Arguably the greatest baseball player in the game today, Mike Trout’s glove garners a lot of attention. And, like his love for Old Hickory bats, Trout has a serious affinity for the Rawlings Pro Preferred line. He uses a traditionally sized 12.25-inch outifield glove with an old school Pro Trap-Eze design. The closed back look makes for a snug feel.
PROPRFCG – Rawlings 12.25 Inch Outfield Glove
Mike Trout has rocked a 12.75 inch traditional trap design for quite some time. The on market version of this glove is a 12.25 inch glove. That is generally small for an adult outfielder, but no one is quite the size of Mike Trout.
The glove pictures is the Mike Trout version of the glove with a ‘fastback’. That is, a light weight material that holds down weight and ads some flexibility and weather resistance. It also comes in non-fastback version which you can find online too.
Nike Diamond Elite PRO II
Before Trout’s most recent foray into Rawlings’ gloves he used a Nike glove with a very similar design. That is, a 12.75 inch mitt with a Trap-Eze web pattern design. Of course, Nike does not call it the Trap-Eze as that is a Rawlings’ name brand. But, the ideas are the same. Both use a closed back and a laced pocket built for optimum reach.
Where to Buy Mike Trout’s Glove?
Most major outlets sell Mike Trout’s glove. But, the only real one can be found directly on Rawlings’ website. You will also find at least some success looking for his glove on eBay. At the time of this writing that was least expensive way to get one of his gloves.
Many traditional outfielders used a trap design for the outfield. There are a few reasons it shines as such.
Extraordinary Reach
Lighter Feel
The lack of a top cross bar makes for an easier work in
Few gloves are more well known then the Yadier Molina Catcher’s Glove. Molina, a perennial all-star catcher, is a walking billboard for Rawlings. His glove and gear have few spots left to write anything but the brand name. His glove, a 34-inch glove design, is as traditional as you could hope for in a catcher’s mitt. The Heart of the Hide version comes in a few different iterations. Expect a tough break in for a glove that is built to take an absolute pounding. For big time players that see big time heat, expect nothing but quality and a years of top end performance. Below we detail more insights into our Rawlings Yardier Molina Catcher’s Mitt Review.
There are a couple of places we referenced in putting together this Molina cather’s mitt glove review. Chief among them was Rawling’s website direclty. There, on the Molina product page, you can learn some interesting facts about the gloves construction and see options for customizing your glove. We spent some time on that page as well as took a few pictures for this article.
Also, we thought closseoutbats.com product section was mildly useful. Although no video, they did detail glove differences and pricing. Those things are always worth consideration.
In this article, we reference the Wilson A2000 Superskin 1790 34-inch catcher’s glove. As a similar glove to Yadier’s we think this a helpful comparison. Anyone in the market for the lighter material on the backhand of a catcher’s glove should look at that one too.
In every sense of the term, Yadier’s Rawlings catcher’s glove is as traditional as an MLB catcher’s mitt should be. It uses the traditional two piece web for full protection and a 34-inch circumference. The premium cowhide, if taken care of, can last several seasons. We do note, however, that at 90+ mph a pitch then just one single season might asking a lot.
That said, we would recommend the 34-inch Yadier Molina to anyone serious about catching serious heat. The glove is meant for a life time of work. Elite catchers who like a 34 inch glove will be perfectly happy with this glove. The only real question is if you want the Pro-Mesh back version of the glove as it comes in both.
Pro Mesh Back
In response to Wilson’s Superskin backing—which gave the leather glove a synthetic back that was lighter and more durable—Rawlings introduced a Pro-Mesh design. Like the Superskin, the Pro-Mesh lightens the glove weight and increases the durability. It also leaves the glove less dense after it gets wet.
Some love the idea of Pro-Mesh on a catcher’s glove while others think it make the glove feel cheap. We are closer to the later group and think big boy catcher’s gloves should be full on leather. But, we submit it a preference more than any objective measurement. In the end, players will get to decide for themselves. Throughout the years we have seen Yadier use both types—some with full leather backing and others with Pro-Mesh. Each glove prices out the same.
