Nick.johnson
New Member
I'm looking for a good first base glove for slowpitch. What brand and size? Also I have big hands. Help?
I agree with rous 100%. DlCKS sporting goods sells a Rawlings gold glove elite DCT that's not half bad for about 120 bucks too.
WThe DCT is a great pattern (the design meeting was in the 1950s as the patent form was submitted in 1960!) as it has a very wide pocket, but every one I have worked on measured 12.5" (whether made by Rawlings or someone else). While the hand stalls are not small, I wouldn't call them huge. Gloveworks makes a 13.25" (actually measures 13") version (for $150 or $200). If you go that route, specify a 5.25" wide web to really supercharge it for softball.
I think a completely underrated softball friendly mitt is the Wilson 1883. They are listed as 12.5", but measure almost 13". Sadly, they have been discontinued, so you have to find one on the bay or used. They have a deeper pocket than a DCT and play just as wide too.
As I posted in another thread, Nokona now makes a DCT. But if you can find one of Nokona's SBM100K mitts, they have HUGE hand stalls and measure 13.75".
Where are you seeing Gloveworks having a 13.25 option for first base glove? Biggest I see is 12.75.
W
Put it in notes...
Ah ok! Didn’t realize it was that easy. Thank you! I’ll be ordering from them soon.
I have had most of the mitts mentioned and the DCT pattern is hard to beat. Since you mentioned having larger hands I would take the Marucci off the list. It's a great mitt and just as stiff if not stiffer than any Rawlings DCT I've owned and the quality is on par but to me the hand stall seems a little tighter. The Vinci JBV-SB is another great mitt but is smaller than stamped more like 12.5" or just under but forms a deep pocket but the hand stall but be too tight. Depending on your budget I would go with a Rawlings DCT. The Gloveworks 13.25" mentioned is another alternative. It's a large mitt and like Rous mentioned I would go with a 5.25" web for a really deep pocket. I've owned two and the 5.25" is definitely the way to go. I have the DCT, Marucci and the GW so if you need any pictures just say the word and I can post them up.
I'd like to see pics of your Gloveworks, please.
I'd like to see pics of your Gloveworks, please.
Here is the original thread on the two I ordered.
http://forums.softballfans.com/threads/gloveworks-1st-base-mitts.1436312/#post-18821938
I still have the brown one and this is the web I would go with personally, it swallows a softball. I believe GW now uses Tennessee laces which is a good thing.
Wow, those both look fantastic. And that web does look like it'd swallow a ball. Great idea about adding a finger pad, think I'll do that too. Still trying to decide if I actually want a first base pattern or just go with their softball pattern. I've designed a bunch of both on their website. Great tool.
Thanks, I no longer have the tan one but it was a nice mitt but I just preferred the steerhide over the kip leather but the kip was definitely much lighter. It takes some time getting used to using a mitt at first and some don't care for it. I can't see myself not using a mitt because it definitely helps with scooping the ball on those bad throws. I'd hit the sporting goods stores and see if they have any mitts on hand to get a better idea if this is something you want. GW has many options not noted on their builder but if you put it in the notes they will usually make it happen. Donald I believe the owner was really easy to work with. He is in China so it can take a couple days to hear back from him via email but he will reply. If you or anyone need any specific pictures or specs just let me know, good luck.
Great info, thanks Junior. I'll go try a few on at the local D***'s store.
Did you have to ask for the sheep lining? Or do they put that on be default?
You're welcome.
It came standard. One thing I would ask GW is to add some padding or a piece of leather to the palm area. I don't like palm pads but the GW definitely needs something to help take the sting off especially if you play with a SS with a good arm.
I believe I still have the notes for my order with the specific web dimensions but I believe that is also in the thread I posted. If you need any help just shoot me a PM when you're ready and I will try and help as best as I can.
I placed my order with Gloveworks this morning, Junior. I decided to go glove instead of mitt, softball pattern, 13'. I asked them to add a layer of leather in the palm, and put their "gloveworks" logo stamp on the palm instead of the "game day" stamp. Added a log to the wrist. I did a wheat and black combo with red stitching. Can't wait til it comes in!
Nice, post up some pictures when you receive it. As for the extra padding in the palm I was specifically talking about the first base mitt but if you will be using it primarily for first base then I don't foresee any issues. I don't own a GW glove just a mitt so I can't comment but I don't think it will hurt anything. Good call on the palm stamp, I did the same thing on my pro-steerhide.
That turned out very nice, congrats! You can't beat the price point especially when GW is running a promotion. IMO it's a better glove than a Rawlings gamer and with endless customization options which makes it a great deal. Glad you're happy with the palm pad and overall glove, enjoy!