Nokona X2 Elite Series

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May 23, 2015
92
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DD is looking to replace her Nokona UT-1225 she's had for about the past 5 years. She took reasonably good care of it, but probably should have let it air out more as the inside is deteriorating. Got a reasonable price on it years ago and tons of use out of it. It doesn't owe us a thing.

She loves the glove and wants to replace it with same but a little bigger (primarily plays OF.) She's checked out local Vinci, Rawlings, Wilson, Easton, etc...but still prefers the Nokona. She wants the closed back and closed web. Either velcro (I know, I know) or D-Ring type wrist fastener.

Have only been able to see a few as the Nokona selection is limited in stores locally, and we just don't see a lot of them in the softball circuit.

So, what we have seen locally is as follows:

X2-1250C (12.5") - a nice softball glove, but I'm a little skeptical of longevity. DD has same concern in that this new glove at the store seemed a bit floppy. There was only 1 in the store...maybe got a return or a bad one? Curious to see long term durability. Online reviews have shown 1 or 2 issues concerning this, but not alot of data to draw from on this series.

X2-1300 (13") - actually listed as a baseball glove and DD loved it the most. However, it has a laced wrist strap and she did not like the floppy feel around her wrist. Not sure the available adjustment would be enough. I know there might be some glove mods out there but I'm super hesitant about ripping into a glove that goes for $350.

Odd side note: The 13" baseball glove had a superior feel all around vs the 12.5" softball glove. Same series gloves, but is there something different about the leather between baseball and fastpitch versions aside from finger stalls?

Because of the 1250C durability concern, we've been trying to find a previous 12.5" Nokona versions to check out. Those are hard to come by locally with a few places online that have some left.

Thoughts or feedback? Is our concern about durability founded?
 
Jul 29, 2013
6,782
113
North Carolina
Too bad the Legend L-V1250 is discontinued, it sounds exactly like what you're looking for! That Sandstone leather is no joke! As far as the X2 or the Generation series, sorry, I just don't know anything about those models. I do know I'd never spend my money on the Walnut leather series, they're way too oil infused and get floppy way to fast. The Sandstone leather on the Legend is stout and stiff and requires some work to break in. The Legend is comparable to a Heart of the Hide or an A2000.

I know you said she wants a closed back & web and this is completely opposite, check out Steerhide Pro L-1300H. Basically a black version of the Sandstone leather. This is a big 13" glove. If you could somehow track down an L-V1250 Legend, buy it!
 
Dec 15, 2012
102
18
DD was a similar situation earlier this month. Had a Nokona that she absolutely loved. Had to have it replaced under warranty and then had it refaced a year and a half later. Prior to getting it refaced, considered buying a new glove. DD preferred getting the glove refaced. Got another year and a half out of the glove and it finally bit the dust (interior deteriorated). In looking for a replacement, she wanted another Nokona. Went with the X2 as it has a 2 year warranty. It's lighter than her previous model and has a Kangaroo back. Less break in than the previous Model. Appears to be a nice glove and she is happy / comfortable with it. DD is a junior in high school, so this should get her through high school. Glove will get a lot of use as she plays 75+ games a year.
 
Jul 29, 2013
6,782
113
North Carolina
I'd say your concern about durability is very founded, especially for a glove that retails for $350. I've never actually held a X2 in my hands before but just checked them out at Don Morton's site. Description says minimal break in, ready to play, quickest break in period on the market..........I don't know man?
Is the Nokona brand an absolute must? What age is your DD and what level of play is she at?? As Yellowjacket was saying, how many games a year?
 
May 23, 2015
92
18
I'd say your concern about durability is very founded, especially for a glove that retails for $350. I've never actually held a X2 in my hands before but just checked them out at Don Morton's site. Description says minimal break in, ready to play, quickest break in period on the market..........I don't know man?
Is the Nokona brand an absolute must? What age is your DD and what level of play is she at?? As Yellowjacket was saying, how many games a year?

She might have to settle for something, but yeah she really likes her Nokona.

Many games per year, 75+ probably. She's 14 now and it becomes a blur after awhile.

I'll have a lookout for the L-V1250 and Steerhide Pro L-1300H.....Thanks very much for the help!
 
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Jul 29, 2013
6,782
113
North Carolina
Rawlings Heart of Hide PROJD-6BUB Baseball Glove 12.5 Right Hand Throw - Ballgloves

Rawlings Heart of the Hide Game Day Series: PRO601JB

Here's a couple of Rawlings I noticed were on sale. I know, they're Rawlings.........the ProJD is a very versatile glove, but it has an open back and a H-web. Don Morton's has them with the 10% off coupon so that puts it around $202 and some change.

The Pro601 is a fastback with the D-ring pull strap, but has the full Rawlings trap web, which if I played outfield full time this is absolutely the web I'd use! On sale for $200, great price for a Heart of the Hide! My favorite web for me is an H-web, and I have one Rawlings trap glove.....there is no other web out there that forms a better pocket than a true trap! There's a reason so many major league outfielders use them!

Did you call that vendor about the Nokona Legend?
 
Jul 29, 2013
6,782
113
North Carolina
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.

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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