Holding onto your baseball bat can be difficult sometimes depending on weather conditions or other unforeseeable factors. Having a pair of well-made batting gloves is crucial to your game. Batting gloves provide you with the ability to have a tight grip on your bat so you don’t lose control of it during your time at the plate. It is also a proactive method to avoid blisters from your baseball bat.
Top Batting Glove Comparison Chart
Furthermore, batting gloves can also protect the hand from the demanding and aggressive motions of batting. People who don’t use batting gloves tend to get splinters (depending on what type of bat they are using) and most notably, blisters. These after-effects can become extremely painful and could ultimately affect your play entirely. If it ever gets to that point, even batting gloves won’t be able to completely stop your hands from being in complete pain while attempting to help your team score at the plate.
Throughout the history of MLB, there have been plenty of pros that prefer batting with their bare hands, rather than using baseball gloves (i.e. former New York Yankee Jorge Posada.) While the use of batting gloves is optional, [unlike the use of a mitt] batting gloves can be extremely helpful when you are up to bat. Batting gloves help enhance your game by providing you with an assisted grip and protecting your hands from getting hurt due to friction against the bat, getting hit by a baseball, or even getting accidentally stepped on while sliding headfirst.
While it should go without saying; you should receive a pair of gloves when you buy batting gloves. After your purchase,
What to Look For When Buying Batting Gloves
The “right” pair of batting gloves will be made with good material, such as leather, to protect your hands from the wear and tear they receive due to gripping the baseball bat. Blisters can be extremely painful and can last quite a while before fully healing, which could hinder your experience at bat going forward. In fact, batting gloves were first invented in response to the repeated blisters many players complained of.
Some gloves will come with padding in the knuckle/thumb area just in case a pitch hits your hand. Sure, your hand might slightly sting regardless, but having that layer of padding can go a long way. Without a pair of batting gloves that have some form of padding, your hands are at more risk for injury if a baseball does hit them. Hypothetically speaking: you are up to bat and end up getting hit in the hand by a baseball. You end up getting a bruise on your knuckle that affects your play for the rest of the game, or even longer depending on the severity. This situation could potentially be avoided with the use of batting gloves. While there is sure to be some amount of pain, you are at least protected with gloves that have quality leather and padding.
Your grip is important as a batter. You want to wear a pair of gloves that can provide the best grip so that you can firmly hold the bat when swinging. Purchasing a pair of batting gloves with some form of material on the palms to enhance the grip is ideal. Not only does it help you grip, but also it protects your hands from the callous bat material.
Regardless of your competition level, batting gloves can enhance your game. Players at the adult and youth levels can benefit from using batting gloves, and it’s up to you to choose what combination of material is best for you.
Best Adult Batting Glove Reviews
1. Franklin Neo Batting Gloves
The Franklin Neo Batting gloves are made of some of the best material on the market. These batting gloves are made of pure sheepskin leather, which provides a layer that can protect your hands from blisters and other effects from gripping onto your baseball bat.
To enhance your grip, the Franklin Neo batting gloves are equipped with a “Quad-flex” creasing that offers better comfort for your hands. This unique creasing gives the batter an advantage because it prevents random material such as grass, dirt, or tar from building up unto your bat and reducing your grip on the bat handle. Using these gloves, the odds of your bat accidentally flying into the stands or field and possibly hurting someone, are reduced substantially.
In addition to the “Quad-flex” material, the Franklin Neo batting gloves have a leather palm that has a special tactility that offers a smooth grip unto the bat handle.
Pros:
- Available in over 20 different color schemes
- Sheepskin leather helps prevent blisters and offers extra hand protection
- Special “Quad-flex” material enhances grip on bat handle
Cons:
- Users report that the material isn’t very strong [ripped Velcro]
- Other users claim that they received a defective glove
- A lot of complaints about durability
2. Easton HS3 Batting Gloves
Durability is a unique feature that comes to my mind when analyzing the Easton HS3 batting gloves. The material responsible for this high quality of durability is the goatskin palm. This goatskin material on the palm area helps the batter with his or her grip and is bound to last longer than most batting gloves. These gloves are instantly recognizable due to the Easton logo on the back of the hand, and have “Zonal Flex” stretch mesh on the knuckles for flexibility. In other words, it is easier to move your fingers around in odd positions that are sometimes necessary when batting or even on the baseball diamond.
