Rawlings Heart of the Hide vs Pro Preferred vs Gold Glove

[@gritdrivegrind8775]

Like how you went into deep detail on each glove.

[@jb_on_baseball]

Thanks. I hope it was useful to you.

[@huddyballgloves9051]

Welcome back to KZbin man! I personally like the pro preferred the best because the kip leather feels so nice.

[@jb_on_baseball]

Kip leather also looks great

[@nikerunning1995]

Ive never felt so anxious watching a video before,good review though!

[@llIIIIlllIIIllI]

JB, this was an awesome review. i hate to point out you seem very nervous. i can't see a reason based on this video why you would be. you speak intelligibly, the content was great, and it was a great topic. i hope to see more videos from you and i hope you find your voice. thanks amigo.

[@jb_on_baseball]

Thanks for the feedback. I do need to work on my delivery. I just want to be sure I get all the important information across, and that it is a useful video.

[@jaydee2620]

I hate wool lining, unfortunately my pro-preferred has it. Wish they would put the thermo-flo on Pro-preferred or make it an option.

[@jb_on_baseball]

Jay Dee, Thanks for viewing my video and your comments. A lot of people don't like the wool lining. If you build a custom Pro-Preferred you can choose a thermo-formed wrist liner rather than wool using the Rawlings customization tool.

[@brightline6004]

JB--Really an excellent review of the three Rawlings series of gloves. I appreciate the research you have done prior to the presentation and hope you release other videos reviewing other brands of ball gloves. Not sure if you are exclusively a Rawlings man but reviews of Wilson, Nokona and some of the other more custom brand gloves would be interesting. Thanks for stepping up and creating a great video. Let's see more and thanks....

[@jb_on_baseball]

Thank you for the comments on my video and your appreciate of the work that went into it. I have a few ideas of other videos I may be recording in the new year. Thanks again.

[@thecuss6817]

I used a 1960 HOH model TG-12 from 1960 through 1983; this is the "6-finger" Trapeze glove designed for Stan Musial to use the same glove for both right field and first base. From 1983 to about 2005 I used a 1983 HOH Pro-3, then found a supplier offering HOH PRO-24 in tan so I bought that, and that's what I still use at least 3 days a week. The TG-12 historic model? I still have it; I got Ken Jenkins, former glove master from Rawlings, to refurbish it in the mid-2000s.

[@jb_on_baseball]

Very interesting, and quite a legacy of Rawlings classics in your baseball career! I remember the early versions of the 6-finger, but never knew the pattern was first designed for "Stan the Man" to do double-duty. It does make sense though. My most vivid memory of the 6-finger was "The Wizard" working magic with what I assume was a smaller version of it at short for the Cardinals. (Ozzie Smith of course)

[@thecuss6817]

@@jb_on_baseball Yes, my TG-12 has Stan Musial's name on it. I'd send you photos but don't know how.

[@thecuss6817]

Yes, in the 1980s I saw a bit on Ozzie Smith and his glove before NBC Game of the Week. Ozzie had asked Rawlings to repair it, but Rawlings instead made him some gloves using the original pattern as the Trapeze was no longer being made. So I wrote to Ozzie asking who his contact at Rawlings was (maybe even hoping he'd send a glove) but never heard from him.

[@kln6562]

Good video but I’d say HoH are going to be heavier rather than lighter because of the steerhide compared to PP with the Kip leather

[@jb_on_baseball]

Thanks for the comment. I hadn't considered the weight difference in the leather. The Pro Preferreds I've used have usually felt heavier to me than the HoH's, I think because of the additional/thicker padding used in the Pro Preferreds.

[@sjang816]

The RGG 2018 is available in black. The 2014 RGG Opti-Core is available only in black but I'm 99% sure the 'newer' Gold Glove is available in mocha as well as black. I could be wrong though but I'm positive I've seen it in black

[@jb_on_baseball]

Yes I've seen the 2014 and 2018 RGG's in black. But I haven't seen the current Gold Gloves in black, only mocha. There could be some pro stocks out there that have been done in black with the gold RGG accents.

[@jonnyt16]

Excellent review. I prefer Heart of the Hide myself because like you said it is a lot more flexible and I prefer a more supple glove.

[@jb_on_baseball]

Thanks. Yeah, the Pro Preferred leather is beautiful, but often there is just too much padding and it feels like I'm putting my hand into a pillow. :-)

[@slgr7]

Nice informative video. I cannot find any Gold Glove gloves on the Rawlings website. Have they discontinued that line?

[@jb_on_baseball]

Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, Rawlings hasn't had any Gold Gloves on their website in a long time. I spoke with Rawlings about it a few months ago and they said they weren't discontinuing the line, but they couldn't give me a date as to when they'd be back on the website. It may be another pandemic-related issue causing production and logistical delays.