Heart of the Hide
As we detail in our Heart of the Hide glove reviews, the HOH series is Rawlings most popular series. It uses top shelf cowhide with Tennessee tannery laces. Over the years, the HOH model series have become synonymous with the top shelf of durability, fit and performance. Although some prefer other top end brands in the market, no one actually thinks the HOH are poor gloves. Indeed, they are top flight stuff from a top flight company.
30% Factory Break In
Another feature worth considering is the 30% break-in that happens for the Molina HOH gloves out of the factory. In other words, Rawlings works in these Molina gloves 30% of the way before shipping them to retail. Most new and top end catcher’s mitts are remarkably stiff. This makes a work in process over several months probable. Rawlings helping the process along 30% of the way is usually much appreciated.
Yadier Molina Catchers’ Glove Review Similar Gloves
Wilson A2000 1790 Superskin
If you are in the market for a pro-mesh Rawlings Molina HOH glove in the 34 inch then might you also consider the 34 inch A2000 with Superskin backing? The gloves are similar in many ways. Both use a dual full web. Each is a 34 inch traditionally designed glove. Both also use a synthetic backing for a lighter and more durable glove. You can see our full 1790 Wilson Glove review here.
We like the A2000 version with Superskin better. But, to each his own. Price check the 1790 Wilson.
Shoeless Joe 34 Inch Catcher’s Glove
If you are not looking for a Pro-Mesh back Molina glove, and want to consider a different brand, then the 34-inch Shoeless Joe Catcher’s glove might do the trick. It will also save a number of Benjamins. These gloves are also very well made and use much of the similar features in the Yadier Rawlings glove. Expect a dual webbing for full protection, great padding in the hands and a lifetime of work to get this glove just how you, and your grandkids, will like it.
Is there is a more iconic glove within the Rawlings brand than the 13-inch Heart of the Hide worn by none other than Bryce Harper? Harper’s glove is a Washington Nationals red designed glove in the Pro H Web outfield line. Bryce Harper’s glove is a Heart of the Hide series glove that offers the same steer hide and thumb padding you can find across the entire HOH line. Our recommendations, along with similar glove options, are below in this Bryce Harper’s Glove review.
There a plethora of sources and write ups on Bryce Harper’s glove. We found the product page on Rawlings’ site helpful in terms of sizing and comparing it to the black version of the glove.
On this site, we looked over our general Rawlings Heart of the Hide review to make sure we were not going to say something dumb. We also reviewed the entire Rawlings lineup review as to get a feel for any other 13 inch outfield gloves (there aren’t any).
On a related note, we were reminded of this write up on Bryce Harper’s bat and thought it was a fun read. He has definitely used more bats than he has gloves.
Bryce Harper’s Glove Recommendations
13-Inch Gloves
As a 13-inch dual post outfield glove Bryce Harper’s glove is made for a very particular type of player. That is, the player that wants the largest fielding glove available on the market and has the strength to wield it. Those more accustomed to middle infield gloves (like the Rawlings Pro 314) will feel as if they just put on an over-sized oven mitt. As such, if you know what you are getting yourself into, then the 13-inch Rawlings Bryce Harper model is as good a glove as you’ll find in this gigantic space. Otherwise, consider a more traditional 12.5 or 12.75 inch outfield glove made for us mere mortals.
If you play slowpitch softball and want to use a baseball glove, then this 13-inch Harper outfield glove is as good as you’ll find.
Pro Stock Leather
As a Heart of the Hide Glove, the 13-inch outfield glove Harper uses is made of great leather. In fact, we would guess, Rawlings reserves its very best pieces for the glove they put on the hand of what some consider the most popular player in the game.
It would be a mistake to think the average consumer buying a “Bryce Harper Glove” from a retail store is getting anywhere near the attention to detail Harper’s actual Rawlings glove does. Indeed, stock Heart of the Hide gloves are legitimate in every sense of the word. But they are not the Pro-issue versions you would find on Bryce’s hands. Heart of the Hide gloves are made from the top 5% of leather in the entire world. And Rawlings goes through great lengths to make sure the average consumer has a great experience with their glove.
