Best Glove Mallet: Oval-shaped or "Softball on a Stick"?

[KennyG2019]

I'm trying to decide what type of mallet to get...the kind with the softball attached or the oval-shaped one. Is one better than the other?

Thanks!

 

[Wally Gator]

I've got a Marucci that I like because it is slightly rounded at the end and is a one piece. I'd be concerned that I'd hammer the ball type ones off.

 

[Drumbum37]

I've got a diy softball on a stick and it works perfect. I made it mainly to help break in a few bats but it gets most of its use with gloves now. No chance in hell the softball will fly off as it's glued and bolted to the stick, which is an old bat handle. If you were getting one solely for gloves, I could see how a wooden one would be nicer.

 

[skyspy]

I have both types. I use the one with the ball shape for forming the packet and working in the palm after putting in fresh laces. And I use the oval mallet more for breaking in a new glove, forming creases, etc.

 

[jd10]

Yeah, i have both like skyspy said...i tend to use the ball on a stick more often, for forming the pocket, and then using the oval for smashing the sides a bit and the palm to try and loosen it up. If i was buying one though, i'd buy softball on a stick

 

[RustyShakleford]

you can always just lay the ball in the pocket and hit it with the mallet to form a pocket

 

[fredderf]

This is the only one I use.

 

[Junior_SD]

I use the Coach's mallet, they make a softball size mallet as well as one for baseball, very nice product. Best of both worlds to form a pocket and to use to pound break points. I also use the same method Rusty suggested, throw a ball in the pocket and pound with a mallet.

 

[case2000]

I have three: Hot Glove baseball mallet, Mizuno mallet and a Maple & Walnut Mallet from a glove bro on the gloveworks forum.

 

[chavist93]

I use a combination of a softball on a stick and a 3lb rubber coated dumbbell.

 

[Jen_16]

I use the baseball sized one, even breaking in for softball. I just find it's more precise and gives me more control over the break

 

[eviladams]

I have the mizuno one and the nike de mallet. I wish I had one of those walnut ones pictured above.

 

[CircleL]

I use the Coach's mallet, they make a softball size mallet as well as one for baseball, very nice product. Best of both worlds to form a pocket and to use to pound break points. I also use the same method Rusty suggested, throw a ball in the pocket and pound with a mallet.

View attachment 32075

Just ordered the softball version of this can't wait to get pounding!

 

[Junior_SD]

Just ordered the softball version of this can't wait to get pounding!

Nice, I really like mine and have broken in at least a dozen gloves/mitts if not more with this mallet.

 

[KennyG2019]

I just ordered the Softball on a stick. Thanks everyone!

 

[Rous]

I have a Coach's Mallet and like it a lot. If you call him up, you can request a baseball size mallet (what I use), but but with the extra 2" length of the softball mallet. with a big glove, I would occasionally bang my knuckles against the heel of the glove (ouch), so an extra 2" would be nice.

 

[MaverickAH]

I've used a Nokona glove mallet for almost 20 years. I also have a Vinci & a Mizuno glove mallets. I find them to be especially useful in the initial process of breaking in a glove when trying to soften up the leather a bit. Where I really use them is for loosening up the laces in the web & the web in general. I use more of a stabbing motion than I do a hammer motion.

The head on the Nokona is bigger than the other 2 & more suitable for softball IMHO.

The finishing process is never done with a mallet. Preferably, it's always on the field. I'll use either a Cannonball or a weighted softball (12oz Champro). Either will give you a great pocket with the added benefit of strengthening your arm. Throwing a weighted ball into your glove while on the couch is always an option too!

 

[DatDuke]

I have been using a reg. softball or baseball. place em in the pocket, and hit it with a rubber mallet. I also have a reg wooden mallet (baseball size) but I find it only useful for outside work (establish the break points).