I received permission to show the "innards" of Vinci's catchers mitts. This photo illustrates the differences in Vinci's padding to that of a Nokona. Both gloves have been broke in and over a year old. Vinci on the left and Nokona on the right. To me, these are the two loudest gloves when the pitch hits them. The quality of leather is some of the best on the market. The photograph illustrates one of the reasons Vinci's take longer to break in.... They are the best internally reinforced mitts I have come across. Two types of felt, a layer of stitched leather on the palm and twine wound thumb and pinkie felts keep this padding in like new condition. Despite catching college-level pitching for over a year. Vinci's leather is also twice as thick as the Nokona, it also has additional padding sewn in to protect the index and middle fingers and reduce sting. I read a lot about using thumb guards and thumb injuries with other gloves.... I have yet to hear of a thumb issue with Vinci's mitts. (Baseball or fastpitch) Additional thumb protection isn't needed... Vinci's finger stalls are lined and catchers don't need to wear a batting glove with this mitt either. Proper receiving techniques are critical for catchers as well.... But the construction of Vinci's gloves both inside and out make them one of the safest gloves your catcher can wear...