This Easton product has an exceptional wrist strap that offers wrist support that encourages durability and comfort. The wrist strap also has a Velcro patch so that you can easily adjust the tightness of your glove.
Pros:
- “Zonal Flex” mesh offers finger flexibility
- Goatskin palm enhances grip for bat handle
- Wrist strap is comfortable
Cons:
- Several users claim that the gloves do not last very long; not as advertised
- These gloves rip easily
3. Under Armour Clean-Up VI Batting Gloves
Under Armour’s series of batting gloves is significant because these gloves are equipped with the special HeatGear material that the UA brand is known for. This HeatGear material keeps the hands free of sweat, drying at a rapid pace, is extremely stretchy. This batting glove is made mostly with soft goatskin leather that helps the batter hold a strong grip with the ability to move their hands and fingers however they’d like. The Under Armour Clean-Up glove also possesses solid ventilation; as it has finger perforations [simply air holes on the inner finger area] so that air can come and go. This feature is definitely a compliment to the HeatGear material and contributes to the goal of keeping the hands dry at most, if not all times.
Pros:
- HeatGear material keeps hands dry from sweat and other elements such as rain
- Goatskin leather offers a tight and effective grip
Cons:
- Buyers claimed that the gloves run too small
- Some buyers also claimed that one (or both) of their gloves ripped within a few weeks of use
4. Nike MVP Edge Batting Gloves
When it comes to batting gloves that are lightweight and deliver, the Nike MVP batting gloves may be on the top of that list. The black, sleek look of these batting gloves make them look thin, light, and blessed with the ability to hold a mean grip. After looking at the features of this glove, it’s evident that these looks aren’t deceiving.
The mesh located on the back of the hand contributes to the lightweight look that the Nike MVP batting gloves radiate. This mesh material is good for breathability and ventilation. The material is thin enough to be lightweight and offer the hand the chance to breathe, while also being strong enough to withstand strong, fast-paced impact. The glove is primarily made with goat leather in the palm area for a strong, durable grip. This glove also has a smooth feel to it thanks to the rolled seams, so comfort is without question. The wristband on these gloves is adjustable and sports the “MVP Edge” logo in its entirety.
The Nike MVP Edge batting gloves seem to be superior compared to other batting gloves out there. Any player at any level can use these gloves, but I can most definitely see experienced and elite players wearing these batting gloves.
Here’s a KID’S VERSION of the Edge.
Pros:
- Goat leather palm enhances grip
- Mesh on the back of the hand increases breathability
- Lightweight material makes it seem easier to swing the bat
Cons:
- There is no proven method that these gloves can absorb moisture better than other options
5. EvoShield EvoCharge Protective Batting Gloves
Recently acquired by Wilson, EvoShield brand released these protective batting gloves that are bound to make a hit (pun intended.) These batting gloves look like they’re made with the same material as the Nike Edge gloves. The palm area is made with quality sheepskin leather which provides a comfortable feel. The stretchy Lycra on the back of the hand lets you move your hand and fingers with complete freedom.
The unique feature of the EvoShield Batting gloves is the built-in EvoShield gel that will harden and fit your hand for better protection. This feature isn’t offered in most pairs of batting gloves and could benefit you when wearing your gloves. No one likes to be wearing gloves that aren’t a good fit. Whether they are too tight, too large, or anything else in between, it could become a headache to play with poorly fitted batting gloves. The gel also protects your hand from any pitches that may hit your hand. That is why the EvoShield gel feature will provide you with a secure and accurate fit, for better playing experience.
