Easton Synergy Elite Catchers Mitt

hb_hound · Feb 9, 2018

9yo DD has decided she wants to be a catcher. She made a first year 10U TB team as a MI but wanted to try catching. She has moved from 4th to back-up catcher and will see playing time this season. Right now she has been using her infielders glove but needs something better for the position.
We are looking at the Easton Synergy Elite 33", not as a long term solution, but an affordable 1 or 2 season fix. What are your opinions on this option? Break in time? Padding (keeping in mind it's 10U)? Better suggestions?

TexAg1998 · Feb 9, 2018

Decent mitt. Not a bad break in time. For the same money you can also get a Mizuno franchise mitt. It has a smaller hand stall and usually has a h-web design pocket so she doesn’t lose sight of the ball in those last few inches of flight. That can be the difference between catching in the pocket or the palm.

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Jdaddy · Feb 9, 2018

I recommend the Mizuno Prospect GXS 101. It’s a smaller mitt, 32.5” that has finger stalls built for kids. It is perfect for the 11” ball. DD will need a new one when she moves to the 12” ball. It doesn’t handle the bigger ball well. You should be able to find one new for $50 or less online. I think the retail for $60 and Dicks Sporting Goods usually has them in stock if you have one near you.

Eric F · Feb 9, 2018

Jdaddy said:
I recommend the Mizuno Prospect GXS 101. It’s a smaller mitt, 32.5” that has finger stalls built for kids. It is perfect for the 11” ball. DD will need a new one when she moves to the 12” ball. It doesn’t handle the bigger ball well. You should be able to find one new for $50 or less online. I think the retail for $60 and Dicks Sporting Goods usually has them in stock if you have one near you.

I hate to do this, but I'm going to disagree with you on the recommendation for the Miz Prospect. They don't last very long at all, especially not for the demands of TB - even at 10U. The stiffness along the fingers breaks down far too quickly, and the missed catch rate goes WAY up. I would definitely recommend the Easton Synergy over the Miz Prospect as a starting point. A Vinci Fortus would be a step up (contact Drakemir), and still at a reasonable price.

hb_hound · Feb 9, 2018

Jdaddy said:
I recommend the Mizuno Prospect GXS 101. It’s a smaller mitt, 32.5” that has finger stalls built for kids. It is perfect for the 11” ball. DD will need a new one when she moves to the 12” ball. It doesn’t handle the bigger ball well. You should be able to find one new for $50 or less online. I think the retail for $60 and Dicks Sporting Goods usually has them in stock if you have one near you.

We were originally looking at the Mizuno Prospect GXS 101, but were scared off due to the 1-2 star reviews (padding, thumb issues). For a 10U catcher, does the GXS 101 have enough padding? Not looking for more than two seasons out of a first glove. If she enjoys catching and continues I’ll spend more money later.

Jdaddy · Feb 9, 2018

Eric F said:
I hate to do this, but I'm going to disagree with you on the recommendation for the Miz Prospect. They don't last very long at all, especially not for the demands of TB - even at 10U. The stiffness along the fingers breaks down far too quickly, and the missed catch rate goes WAY up. I would definitely recommend the Easton Synergy over the Miz Prospect as a starting point. A Vinci Fortus would be a step up (contact Drakemir), and still at a reasonable price.

Haven’t seen either one of these lately, but DD did not like the 33” Synergy when she was young. I remeber it fitting huge on her hand at 9yo. The Synergy and Prospect were the only two options available locally to us. She loved the Mizuno from the time she put it on and never had any issues with receiving. It will get floppy quick, but for $50 I always felt like it was a bargain. We did buy one a year for 10U. I will add that my 5’5” 16yo was TINY at 9 & 10yo. I blame her Mom, she’s 5’3” LOL!

Jdaddy · Feb 9, 2018

hb_hound said:
We were originally looking at the Mizuno Prospect GXS 101, but were scared off due to the 1-2 star reviews (padding, thumb issues). For a 10U catcher, does the GXS 101 have enough padding? Not looking for more than two seasons out of a first glove. If she enjoys catching and continues I’ll spend more money later.

DD’s pitchers were probably throwing mid 40’s in 10U. She never complained of pain due to lack of padding. I will say it has been six years since she had one. They may not be made the same today.

Eric F · Feb 9, 2018

Jdaddy said:
Haven’t seen either one of these lately, but DD did not like the 33” Synergy when she was young. I remeber it fitting huge on her hand at 9yo. The Synergy and Prospect were the only two options available locally to us. She loved the Mizuno from the time she put it on and never had any issues with receiving. It will get floppy quick, but for $50 I always felt like it was a bargain. We did buy one a year for 10U. I will add that my 5’5” 16yo was TINY at 9 & 10yo. I blame her Mom, she’s 5’3” LOL!

I agree that fit is important. If it's loose and floppy, that's a problem. My DD started with the Miz Prospect, too. It was very disappointing how fast it broke down, and she was just in rec ball at the time. I have seen the same thing happen again and again with that mitt on other players. The Vinci Fortus is way more than twice the quality for less than twice the money, and will stand up to the demands of TB. I would put the Easton Synergy a bit above the Miz in terms of quality and expected durability.

Jdaddy · Feb 9, 2018

Eric F said:
I agree that fit is important. If it's loose and floppy, that's a problem. My DD started with the Miz Prospect, too. It was very disappointing how fast it broke down, and she was just in rec ball at the time. I have seen the same thing happen again and again with that mitt on other players. The Vinci Fortus is way more than twice the quality for less than twice the money, and will stand up to the demands of TB. I would put the Easton Synergy a bit above the Miz in terms of quality and expected durability.

I can’t wait to see a Fortus. I recommended one to a friend who has an 8yo and they are trying to break it in now for spring. I gave him a mallet and told him to keep his hands out of it. I will go watch her play this spring and maybe she will let me give it a look!

Drakemir · Feb 9, 2018

Just to give an idea on the hand protection of a fortus - one of the coaches bought one to warm up pitchers - current top speed of 57 - zero hand pain. At the price point you can’t beat the quality of the glove. Period

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Easton Synergy Elite Catchers Mitt

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