[@slgr7]

Ah, thanks for letting me know. I am glad to hear that they are not discontinuing the line.

[@slgr7]

I just got an email reply from Rawlings to a question that I had asked them yesterday before I had asked you. They said that they have discontinued the Gold Glove series at this time and that it is replaced by the Rev1X series. I went and took a look at their Rev1Xs and they do not look good to me. Too much color and flash. I like a more traditional looking glove. Disappointed.

[@jb_on_baseball]

@@slgr7 Jim, thanks for the update. It is disappointing, as is the Rev1X. I've tried a couple of them and I'm just not feeling it. Too much sizzle and not enough steak. Keep in mind you could approximate a Gold Glove using the Rawlings Custom Builder. The Gold Glove series used Pro Preferred leather, in a mocha color, with chocolate brown lacing. Other choices would include gold metallic welting and binding, gold stitching and gold stamping. You just can't get the gold oval labels or the hand-stitched welting. The price would be about the same as an off-the-shelf Gold Glove. I'll update my description to note the Gold Glove series is no longer available. Thanks again.

[@slgr7]

@@jb_on_baseball Thank you for the work-around suggestion. I wonder if there is a way to give feedback to Rawlings that we want the Gold Glove series back OR add some traditional looking style gloves to their Rev1X series?

[@everettroberson2503]

Exllent Video Bro Keep Up the Darn Good Work

[@jb_on_baseball]

Thanks for the encouragement. It's great to know my efforts have been appreciated.

[@cauldertellbuescher5364]

Thank you so much this really helped me because I was trying to decide which one to get

[@jb_on_baseball]

You're welcome. I'm glad to hear it helped.

[@akaredcrossbow]

What is the best way to clean a camel glove that is played on a dirty field all the time without using glove conditioner all the time? Example: saddle soap? Thank you!

[@jb_on_baseball]

I'm a fan of camel. I think it's one of the best HoH colors in terms of break-in and performance, and I actually like the way the pocket turns darker with use. I use Apple leather conditioner (you can easily find it on-line) to clean and maintain my gloves. It is very light weight, doesn't discolor the glove, cleans and conditions and also adds a touch of water resistance. Thanks for the comments, and hope this helps.

[@akaredcrossbow]

@@jb_on_baseball thank you for the help.

[@miltonbates6425]

Does an 11.5" 200 pattern HoH play the same size as a 11.5" 200 pattern Pro Preffered? I ask because I know that they measure the leather before the glove is put together.

[@jb_on_baseball]

They should play similarly, if they have the same web. In my experience the HoH would break-in faster and give you a better feel for the ball quicker. The Pro Preferred would be a bit heavier, maybe a little stiffer due to padding and would need more break-in. But it should hold its shape longer than the HoH. If the HoH is a "Ready-to-Go" version (R2G), the above differences would be even greater, and the heal pad of the HoH would be thinner, creating a different feel. You can tell an R2G by the PROR205 model number, versus just PRO205.

[@kieranr2527]

What are the pro’s in wool lining over thermo formed?

[@jb_on_baseball]

Good question Kieran. The wool lining is considered by some to have a more luxurious feel to it, and it is as natural a product as the glove leather itself. The soft, fluffy nature of the wool fabric lends itself to broader, more complete and "intimate" contact with the skin, thus theoretically could be more absorbing and comfortable. The downsides are that over time, depending and use and care, the lighter wools may take on a "dirtier" appearance (not an issue for black wools used by Mizuno for example), and if neglected could become matted. Some players also feel it's hotter than synthetic wrist liners, although I haven't found that to be the case. Also, unless the manufacturer has trimmed it properly, the wool could look a little "sloppy" when it extends beyond the wrist strap itself. I've sometimes had to trim it with certain glove brands (Easton Professional for example), for a neater appearance. Heart of the Hides used to have wool liners, but now they're all synthetic (Thermoformed) unless it's a custom. The Pro Preferreds and Gold Gloves have always been wool. I don't see many downsides to the synthetics, although they may not absorb as well as wool and could be susceptible to tearing. In my opinion there is not much practical playing difference between wool and synthetic wrister liners, so it should not be a major deciding factor for you.

[@kieranr2527]

@@jb_on_baseball Thank you for the quick and detailed response! I am making custom Pro preferred Rawlings glove and needed advice on which lining to choose

[@jb_on_baseball]

@@kieranr2527 You're welcome.

[@Bigblurrrr]

I love the hoh where did you get it can you make a video if you didt already

[@jb_on_baseball]

Yeah, that was a great glove with the crocodile leather. Sorry to say I no longer have that glove.

