Why Do Baseball Gloves Cost So Much? Are They Worth It?

 

Why Do Baseball Gloves Cost So Much? 

Baseball gloves are expensive because of their high-quality materials and sophisticated manufacturing process. 

Material

Why are some baseball gloves so expensive? The cost of these products depends mainly on their materials. 

So if you notice some models with a higher price than others, it’s probably because the type of leather used to make them is superior. 

Synthetic, full-grain, steer hide, and kipskin are the industry’s four common leather types. They have different costs due to their unique characteristics. 

  • Synthetic: $20 to $35 

This type of leather is one of the most affordable choices. You may expect a flexible, lightweight pair with enough padding for high-quality synthetic fabrics.

Synthetic leather baseball gloves can absorb impact and resist moisture well. They are also comfy and safe for young players to enjoy long games. 

These affordable gloves are easier to break. Hence, be careful when playing with them. Besides, you may also need to restore them regularly. 

  • Full-grain: $30 to $60

As premium equipment for adult players, full-grain leather, or cowhide, is popular since it is pretty thick and sturdy.

Full-grain gloves feel stiffer and heavier than typical gloves, so it could take longer to break in. But after the break-in phase, the pair works to be reliable and deliver an incredible performance.

  • Steer hide: $75 to $300

The durability of these baseball gloves is exceptional.

They need more time to break in because of their toughness. But after that, you will feel comfortable using them for your games. 

The comfort and durability make them perfect for both beginner and professional baseball players. 

  • Kipskin: above $300  

Kipskin baseball gloves are high-end items for professional players.

You may have heard about them as one of the most well-known pieces of leather equipment for infield positions. 

These sets’ best qualities must be their outstanding durability yet being lightweight and soft.

The break-in process is significantly shorter because of how well they achieve a balance between comfort and toughness.

The material plays a vital role

Manufacturing process 

The labor-intensive manufacturing procedure is another factor in the high cost of baseball gloves. 

The skin will undergo strict quality control once it gets to the facility. Here, the laboratory will color-code and test it, using the results to determine the approval. Surprisingly, the factory only uses a part of the leather. 

There is no standard quality control supervisor to guarantee a flawless production system. However, the level of each craftsman’s work is up to their own control.

Manufacturers like to apply this system to their factories. They appreciate how detailed and meticulous personal attention is at every single step of the procedure. This video will show you how people make baseball gloves:

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Top 5 Best Baseball Gloves For Dads: Which Is Suitable For You?

How To Reshape A Baseball Glove? An Easy Guide

Best Softball Glove for Small Hands In 2022: In-Depth Reviews & Buying Guide