Pro H Webbing or Dual Post Webbing
The other thing to note before running off and buying the Harper Rawlings glove design is the dual-post webbing. Often, dual posts tend more towards the third baseman. At least in the Rawlings line, Trap-eze or Pro lace webs tend more towards larger gloves for the outfield. We found the dual post design does remove glove weight when compared to the material heavy trap-eze designed glove. This may be the reason the oversized 13 inch glove uses a dual post and not a Trap-eze.
As a general rule, the dual post also allows for a somewhat shallower pocket than the Trap-eze gloves. But, leather of this quality can almost always be shaped or tightened to how you want it.
Bryce Harper’s Glove Review Similar Options
There are very few 13-inch gloves with a PRO H or dual post webbing on the market. In fact, the only real comparison is from within Rawlings or Harper’s old glove sponsor, Akadema.
P-PROJD-6DSPRO Review
Harper’s glove is actually the PROJD from Rawlings but in unique nationals colors. His pro issue gloves are often multi-colored with personal engravings. You can buy the all red version that is referred to has the DICPROHARP34S. But, in the end, that glove is exactly like the black and grey PROJD-6DSPRO. Both are 13 inch outfield gloves with the PRO-H design in a Heart of the Hide design.
ARZ-136 Akadema Review
The only other 13 inch glove that uses a dual post web is the ARZ-136 from Akadema. No surprise, really, as Akadema was Harper’s first glove sponsor. We suspect this is Harper’s old glove. But, since Akadema does not have his consent any longer, the glove is simply called the ARZ-136.
Price check the ARZ136 Precision Akadema 13 Inch outfield glove.
After some time with the Game Model Cabrera Wilson MC24 A2000 glove and its counterpart 2800, we put together this review. On the whole, Miggy’s Tiger colored first base mitt with top shelf leather and a wide single post web design is great for the serious first baseman.
We would recommend the glove to those who both like the color and need one of the most recognized quality 1-bag gloves on the market. As a 12-inch full leather glove, it is by no means light, but its heft adds to the durability. Expect, as well, a unique web lacing.
We referenced a number of sources while putting together this Wilson MC24 review. You may also find them helpful. Most useful was our review on the Wilson 2800. As it is a very similar pattern to the MC24, it comes with a very similar review and recommendation. We also found our Wilson Game Model Glove review helpful.
Miguel Cabrera’s Game Model glove is recommended for serious first basemen who like a full leather glove and Tigers’ colors. The MC24’s use of a single wide post on the web gives it a traditional feel with a very large opening.
No less than ten MLB players use the similarly designed Wilson 2800 glove. That serves as a serious testament to the productive 1st base pattern found in the MC24 (and the 2800).
A2000 Version
We should note, however, the MC24 stock model is an A2000 glove. That means it uses a Pro-Stock leather Wilson harvests specifically for use in its ball gloves. The stock A2000 leather is less premium than the A2K leather and is a far cry from the Pro Issue glove leather Miggy actually gets on his glove.
Game Models
The MC24 A2000 is often referred to under Wilson’s nomenclature as a Game Model glove. This means the glove is designed after the exact specs of the glove Miguel Cabrera uses in real life. This is mostly true. The glove’s dimensions, color schemes and lace patterns are built to the exact specifications Miggy finds in his glove. To the untrained eye, the gloves look similar, as they are built to look that way.
However, although they do have much in common, the A2000 Miggy wears on game days employs a Pro-Issue leather only reserved for the best gloves. Wilson does not, for example, simply take one of the A2000’s off the assembly line and ship it to the Tigers’ club house. Rather, the Pro-Issue MC24 you see on Cabrera’s hands are not for sale to the public and come with a premium leather and work in. The A2000 use nice leather for sure, but it is not a Pro-Issue glove.
