Did you know a softball glove is more than just a piece of leather? It’s a player’s best friend on the field! It’s the tool that helps them catch the ball, make incredible plays, and feel confident. But finding the perfect glove for a 12-year-old can be a real challenge. The choices are endless, and the sizes, materials, and web designs can be super confusing. You might wonder: What size glove is best? What kind of leather should you look for? And how much should you spend?
This topic is super relevant because a good glove can boost a young player’s skills and love for the game. A bad glove, on the other hand, can cause frustration and even injuries. Choosing the right glove for a 12-year-old means considering their position, hand size, and playing style. It means understanding the different types of leather and how they affect performance. It can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ll break it all down.
By reading this post, you’ll learn how to choose the perfect softball glove for a 12-year-old. You’ll discover how to measure their hand, understand the different glove sizes, and pick the right materials. You’ll also get tips on how to break in a new glove and keep it in great shape. Get ready to become a softball glove expert! Let’s dive into the details and make sure your young player is ready to shine on the field!
Our Top 5 Softball Glove For 12 Year Old Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Softball Glove For 12 Year Old Detailed Reviews
1. Franklin Sports Shok Sorb Kids Baseball + Teeball Glove – Youth Baseball
Rating: 8.6/10
The Franklin Sports Shok Sorb Kids Baseball + Teeball Glove is a great glove for young baseball and tee ball players! It is designed for comfort and ease of use. This glove is perfect for kids learning the game. It comes ready to use right away. The pink color and 10.5″ size make it appealing for young boys and girls. It’s a great choice for beginners!
What We Like:
- SOFT AND LIGHTWEIGHT: The glove is easy for kids to use because it’s lightweight.
- READY TO PLAY: You don’t need to break it in. It’s ready to go!
- HAND FORMED POCKET: The pocket fits a child’s hand comfortably.
- GREAT FOR TEE BALL: This is a good glove for practicing.
What Could Be Improved:
- Durability could be better for more advanced play.
- The glove may only be suitable for younger players.
This Franklin Sports glove is a good option for kids learning baseball or tee ball. It’s easy to use and comfortable. It’s a good choice for getting started in the sport.
2. Rawlings
Rating: 8.8/10
The Rawlings PLAYER PREFERRED Glove is a great choice for baseball and softball players. This glove is made for adults and is 12 inches long. It is good for recreational play. It has a basket web, which works well at any position. The glove is made of full-grain leather, so it should last a long time. It also has padding in the palm to protect your hand when you catch the ball. The adjustable wrist strap helps you get a good fit. The glove is ready to use quickly.
What We Like:
- The 12-inch size is great for many players.
- The basket web is versatile.
- Full-grain leather makes the glove durable.
- The palm padding protects your hand.
- You can adjust the wrist strap for a good fit.
- The glove is ready to use pretty fast.
What Could Be Improved:
- The glove is designed for recreational use.
This Rawlings glove is a solid option for players. It provides good features for its price. You can enjoy playing baseball or softball with this glove.
3. Franklin Sports MLB Youth Teeball Batting Gloves – Grow to Pro Kids Baseball + Softball Batting Gloves – Boys + Girls Pairs for Teeball
Rating: 9.5/10
The Franklin Sports MLB Youth Teeball Batting Gloves – Grow to Pro Kids Baseball + Softball Batting Gloves are designed for young players. They are perfect for kids learning the game. These gloves help with grip and comfort. They are made to last through many seasons. These gloves are a great choice for both baseball and softball players.
What We Like:
- The gloves are made to grow with your child. A flex zone helps them fit.
- The textured palm gives kids a better grip on the bat.
- These gloves are comfortable to wear. They fit the hand well.
- They are made with strong Cabretta leather. This means they will last.
- These gloves are great for teeball players. They are also good for softball.
What Could Be Improved:
- The color options are limited.
- Some parents might prefer more padding.
Overall, the Franklin Sports Grow to Pro batting gloves are a solid choice for young players. They are a good investment for any young baseball or softball player.
4. Rawlings
Rating: 9.5/10
The Rawlings SHUT OUT Fastpitch Softball First Base Mitt is built for young female athletes. It’s a 12-inch glove designed specifically for first base. This glove features a Single Post Double Bar Web. It’s made to fit hands between 8 and 14 years old. The glove is made of full-grain leather for strength. It also has a ZERO SHOCK palm to protect your hand. The adjustable Velcro strap makes it easy to get the right fit. The glove is ready to use quickly because it needs minimal break-in.
What We Like:
- Designed for young female athletes.
- Comfortable and offers good control.
- Made with durable full-grain leather.
- Protective ZERO SHOCK palm padding.
- Adjustable Velcro strap for a custom fit.
- Easy to break-in.
What Could Be Improved:
- Could be more color options.
- Limited to a specific age range.
This Rawlings first base mitt is a great choice for young softball players. It’s built to help them play their best at first base. This glove offers comfort, protection, and is ready for action right away.
