Buying guide for Best youth batting gloves
From cleats to bats to batting helmets, baseball and softball require plenty of equipment for effective performance. If your child is a budding superstar on the field, you definitely don’t want to skimp on the gear that will keep them safe and help them be the best player they can be. That’s why you should add a quality pair of batting gloves to your kid’s equipment bag.
Youth batting gloves are necessary for Little Leaguers and other recreation league players because they help them get a better grip on the bat. Gloves can also prevent blisters, and some styles even have extra padding to protect little hands from injuries.
Finding the right youth baseball gloves for your child is crucial, though, because if the gloves don’t fit right, they could do more harm than good. And lower-quality gloves won’t last long, so you’ll have to replace them more often.
How to buy the best youth batting gloves
The benefits of using batting gloves
If you’re wondering why your child should wear batting gloves, it helps to understand their benefits.
Grip: The main reason youth baseball or softball players need quality batting gloves is to get a better grip on the bat. Gloves provide a barrier between sweaty hands and the bat, so the player can get a tight, controlled grip and improve their batting results.
Protection: Batting gloves also help protect the hands. The gloves can reduce the vibration and sting that occur when the bat makes contact with the ball. They also help prevent blisters. It’s also a good idea to wear batting gloves on the basepaths to protect the hands from friction burns when sliding into bases. Some batting gloves even have additional padding for greater protection.
Warmth: If your child plays baseball or softball in colder weather, batting gloves can help keep their hands warm on the field.
Sizing
Getting the right size batting gloves is essential. Gloves that are too large can shift around and affect the batter’s grip. If they’re too small, the gloves can be uncomfortable and prevent free range of motion.
To choose the right size, measure the length of your child’s hand. Place a tape measure at the base of the dominant hand and measure to the tip of the middle finger.
Most manufacturers offer a sizing chart to help you choose the correct size. For youth batting gloves, these are the most common size guidelines:
- Small (S) gloves fit hands that measure between 6 and 6.25 inches.
- Medium (M) gloves fit hands that measure between 6.25 and 6.5 inches.
- Large (L) gloves fit hands that measure between 6.5 and 6.75 inches.
- Extra-large (XL) gloves fit hands that measure between 6.75 and 7 inches.
What are youth batting gloves made of?
Youth batting gloves are usually made of leather or synthetic materials.
Leather batting gloves usually have the softest, most natural feel. Some players think they offer a better grip too.
Synthetic batting gloves are typically more flexible, which can make them more comfortable. They’re often easier to clean too.
Combination batting gloves have leather palms and synthetic fingers to offer the best of both materials.
Did You Know?
Some batting gloves have areas made of moisture-wicking materials to keep the hands from getting too sweaty.
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What features should I look for in youth batting gloves?
Wrist style
The wrist style of a pair of batting gloves is a key feature to consider because it can affect a player’s performance at the plate. Some youth batting gloves have a high-profile wrist design that provides some compression to offer more support while batting. However, batting gloves with a low-profile wrist allow for a fuller range of motion. If your child isn’t sure which wrist style they prefer, it might help to talk with their coach for suggestions.
Closure: Most youth batting gloves have hook-and-loop closures because they’re easy for children to adjust on their own. These closures can lose their grip over time, though, particularly if they get wet, so it’s important to keep the gloves as dry as possible.
Protection
Padding: Some batting gloves have additional padding across the back to help protect your child’s lead hand from suffering an injury if it’s hit by a pitch. The padding typically provides effective protection for the pinky, wrist, and back of the hand.
While it might seem like a no-brainer to choose gloves with extra padding, the added protection can make the gloves bulkier, so they might not be as comfortable. As a result, you might need to choose between the added safety and your child’s comfort.
Shield: Some batting gloves include a custom-molded shield that can be inserted in the back of the glove to provide even more protection from errant pitches. This feature isn’t as common in youth batting gloves, but you can find a few options with it.