At least in terms of leather quality, the most similar glove to the Pro-Issue MC24 is the A2K 2800. In terms of color design and lace pattern, the A2000 MC24 is your best bet.
Wilson MC24 A2000 Review: Comparable Gloves
A2K & A2000 2800
The Wilson 2800 is a similarly patterned first baseman’s glove to the MC24. However, the 2800 comes in an A2K as well as an A2000 model, whereas the MC24 only comes in an A2000. As well, the MC24 uses a different lace pattern for the single post web as well as a wider single bar. Those two features are things Miguel Cabrera requested specifically.
In practice, the A2K is more like Cabrera’s actual game model glove as it comes stock with the Pro-Stock Preferred Leather. Miggy’s real game MC24 comes with Pro-Issued leather which is another step above the A2K’s leather. The A2000 Game Model version of the MC24 uses quality leather, no doubt, but it is a far cry from the A2K stock leather and an even farther cry from the Pro-Issue leather Miggy has on his gloves.
As we write in our 2800 review, the most comparable glove to the Wilson 2800 outside of the Wilson brand is the Shoeless 1200FB. It also runs a 12-inch design with a single post webbing. However, Shoeless uses the faux leather on the backhand of the wrist while A2K’s and A2000 use a dry system. It is a much different feel, at least at first use.
The leather on the A2000 MC24 and the 12000FB Shoeless is comparable. Of course each company will argue their leather is better, but it is a comparable glove in quality to the A2000.
Wilson’s 1799 glove stands as a classic example of an outfielder’s glove. It runs a 12.75 inch length with a massive dual post pocket design. The 1799 is so popular, it is one of only three gloves Wilson offers in an A2K, A2000 and an A2000 Superskin. The other two (1786 and DP15) are infield gloves. The Wilson 1799 classic design, big pocket and good wide measurement make recommending the glove easy enough. Serious outfielders at nearly every level of the sport should have this on their short list. After some use, discussions with manufacturer, major vendors and players on the glove, we write this Wilson 1799 review.
As the most popular outfield glove from the most popular glove brand the in the world, the Wilson 1799 pattern is rather simple to recommend. In short, serious outfielders who want a classic feel and traditionally sized outfield glove should really consider the 1799. As a 12.75-inch dual post glove in a near full catalog of model lines, the only real struggle is to decide if you want an A2K, A2000 or A2000 Superskin.
A2K 1799 Review
The A2K offers the unique advantage of the best leather Wilson produces. We use the word produces instead of uses because Wilson literally owns the cows in Japan that produce this leather. The Pro-Stock Preferred leather found on the A2K is the top 3% of leather found within their system. As a stock model glove, it is the nicest leather an individual can buy.
As well, the 1799 A2K uses a double layer of leather on the palm. Compared to the A2000 or A2000SS, this gives a slightly thicker feeling with the added padding. However, it also forces a longer break in period.
The A2000 is the traditional feel that made Wilson gloves famous. Of the twenty some odd MLB outfielders who use the 1799, almost fifteen use the A2000 version of the 1799.
We should note, the A2000 Pro-Issue version has a thinner palm, and it does not get the same leather that stock A2000 gloves get from the local sporting goods store. Rather, Pro-Issue versions of any A2000 are specially made for a specific player in terms of how well it is broken in and its use of premium leather. In other words, don’t think your A2000 1799 is the exact quality of glove the pros get. Yours will be a fine glove no doubt, but until you sign that Big League contract, expect gear not quite as impressive as what’s on the hands of the pros.
The Superskin 1799’s most notable feature, like all A2000 Superskins in the Wilson line up, is the use of a synthetic material on the backhand of the glove. This improves the durability of the glove, keeps it drier in wetter conditions compared to a full leather glove and also benefits mobility by creating a lighter glove.
As a general rule, many infielders—especially second basemen—prefer this feature. But, we have yet to see a pro guy use it in the outfield.