Pros:
- Special EvoShield gel provides an accurate fit
- Power stretch fabric and Sheepskin leather forms a flexible, light glove
- It comes in a few different color schemes; including the “Digi-camo” design.
Cons:
- Some buyers report a quality issue
- Users also state that the “protective shield” slips off
- Not the best glove for someone who sweats often
6. Mizuno Men’s MVP Batting Gloves
Mizuno has a pair of batting gloves that will offer you top of the line grip and excellent comfort; so that every swing is performed with confidence. The Mizuno MVP batting gloves have a palm grip that is made with non-slip material, so you will always have a tight grip on your bat no matter what the weather is looking like. After looking at the gloves, you can see that the ripples on palm side of the gloves are made with superior quality and will unlikely give up on you.
The base of comfort in this glove starts at the wrist. The Mizuno batting gloves have a neoprene wristband that doesn’t suffocate your wrist; providing extra comfort. The wrist strap is customizable and can be adjusted to the tightness that is best for you. Overall, these gloves are a good option if you are looking for an affordable, comfortable, batting glove.
Pros:
- Neoprene wristband offer comfort
- Nonslip material makes it easier to hold onto your bat
Cons:
- Poor Stitching which results in poor durability
- Buyers claim the material could be better
7. Louisville Slugger Series 7 Batting Gloves
Louisville Slugger brings you a fashionable and affordable pair of batting gloves that will help you hold on to your bat and hit as many baseballs as you can. This pair of batting gloves dons a professional pattern with “Louisville” printed across the wrist strap. The palm of the glove is made of sheepskin; which offers a durable grip for the person using it. This sheepskin material also provides a stretchy type of feel, so that you have flexibility when using these gloves.
At an affordable price, the Louisville Slugger Series 7 batting gloves are a good buy if you are looking for decent batting gloves on a budget. The material will help you with flexibility and these can be a really long-lasting pair of gloves if you treat them right.
Pros:
- Sheepskin material encourages flexibility and durability
- Wrist strap offers easy adjustment
Cons:
- Some buyers report that the stitching is weak; rips easy
- Better fitting gloves on the market
8. Rawlings Workhorse Batting Gloves
It wouldn’t feel right if Rawlings didn’t release a batting glove. These gloves are sold as a pair, and seem to be worth every penny. The Rawlings workhorse glove looks as though it supports the workhorse; with its durable material and look that emphasizes legitimate baseball. The best thing about the Rawlings batting gloves is the unique material they are made with. The workhorse gloves are made with the exclusive Rawlings “Dynamic Fit System” material; a name which can be found stitched on the knuckles of the glove. You can tell just by looking at the fingers of this glove that the material can stretch and offer complete flexibility so you won’t feel restrained when up to bat.
The Rawlings Workhorse batting gloves also come with the Rawlings exclusive “Dura Plus” material on the leather palm pad, which assists with grip on the bat for efficient swinging. The Workhorse gloves are essential for the experienced baseball player, but aren’t limited to an exclusive level of play. The Workhorse gloves come in six different color schemes, including the grey and neon green combination.
Pros:
- Dura Plus and Dynamic Fit System technology makes these gloves elite
- Variety of color schemes
Cons:
- Could be expensive, depending on your budget
9. DeMarini Digi Camo Batting Glove
While the DeMarini brand isn’t necessarily known in the world of baseball, or sports equipment for that matter, these batting gloves have potential. The material itself doesn’t look superior compared to other gloves on the market, but the digi camo design and variety of colors do stand out compared to the competition.
The DeMarini batting gloves have smooth leather on the palms for comfort. While this sounds nice, it could create issues regarding grip. When it comes to batting gloves, you want something comfortable that has a grip, that way your bat doesn’t go flying into the stands, or your play starts to lack due to poor grip. The lined inside of this glove makes it very comfortable to wear, so while these gloves may not have the best grip, they do pass in comfort.
The wrist strap on these gloves is thin. You can use the strap to adjust the fit of your glove, but it doesn’t look like it will hold up long term. Overall, these batting gloves have a cool look and decent comfort features, but they lack in the efficiency department.
