opinions on Rawlings Pro Taper Elite gloves?

[Megunticook]

Anybody have any experience with the Rawlings Pro Taper Elite series? I just found about it, apparently it's only available at Dick's and Homerunmonkey. Shell is supposedly scraps from Heart of the Hide leather, Horween I believe, but the gloves are supposedly pretty light. They have the smaller wrist opening and shorter finger stalls like all the Pro Taper gloves. Sounds like the lining may be synthetic. They're marked down from $79 to $49, just was thinking about picking one up for one of my boys but was wondering if anyone had seen or used one.


Thanks--I'm thinking the leather shell may be a bit stiff initially, if it's truly Heart of the Hide quality, but would probably last many seasons and offer a lot of padding in the palm.

[d-mac]

I bought one a year and a half ago that was supposed to be a pro-preferred shell. The glove was too small and it seemed like a mix of plastic and leather. It was listed as 11", but it didn't seem much larger than a t-ball glove. The width of the glove was tiny. He uses an 11 1/4 and it seems 25% larger at least. I wouldn't buy one if I were you.

[Megunticook]

I bought one a year and a half ago that was supposed to be a pro-preferred shell. The glove was too small and it seemed like a mix of plastic and leather. It was listed as 11", but it didn't seem much larger than a t-ball glove. The width of the glove was tiny. He uses an 11 1/4 and it seems 25% larger at least. I wouldn't buy one if I were you.

Interesting. I was thinking of getting this for my 6 year old, who's outgrown the 9 1/2 Rawlings Derek Jeter model glove he inherited from his older brother. That glove was pretty cheap (synthetic liner, thin leather shell, synthetic webbing) but lasted 4 seasons of hard use between the 2 boys and is only now wearing out. Thought maybe the Pro Taper would be a good bridge for a couple years until he's 8...but maybe not a great choice.

[d-mac]

Interesting. I was thinking of getting this for my 6 year old, who's outgrown the 9 1/2 Rawlings Derek Jeter model glove he inherited from his older brother. That glove was pretty cheap (synthetic liner, thin leather shell, synthetic webbing) but lasted 4 seasons of hard use between the 2 boys and is only now wearing out. Thought maybe the Pro Taper would be a good bridge for a couple years until he's 8...but maybe not a great choice.

The pro taper should be fine, but there is no way a 6 year old will be able to use that glove if the leather is anything like the one on our glove. It is very stiff. I'd look at an Akadema Prodigy for that age or a Rawlings Gold Glove Gamer/Legend.

[Richmond Coach]

Get one of these. I promise you won't be disappointed:

http://www.vincipro.com/cart/baseball-glove-11.5-inch-youth-kids-model-brv1951-cp-junior.html

[NoonTime]

Posted before, but the best internet source/forum for glove info I have found.

http://glove-works.getforum.org/

[dominik]

Isn't a plastic glove perfectly fine for a 6 yo? why spend a ot of money at that age? He will grow out of it fast and likely not notice the difference anyway.

[Megunticook]

The pro taper should be fine, but there is no way a 6 year old will be able to use that glove if the leather is anything like the one on our glove. It is very stiff. I'd look at an Akadema Prodigy for that age or a Rawlings Gold Glove Gamer/Legend.

Yeah, I like the Rawlings Gold Glove Gamer Pro Taper 11-inch a lot, that would probably be the best choice for him. Soft leather, but pretty substantial glove with quality lacing, construction, palm padding, etc. Might be a tad big for him, but he's a big 6 and will turn 7 during LL season next spring. The 9 1/2 is definitely too small.

[Megunticook]

Get one of these. I promise you won't be disappointed:

http://www.vincipro.com/cart/basebal...cp-junior.html

I'm sure it's a good glove, I have to say I'm kind of a Rawlings loyalist, but if I see that Vinci in a store I'll definitely check it out.

[Megunticook]

Posted before, but the best internet source/forum for glove info I have found.
http://glove-works.getforum.org/

Thanks--will check that out. Great resource.

[Megunticook]

Isn't a plastic glove perfectly fine for a 6 yo? why spend a ot of money at that age? He will grow out of it fast and likely not notice the difference anyway.

I see where you're coming from, but I think if a kid spends much time at all playing ball a real leather glove is worth it. Doesn't have to break the bank, but it will last better and perform better. Just my opinion.

[tg643]

Interesting. I was thinking of getting this for my 6 year old, who's outgrown the 9 1/2 Rawlings Derek Jeter model glove he inherited from his older brother. That glove was pretty cheap (synthetic liner, thin leather shell, synthetic webbing) but lasted 4 seasons of hard use between the 2 boys and is only now wearing out. Thought maybe the Pro Taper would be a good bridge for a couple years until he's 8...but maybe not a great choice.

You don't need to put a lot of thought into a glove for a six year old. Just get him an inexpensive glove. Through LL/12U my son used a $29 Derek Jeter Rawlings glove. I didn't worry about anything happening to the glove. He got a new one every two years. His first $100 glove was 8th grade. His first pro level $200+ glove was soph year of high school. When they're little all that matters is the kid can handle the glove. By 7th grade you may be changing gloves each year based on whether he plays infield or outfield from year to year.

[benz99]

I'm sure it's a good glove, I have to say I'm kind of a Rawlings loyalist, but if I see that Vinci in a store I'll definitely check it out.

I second the vinci best glove you will find for 49 bux, dont think it's sold in stores though

http://www.justballgloves.com/product/vinci-pro-custom-pro-junior-series--brv1953-youth/9288/

[hellsredsled]

Easton Dustin Pedroia gloves are $30 and a great glove for kids 9 and younger. My first son had the 11.5 for 3 years then gave it to his younger brother. It's been good for 5 seasons of spring and fall ball. Only relaced the web on one side. I have coached for 5 years and have spent $$$ on HOH, 2 TPX Pro Flares, 2 GG, Mizuno WW and this glove has been equal for play ability for my kids! Im getting the 12" for my 8yr old. They play smaller than listed. 11.5 is 11" FYI.
Extended Finger Stall Technology Give the Youth Player More Leverage when Squeezing the Glove
Lightweight Soft-Tumbled Steer Hide Leather for a Game-Ready Feel
Patent-Pending Ideal Fit System
Patented Z-Flex Elastic Hinges Make the Glove Easy to Squeeze
Youth Design
Youth Patterns Designed in Conjunction with MVP Dustin Pedroia

https://www.spcsports.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Easton+Dustin+Pedroia++Youth+Baseball+Glove&order=relevance&dir=desc

[bbrages]

Do those Easton Pedroia gloves indeed have finger sleeves? My son is fixated on getting a glove with a finger sleeve...