We did not mention Hanley Ramirez’s glove in the above as it is not offered by Wilson any longer. But, you can still find some of the HR13 in a few stores. It is the Game Model glove design of Ramirez and for all intents and purposes, is the 1799 A2000 Superskin. The obvious exception being the colors that match the Boston Redsox.
Wilson’s OT6 is another 12.75-inch glove in the outfield space that Wilson produces. It comes in an A2000 and A2000SS only and uses a pro-lace web design with no top cross bar. It is not as popular as the 1799, but at least for some, has the draw of a more flashy web design.
Outside of the Wilson brand we struggled to find a dual post web on a 12.75-inch glove design. Don’t get us wrong, there are many 12.75 inch gloves focused on outfield play. But only one, as far as we could tell, also used a dual post design for the wider pocket and good durability. That glove was SSK’s Professional 12.75-inch outfield glove. SSK makes good stuff, and if these are the exact specs you want on a glove, it will come down to the 1799 in an A2K, A2000, A2000SS or the SSK 12.75 outfield glove.
If any glove stands out in the Wilson infield line up, it is easily the A2K DW5. As a 12-inch, dual post web infield glove, there really are no comparable options within Wilson or the industry at large. We have spent enough time considering the glove, and speaking with major vendors and Wilson directly, to make some recommendations. On the whole, bigger third basemen with great glove skills, or the player looking for a first/third glove might find it the right fit. They also, of course, need to like the Mets’ colors. Our full Wilson A2K DW5 glove review is below.
As the largest infield glove any company makes, the DW5 is a unique fit for a unique player. We would recommend the glove for a serious third baseman who has some size to him. It may also serve the utility thirdbaseman/outfielder well. Additionally, we can envision an infielder who occasionally plays first base and only wants one glove, using the DW5 on third as well as first.
The dual post web design gives great durability and easy access to the ball on the hot corner. It is not, however, recommended for middle infielders who need a glove flip occasionally. Nor is it ideal for pitchers who like to hide the ball in the glove during the windup.
Wilson A2K DW5 Glove Comparable Gloves
A 12-inch glove for a third-baseman is a unique size. So unique, in fact, we struggle to locate any company that makes a similar glove. Sure, other companies make 12-inch gloves, but they come with a pitcher’s web or an outfield lace design. No glove we can find in a dual post or single post web design also comes in a 12-inch top shelf glove.
The most comparable glove, if we were forced to choose, is the Wilson B212. That glove, however, is a pitcher’s glove and has a closed web design. But, it is a 12-inch glove and is offered in an A2K. If you are willing to go a bit shorter, Wilson’s EL3 Game Model glove (review) is a single post web design in an 11.75-inch design, though it only comes in an A2000.
The A2K DW5 fits two major categories of Wilson top shelf gloves. The first is the A2K category. The second is the Game Model glove category. We discuss both in more detail below. You can also read more in depth information about each category in their respective full reviews. (A2K Reviews, Game Model Reviews).
A2K Pro-Stock Preferred Leather
The most distinct feature of Wilson’s A2K gloves is the use of a premium leather not found on the A2000. Wilson refers to this as the Pro-Stock Preferred, which is specially selected from the leather Wilson uses for the A2000. You can expect the leather on your A2K DW5 to be the best available in a stock model.
As well, the A2K’s have a thicker palm as they have a double layer of leather. This improves durability, but also increases the amount of time it takes to break in the glove.
Game Model
Wilson takes a few select patterns in their enormous glove line and assigns them to pro players. Some of those patterns have unique features, others are simply the same as other gloves in the line with an upgraded pattern color.
Unlike, for example, the Jose Altuve glove which is ultimately a 1786 with a different color design, David Wright’s Wilson glove uses a unique design AND a color upgrade. No other glove pattern in the line comes in a 12-inch dual post design.
Although most shortstops prefer an 11.5-inch glove, even in the MLB, Carlos Correa prefers an 11.75-inch. His specific Game Model, a Wilson A2000 with an H-Web called the CC1, is the same pattern as the 1787 but with A2000 features and Houston Astros’ flare. The all leather design and open pocket is recommended for short stops and third basemen who want to handle a bigger glove, prefer quick ball access and need something remarkably durable. In more detail, below is our Wilson A2000 Carlos Correa Glove Review.
