The Best Softball Gloves of 2021

Best Softball Gloves Buying Guide & Reviews of 2020

A set of right gloves can make or break your game. However, choosing a softball glove is really confusing because plenty of softball glove varieties adorn online and offline stores. They all vary based on different criteria. Moreover, buying the right pair becomes a trouble, especially when you hardly have an idea about the product, its types, features, etc. The following easy softball gloves guide clears out the doubts your mind is cluttered with. First, let us see the two types of gloves:

Parts of Softball Glove

There are four major parts for a glove you have to look for. All the shape and characteristic of each part shape according to your position as well as the style of the game. So, the gloves are produced in various styles. Let us check how each part matters.

Webbing

Webbing is the part with considerable changes. There are two major types of open and closed webbing. Mostly infielders use closed or loosely stitched webbings. It brings more functionality to the infielders, especially for the pitcher. If the webbing is closed, it will hide the ball from the hitter, and that’s how the pitcher can fool the hitter.

At the same time, outfielders prefer open to closed webbing. It will be convenient for visibility while the glove is used to shield the sun.

Even though closed and open are the primary categorization, there are other subcategories too. Let’s have a glimpse of those items.

H-web: This is aka dual post web. This features sturdy webbing, at the same time, the small gaps to see through the webbing. This is perfect for outfielders and third basemen.

I-web: An open webbing perfect for middle fielders. It’s equally useful for catching and throwing.

Trapeze Web: This type can be seen with the outfielders. That is partially closed, yet you can use it as a shield without losing the visibility.

Two-Piece Closed Web: If there is a recommendation of a glove for pitchers, it is two-piece closed web glove.

Fingers

One of the major differences between mitt and glove is the difference between both is the finger separation. In a glove, the fingers will be separated, and in a mitt, they are not. Fingers in a glove come as long and small.

Pocket

The area in which the ball sets in is called pocket.  Big and small softball gloves have pockets as per their size. Outfielders mostly go with a bigger one as at the same time infielders with a shallow one. The reason behind this separate selection is that if you are an outfielder, you can catch balls and hold in hands more conveniently if it is bigger. An infielder needs to take the ball out quickly and throws, and for that matter, the pocket can be shallow. One of the additional features is anti-shock property, and all brands do not give it. Rawlings softball glove absorbs shocks and offers a firm grip.

Softball Gloves have been divided into four major categories as follow:

Infield Softball Gloves

Even though all the players in the field wear gloves, there are significant differences between both gloves. Infield gloves are comparably short in length, and the inner area will be very less. That is meant for the sharp throw. To make the actions swift, these gloves come with a small pocket.

Outfield Softball Gloves

Unlike infield players, the outfield players function is completely different. For outfield players catching is more important than anyone else in the game. Fly balls that cannot be caught by a normal glove. That is why the outfield gloves are lengthier than the infield gloves. Also, the pocket of such gloves will be bigger. Both the features help the players catch the ball that goes over the head.

Right Hand vs. Left Hand Gloves

If you are a right-handed person, you have to buy a left-hand glove and a right-hand glove if you are left-handed.

Fastpitch vs. Slowpitch gloves

One of the key things to look for before buying a set is this difference. For slow pitch, mostly a bit deeper gloves are used because there will be more fly hits. On the other hand, fastpitch gloves come with a shallow pocket.

Color of the Glove

In softball/baseball color of the glove is quite important. It can be single or multicolored, but it can never be the same color as the ball according to the rule. Rules vary for different matches such as amateur and professional.

According to NSA (National Softball Association), the gloves are not allowed if it is completely white, grey, or optic in color. Still, White softball glove with black design can be seen in games. The most popular are the brown and black gloves.

Material

Softball gloves are made of different material and the same reason will affect the quality and durability of the glove, and of course, the price as well. Followings are the types of materials used to create these gloves

Full-Grain High-Grade Leather Glove: This is the finest material ever. If you are using this, no need to worry about tearing it in the middle of the game. This is stiffer than any other material. It’s costly as well.

Mid-grade Leather Glove: This is mostly made of cowhide and pigskin. This is not much stiffer than high-grade leather but has sufficient durability.

Synthetic Material: This is better not to use for the professional game, yet this can be an option since the cheaper rate.

Above all, replacing your glove is a necessity. So, you can choose according to comfort and price regardless of longevity.

Mitts and Gloves

These are two terms usually overlapped; some people use ‘mitt’ to refer ‘glove’ and vice versa. But both are not the same as people call them since both have different functions. Mitt is only used by first baseman or a catcher. At the same time glove is used by everyone in the field including infield and outfield players. The shape of both differs as well.

Price

If you check the rate of gloves you will come across a huge difference. It can go up to $130. At the same time, you will get decent quality between $30 to $50.

Conclusion

All and all, though buying a set of Softball gloves becomes even a cakewalk if you are clear where you’re playing, knowing your position in the field, etc. You must know where you can perform maximum and then order the glove matching all your needs.