Wilson A1K Glove Review

Price Check

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.

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Wilson A1K Glove Reviews Article Contents

Wilson A1K Glove Reviews Sources

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.

Price check the A1K 1788

DP15

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.

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B2

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.

Price check the Wilson A1K B2

1225

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.

Price check the Wilson A1K 1225

CM

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.

Price check the Wilson A1K CM33