Without hesitation, we would recommend the CC1 to any short stop or third baseman who wants a top shelf glove in an 11.75-inch. If they like the color design, it is a serious plus.
Middle infielders tend to prefer the H-Web for its shorter pocket. It allows for easier flips than a more traditional single post design found on more traditional third baseman’s gloves. However, that does not mean it won’t work just fine for any given third baseman.
Wilson A2000 Carlos Correa Glove Comparable Gloves
Within the Wilson line of gloves, the A2000 1787 is an exact functional replica of the CC1 Game Model glove. However, the 1787 only comes in a Superskin or A2K version. As such, the CC1 is the only real 1787 A2000. If you don’t like Superskin or don’t want to pay the A2K premium price, then the CC1 is your answer.
Outside Wilson, not many companies offer a traditional H-Web on an 11.75-inch utility infield glove. We could find only two. The first is likely the most similar model. Marucci’s Honor the Game series has an H-Web on a 11.75-inch glove. It is the same price as the CC1.
Rawlings has a top shelf Wing Tip Pro Preferred 11.75-inch utility infield glove with an H-Web. In terms of price and attention to detail, it is more similar to the A2K version of the 1787 than the A2000 CC1.
Wilson A2000 Carlos Correa Glove Features & Sizing
Correa’s CC1 Wilson game model is an 11.75-inch utility infield glove. It uses a traditional middle infield H-webbing that makes flips and quick ball access simpler, yet the 11.75-inch is more of a third base size.
The wrist padding is not traditional faux fur, like many other gloves attempt to insinuate. A2000 gloves come with a wrist vent system we believe is more durable and comfortable than the faux fur.
A2000 Pro-Stock Leather
The A2000 CC1 comes with the traditional A2000 setup. That includes Pro-Stock leather harvested from proprietary cows Wilson has exclusive access to in Japan. A2000’s also mean precise craftsmanship that is well known and respected within the industry. It is the standard other companies attempt to meet.
This is a step above A1K Gloves, but a step below the A2K stock premium leather.
Game Model
The CC1 is classified as a Game Model glove for Wilson. As a replica of Carlos Correa’s game used glove, that makes enough sense. However, do note that real game model gloves issued to the pros are stamped with a Pro-Issue on the inside of the wrist strap. These gloves are given special attention and the best of the best leather available.
This is not to say this Game Model A2000 CC1 is not great stuff. Indeed, it is. But it is a stock glove produced in serious quantities. They did not simply take one off the stock models off the assembly line tables and ship it to the Correa address.
Jose Altuve’s A2000 glove from Wilson is an 11.5-inch glove built much like the famous A2000 1786 pattern from Wilson. That is, it uses an I-Web design and a Pro-Stock leather with dual welting on the backhand. The major difference is the Houston Astros color design on a stock offering from Wilson. As such, we would recommend his glove, technically known as the A2000 JA27, to middle infielders who prefer an 11.5-inch glove. The occasional third baseman who likes a 11.5-inch glove may find it useful too.
Within this site, we relied heavily on our Wilson Game Model Review page as well as our Wilson A2000 Review article to put together this Wilson A2000 Jose Altuve Review page. They helped to keep thing straight and make sure we had correct model numbers and comparison information. Oh, also our Wilson 1786 Review too.
Much like the A2000 1786, the JA27 is recommended for middle infield players that like a full leather glove. It could be considered a utility infield glove, as it could be used by the occasional third baseman or middle infielder who gets some reps at the hot corner.
The use of Wilson’s traditional H-Web design is a preference for most middle infielders who like to see the ball from the outside. As well, the 11.5-inch length is what the majority of infielders prefer.
In short, any one looking for a top flight utility infield glove with great craftsmanship, who also likes the colors of the Houston Astros on their mitt, will be quite happy with the JA27 from Wilson.
