Catching is the hardest position in baseball and you need one of the best catchers mitts to be successful.
There’s a few things to consider before making your purchase and I’ll show what’s most important; you’ll see my top picks for 2017 too.
Ready?
Contents
- 1 How To Pick The Right Catchers Mitt
- 2 All Star Professional Pro Elite Series CM3000
- 3 Wilson A2000 PudgeÂ
- 4 All Star Pro-AdvancedÂ
- 5 Mizuno MVP Prime SE
- 6 Wilson A2k Catchers Mitt
- 7 Rawlings Gamer Catchers Mitt
- 8 Mizuno Classic Pro SoftÂ
- 9 Louisville Slugger 125 SeriesÂ
- 10 Adidas EQT CMXÂ
- 11 Wilson Showtime Catchers Mitt
- 12 Mizuno Samurai Pro
- 13 Rawlings Heart Of The Hide Dual CoreÂ
- 14 Don’t Play With A Low Quality Glove
How To Pick The Right Catchers Mitt
There’s a couple things to think about before deciding on a product and they are:
- Choose a quality and brand name glove
- Select the right size
- Know your skill level
You definitely want a mitt from a well known baseball company. They understand how to make a quality product and spend a ton on development – they incorporate the latest technologies to have you playing at your best too. It may cost a little more but you’ll be playing with it for years.
Next, and most importantly, you need to select the right size. Catchers mitts are measured by circumference and usually range between 31 inches and 34.5 inches. Older and larger players should purchase a larger product while younger and smaller players should purchase a smaller glove.
Lastly, you need to know your own skill level. If you play for fun with your friends or kids you won’t need to spend a lot. But if you’re an elite player in high school, college and professional leagues, you will need a high performing product – this will ensure you make every play and keep from getting injured.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s look at my top picks.
All Star Professional Pro Elite Series CM3000
Company: All Star
Price: $$$$
Rating: 5/5
The All Star Pro Elite CM3000 is one of the top mitts on this list and all elite catchers should consider this product. It’s not cheap (over $300) but it will last many years. If you’re not convinced, check out the top features, which include:
- Japanese tanned steer leather that is very durable
- Has a fast break in time
- Keeps its shape over many years
You get a great feel with this glove and you’ll find this mitt on the hands of professionals too. If you’d like to hear what they have to say about the CM3000, check out the video below:
Take A Closer Look At The All Star Pro Elite CM3000
Wilson A2000 PudgeÂ
Company: Wilson
Price: $$$
Rating: 4.8/5
Wilson is a well known baseball company and I play with their gear all the time – I love the quality and durability of their products. You will get that with the A2000 Pudge and you’ll be happy to know it comes with:
- Half moon web which many Major League catchers enjoy
- Dri-Lex lining that keeps your hands dry and removes excessive moisture
- Extended palm to give your more padding and lessens your chance of injury
This is one of the most comfortable mitts on the list too; you definitely won’t mind squatting behind the plate with the A2000 Pudge on your hand.
Take A Closer Look At The Wilson A2000 Pudge
All Star Pro-AdvancedÂ
Company: All Star
Price: $$
Rating: 4.8/5
If you want All Star quality but don’t want to pay the high price of the CM3000, you may want to consider the All Star Pro Advanced. It’s not on the same level but it’s close. Some top features include:
- Heavy duty and durable leather laces that extend its life and usability
- Wrist protector
- Very supportive
Any high school or college catcher will love with mitt – pretty amazing it will only cost a little over $100.
Take A Closer Look At The All Star Pro Advacned
Mizuno MVP Prime SE
Company: Mizuno
Price: $$
Rating: 4.7/5
Mizuno is a great company and I own a few of their products. The MVP Prime SE is a very fine glove and one high performers will like. It has a nice color to it and comes with:
- Bio soft leather that stays stable for many seasons
- Plus grip thumb for added comfort
- Strong laces
This mitt won’t break the bank either and will cost around $129. Not bad when you consider all you’re getting.
Take A Closer Look At The MVP Prime SE
Wilson A2k Catchers Mitt
Company: Wilson
Price: $$$$
Rating: 4.9/5
The Wilson A2k is a top 3 catchers mitt. It’s made from extremely high quality leather and will last many years. Each glove is meticulously crafted by glove experts and features:
- Palm liner that removes sweat and keeps your hands dry
- Breaks in fast and is game ready quickly
- Very comfortable on your hands
This will cost over $300 but it’s worth it if you want the absolute best and can afford the price. You won’t be disappointed with the A2K.
