designed this glove for female athletes.
- The “Less 2 lacing” gives the glove more flexibility.
- The MZO lining helps keep your hand dry.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players may prefer a different color option.
This Mizuno glove is a solid choice for young fastpitch softball players. It offers great features for comfort and performance. The glove is a good investment for any serious player.
5. Mizuno GMVP1250PF4W MVP Prime Fastpitch Softball Glove 12.5″
Rating: 8.6/10
The Mizuno GMVP1250PF4W MVP Prime Fastpitch Softball Glove is built for serious softball players. It’s designed for women. This glove is a 12.5-inch model with a Trident Web. It’s made for right-hand throwers and has a stylish white and grey design. It uses high-quality materials to help you play your best. This glove offers comfort and control on the field.
What We Like:
- Gender Engineered Design: Mizuno makes this glove for female athletes.
- Professional Level Lace: This glove uses strong laces for durability.
- Bio Soft Leather: The leather feels great and gives you excellent control.
- Center Pocket Design: The pocket is in the right spot for easy catching.
- Parashock Plus Palm Pad: This helps absorb impact and reduces sting.
What Could Be Improved:
- The price could be a bit higher than some other gloves.
- Color choices are limited.
This Mizuno glove is a solid choice for fastpitch softball players. It offers features that will help you perform well. You can be sure to have a great experience with this glove.
Softball Glove Fastpitch: Your Winning Guide
Finding the right softball glove is super important. It can make a big difference in your game. This guide helps you find the perfect glove for fastpitch softball.
Key Features to Look For
You need to know what makes a good softball glove. Here are some key things to look for:
- Size: Fastpitch gloves are bigger than baseball gloves. They need to catch a bigger ball. Measure your hand from the tip of your longest finger to the base of your palm to get the right fit. Gloves for fastpitch softball are usually 12-13 inches.
- Webbing: The webbing is the part between the thumb and fingers. It helps catch the ball. Look for a web that’s strong and helps you see the ball.
- Pocket: The pocket is where the ball lands. A deep pocket is good for catching. It helps keep the ball secure.
- Fit: Make sure the glove fits your hand well. It should be comfortable and not too tight. You can break in a new glove to make it fit even better.
Important Materials
The material of your glove matters. It affects how long the glove lasts. Here are some important materials:
- Leather: Leather gloves are the best. They are strong and durable. They also mold to your hand over time.
- Synthetic Leather: These gloves are less expensive. They are easier to break in. They might not last as long as leather.
- Laces: Strong laces hold the glove together. Make sure the laces are made of durable material.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a glove better. Other things make it worse.
- Quality of Leather: High-quality leather lasts longer. It feels better too.
- Stitching: Strong stitching keeps the glove together. Check the stitching for any loose threads.
- Padding: Padding in the palm helps protect your hand. More padding is usually better.
- Price: Usually, more expensive gloves are made with better materials.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making great gloves. Do some research before you buy.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the glove. Different positions need different gloves.
- Pitchers: Pitchers need a closed web. This helps hide the ball.
- Infielders: Infielders need a smaller glove. It helps them get the ball out fast.
- Outfielders: Outfielders need a bigger glove. It helps them catch fly balls.
- Catchers: Catchers use a special glove. It is called a mitt.
Choose a glove that fits your position. Make sure it feels good on your hand. Practice with your glove. The more you use it, the better it will feel.
Softball Glove Fastpitch: FAQ
Here are some common questions about fastpitch softball gloves:
Q: What size glove do I need?
A: Fastpitch gloves are usually 12-13 inches. Measure your hand to find the best fit.
Q: What is the best material for a glove?
A: Leather is the best. It is strong and lasts a long time.
Q: How do I break in a new glove?
A: You can use glove oil. You can also play catch with it. Some people use a mallet to help shape the pocket.
Q: What is webbing?
A: The webbing is the part between the thumb and fingers. It helps catch the ball.
Q: What is a pocket?
A: The pocket is where the ball lands. It should be deep to catch the ball.
Q: What is the difference between a baseball and a softball glove?
A: Softball gloves are bigger. They need to catch a bigger ball.
Q: What kind of web should a pitcher use?
A: A pitcher should use a closed web. This helps hide the ball.
Q: What kind of glove should an infielder use?
A: Infielders should use a smaller glove. This helps them get the ball out fast.
Q: How do I take care of my glove?
A: Clean your glove regularly. Use glove oil to keep the leather soft. Store your glove in a cool, dry place.
Q: How long will my glove last?
A: It depends on the material and how often you use it. A good leather glove can last for several years.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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