It’s a joy for any parent to see their kids being interested and doing well in a tough sport like baseball. To perform well, it is essential that your child has the best equipment to practice with. Good baseball gloves are a must if you want your kid to play well.
Just because of the number of options available in the market, parents tend to get confused about which one they should purchase. Once you’re done reading this article, you’ll have a clear idea of the things that you need to consider while buying a new baseball glove for your kid:
Which is the best material for gloves?
As the game of baseball has progressed, a number of materials have been tried and tested to figure out which results in the best gloves. Some of the most common materials used by the players are:
Cowhide: Baseball gloves made from cowhide leather are the most common ones out there. These are especially common among players who play regularly and want a durable set of gloves. They become more comfortable with time as they form to the player’s hand. The quality of the leather of these gloves can vary quite a lot so you’ll have to figure out which one makes your kid feel the most comfortable.
Pigskin: Gloves made out of pigskin are usually less durable than those made from cowhide. However, they are quite popular amongst beginners, who tend to grow out gloves pretty quickly, because they are a cheaper alternative.
Synthetics: Of late, a number of players are embracing gloves made out of synthetics. New micro-fiber materials are generally more lightweight and comfortable. While many people argue that they don’t form to the player’s hand as good as gloves made from traditional materials, there are several contradictory opinions as well. It mostly depends on a particular player and what suits them best.
Out of these, there is no definite “best material” for a baseball glove. All of these have several pros and cons. The material you buy should depend on what your child feels most comfortable in.
The Price of the Glove
Just like with any other purchase you make; the price of a baseball glove is the first thing you’ll notice. Before you go out there looking for the best baseball glove for your kid, it is best to set a limit to the amount that you want to spend on this purchase.
There are a lot of different types of gloves that you’ll find in the market- many of which are not right for your kid. They might get their heart set on a particular one and if it’s more than you are willing to spend, things can get tricky for you. So, tell them about your limit beforehand.
The best outfield gloves aren’t always the most pricey ones. There are a lot of good-quality gloves that are available for lower prices. All you need to do is research a little.
The Right Size
Buying the correct-sized baseball glove is the most important thing that you need to take care of. If the glove doesn’t fit your kid’s hands properly, they will not be able to play or practice well.
Generally, these are the measurements that apply to children of various ages: Kids aged 8 and younger: 9″ – 9.5″; Kids aged 9-13: 9″ – 12″; and kids older than 13: 10.5″ – 13″. Obviously, these sizes might not apply to your child.
Make sure that you accurately measure the dimensions of their hands before you set out to purchase the gloves. Don’t buy bigger sizes thinking that your kids’ hands will grow into them. The gloves should fit snugly but at the same time, they shouldn’t be so tight that wearing them causes discomfort.
Over to you…
When they’re first starting out, having the right pair of gloves is important for your kids to practice and play well. It is pretty obvious that no matter which glove you buy, your kid will outgrow them after a short while.
You’ll have to buy several different gloves in quick succession until your kid’s hands stop growing. Following the advice mentioned above will definitely help you choose the right ones each time.