Wilson A2000 Jose Altuve Sizing & Pattern
The JA27 is an 11.5-inch glove with an open webbing. The webbing pattern is referred to as either an I-web or an H-web depending on how you look at it. The construction, in terms of the finger shapes and pocket depth, are identical to the 1786 A2000 Wilson also makes. Expect a medium depth pocket.
The 1786 is Wilson’s most popular glove. We like to think that is because it is also the most versatile glove. It is a very traditionally shaped infield glove that can work just about anywhere on the field. We know of no one left unimpressed with the A2000 JA27 feel, look and pattern.
As a traditional A2000, the JA27 comes with some specific features that are worth discussing. These features separate this glove from the Superskin models and A2K models Wilson also makes.
A2000 Features
The base A2000 model uses a Pro-Stock leather. This leather is a proprietary breed of cattle found in Japan that Wilson harvests specifically for use on Wilson ball gloves. In the Industry, it has become synonymous with durability and a fantastic feel. The A2000 JA27 uses this exact leather.
It does not, we should note, come with the Pro-Stock Preferred Leather found on A2K gloves. This Pro-Stock Preferred is a step above the A2000 stock leather in terms of premium quality. In fact, the JA27 does not come in a stock A2K version at all.
Game Model
Wilson’s Jose Altuve glove is categorized as a Game Model glove. A Game Model glove means it is patterned exactly after the same version Altuve takes to the field. Altuve definitely takes an A2000 glove designed exactly like the one we are discussing here. But we should also note, his exact gloves are marked Pro Issue. Pro Issue gloves get special attention and only the best of the best leather. The A2000 JA27 you can find at your local sporting goods store is a stock version of the glove. The stock versions are outstanding gloves, but let’s not get carried away thinking we have Altuve’s actual glove.
Wilson A2000 Jose Altuve Comparable Gloves
Within the Wilson brand, the most comparable glove to the Wilson A2000 Jose Altuve Game Model glove is the A2000 1786. In fact, those gloves are identical in terms of their construction. They only differ in their color up. At the time of this writing, Wilson actively produces and sells two A2000 1786 gloves. One from 2017 and the other from 2016. Both are identical.
If you would like a glove a little lighter than the A2000 JA27, then the RC22 (Robinson Cano’s Game Model) might be a good choice. It uses the same pattern but employs a Superskin backing instead of full leather. As well, if you want the Pro-Stock Preferred leather then you may consider the 1786 in an A2K version.
If it is an 11.5-inch middle infield glove you are looking for, then you really cannot go wrong with any of those gloves.
Wilson A1K Gloves are youth focused mitts that use a tapered opening for smaller hands. At a fraction of the price when compared to the A2K and A2000, the A1K is a reasonable choice for a growing player who needs quality in a certain size for only a defined number of years. Our experience with the glove line is generally positive. Although we wish there were more pattern options, the price point and general quality makes this a legit value purchase. More depth is found in the below Wilson A1K Glove Review.
We relied heavily on two outside sources for this Wilson A1K Glove Review. The first is Wilson’s A1K product section. There we found serial numbers and model options, as well as a few pictures. The second is Amazon’s user reviews and product descriptions. It was helpful in terms of what parents tended to prefer and to observe any issues with durability. Within this site, we found our Wilson A2K Glove Review and our Wilson A2000 Glove review helpful resources. Also, our DP15 review was a useful reminder too.
Wilson A1K Glove Review
General A1K Sizing
The Wilson A1K Glove, like the A2K or A2000, represents an entire line of gloves at Wilson. There are currently 5 design models in the line. Two are infield gloves (DP15 and 1788). The 1788 is an 11.25-inch middle infield glove, while the DP15 is an 11.5-inch infield glove. The other three gloves in the line consist of one pitcher’s glove (the 11.25-inch B2 ), one catcher’s mitt (the 33-inch CM) and one outfield glove (the 12.25-inch 1225).
