Wilson A2000 review

[cpizzzle]

I just switched to the outfield in 2007 and have only used two outfield gloves. My first was low end easton glove that I bought not really having an idea how much I would play outfield or what was a good outfield glove. It sucked but this season I borrowed a Wilson A2000. Because it was borrowed I am not sure of the exact model but I believe it was a 2005 or 2006 model. It was a great glove, the pocket was nice and deep and glove was real firm but still easy to close. There was never a time when I felt the glove be floppy or loose while I was catching. This was a great glove and I would highly recommend it. I am gonna get a Rawlings PRO601DC Heart of the Hide Dual Core outfield glove and give it a shot. I am gonna switch to this Rawlings glove because I like the webing on this one more than the new A2000s. I will let everyone know how it is once I get it.

[TallPaul]

I just read about that glove in the book, "Glove Affair." The A2000 was the first glove that incorporated all the features of modern gloves. It was introduced in 1957. All gloves before that were pretty cumbersome. In looking at the photo in the book, I would say that the A2000 is an excellent glove.

No harm in getting the Rawlings also. A spare backup glove is always a good idea. Note that Glove Affair also says many outfielders move their fingers over leaving the index finger of the glove empty and tucking two fingers into the pinkie slot of the glove. This, it says, gives better closing power. I tried this before ever reading it in the book, based on my wife's coach does it, and I felt it does give better closing power, so that is how I wear my glove now. Going back to the standard way just doesn't feel right anymore.

[2727]

My high school age son plays ball 10 months a year and has for the past 10 years. We had a Mizuno Pro series that lasted about 2 1/2 years. It was a well made long lasting, quality glove. They stopped making it. We went through a couple of Kelleys. They rarely lasted a year, and needed constant tightening. They were top of the line, yet the leather went soft in short order. Last year we purchased a Wilson A2000. It held up for the Spring and Summer seasons. By Fall, the interior of the glove began to break down. It think it chemically reacted to sweat. The internal finger webbing broke loose, and in the palm area (inside the glove) started breaking down, and had a very rough, uncomfortable feel. In short order it became unuseable. This Spring we purchased a Rawling Heart of the Hide glove. So far so good. We won't be buying Wilson again. My son pitches and plays middle infield. Due to the amount of games he plays, the gloves live fast and die hard, but I feel a $200+ glove should hold up for more than 6 to 9 months.