Whether you want something suitable for your kid or you are actually a young player, deciding on the best youth batting gloves can be tricky.
You are not a professional, at least not yet. If you are like most people, you probably imagine that a cheap set of gloves will do.
Wrong!
Been there, done that…
A cheap set of gloves will rip within a month, meaning you will buy a bunch of them over a year. You might as well invest in quality gloves and save some money.
Second, you want performance, so do not settle for something cheap.
Most of us have made this mistake, ending up regretting it.
If you are not sure where to look for your next pair of batting gloves, I will make it really simple.
I put together a list of top youth batting gloves, based on my experience, reviews from others, and even recommendations from young baseball players.
These gloves are suitable for more than just baseball. They are just as handy for softball, gym, or other activities that require a bit of protection and a good grip.
They come in a bunch of different colors, as well as sizes to match both youth players and adults.
Based on a modern knit material, EvoShield Pro Srz have a lightweight profile. They feel like they are not even there, especially once you get used to them.
Besides, the knit material has vented holes. The material is breathable, so your hands are less likely to get sweaty.
Their gripping capabilities are in the palm. EvoShield has brought in sheepskin leather. It is lighter than other types of leather but also more durable.
Plus, the grip is flawless. You do not even have to hold the bat too tightly.
Finally, the molded neoprene cuff is excellent for adjustments. You can adjust gloves within a couple of seconds, regardless of the wrist.
There is also a bit of padding on the backhands, but without making them too bulky.
There are lots of colors and designs to choose from, and it looks like Under Armour knows that such gloves get messy after a game or two.
Most designs are based on dark colors, meaning they will look great for longer.
The gloves are based on a unique HeatGear fabric. It is meant to keep hands dry, and it does a pretty good job. The material can also keep hands cool on hot days.
Palms are based on synthetic leather, which is softer than genuine leather and quite durable. The grip is perfect, to be honest.
Under Armour Clean Up 21 come with synthetic overlays spread all over the gloves. They aim to increase the grip from more directions.
There are also a bunch of small perforations above the fingers, ideal to keep the design breathable and comfy.
Wrist cuffs are elastic and stable. They are easy to adjust and provide plenty of support for consistent swings.
Given the price, materials, and overall performance, these gloves offer good value for money and can even compete against more professional alternatives.
Can you really go wrong with Rawlings? I know, this is one of the leading brands when it comes to baseball, and trust me, its batting gloves are not to be overlooked, either.
The name is self-explanatory, these gloves will turn you into a workhorse.
What truly impressed me was the dynamic fit system. This unique system is about comfort. Hands will get used to the gloves within minutes. Then, you will not even notice them.
Furthermore, the flex is flawless, and that also adds to the comfort.
The palm is based on full-grain leather. It is classic when it comes to gloves. It is super durable and requires little to no maintenance.
The grip is perfect, whether you grab a baseball bat or a barbell in a gym.
Furthermore, the so-called technology Dura-Plus for the palms reduces the abrasion caused by regular use. In other words, these gloves will also surpass much of their competition in terms of durability.
They are available in both youth and adult sizes, as well as in more colors.
Pros
Comfortable flex
Good grip
Durable against abrasion
Comfortable to wear
A lot of colors and sizes
Cons
Retro appearance may not be attractive enough for everyone
These gloves come in amazing colors and patterns, and while this is not the most important thing in gloves, they also feature outstanding performance on the field.
They stand out with their durability and the unique blend of fibers to resist both amateur and professional games.
Despite the affordable price, these gloves are designed with professional games in mind. You might as well see random MLB players wearing them, and there are some good reasons behind their popularity.
Maximum control is one of them.
Based on goatskin leather, the palm will stick to the bat. You have full control over the swing, but at the same time, they also feel comfortable.
The material is breathable due to the diamond mesh build. Combined with microfiber for the backhand, it will let sweat out of the gloves.
There is also a high degree of adjustability if you count the elastic cuff. It has a retro design, while the Bio-Dri wrist liner ensures you will have a perfect fit.
Sizes are quite varied and will fit both young players and adults.
I said it before, and I will say it again. Mizuno’s gloves look like they are designed to be displayed, rather than worn and abused on a field.
