Yes, the EQT TX is the glove I got.
I've had the glove for less than 24hrs. It's too soon to tell if it'll make in into the mix next year but I have already decided that I will be breaking it in. Coming back to playing after a 12+ years layoff, I exclusively used a Vinci JC75 (11.85") at SS. I've had the glove since 2002 but because of the layoff, it effectively has only about 2 years of use one it. I love the glove. It has probably the best pocket of any glove I've ever used but it does come up short on overall length when it comes to slow pitch (It was my IF glove for men's fast pitch). Since I was recruited to play literally 2 weeks before the start of the season I didn't have any other option available that I would immediately feel comfortable with. The characteristics you need in an infield glove for windmill are much closer to baseball than they are to slow pitch. Although I did well defensively, the JC65 is really not optimal for slow pitch.
Now I will be the first to admit that coming into a 60+ game season after a long, long layoff with no real preseason prep did not help. My body broke down over the course of the season & I barely made it through. Getting myself properly prepped this winter should drastically cut down on the just misses & increase my range thus alleviating the feeling of the JC65 being too short. It still wouldn't hurt to have a bigger glove to go to.
A quick & dirty comparison of Vinci RCV1225 (12.25") vs. Adidas EQT TX (12.5"):
- Out of the box the Adidas feels about the same as the Vinci after 6 weeks of prep.
- The Vinci has the better pocket. The Adidas plays longer.
- Better palm padding on the Vinci.
- Weight: 21.2oz on the Vinci / 21.5oz on the Adidas
- Hand opening is smaller on the Adidas. (Can't wear a batting glove with either.) Very narrow heel.
- At this point, the Vinci feels better on my hand but that's not saying much or a big issue since I just got the Adidas. The patterns are slightly different though. The Vinci a little wider/deeper with the Adidas being a little narrower/longer. What's interesting is that they both measure the same across the top.
- Thicker thumb & pinkie on the Adidas.
- Both measure slightly bigger than spec.
What I will say definitively at this point is that the Vinci feels like there was more thought put into its design. It "feels" like a glove designed for the American market. My feeling on the Adidas is reminiscent of my review of the Brett PS125S: A good, solid glove using quality materials at a bargain price but with the generic, cookie cutter feel to it that some made in Asia have to them.
I should also be taking receipt of a 12.5" Vinci PCI125 today which will also be under consideration for next year. This will leave me with a ****load of game ready gloves for next year. I may still add 1 more higher end, cost be damned glove to the mix depending on what type of deal I can get or if I experience a moment of insanity (it's been known to happen!). Shortlist?
Rawlings RV23: Never used a Rawlings in my life!
Wilson SP125: Curiosity might get the better of me!
Vinci Custom Optimus: Another intriguing possibility.
I really need to sell off some of my collection if I want to do this though. It's either that or actually break the glass on some of my collection. I have a NWT Rawlings PRO1000-12P (12.25") that I've been sitting on. It's probably a better option than a RV23 anyway..........