Finger design
You can find some batting gloves with an articulated thumb that makes it easier to move the fingers in the glove. Some styles also have curved fingers that fit the natural curve of the hand and prevent the material from bunching up under the knuckles where it might cause blisters.
Color
Youth batting gloves come in plenty of color options. You can find neutral black, white, and gray gloves that can work with any color uniform or practice clothing. However, you can also find gloves in brighter colors like red, blue, orange, yellow, and even pink to match your child’s uniform more closely.
Leather batting gloves shrink extremely easily if exposed to heat, including hot water, so it’s important to care for them properly.
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Accessories
Youth baseball bat: To become a real slugger, your child needs a quality youth bat to go with their batting gloves and other equipment. Look for one that’s highly durable and is available in the right length for your child’s age.
Baseball glove: To play successful defense, your child needs a comfortable, high-quality baseball glove for fielding. You can find plenty of affordable options made of full-grain leather for excellent durability.
Baseball cleats: Cleats are another essential piece of equipment for baseball or softball because they provide effective traction on the field. Look for lightweight, comfortable cleats with a reinforced toe cap for extra protection.
Baseball bag: Having a dedicated bag for your child’s baseball or softball gear helps the equipment stay clean and in good condition. Look for padded straps to make carrying it more comfortable and a mesh pocket for airing out sweaty equipment.
Did You Know?
Many batting gloves have spandex around the joints to make it easier to flex the fingers and get a good grip on the bat.
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What do batting gloves cost?
Inexpensive
The most affordable youth batting gloves are made of synthetic materials. They generally aren’t as durable and don’t have special features like extra padding or an articulated thumb. You’ll typically pay between $10 and $20 for these gloves.
Mid-range
These youth batting gloves are made of higher-quality synthetic materials or a combination of synthetics and leather. They often have special features like extra padding, a protective shield, curved fingers, and articulated thumb. You’ll pay between $20 and $40 for these gloves.
Expensive
The most expensive youth batting gloves are made of leather or a combination of top-notch synthetic materials and leather. They have many special features, including extra padding, a protective shield, curved fingers, and an articulated thumb. You’ll pay between $40 and $60 for these gloves.
Tips
- Teach your child to clean their batting gloves regularly. This will help the gloves stay in good shape and last as long as possible. Waiting until the end of a season to clean the gloves is a bad idea.
- Clean loose dirt off the gloves after each use. Your child can hit the gloves against one another to knock off the dirt.
- Make sure the gloves are completely dry before storing them. Sweaty batting gloves can get stiff if they aren’t dried out properly.
- Buy two pairs of batting gloves. If your child plays baseball or softball regularly, it’s a good idea to invest in a couple of pairs of batting gloves. That way, they’ll always have one pair ready if the other requires cleaning.
FAQ
Q. How should a batting glove fit?
A. A batting glove should fit snugly, so there isn’t much extra material to bunch up around the hands. Gloves that are too large can cause blisters and other irritations. However, the gloves also shouldn’t be too tight. Gloves that are too small are uncomfortable and can make flexing the hands difficult.
Q. How long do batting gloves usually last?
A. That depends on the quality of the gloves and how often they’re used. If they’re only used for games and team practices, you’ll probably get a full season’s worth of use out of them. If your kids tend to wear them for other activities, you might have to replace them more often. Because kids are always growing, they can also outgrow their gloves. Batting gloves for teens and older players usually last longer.
Q. What’s the best way to clean batting gloves?
A. Always read the care instructions that come with the gloves so you know the best cleaning method. If your child has synthetic gloves, you can usually wipe them down with mild dish soap and water. For leather gloves, use a product specifically meant for conditioning and cleaning leather.
No matter what type of gloves you have, never clean them by submerging them in water. That means you shouldn’t give in to the temptation to throw them in the washing machine. It’s also important to let batting gloves dry fully before putting them away. It’s best to air-dry them away from direct sunlight. Never put them in the dryer, which can shrink them.