Wilson A1K Construction
The A1K’s are known for their small wrist slot and shorter finger stalls. Compared to adult gloves you can also expect a thinner palm for an easier break-in. These specific features tailor to the younger generation of players looking for that Wilson feel and style, but who don’t have the size, budget or patience for the A2K’s or A2000 series.
The designs of each A1K are built after the A2000 or A2K’s Wilson also makes. We discuss each in detail below.
Wilson A1K vs A2000 Differences
There are a few significant differences between the A2000 and the A1K. For starters, the A1K uses a quality rawhide leather while the A2000 uses a premium Pro-Stock leather. In terms of durability and consistency they are quite a bit different. However, that does not mean an A1K will not serve the younger player perfectly well. It is probable many of them will not be able to tell the difference.
Additionally, all A1K models come with a tighter wrist slot and a lower knuckle bridge. You can only find that feature in the DP15 A2000 that uses Dustin Pedroia’s famous tight fit. This smaller hand way is obviously built for smaller and smaller players.
Another serious feature difference in the A1K vs the A2000 is the thinner palm found in the A1K. A thinner palm allows for a much quicker break in period which, again, is helpful for younger players.
As well, the number of size and pattern offerings in the A2000 dwarf that of the A1K. The A2000 has well over 20 while the A1K has 5. Also, many A2000 patterns come in a Superskin option. No A1K has yet to see a Superskin backing.
Overall, the A1K is a noticeable drop in quality when compared to the A2000. But that comes with an accompanying drop in price. This does not mean the A1K is not recommendable. Indeed, for many players transitioning through travel ball, the A1K is a great choice.
Wilson A1K vs A2K Differences
Many of the same differences found from the A1K to the A2000 are in the A1K to A2K. For example, the A1K uses a smaller wrist slot and shorter finger stalls on all of the models. The A2K, save the DP15, has longer finger stalls and a wider wrist slot. Also, the A2K uses premier leather only available to Wilson while the A1K uses a select rawhide leather available to many glove manufacturers. The A2K comes in a number of patterns while the A1K comes in only five.
Although the A1K’s quality is lacking when compared to the A2K, it does not follow that the A1K is not a useful glove. Indeed, if you are a youth player transitioning through leagues and body sizes, the A1K may be the perfect fit for a year or two. As well, the prices on the A1K are attractive enough options for youth players before settling on the positional glove of a high school player.
Wilson A1K Gloves: Pattern Overviews
1788
As an 11.25-inch middle infield glove, the 1788 pattern from Wilson is designed for second basemen. It is the smallest glove Wilson makes, and as such, the lightest too. The A1K version of the glove also comes with the smaller wrist slot not found on the A2000 or A2K. Although a third baseman could get away with this glove at younger levels, it is really designed for the kind of mobility middle infield requires to be successful.
Wilson’s DP15 pattern is its most popular across this line. It is designed after Dustin Pedroia’s Game Model gloves. In the A1K versions, it comes in three colors (red, black and the blue pictured above). Expect a small wrist slot and short finger stalls on this 11.5-inch infield glove. It should be considered a utility infield glove. We have yet to hear anyone actually disappointed in the A1K DP15.
The B2 is the original pitcher’s glove pattern from Wilson. Famous, most likely, for the pattern Clayton Kershaw uses today, the B2 is a dual web glove that hides the ball completely from the batter. it is an 11.75 inch glove that gives enough mobility to make plays. It comes, like all A1K gloves, with shorter finger stalls and the tapered (aka Pedroia) fit.
The 1225 outfield glove from Wilson is built like the KP92 in the A2K. It is a 12.25-inch outfield glove built with a single post and dual lacing. Expect, like all A1K gloves, a tighter fit on the wrist and shorter finger stalls for a smaller hand.
Built after the A2000’s CM33, the A1K 33 Catcher’s mitt is a traditionally shaped, half moon web glove meant for intermediate play. The wrist slot is tighter and the finger stalls are shorter when compared to the A2000 CM33. But aside from the color, all other pattern features are the same.
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