Nokona X2 Elite Series

ANNASDAD said:

Jeffrey Rous from Texas is the guy they were asking all the questions to, the guy is an absolute glove genius and just a great guy! I started doing a little research on the web several years back for someone to completely restore my 30+ year old Wilson A2000 XLO and reached out to this guy out of the blue. We worked out a price and handled all the logistics and I shipped it off. In less than two weeks later it showed back up, the work was outstanding, he has since completely re-laced and replaced the thumb & pinky stays/inserts in two other gloves for me. He does a lot of work for the forum members at Softballfans.com and has a very loyal following.

The two glove manufacturers he really knows a lot about are Nokona and Glovesmith, although he's very well versed on Rawlings, Wilson, and Mizuno also. When he post something on a thread at SBF, people listen to him. I've since learned to re-lace my own gloves but if I needed something done like replacing finger inserts, I'll ship it to Rous! I've sent him tons of emails over the last 3 or 4 years and he always replies back with very useful information.

I know you've got your mind set on a Nokona, but a custom Glovesmith in their Duratan wheat leather is a much better option than a Nokona, and cheaper too! Last time I looked and spoke to Bart, the customs were $309, I think the Nokona you were looking at was $350? Rous has a custom 13" fastback GS with a closed basket web, I'll see if I can find it and copy it here. The problem with a custom GS in Duratan leather is your DD will have graduated from HS before she breaks it in, lol. Bart can start the break in process for you.

I know gloves are personal preference and which one is best is very subjective and just someone's opinion. But, if I were spending upwards of $300 there's no doubt that I (me) would take a custom Glovesmith over a Nokona everyday of the week, but that's me! And I know you made mention of the Walnut leather, I'm not a Nokona fanboy but I can tell you that's the one leather I would avoid, they're heavy and floppy. Every Nokona I've ever handed at DSG, which is ALWAYS the Walnut leather feels terrible! The inside of those gloves feels horrible! Sorry 22Lefty, I know I'm giving an opinion you may not want.......

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