Best Vintage Improvement

Wally Gator

Wally Gator

Starting Player
I've been spending more time recently with my DMS PRO1000 in dry black Horween and it feels like a new pattern combining the improved, non-palm-creasing 1000 with the rounded USA version. I have two 12" PRO200's currently in the house and the DMS does not feel the same. It's close, but not spot on. High on my next purchase list is the same glove in tan. I find the fact that DMS can order some gloves from Rawlings without any embroidery is amazing in this competitive, image driven glove world. The look of full finger welting is gorgeous.
What glove feature do you feel has been successfully improved from days of old?
 
ANNASDAD

ANNASDAD

The Veteran
I do like the cleaner look of the full welting on the index finger over the embroidery also. I'm down to two DM gloves, my 12TC and my JTan Pro1000. Now I wouldn't say I dislike the embroidery on my new KB17 or my NP7, but without it does look cleaner.
 
NYC

NYC

Swag on 100.
Wally Gator said:
I've been spending more time recently with my DMS PRO1000 in dry black Horween and it feels like a new pattern combining the improved, non-palm-creasing 1000 with the rounded USA version. I have two 12" PRO200's currently in the house and the DMS does not feel the same. It's close, but not spot on. High on my next purchase list is the same glove in tan. I find the fact that DMS can order some gloves from Rawlings without any embroidery is amazing in this competitive, image driven glove world. The look of full finger welting is gorgeous.
What glove feature do you feel has been successfully improved from days of old?
Click to expand...
Wait, which one are you referring to? The new run? I thought it was oiled black horween.
 
Rous

Rous

Addicted to Softballfans
Haha, I have a 1940s Nokona softball firstbase mitt where every single hole in the leather has a grommet. Even my Dad's 1950s JC Higgins glove has 27 of them. It actually makes relacing really easy unless you have two laces running through the same hole, then it is a real PITA.

I am torn on the new padding used. The old thick wool felt was so substantial that you didn't need much internal support to keep the thumb from getting floppy, but the gloves were a bit bulkier. Now, with thinner padding, gloves are a little more nimble, but even with thick stays, the thumbs can get a bit floppy.
 
beeblebobble

beeblebobble

Starting Player
Wally Gator said:
I've been spending more time recently with my DMS PRO1000 in dry black Horween
Click to expand...
I'm going to be devils advocate, I don't think that PRO1000HCB you have is actually dry horween. While I realize in the description at their website says dry horween, I'm 99% certain its an error at ballgloves.com In the late summer of 2016 they started offering the SKU PRO1000-HCB-RightHandThrow this model was japanese tanned leather I bought one and eventually returned it. That's the same SKU that's listed now with model that lists it as being dry horween. But All the images on the website are the same as the ones from 2016 and its clearly a JT leather in the images and in the video review on their site. Even the pictures you posted back in April? Look like JT leather. What is the date code on yours? Does it in end in "BH" that would be 2016 and before ballgloves started offering Horween gloves again. I only post all this because I've been waiting for them to get a black dry horween as I want one but I'm incredibly skeptical that they actually have one and someone at ballgloves didn't just mess up in their description as they raised the pricing on their exclusive models last year.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NYC
NYC

NYC

Swag on 100.
beeblebobble said:
I'm going to be devils advocate, I don't think that PRO1000HCB you have is actually dry horween. While I realize in the description at their website says dry horween, I'm 99% certain its an error at ballgloves.com In the late summer of 2016 they started offering the SKU PRO1000-HCB-RightHandThrow this model was japanese tanned leather I bought one and eventually returned it. That's the same SKU that's listed now with model that lists it as being dry horween. But All the images on the website are the same as the ones and its clearly a JT leather in the images and in the video review on their site. Even the pictures you posted back in April? Look like JT leather. What is the date code on yours? Does it in end in "BH" that would be 2016 and before ballgloves started offering Horween gloves again. I only post all this because I've been waiting for them to get a black dry horween as I want one but I'm incredibly skeptical that they actually have one and someone at ballgloves didn't just mess up in their description as they raised the pricing on their exclusive models last year.
Click to expand...
I agree, I don't think it's dry horween. The leather looks exactly like my PRORV23B which was dry black Jtan (both released around the same time). I also don't think they will be getting any more of the dry black horween leather like what's on their PRO12TCB. That leather is unmistakable and if I'd have known it was the last of the mohicans and all the ones they have left have the welting problems, I would have never unloaded it. Still kicking myself for it.
 
