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Gloves for fastpitch softball are a must-have item. There are so many options on the market from so many high-quality softball manufacturers that it’s easy to become overwhelmed and unsure of which one to buy.
As a result, we’ve put the most popular softball gloves to the test and compiled this list of the finest softball gloves so you can simply select the ideal one to help you become the greatest on the field.
You’ll learn everything you need to know about high-quality gloves, including how to determine the perfect glove size for you, how to break them in, and how to properly clean your gloves and care for them.
There’s a mitt for everyone, whether you’re playing in the company softball league or competing in competitive fastpitch softball. It’s not always easy to get the perfect softball glove for you. Break-in time, back, wrist adjustability, webbing, and material are just a few of the top aspects to think about before making a purchase.
Mizuno 12.5'' Supreme Series Fastpitch Glove 2021, Women's, Brown
Mizuno 12.5'' Supreme Series Fastpitch Glove 2021, Women's, White
Mizuno 33'' Supreme Series Fastpitch Catcher's Mitt 2021, Women's, Brown
Elements of a Fastpitch Softball Glove
Every softball glove is made up of various components. These characteristics differ based on the glove style and location of the player.
WEBBING
The webbing is the portion of the thumb that connects to the fingers. Closed and open webbing are the two forms of webbing. Pitchers like closed webbing because it helps them hide the ball from the batter. An open web is preferred by many first base players because it allows them to see through when catching fly balls and allows for faster transition to the throwing hand.
The indentation in the palm of a glove is known as a pocket. The size of your pocket is determined on the position you are playing. Middle infielders should use shallow pockets to rapidly grasp and throw the ball. Outfielders with deeper pockets have an easier time catching fly balls. Softball gloves have wider pockets due to the larger size of the softball.
BACK
The back of the glove, which is located behind your wrist, can be open or closed. The open back design with an open space above the ankle strap allows for more mobility and quicker ball turnaround, while the closed back provides more strength and support for catching pop flies.
ADJUSTMENT OF THE WRIST
The wrist adjustment ensures a secure fit on your hand. These can be Velcro, which allows you to pull and adjust the glove to your preferred level of comfort, a buckle system, laced, or a D-ring fastener, which allows you to pull on the lacing and tighten the glove.
What to Look for in a Softball Glove
There are a few factors to consider when purchasing for gloves, including length, site design, and style. Choosing the correct glove for the position you’ll be playing is one of the most crucial things to think about. Whether you’re an A-level or a newbie, it’s critical that you select the mitt that is best suited to your playing style.
GLOVES FOR THE OUTFIELD
Outfield gloves are larger gloves designed to collect fly balls and dive catches. Gloves providing greater support in the fingertips are usually longer and deeper. Because the pockets for fastpitch softball must be extra deep due to the softball’s size, they can be closed webs. A softball glove for an outfielder typically measures 9 to 15 inches in length.
MITT OF THE CATCHER
Because the catcher must be able to handle and hang onto high-speed pitches, the catcher’s mitt is the largest on the field. It also has the deepest pocket and no independently cut fingers, unlike other positions’ gloves. Catcher’s mitts are measured differently: the diameter of the glove is measured to capture the whole catching area of the mitt. For softball, the standard size range is 29.5 to 35 inches.
GLOVES FOR THE FIRST BASEMAN
A first baseman’s glove is built a bit similar to a catcher’s mitt, except that it is longer. It also doesn’t have as much padding around the fingers, and the thumb isn’t padded at all. These gloves have a shallower pocket to enable for speedier ball-to-hand transfer. To maintain more control, first basemen should keep their gloves about an inch past their fingertips. Softball players often range in size from 11.5 to 13 inches.
GLOVES FOR THE INFIELD
Infielders require gloves that can withstand frequent use. These gloves have a shallower pocket and are shorter than others. They are intended for shortstops, second basemen, and third basemen. Sizing is largely a matter of personal taste. Because many middle infielders are “utility” players who play many positions or all of them, they will choose the larger glove to aid them in the outfield.
PITCHERS
Pitchers rarely require specialist gloves. Comfort and the ability to hide the ball are the most crucial factors for getting the best softball glove for pitchers. Versus preventing the batter from seeing the ball and giving away the pitch before they begin their action, most pitchers prefer closed webbing to open webbing.
GLOVES FOR BATTING
Softball batting gloves are a different type of glove. They’re designed to keep the player’s hand safe when swinging the bat. Every inch of these gloves has been meticulously developed to provide the maximum grip, comfort, and performance while also preventing stings and blisters.
Mizuno Supreme Series Glove Review
Now, without further ado, here are our top 3 picks for fastpitch gloves this year.
Mizuno Supreme GSP1252 12.50-Inch
Mizuno Supreme GSP1252 Softball Fielder's Mitt (12.50-Inches, Left Handed Throw)
- 12.50" Softball pattern
- High performance, full grain leather shell in softball specific patterns
- PowerLock Technology for the simplest and most secure fit available
- PalmSoft lining for unsurpassed feel and durability
The Mizuno Supreme GSP1252 softball fielder’s glove is soft, comfortable, and trustworthy, making it ideal for the casual softball player who wants a professional performance. The 12.5-inch glove is constructed of high-performance full-grain leather with a PalmSoft liner and padded pigskin in the palm for superior feel and durability. Meanwhile, the PowerLock closing provides the industry’s simplest and most secure fit. Players will also appreciate the patent-pending Shock Grid finger cradle, which prevents cramping while on the field. You can find more information on this full grain leather glove here:
Mizuno Supreme GSP1302 13.00-Inch
Mizuno Supreme GSP1302 Softball Fielder's Mitt (13.00-Inches, Left Handed Throw)
- 13.00" Softball pattern
- High performance, full grain leather shell in softball specific patterns
- PowerLock Technology for the simplest and most secure fit available
- PalmSoft lining for unsurpassed feel and durability
The Mizuno Supreme GSP1302 13.00-Inch Mizuno Franchise Series softball glove is a classic. Java Leather is timbled and pre-oiled. The size of this series’ edition is 13 inches. This tartan H web and closed back gives you a single finger fastback design with comfort and quick release, giving you an excellent grip and an easy break-in.
Mizuno GSP1205 Supreme
Mizuno GSP1205 Supreme Left Handed Throw Softball Fielders Mitt, Black/Almond, 12.00-Inch
- High performance, full-grain leather shell in softball specific patterns
- PowerLock Technology for the simplest and most secure fit around
- PalmSoft lining for unsurpassed feel and durability
- Flex Bridge Hinge for maximum comfort and control
The Mizuno GSP1205 is a 12.00″ softball glove made from a high performance, full-grain leather shell in softball specific patterns. Features include PowerLock, PalmSoft and Flex Bridge. The Mizuno Glove Series is a set of professional-level gloves for players on a tight budget who want to further up their game. The gloves are well-padded and, because they are intended for a female hand, offer a comfortable and snug fit.
The hardness of the leather was one of the things we didn’t like; it was excessively stiff, which made the break-in process longer. It performs incredibly well after that, much above our initial expectations.
Let’s take a look at the stitching on these gloves. They’re composed of handcrafted bio-leather and have professional stitching, giving the Mizuno GSP1205 supreme provides an exceptional level of softness and durability.
You can find more information on this full-grain leather glove in this video of REAL CUSTOMER REVIEWS