Pros:
- Digi Camo design is intimidating
- Lining reduces chafing
Cons:
- Material looks cheap
- Wrist strap is flimsy
10. Mizuno Techfire Switch Batting Gloves
Unlike Mizuno’s MVP batting gloves, the Techfire line is prepared to protect you from anything coming your way; a wild pitch to be specific. At first glance, you notice right away that these gloves are ready for contact. The padding on the back of the glove will evidently protect your hand from any stray baseballs or foreign objects that you may come in contact with. The Techfire gloves almost look more like a football glove than a baseball glove! It’s also customizable using color card inserts on the back of the glove to match your team’s colors!
The Mizuno Techfire gloves are also equipped with Enhanced Power Grip with substantially increases your grip and reduces the likelihood of slippage of your baseball bat. This is an important feature to have, especially on those hot and sweaty days, or even a game where it is drizzling outside. Having this type of grip material on your gloves provides you with a sense of security. The neoprene wristband on these gloves makes it that much more comfortable, and they also have a molded wrist tab for extra protection.
This pair of batting gloves is definitely a thumbs-up. They offer essentially everything you need when it comes to approaching home plate. The front side is said to have “sticky padding” while the backside is laced with padding throughout practically the entire hand.
Pros:
- Padding throughout the glove offers high-end protection.
- Power Grip material guarantees a strong grip to your bat
- Cabretta leather on the palm for a traditional feel
- Mizuno AirMesh used for unmatched breathability
- Customizable with color cards
Cons:
- One buyer said that his gloves ripped upon usage
- May run a bit small
Best Youth Batting Glove Reviews
Youth batting gloves are just as significant as adult gloves. When dealing with children and their sensitive skin, it is important to provide your youth player with a pair of batting gloves that will protect their skin and bones. That means: purchasing a pair of batting gloves with decent padding just in case their hand gets hit by a baseball, strong material to prevent the occurrences of cuts and/or blisters, and a wrist strap that will make them feel comfortable and secure. You will also want padding on the inside or front side of the glove to absorb impact from the baseball bat after getting a hit.
Here are the top five youth batting gloves currently on the market:
Easton’s youth Hyperskin batting gloves will prepare any youngster for their time up at the plate. The youth level is meant to educate young players about the different aspects of the game, and to prepare them for more advanced levels, as they grow older. In order to help a youth player succeed as a hitter, you need them to protect their hands. So with a pair of batting gloves such as the Easton Youth Icon gloves, you can fulfill that goal, with a reasonable purchase price.
The Easton Icon batting gloves come with lots of very cool tech we have to tell you about. Firstly, there’s padding that is strategically placed in specific areas in order to reduce shock and vibration from getting a hit. In Easton’s case, this is the flexible Lycra along the back with reinforced silicone to provide structure while allowing for lots of flexibility.
In most leagues except the Majors, players will use aluminum baseball bats as opposed to wood bats, so the likelihood of feeling strong, painful vibrations from your bat is high. The front side of the glove is made of VRS palm padding (to reduce vibration) and a tacky goatskin leather palm. It also features a neoprene lockdown wrist band.
While some customers feel as though the quality of the glove could be a lot better (mostly the stitching), these gloves are a good starter set for any youth baseball player. These batting gloves are padded for vibration protection, they have an inside pattern that is designed to hold on to the bat at all times, and leather that helps decrease the chances of blisters.
Pros:
- VRS padding is strategically placed so that specific areas of the hands stay safe
- Goatskin leather palm
- Lycra and reinforced silicone add lots of tech and advanced materials
Cons:
- Not as comfortable as previous Easton models
- Customers also complained that the gloves run very small
These Rawlings batting gloves come in six different color combinations for the youth level and look as though they can hold up well for a young beginner player. These gloves have a Velcro adjustable wrist-strap, which is necessary because they will last longer as the child grows older, granted that the gloves are durable.