Rous

Rous

Addicted to Softballfans
Don't know if this helps as I have not seen one, but the dry black Horween looks a lot like the oil tanned Horween... sort of a matte finish. The JT black has a shinier finish.
 
Wally Gator

Wally Gator

Starting Player
beeblebobble said:
I'm going to be devils advocate, I don't think that PRO1000HCB you have is actually dry horween. While I realize in the description at their website says dry horween, I'm 99% certain its an error at ballgloves.com In the late summer of 2016 they started offering the SKU PRO1000-HCB-RightHandThrow this model was japanese tanned leather I bought one and eventually returned it. That's the same SKU that's listed now with model that lists it as being dry horween. But All the images on the website are the same as the ones from 2016 and its clearly a JT leather in the images and in the video review on their site. Even the pictures you posted back in April? Look like JT leather. What is the date code on yours? Does it in end in "BH" that would be 2016 and before ballgloves started offering Horween gloves again. I only post all this because I've been waiting for them to get a black dry horween as I want one but I'm incredibly skeptical that they actually have one and someone at ballgloves didn't just mess up in their description as they raised the pricing on their exclusive models last year.
Click to expand...
Shoot, this does appear to be the case. The glove does feel great, but I do not like the fact that I paid a premium for a misrepresented glove. Disappointed phone call to be placed.
 
Wally Gator

Wally Gator

Starting Player
Rous said:
Don't know if this helps as I have not seen one, but the dry black Horween looks a lot like the oil tanned Horween... sort of a matte finish. The JT black has a shinier finish.
Click to expand...
You are correct Rous. Luckily I have all 3 blacks to compare the level of shine.
 
beeblebobble

beeblebobble

Starting Player
Wally Gator said:
Shoot, this does appear to be the case. The glove does feel great, but I do not like the fact that I paid a premium for a misrepresented glove. Disappointed phone call to be placed.
Click to expand...
Bummer. I follow their releases pretty closely especially the pro1000hc ones, and the black one suddenly popping up as dry horween had really boggled my mind. They went through a lot of effort last year to delete dead links to the old gloves (a few still linger) and have unique SKUs and updated pictures for all their new horween releases. That didn't really jive with the sleeper update the black one suddenly becoming dry horween but no new pics or sku.

They've never been the most organized place so I decided against calling them for some clarity (cause heck if it was horween I want one!) usually their solution is just return it for a refund if you're not happy with it. And it seemed like I was destined to lose money if I tried to buy one. I love those full finger welts too. Just feels right.
 
Wally Gator

Wally Gator

Starting Player
Well I just got a response from DMS and they stand by the fact that Don ordered dry black Horween. Referred me to contact Ryan Farrar at Rawlings. As a side bummer, I contacted the parts department at Rawlings before the DMS response and asked for Chad in the parts dept. as he's been my go to guy in years past. I was told he no longer works there. In fact no one works there because they referred me to A1 Glove Repair claiming they send all their repairs there from now on. Let that sink in. Rawlings could not tell me what leather my glove is made from. I need to inquire with a 3rd party.
 
Hiltz

Hiltz

Built for comfort
Wally Gator said:
In fact no one works there because they referred me to A1 Glove Repair claiming they send all their repairs there from now on. Let that sink in. Rawlings could not tell me what leather my glove is made from. I need to inquire with a 3rd party.
Click to expand...

Rawlings doesn't know what leather Rawlings used to make a Rawlings glove...

