Easton PROFESSIONAL COLLECTION Fastpitch Softball Glove: Your Path to Superior Fielding

In the competitive sphere of fastpitch softball, having top-notch equipment is crucial to performance. The quality of a player's glove can significantly affect their game, and the Easton PROFESSIONAL COLLECTION Fastpitch Softball Glove is a testament to this fact.

Made from high-grade materials, this glove is designed to meet the demands of serious athletes. It features position-specific patterns and a fit catered to the female athlete's hand.

Our experience with the Easton PROFESSIONAL COLLECTION has shown us that attention to detail can make a considerable difference. The glove boasts a construction of Premium Reserve™ USA steer hide leather, which is not only durable but also provides the softness and flexibility needed for quick plays. Reinforced with pro-grade laces, these gloves ensure longevity and resilience, attributes that are non-negotiable for players committed to their craft.

We've observed that the glove's Quantum Closure System brings a customizable fit to the table, enhancing grip and control. This level of customization is integral for players to feel confident and comfortable during the game.

Our commitment to quality aligns perfectly with the Easton PROFESSIONAL COLLECTION, making it a glove we frequently recommend to players aiming to elevate their performance.

Design and Materials

The Easton PROFESSIONAL COLLECTION Fastpitch Softball Glove stands out with its impeccable design and high-quality materials. Each component is strategically chosen for durability and performance.

Leather Quality

The main material, Premium Reserve USA Steer Hide Leather, is renowned for its strength and ability to mold to the player's hand over time. This leather ensures a comfortable fit and enhances the glove's longevity.

The interior of the glove features a Cowhide Palm Lining which adds an extra layer of comfort and stability, making it a reliable choice for serious athletes.

Welting and Laces

For reinforcement, Steer Hide Binding is utilized along the glove's edges, which not only supports the glove's shape but also withstands the wear and tear of frequent play.

The glove is stitched together with Pro-Grade Rawhide Lace, prized for its tight grain structure that offers both flexibility and toughness. This keeps the glove secure and maintains pocket formation, directly influencing a player's performance.

Fit and Comfort

When we examine the Easton PROFESSIONAL COLLECTION Fastpitch Softball Glove, we're looking at an exceptional fusion of fit and comfort, specifically tailored for the female athlete. The glove's construction provides a custom feel that's secure and snug without sacrificing the flexibility needed on the field.

Quantum Closure System

Our Quantum Closure System brings a significant advancement in glove fit and security. This particular mechanism allows for quick and precise adjustments, ensuring the glove fits perfectly to our hand's shape and size.

The adjustable open back design offers us the flexibility to tighten or loosen the fit, giving us ultimate control and the comfort we expect from a custom glove experience.

Female Hand Fit

The Easton PROFESSIONAL COLLECTION Fastpitch Softball Glove takes into account the unique ergonomics of a female hand. It's not only about downsizing but about redefining the architecture of the glove to fit us more naturally.

This results in a glove that contours to our hands, providing a level of comfort that allows us to focus entirely on the game without being distracted by a poor fit.

Glove Types by Position

As we explore the various types of Easton Professional Collection Fastpitch Softball Gloves, it's important to note that specific positions on the field dictate the design and features of each glove. Let’s focus on how each glove category meets the unique demands of its respective position in fastpitch softball.

Infield Gloves

Infielders at positions like second base (2B) and third base (3B) typically prefer gloves that are smaller in size, usually ranging from 11.5 to 12 inches, allowing for quick ball transfer. Infield gloves also tend to have shallower pockets, optimal for snappy catches and fast throws across the diamond.

Outfield Gloves

Outfield gloves are designed with a deeper pocket and longer length, from 12.5 to 13 inches, to enable outfielders to catch fly balls and line drives. Their size helps extend reach and provides extra support to secure catches from high-flying balls.

Pitcher's Gloves

Pitcher's gloves are usually sized similarly to infield gloves but with a closed web design to conceal the ball from the batter’s view. These gloves balance the need for discretion with swift ball handling, facilitating quick and secret pitch changes.