5. Franklin Sports unisex adult 12″ – Trapeze Web Baseball and Softball Fieldmaster Midnight Youth Baseball Gloves I
Rating: 9.3/10
The Franklin Sports unisex adult 12″ Trapeze Web Baseball and Softball Fieldmaster Midnight Youth Baseball Glove is a great choice for young players. This glove is made for baseball, softball, and even tee-ball. It’s built to be easy to use and comfortable. The glove is designed to help players catch the ball with ease. This glove is a good option for kids who are learning to play.
What We Like:
- Easy to break in. The soft material makes it ready to use quickly.
- Adjustable fit. The wrist strap and thumb adjustment let you customize the fit.
- Durable build. The synthetic leather is strong and lasts a long time.
- Hand-formed pocket. This makes catching the ball easier and helps prevent drops.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited size options. This glove is only 12 inches, which might not fit older players.
- Synthetic material feel. While durable, some players might prefer the feel of real leather.
Overall, this Franklin Sports glove is a good buy for young players. It is a great choice for those learning the game.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Softball Glove for a 12-Year-Old
Getting a softball glove is a big deal for a 12-year-old! This guide will help you find the best one. We’ll cover what to look for. You’ll learn about materials, quality, and how the glove feels.
Key Features to Look For
You need to consider several things when you buy a softball glove.
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Size: A 12-year-old needs a glove that fits well. A glove that is too big will be hard to control. A glove too small will be uncomfortable and make catching difficult. Look for gloves specifically made for youth softball. They will usually be the right size.
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Webbing: The webbing is the part between the fingers and thumb. Softball gloves often have different webbing styles. Some have closed webs. Others have open webs. Closed webs are good for catching the ball. Open webs are better for infielders.
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Pocket: The pocket is where the ball goes. A good pocket is deep enough to hold the ball securely. It should also be broken in, so it’s ready to use.
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Fit: The glove needs to fit comfortably on the hand. Make sure the glove is not too tight or too loose. Gloves often have adjustable wrist straps to help with fit.
Important Materials
The materials of a softball glove matter. They decide how long the glove lasts and how it feels.
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Leather: Leather is a popular material. It is durable and can last a long time. Leather gloves need to be broken in. This means they need to be used to soften up.
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Synthetic Materials: Synthetic materials are often more affordable. They are usually lighter than leather. They are also easier to break in. However, they might not last as long as leather.
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Lacing: The lacing holds the glove together. It’s usually made of leather. Strong lacing helps the glove last.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
You want a good quality glove. Here’s what to look for:
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Stitching: Look for strong stitching. This keeps the glove together. Poor stitching can cause the glove to fall apart quickly.
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Padding: Padding in the palm and fingers helps absorb the impact of the ball. More padding can make catching easier.
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Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making high-quality gloves. Research different brands. Read reviews from other parents and players.
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Price: Price can sometimes indicate quality. Expensive gloves are often made with better materials. But, you don’t always need the most expensive glove. Find one that fits your budget and meets your needs.
User Experience and Use Cases
How does the glove feel? How does it work in a game?
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Comfort: The glove should be comfortable to wear for a long time. Try it on and see if it fits well. Look for gloves with padded wrist straps.
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Break-in: Breaking in a glove is important. Leather gloves take more time to break in than synthetic gloves. You can use glove oil to help soften the leather.
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Positions: Different positions need different gloves. Infielders need gloves with open webs. Outfielders need gloves with deeper pockets. Catchers need special gloves.
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Use Cases: The glove is for playing softball! Your child will use it to catch, field, and throw the ball. Make sure it’s easy to use and helps them play their best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What size glove does a 12-year-old need?
A: Most 12-year-olds will need a youth-sized softball glove. These gloves are made for smaller hands. Check the size chart provided by the glove’s manufacturer.
Q: What’s the difference between a softball and a baseball glove?
A: Softball gloves are usually bigger than baseball gloves. They have a deeper pocket. This helps catch the bigger softball.
Q: How do I break in a new glove?
A: You can use glove oil to soften the leather. You can also play catch with the glove. Some people even put the glove in the oven (at a low temperature) for a short time. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Should I choose a leather or synthetic glove?
A: Leather gloves are more durable. They need more time to break in. Synthetic gloves are easier to break in. However, they might not last as long.
Q: What kind of web should I get?
A: For infielders, open webs are common. They allow for quick ball removal. Outfielders often use closed webs. This secures the ball.
Q: How often should I oil my glove?
A: Oil your glove a few times a year. This helps keep the leather soft and prevents it from drying out.
Q: Can my child use a baseball glove for softball?
A: Yes, but it might not be ideal. The baseball glove will be smaller. It might be harder to catch the larger softball.
Q: How do I clean my softball glove?
A: Wipe the glove with a damp cloth. Use a mild soap if needed. Avoid harsh chemicals. Let it air dry.
Q: What is the best brand of softball glove?
A: There are many good brands. Some popular brands are Wilson, Rawlings, and Mizuno. Research reviews to find the best one for your child.
Q: How long should a softball glove last?
A: The glove’s lifespan depends on the material and how often it’s used. A leather glove can last for several seasons. A synthetic glove might need to be replaced sooner.
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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