Market globalization will have me steering clear of name-brands even more than I used to. It's getting to the point where the only difference between Rawlings/Wilson and some of the offshore brands is the prestige that the patch carries.
 
beeblebobble

beeblebobble

Starting Player
Wally Gator said:
Well I just got a response from DMS and they stand by the fact that Don ordered dry black Horween. Referred me to contact Ryan Farrar at Rawlings. As a side bummer, I contacted the parts department at Rawlings before the DMS response and asked for Chad in the parts dept. as he's been my go to guy in years past. I was told he no longer works there. In fact no one works there because they referred me to A1 Glove Repair claiming they send all their repairs there from now on. Let that sink in. Rawlings could not tell me what leather my glove is made from. I need to inquire with a 3rd party.
Click to expand...
Oof that sucks, but I'm not surprised. I figured once the mistake was made it would be permanent as that's the description I'm sure the ballgloves.com people are looking at to respond to questions. They could of called it Space Leather and they'd be standing by that Don ordered Space Leather.

For what its worth. Ryan is pretty level headed and if there's someone who could set things straight he'd be the guy. I'd definitely reach out to him if you have the time.
 
NYC

NYC

Swag on 100.
Hiltz said:
Rawlings doesn't know what leather Rawlings used to make a Rawlings glove...

Market globalization will have me steering clear of name-brands even more than I used to. It's getting to the point where the only difference between Rawlings/Wilson and some of the offshore brands is the prestige that the patch carries.
Click to expand...
I'd rather have some of the forum members in charge of Rawlings over who's running it now, Wilson on the other hand is getting better and better (in my opinion). I just wish they would make a normal outfield pattern.
 
Hiltz

Hiltz

Built for comfort
NYC said:
I'd rather have some of the forum members in charge of Rawlings over who's running it now, Wilson on the other hand is getting better and better (in my opinion). I just wish they would make a normal outfield pattern.
Click to expand...

Rawlings just keeps getting farther and farther away from what made them the biggest player in the game. They seem to be giving up on the traditional "glove-aficionado" corner of the market and targeting young entry-level players. Which sadly makes sense, from a business perspective.

Wilson's quality is still up there but their colour-combinations recently... blech. And it's hard to justify spending $300+ for a custom to get what you want when you can go to Gloveworks and get something that's honestly nearly as well made for $159.
 
NYC

NYC

Swag on 100.
Hiltz said:
Rawlings just keeps getting farther and farther away from what made them the biggest player in the game. They seem to be giving up on the traditional "glove-aficionado" corner of the market and targeting young entry-level players. Which sadly makes sense, from a business perspective.

Wilson's quality is still up there but their colour-combinations recently... blech. And it's hard to justify spending $300+ for a custom to get what you want when you can go to Gloveworks and get something that's honestly nearly as well made for $159.
Click to expand...
I never had a Gloveworks but I got my first Wilson custom this year and the quality is outstanding.
 
smarkley3

smarkley3

Certified Trap Hoe
I have been preaching about this scenario for many years now. There is no Mr Rawlings or even a Mr Wilson, LOL. Companies no longer make there own gloves, there are no product specialist left. Why would you need them if you contract all your manufacturing out? Its not just sporting goods companies, it is everything. That is why I don't understand all this brand loyalty and erroneously thinking a product is of impeccable quality because of a label sewn on it.
What is really sad is that after a period of time, they either get rid of or retire anyone who knew anything about product. There is no continuity. Just hire a marketing, sales and purchasing guy straight out of college and pay them as little as possible. When they leave, get another sucker. Or just wait till the next corporate buy out and, they will clean house of anyone who is in a senior position that knows anything about the company or the type of business they are in.
The stupidity of this business model just amazes me, but its OK. You can just sell it off or scrap the whole brand after you destroy it.....
 
davisrelacing

davisrelacing

The Other Guy
Wally Gator said:
Well I just got a response from DMS and they stand by the fact that Don ordered dry black Horween. Referred me to contact Ryan Farrar at Rawlings. As a side bummer, I contacted the parts department at Rawlings before the DMS response and asked for Chad in the parts dept. as he's been my go to guy in years past. I was told he no longer works there. In fact no one works there because they referred me to A1 Glove Repair claiming they send all their repairs there from now on. Let that sink in. Rawlings could not tell me what leather my glove is made from. I need to inquire with a 3rd party.
Click to expand...
I was miffed when I found out Chad was no longer there as well. I recommend Jay Daughtery there now.

I've found that some customer service reps from Rawlings do refer people to A1 Glove Repair. Other reps send customers to more reputable repair people.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top