Catcher's Mitts

Catcher's mitts are distinct with extra padding and a claw-like shape to withstand high-velocity pitches. With a focus on durability and protection, they lack individual fingers and revolve around securing pitches, framing, and quick ball retrieval.

First Base Gloves

First base gloves are unique, combining the design elements of catcher’s mitts with fielding gloves. They come with a longer length, around 12 to 13 inches, and a larger pocket to improve scooping of throws in the dirt while maintaining the ability to catch and tag swiftly.

Durability and Maintenance

In our experience with the Easton Professional Collection Fastpitch Softball Glove, we’ve found that its durability is a key selling point, supported by high-quality materials that contribute to the longevity of the glove.

Longevity of the Glove

The Easton Professional Collection Glove is meticulously crafted with Reformulated Premium Reserve USA steer hide leather, which ensures a stiffer feel critical for maintaining shape. Ongoing usage tends to soften the leather, but it remains robust enough to endure the rigors of fastpitch softball, allowing you to rely on its structure game after game.

Proper Care Practices

To maintain the glove's integrity, proper care practices are crucial. Here's what we recommend:

• Clean the glove after each use to remove dirt and sweat, using a damp cloth and mild soap.
• Apply a quality leather conditioner regularly to prevent the leather from drying out or becoming too stiff, which helps preserve the glove's durability.
• Store the glove in a cool, dry environment to prevent the leather from warping or deteriorating, ensuring the longevity of your glove is not compromised.

Sizing and Fit Guide

When it comes to selecting the right fastpitch softball glove, we understand that fit and sizing are essential. The Easton Professional Collection Fastpitch Glove offers a range of sizes to ensure optimal performance and comfort on the field.

Age and Size Recommendations

12U Players:For athletes 12 years old and under, glove sizes typically range between 10.5" and 11". It's important that the glove fits snugly, as this will help with control and handling while playing.

14U Players:For players in the 14U age group, we recommend glove sizes between 11" and 11.5" to properly accommodate their hand growth and skill development.

The fit of a glove is crucial, regardless of age. Each Easton Professional Collection Fastpitch Glove is designed with a Quantum Closure System, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for any hand size. We've identified the appropriate glove size for each age group to help female athletes perform their best. Here's a quick reference:

Player Experience and Skill Level

The right equipment can significantly impact performance in fastpitch softball. The Easton Professional Collection Fastpitch Softball Glove is a testament to this, catering to players who strive for top-tier functionality and ergonomic fit.

High School and Collegiate Play

For high school and collegiate athletes, having a glove that provides a snugger fit tailored to a female hand is crucial in competitive play. The Easton Professional Collection is designed specifically for this demographic, ensuring that players experience maximum control and comfort.

The glove's quality materials, such as premium Reserve USA steer hide leather and professional-grade USA-tanned rawhide lace, enhance durability for rigorous daily training and matches.

Professional and Advanced Training

At the professional level and during advanced training, the difference between good and exceptional can hinge on the details of one's equipment.

The glove's craftsmanship offers features sought by elite players, including a 12-inch pitcher's glove optimal for pitchers and infielders.

We appreciate that this series has been inspired and tested by Easton’s team of pro softball stars, which translates directly to confidence in the field for both training and high-stakes games.

Accessories and Gear

When we step onto the field, our equipment extends beyond just the glove.

We ensure our gear is cohesive, functional, and offers complete protection.

Here's how we coordinate our equipment and select our apparel and protective gear.

Coordinating Equipment

• Bats: We select bats that complement our Easton PROFESSIONAL COLLECTION Fastpitch Softball Glove, prioritizing balanced weight and comfort. For instance, we might choose an Easton Ghost bat known for its advanced barrel technology.
• Batting Gloves: We traditionally match these with our Easton glove, opting for styles that ensure grip and durability. Easton's Batting Gloves offer a tight, skin-like fit enhancing our control and feel.
• Bags: Our team bags are spacious enough to hold all our essentials, including our Easton PROFESSIONAL COLLECTION Glove, helmets, and bats. They come with separate compartments to keep equipment organized.