Take A Closer Look At The Wilson A2K
Rawlings Gamer Catchers Mitt
Company: Rawlings
Price: $
Rating: 4.7/5
If you’ve played baseball long enough you’ve probably used Rawlings gear before (they make one of the best bats). Their Gamer catchers mitt is pretty cheap and will cost under $100. Elite players may want to look elsewhere and all others will like:
- The minimal break in time
- Full grain lether laces for added durability
- PORON XRD pad to protect your hand from injuries
If you don’t want to spend over $200 or $300 this is a product that will work for you.
Take A Closer Look At The Rawlings Gamer Catchers Mitt
Mizuno Classic Pro SoftÂ
Company: Mizuno
Price: $$
Rating: 4.8/5
The Mizuno Classic Pro Soft is very affordable and will cost around $129. This is a really fair price because of the quality and when you consider:
- The pre-oiled leather that will hold its structure over a long period of time
- Large deep pocket so you catch everything
- Soft Pro palm liner that is very comfortable to wear
This glove has a 1 year warranty and you’ll more than likely get a few years out of it. Even though this mitt isn’t the most expensive it can be worn by very good players.
Take A Closer Look At the Mizuno Classic Pro Soft
Louisville Slugger 125 SeriesÂ
Company: Louisville Slugger
Price: $
Rating: 4.7/5
The Louisville Slugger 125 should not be an elite players first choice – it won’t give that level of performance. However, if you play for fun or with your kids or anything like that, this glove’s low price will appeal to you. Also, it comes with:
- Game ready design
- Soft cowhide leather
- Very durable
This is one of the cheapest mitts on the list at around $55 and it does a good job keeping moisture at bay.
Take A Closer Look At The Louisville Slugger 125
Adidas EQT CMXÂ
Company: Adidas
Price: $$
Rating: 4.8/5
Adidas is a sports giant so you know they’re going to make quality gear. Their EQT CMX isn’t cheap or overly expensive and will perform at a high level. Some top features include:
- Extra padding and cushioning to protect yourself from injuries
- Texas cowhide laces that will easily last for years
- Very comfortable lining
This mitt is handcrafted and a lot of attention is put into every little detail – plus it has a very unique and sharp look to it.
Take A Closer Look At The Adidas EQT CMX
Wilson Showtime Catchers Mitt
Company: Wilson
Price: $
Rating: 4.6/5
You can pick the Wilson Showtime up for under $60. This glove may not be on the same level as some of the pricier products on this list but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. It still has a lot going for it, including:
- Low profile that’s mobile and flexible
- High quality leather
- Half moon web that helps you transfer the ball from your mitt quickly
You’ll be surprised how well the Showtime works.
Take A Closer Look At The Wilson Showtime
Mizuno Samurai Pro
Company: Mizuno
Price: $$
Rating: 4.8/5
If you’re on a budget and really can’t afford to pay over $100 for a new glove, you really should think about the Mizuno Samurai Pro. You will really like the way this product feels and the:
- Parashock Palm that adds durability and prevents unnecessary injuries
- Extra thumb protection
- Breaks in fast and easy
The Samurai is well loved and widely used – it’s hard to find a better glove at this price.
Take A Closer Look At The Mizuno Samurai Pro
Rawlings Heart Of The Hide Dual CoreÂ
Company: Rawlings
Price: $$$
Rating:4.9/5
If you have a little extra to spend and you really want a high quality and high performing mitt, you should consider the Rawlings Heart Of The Hide. Besides being almost game ready right away, this features:
- A professional design
- Lightweight leather that won’t slow you down
- Padded thumb for extra protection and comfort
This is one of the most popular gloves around and is well loved – there’s a reason why so many top tier players decide on the Heart Of The Hide.
Take A Closer Look At The Rawlings Heart Of The Hide
Don’t Play With A Low Quality Glove
Being a catcher isn’t easy – in fact it’s the hardest position in baseball. In order to play at your absolute highest you need a quality mitt. No matter your skill level or budget, there’s a product here that will help you be the best catcher possible.
If you have any questions about what you’ve read comment below and I’ll make sure to respond as fast possible. You can let friends and family see by sharing on social media too.
Are you ready to get behind the plate this year?