As more brands compete for the youth baseball glove niche, Akadema uses innovation to stay above the game. Admittedly, this approach saw the launch of the Akadema Rookie Series Youth Baseball Glove series. This glove series replicates Manny Ramirez’s gloves, to introduce young players to expert baseball practice.
So, what is unique about these gloves?
In this quick review, we will look at the various traits of the gloves in this series, compare them with an equally performing series, and give you a verdict. Let’s get to it!
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The Dimensions
As the name suggests these Akadema Rookie Series Youth Baseball Glove series targets amateur players between the age of six years and nine years. At this age, the player is still experimenting with numerous gloves before settling for one that fits perfectly. Hence, this series gives the player a head start in the game.
There are three types of gloves in this series.
- A 10.5″ mitt
- An 11″ mitt in the black colorway
- And an extra 11″ mitt in colorful blue shade
These unisex sizes are ideal for the infielder, outfielder, and pitcher positions.
Material
The Akadema Rookie Series uses the full-grain soft leather, a preferred fabric that lasts for several seasons. Since the player relies on the palm and web sections for protection and visibility, this material provides firm and dense support, protecting the athlete from massive throws. Both, this relatively large mass works well in the back sections.
In addition, it is custom-built, ensuring the glove breaks in with ease. Parents and coaches can rest assured knowing the gloves are in a game-ready condition, straight from the box. Besides, its superior quality can withstand the many mishaps common in the target age bracket. Hence, the young players are exposed to a pro-level glove at an early age.
H-Web Pattern
For an amateur player who is yet to anticipate the throws, this gloves’ H-web pattern is a see-through design that is essential during pop-ups. With this glove, the player shields their eyes from direct sunlight, as they track a highflying ball.
Besides, the trim works perfectly with all the series positions. Hence, the young player will have a smooth transition to either the infield or the outfield position later on when he specializes in one. Eventually, this pattern customizes the pocket to medium size.
Wrist Adjustment Mechanism
Is your young player yet to master his catches and throws? Then, let the Akadema Rookie series gloves’ wrist adjustment system complement his efforts. Yes, these gloves’ Grasp and Clasp wrist fitting system lock the child’s hand firmly in the mitt. As a result, the fitting system provides a stable fit throughout the game or a training session.
This steadfast fitting also ensures the glove does not slip or slide during a catch or a throw. Besides, the mechanism is easy to operate. In addition, it has a smaller hand opening, coupled with tighter fingerstalls, fitting the target age group.
So what happens if the child’s hand is still too petite?
Well, the gloves come with an adjustable Velcro Wrist Strap that enables the child to wear and remove the glove with ease.
Open Back
Does your young athlete struggle with making quick turns? The Akadema Rookie Series Youth Baseball Gloves retail with a conventional open back. This design offers the player greater flexibility. He/she can make quick throws and transfers to the left hand.
At the same time, he/she sees and catches pop-flys in good time. This design has a free flow of air into and out of the glove throughout the game or training. This way, the player remains comfortable as they play.
Padding
As kids experiment with the game, they are susceptible to minor injuries and bruises. Hence, having a baseball glove with adequate cushion is vital at this stage of the game. The Akadema Rookie Series Youth Baseball Glove features a generous padding, to protect the fragile hands from hard throws.
Hand Orientation
All the Akadema Rookie Series Youth Baseball Gloves are worn on the right hand for left-handed players.
Comparison with the Vinci 22 Series RV1923-22 12.5″ Fielder’s Glove
The Vinci 22 Series RV1923-22 is yet another equally high performance glove for the amateur players. Like the Akadema Rookie Series Youth Baseball Glove, this mitt works well for both outfield baseball position and the infield and outfield fastpitch and slowpitch softball positions.
In addition, it consists of a conventional open back pattern that increases the player’s flexibility and the glove’s breathability. Moreover, its H-web pattern protects the eyes while providing a better view of fly balls.
Its premium steer hide leather fabric also ensures the gloves are of expert quality. Besides, the gloves retail with a year’s manufacturer warranty.
However, the Vinci 22 Series uses softer yet premium quality steer hide leather. This leather retails in a pre-treated condition cutting on the break in time. In addition, it has numerous shock pads under the palm lining. These pads extend over a large area of the hand, cushioning the player from harsh throws.
Pros
- Affordable
- Light and durable
- Retails in a game-ready condition
- Ideal for 6 – 9 year olds
- Wrist adjustment system easy to use
- Retails with 100 days money back guarantee
- Ideal for both baseball and softball players
Cons
- Right hand orientation only
The Verdict
The Akadema Rookie Series Youth Baseball Glove is an excellent beginner glove for all positions. This glove is comfortable and adjusts to fit hands that are smaller than the standard size. The only downside is that it is only available for right-hand throws. However, you can rest assured knowing notable players like Bryce Harper, Mark Melencon, and Cameron Maybin have endorsed this glove.
Are you a coach mentoring young players who want to play like their favorite pro-level players? Then, I suggest using the Akadema Rookie Series Youth Baseball Glove series. This review sought to highlight the glove series’ attractive features that retail at a reasonable price. Besides, the glove is ideal for all baseball positions.
Hello! It is a timely post for my family right now! We were just talking about baseball gloves for our littles, ages 4 and 8. I like what you’re presenting in your review. The price is fair, and I like that it offers nice padding. However, my little guy is a lefty! I guess I’ll have to keep searching for a glove for him! Thanks for posting this review! Blessings!
Hello, and thank you for this comment.
Thank you for your kind words.
One of the pros with these gloves if that it is both for left and right-handed. So it is not a problem. But you are right that it is a lot of gloves that are only for right handed.
Don´t hesitate to contact me if I can help you with anything else, or if you have any questions.
I really am attracted to this beautiful baseball glove. In the game, the glove is essential, and so the manufacturers have to make use of topnotch materials for them. Seeing that this company has passed in that is very good. This one I’ll get for my cousin. He’s 7, so I guess it works well. It’s even perfect because you say anyone can use it. Thanks for the information about the glove and I’m happy you could share. Cheers!
Hello John, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don´t hesitate to contact me if I can help you with anything else, or if you have any questions.
Wow, money back for this baseball glove? Will that really be necessary because, from everything you say here, this glove looks like the real bomb. The adjustable wrist feature is something I don’t see in some gloves for kids like this, and the manufacturers make use of rubber which can be painful for them at a point in the game. It is a good thing that alongside you, other top players have recommended the glove too. It’s a great one from Akadema to make a top notcher in the market. Gold review too
Hello Henderson, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don´t hesitate to contact me if I can help you with anything else, or if you have any questions.