Apparel and Protective Gear

• Helmets: Safety is our top priority, so our helmets are engineered for both protection and comfort. An Easton helmet with a snug fit and ample ventilation is what we wear.
• Chest Protectors: We use chest protectors that provide full coverage without restricting our mobility. They should also have moisture-wicking properties to keep us dry.
• Apparel: Our uniforms are about comfort and flexibility. We ensure our apparel allows a broad range of motion to complement the demands of the game.

Our approach to selecting accessories and gear is methodical and deliberate, ensuring each piece works harmoniously for optimal performance and safety.

Purchasing and Value

When considering the acquisition of an Easton PROFESSIONAL COLLECTION Fastpitch Softball Glove, we need to take into account the aspects that contribute to its value.

These include not only the price and potential discounts but also the warranties and shipping options provided.

Price and Discounts

The Easton PROFESSIONAL COLLECTION Fastpitch Softball Glove typically commands a premium price due to its high-quality materials and professional design.

However, discounts may be available, especially during certain times of the year such as the holiday season or during special promotional events.

It's worth noting that shopping on platforms like eBay or Amazon can sometimes yield a lower price point due to marketplace competition.

• Standard Price: $XXX.XX
• Current Discounts: Up to XX% off on select online retailers

Warranty and Shipping Options

We stand by the quality of our products, and the Easton PROFESSIONAL COLLECTION Fastpitch Softball Glove is no exception.

It comes with a manufacturer's warranty that protects you against defects or workmanship issues.

Alongside this, we look for retailers offering free shipping to enhance the value of your purchase.

Always check for the retailer's shipping policy to ensure the best deal.

Customer satisfaction is often reflected in the reviews, with many buyers highlighting the customer service experience and return policies.

• Warranty: XX years against manufacturing defects
• Shipping: Free shipping available with select retailers; check Softball.com for current options

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we'll answer some common questions about the Easton Professional Collection Fastpitch Softball Glove and what sets it apart in the world of fastpitch softball equipment.

What are the distinguishing features of the Professional Collection Fastpitch Softball Glove for women by Easton?

The Easton Professional Collection Fastpitch Softball Gloves for women are designed with a smaller hand opening and tailored finger stalls to fit the female hand. They are crafted with Premium Reserve™ USA steer hide leather for durability and performance.

How do the Easton Professional Collection Fastpitch Softball Gloves for youth differ from adult models?

Our youth models of the Easton Professional Collection Fastpitch Softball Gloves feature similar premium materials as the adult versions but are sized specifically to fit younger players' hands. They offer a more snug fit and a proper balance to help young athletes develop their skills with confidence.

What are the key improvements in the Easton Professional Collection Fastpitch Softball Glove 2021 model?

The 2021 model of the Easton Professional Collection Fastpitch Softball Glove introduced increased padding in the palm and finger areas for better protection and comfort, along with more flexible and easier-to-close designs to enhance player control and performance.

How does the Easton Professional Collection compare to the Easton Fundamental Fastpitch Softball Glove series?

The Easton Professional Collection boasts a higher grade of leather, more advanced crafting, and features targeted at elite players who need top-tier performance. In contrast, the Easton Fundamental Fastpitch Softball Glove series is catered towards developing players emphasizing fundamental skills and affordability.

What factors should one consider when choosing the appropriate glove size for fastpitch softball?

When selecting a fastpitch softball glove size, one should consider the player's age, hand size, and the position they play. Infielders typically favor smaller gloves for quick ball transfer, while outfielders may opt for a larger glove for an extended reach.

Can you explain the characteristics that define an illegal softball glove in official games?

An illegal softball glove is one that does not meet the size, color, and material specifications outlined by league rules.

Glove color is often regulated to prevent distraction or confusion. There are limitations on webbing and pocket depth to ensure fair play.