The Difference Between the A2k and A2000 Baseball Gloves
Wilson A2K
Wilson A2000
The A2000 and A2K are the two top flight gloves made by Wilson. In the major leagues, they are the most popular gloves—although others are gaining steam too. The A2K and the A2000 are more similar then they are different.
They do, after all, come in many of the same patterns and made in the same workshops. There are, however, enough differences to compare to the two and, as many do, have a preference. Here we discuss the differences between the A2k and A2000 baseball gloves from Wilson.
Difference Between A2K and A2000
There are a number of sources and youtube videos that discuss the differences in the two gloves. We think our 1-minute glove review video discussing the differences is as helpful as any one out there. And, the great part, it is only one minute.
Both Justballgloves and whatproswear has a long write up on the differences too that we referenced in putting together this article. This video of the Wilson folks discussing it in detail is, if not boring, good.
A2K and A2000 Differences Video
Super Skin Differences
Before 2017, one advantage of the A2000 class of gloves was the offering of the Super Skin on some select models. These synthetic backings decreased the total weight of the glove and made it more durabale and weather proof. Some, on the other hand, thought they should not be paying more for less leather so did not find the premium priced A2000 Super Skin worth it.
In 2017, Wilson put Super Skin on the back of a 1788 model of an A2K. It was the first time they had done it save the DATDUDE faux snakeleather pro-stock select. We are hopeful Wilson will begin putting Super Skin on the backhand of even more A2Ks in the future. As such, the Super Skin advantage of the A2000 (if indeed you thought it was one) may soon be obsolete.
What’s the Difference Between the A2K and the A2000 Wilson Baseball Glove?
There are not many differences between the A2K and A2000. However, the things that are different may make all the difference for any given player. Most find the A2K’s soft leather very attractive. Others like the rugged and workman’s feel of the A2000. More pro’s use the A2000—although there A2000 gloves get special treatment. In the stock models made available to the public we think the A2K is a nicer glove but, honestly, both are great choices.
As a general rule you will find four distinct differences between the A2k and the A2000 from Wilson. However, with every set of general rules, there are always exceptions. As Wilson improves upon the unique features of the A2000 and A2K become more blurred.
Pro Stock Select vs Pro-Stock
A2K uses a “Pro-Stock Select” leather while A2000 uses “Pro-Stock”. Both are high quality leathers raised specifically for Wilson ball gloves. Literally, there is a specially bread cow in Japan that is made to produce top quality leather for Wilson Ball gloves. The A2K leather is triple sorted into good, better, best piles. That is, they sort leather into a good, better and best pile then take the best pile and sort them into those three piles again. They do that one more time before accepting leather as “Pro-Stock Select” leather.
Heel Padding & Double Palm Construction
There is more padding found in the A2Ks then in the A2000’s palm. Some patterns have exceptions to this (see the DP15, for example). But more padding tends to mean a softer catch. It also means more break in time and, potentially, less feel of the ball on exchanges. You can feel the differences in the padding size by touch.
(As one example of an exception to the rule, the DP15 A2K has a very thin heel pad. Pedroia likes it that way so his game model, although an A2K, has a very thin heel pad.
Rolled or Rough Welting
The welting on the A2K’s is softer (aka “rolled”) while the welting on the A2000’s sometimes rough. Do note, some A2000’s often have rolled leather especially when they are a particular color Functionally this means little difference—although some would say a rolled welting is easier to break in. But expect a softer feel on the welting which, you may need to learn, is the seams that fit the back of the fingers together.
Work In Factory Time
Glove technicians work on the A2K’s pre-sale work-in period three times longer than the A2000. This creates a much softer leather at purchase and generally more comfortable feel the first time it is worn.
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