However, their performance and high-quality standards can definitely stand the test of time.
Mizuno MVP come in more sizes and colors. While the pure white design looks impressive, I recommend going for something darker.
White will get dirty within the first game. Luckily, there are a few darker options too.
Moving on to the performance, get ready to be impressed with the grip. The nonslip palm design offers extreme stability for each swing.
There is no slippage whatsoever, and you do not even need to hold on to the bat too tightly. The FlexMesh technology increases breathability, adding to comfort.
The fit leaves no room for slippage. You have a neoprene wristband that adds to the comfort around the wrist, so there is no abrasion there.
Then, the strap can be adjusted within a second only, so you can mess about with it based on how you feel.
Pros
Superior nonslip grip
Good looking designs
Breathable design
Suitable for both youngsters and adults
Stability and consistency
Cons
Grip might be affected if you use pine tar against sweaty hands
Choosing the Best Youth Batting Gloves – Our Buying Guide
Now you have some of the best youth batting gloves on the market, but which one is the best for you? Keep in mind that what works for some people will not work for everyone else.
Sure, it pays off to get some suggestions and ideas, but your personal needs and goals represent your main priorities.
So, what should you think about before making a decision?
Size
The size is the main thing. Make sure the gloves fit snugly. Too large? They will slip out and ruin the grip. Too tight? They will break and feel uncomfortable.
I would rather play with poor-quality gloves in a perfect fit than superior-quality gloves in the wrong fit.
Most brands have sizing charts, I recommend checking them out first. It may help measuring your dominant palm too, go from the tip of the longest finger to the base of the palm.
Budget
Your available budget is just as important, but I have some good news here. You cannot spend more than what you have. Then, the most expensive gloves on the market are not necessarily the best gloves for you.
The good news is quality gloves will not cost you a fortune. Sure, they will not cost $5 like the ones in the nearest sports store, but they provide good value for money. Some of them can last for over a year.
Material
There are two general materials to stick to, authentic and fake leather.
Authentic leather has a good grip and can last longer. It is also more expensive. It is suitable for professionals or kids who aim to play in high school leagues and eventually make it to a pro level.
Synthetic leather is more suitable for beginners. It is more flexible and softer. Depending on the quality, it may last longer than genuine leather, but this is not a general rule.
I would also pick a mix of genuine and fake leather for a youth player, to be honest. It is a mix of both worlds, so you cannot really go wrong with it.
But overall, leather is king.
Wrist
The wrist style is not to be overlooked, either.
Velcro is quite common. It is inexpensive and adjusts within a second. It can get dirty relatively fast, so it needs some maintenance. Getting wet will also hurt the fit.
Some other gloves offer higher quality standards. For instance, taped wrist styles provide a bit more support.
Extras
Not all the bells and whistles are worth the money.
Leather is leather and will last, even if there are more types and quality standards.
Articulated thumb design? Good for mobility. Curved fingers? Good for comfort. Extra padding? Not always mandatory, but suitable for newbies and young players.
Best Youth Batting Gloves – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do batting gloves make a difference?
Yes, in terms of grip and protection. It is one thing to hold a stable bat in your hands and a different thing to have it slip out. On the same note, it pays off to protect your hands against a moving piece of wood or metal, which will ruin the palm and cause blisters.
How do you keep batting gloves fresh?
Dry gloves after every use and moisturize them with leather balm every now and then. Remove dirt, and make sure you use a deodorizer on a regular basis. Some gloves are not made to be used in wet conditions, so avoid using them in rain. Just check the specifications.
Can you pitch with a batting glove?
You can pitch with a batting glove if it is not on your pitching hand. Pitchers normally require a professional baseball glove, one that is specifically made for this position.
Wrapping up…
After reading this article, choosing the best youth batting gloves shouldn’t be too difficult.
EvoShield Pro Srz is by far one of the best options on the market and quite common among MLB players as well. It has a good grip, as well as a breathable and durable design for comfort.
Mizuno MVP, on the other hand, is one of the greatest options if a perfect grip is your priority.
If you are interested in getting some batting gloves that are suitable for adult baseball players, refer to this article.