Rawlings tends to release products that are good quality for baseball. While that is typically true, some customers have claimed that the poor material has caused blisters on their childrens’ hands. This is exactly why players wear batting gloves, so if you are feeling skeptical prior to purchasing these gloves, you may want to choose from a number of other options.
Pros:
- Velcro wrist strap helps with adjustment
- Several color choices to choose from
Cons:
- Customers have stated that these gloves cause their children to have blisters
- Other customers reported that the gloves are too big
The UA Clean Up boy’s batting gloves are the same product, except in a smaller size to accommodate youth players. This pair of gloves comes with the Under Armour exclusive material; HeatGear, so that you sweat or any other form of liquid can be dried quickly so you can continue to support your grip. The palm of the glove is made of goatskin, and that makes the glove extremely comfortable while providing great durability. The palm of the glove is made with goatskin leather that will help you with applying a good grip. In addition, the air holes on the fingers will provide you with extra ventilation; helping your hands stay as dry as possible.
Pros:
- HeatGear material will help your hands stay dry
- Goatskin leather will help you maintain a strong grip
Cons:
- Customers said they rip easily
Mizuno’s boy’s batting gloves provide the same advantages as their adult counterparts. These youth batting gloves will help you hold onto your bat with the nonslip palm grip that is applied to this product. This non-slip grip will also protect you from blisters, mostly due to the fact that it prevents your hands from directly causing friction against your bat. This is a quality you should look for in a kids’ glove because it won’t prevent them from playing well or keep them in pain.
Don’t be concerned if you are looking for flexibility and breathability. This pair of gloves has an AirMesh material that offers more than adequate ventilation.
Pros:
- The non-slip grip will help players hold their bats efficiently
- AirMesh material brings you ventilation
Cons:
- Customers have claimed that the gloves run very big
These Franklin batting gloves offer exactly what their title is: “insanity.” From the design to the quality, the Franklin Insanity youth batting gloves will offer you a unique style and experience that will help you succeed on the baseball diamond. The grip provided with these gloves is superior to its competitors. These gloves have a tacky palm print that helps you hold onto your bat for dear life. This quality will help with your hitting, since it gives you the sensation that you have control over your bat.
The “floating thumb technology” that the Franklin brand describes will bring a feeling of flexibility to your gloves. Now, you won’t feel like you are wearing stiff batting gloves that refuse to enhance your play at home plate. Not only is this brand of batting gloves flexible, but also it offers definite breathability using an advanced technical mesh that helps with ventilation. The unique design on the front side of the gloves and backside near the fingers will help you stand out on and off the baseball diamond, and would be an ideal purchase for any youth player.
Pros:
- Design is unique
- Technical mesh provides breathability
- Palm is sticky for an advanced grip
Cons:
- High price for youth gloves
The Verdict
Batting gloves are significant in baseball for a number of reasons. They help you avoid blisters. Let’s face it: blisters are annoying and painful. Most, if not all people with full capability of their body, use their hands every single day, so why go through a day where everything you touch is painful because you didn’t wear a good pair of batting gloves?
In addition, batting gloves help adult and youth players protect themselves from bat vibration and a stray baseball that could accidentally hit their knuckles/ hand. When purchasing a pair of batting gloves, you are going to want something that is made with good material. In other words, don’t buy something cheap, especially for your youth baseball player. Quality is everything when it comes to batting gloves. Players getting ready to leave the youth level may be able to cope with having short-term batting gloves, but if you are a young beginner or someone looking for super long-lasting gloves, focusing on quality is key.
While a teen or adult player may have the heart to fight through a hand blister while playing on a varsity baseball team, children are less tolerant of pain. Therefore, you want a pair of gloves that will protect their hands from bumps, bruises, blisters, and bat vibrations. When it comes to youth gloves, I believe the best brands to go with are as follows:
Franklin, Easton, or Rawlings. As far as adult gloves are concerned, I would recommend the Mizuno Techfire gloves, Nike MVP, or the Rawlings Workhorse gloves. These gloves offer you the best quality for the price!