3B Glove Question

[bporter17]

My 14 year old daughter has had a A2000 12.75 glove for several years now and needs replacing. One of the fathers on the team tonight mentioned that his Sophomore daughter in college uses a 11.5. I know she needs a smaller glove and was thinking about a 12" A2000 because they make a great product. Advice?

Also, when maintaining a Infield or 3B glove should the laces alway be snug or lose?

 

[cnardone]

Personally, I would be looking at 11.75 or 12. 11.5 is smaller than....necessary for 3B.

Interesting question on the laces. I had a Pro 1005 HOH for 15 years and the middle 3 fingers are still stiffer than my virtually brand new a2000. Because the glove remained stiff and frankly the laces never stretched much to begin with, I never worried about how loose the fingers got. but with the A2000 being comparatively floppy in those middle fingers, I'll be paying much closer attention with the Wilson.

 

[ANNASDAD]

Personal preference, for softball middle infield, (2B & SS) I like 11.75' / 12". For softball 3B, a 12" glove minimum. I prefer Rawlings gloves, a 12" Rawlings always seems off, a 1/4" short, most actually measure 11.75". Their 12" NP6 is the only 12" Rawlings that's slightly larger than it's listed size, and it'd make an excellent 3B glove, unfortunately it's only available as a custom.

If I were you, I'd be looking in the 12" / 12.25" range!

 

[Bwolfe]

Glove measurements are taken from the die cuts, when the leather is flat. Gloves will play longer or shorter depending on the pocket shape. The deeper the pocket, the smaller the glove will play. No glove should actually be larger than the listed size unless it is miss-marked.

I agree that 12" to 12.25" is more appropriate for 3B.

 

[625ender]

Glove measurements are taken from the die cuts, when the leather is flat. Gloves will play longer or shorter depending on the pocket shape.

Correct.

I always like a small glove for infield work. Typically a 9.5-10.5 and I have very big hands.. Worn properly an 11.5 is perfect for softball. An infielder doesn't catch the ball in glove while fielding . Less glove helps the transition

The A2000s are excellent gloves. I would also consider an All Star 3 finger 11.5. Its a great compromise, great price,, steerhide, and has a mammoth
pocket. Its an excellent glove as well

 

[Hawk_]

Glove size guideline in my opinion:
11.5 Middle infield. 11.25 is tiny for softball
11.5-12 for 3rd
12.75 for Outfield.

Also I prefer stiff glove in the infield.

 

[22Lefty]

My kid uses a 11.75 a2k for 3b. Small for many peoples liking but she likes the control it gives her. She's not a year round 3B though.

If youre shopping for 3b I'd give a look at the Rawlings KB17 12.25". Pocket is wide like a bowl but still small enough to maintain control. Worth a look and I wish I had seen it sooner.

As far as lace tightening goes...mine doesn't like the slop given by loose laces. She likes the firmness and stability tight laces give (or at least the feel of it.)

 

[ANNASDAD]

If youre shopping for 3b I'd give a look at the Rawlings KB17 12.25". Pocket is wide like a bowl but still small enough to maintain control. Worth a look and I wish I had seen it sooner.

Sold my Horween KB17 to OsDad, one of my more regrettable catch & releases. It’s a great pattern, and like you said, very deep bowl shaped pattern!

Hand stall may be a touch too big for the majority of females though?

 

[22Lefty]

Sold my Horween KB17 to OsDad, one of my more regrettable catch & releases. It’s a great pattern, and like you said, very deep bowl shaped pattern!

Hand stall may be a touch too big for the majority of females though?

Maybe. The kb17 I had my hands on didn't seem like the hand stall was overly large. Didn't have it for long though.

Dang. I shouldda kept it. Just for reference purposes for times like this.

 

[ANNASDAD]

Maybe. The kb17 I had my hands on didn't seem like the hand stall was overly large. Didn't have it for long though.

Dang. I shouldda kept it. Just for reference purposes for times like this.

Horween 12.5" Pro504 on the left, Horween 12.25" ProKB17 on the right. Both are EXCELLENT softball patterns!!