[@TimTheMusicMan]

Pro preferred is almost the same as the Gold Glove..

[@jb_on_baseball]

Yes, very little difference. The leather is the same (Kip leather) on both. The palm lining on the Gold Glove is calfskin, vs. sheepskin on the Pro Preferred, and the stitching is coarser. Also, the Gold Gloves have a gold-bordered wrist patch.

[@crazyedlucky2605]

Also, how often do you need to get gloved relaced?

[@jb_on_baseball]

I clean and condition my gloves regularly, including keeping the laces well conditioned, applying the conditioner directly to all the laces. So I never have to relace my gloves.

[@akaredcrossbow]

Any ideas on the 2021 Xander Bogaerts glove. They have it for sale at Rawlings, but it’s not the glove he is using on the field. He is using an I-web not an H-web and no finger pad. Also I can’t tell if he has camel stitching or if he is still using scarlet stitching. Thank You!

[@jb_on_baseball]

I prefer an 11.5" I-web for a glove I'll be using for middle infield, maybe 11.75" H-web for third. It's fun to use a glove that a pro uses (I like the Gleber Torres Pro Preferred model Rawlings has on its web site), but as you note, the pros' preferences sometimes change, so I think it's best to stick with what's right for you and your own performance. I like the look of a finger pad, but I don't think it has much effect on playability. I'm not sure what color stitching is on Xander's current glove.

[@akaredcrossbow]

@@jb_on_baseball Thank you for the response. I think I might have found the stitching color, it’s called tone on tone so I think it would be camel. Thank you.

[@beyonose]

Do they still made in usa

[@jb_on_baseball]

Not any more. Now they’re usually made in the Philippines.

[@Spartacus4441]

very helpful, thanks - question, I'm trying to build a custom mocha glove on their site - but can't find mocha laces - looks like mocha laces on the gold glove - any idea if they have them available for pro preferred?

[@jb_on_baseball]

According to Rawlings, the laces on the Gold Glove are "chocolate brown." So if you build a Pro Preferred with mocha leather, chocolate brown laces, and gold trim it would approximate the look of a Gold Glove. You just can't get the coarse stitching and gold framed patches that are exclusive to the Gold Gloves.

[@crazyedlucky2605]

This was a big help thank u so much!!!!!!! 😊😊😊

[@jb_on_baseball]

I'm glad it helped. Thanks for the feedback.

[@hud8458]

Hey I’m your 80 sub

[@jb_on_baseball]

Thanks man!

[@bgiesbrecht8774]

Is the pro preferred bruciato?

[@jb_on_baseball]

Yes, the Rawlings Pro Preferred reviewed here is Bruciato colored leather. It is only available in the Pro Preferred series.

[@bgiesbrecht8774]

@@jb_on_baseball how do you find the durability compared with the HOH? Any recommendations for ordering a custom PP?

[@jb_on_baseball]

The Pro Preferreds take more time to break-in, but they hold their shape longer. If cared-for properly a Pro Preferred will last many seasons. In ordering a custom Pro Preferred I'd stay away from navy or scarlet. The mocha color is a favorite of mine, looks sharp and seems to wear well. I like the traditional wool wrist lining with a full size heel pad. I've also found the "soft" - extra factory break-in to be a plus. You might as well order the sweat band because it is Velcro attached and removeable from the glove, making for a solid wrist band on its own. Have fun with the multicolor options, but keep in mind oftentimes less is more!

[@bgiesbrecht8774]

@@jb_on_baseball thanks for the recommendations!

[@bgiesbrecht8774]

@@jb_on_baseball last question, I like the bruciato color but one place I read it was a dry leather. How do you find it? How much care does it take compared to a mocha or black glove? I want my glove to look good for a long time.

[@Lost-Services]

Also I have had my rawlings heart of the hide 3 months and its not fully broken in and I'm not one to like a floppy glove but its still super stiff Have any break in addvice

[@jb_on_baseball]

There aren’t any shortcuts to a good break-in, but three months should be more than enough time. I use a good quality leather conditioner (Apple leather care) and I manually work the leather, outside, inside the glove, and the laces. Focus on the break points, flexing them over and over until your hands give out. The heel and the web are the critical areas for a good break-in. Then I catch bullpens with it, or go to a cage with a pitching machine and catch balls at high speeds. Finally, when I’m not working on it I put a ball in the pocket and keep it under a mattress. I usually have an HoH game ready within a week.

[@Lost-Services]

@@jb_on_baseball thanks

[@treydrier3169]

Aso from Wilson has a great break in KZbin video. I use his method to give the glove the right feel and then I put the glove under my car tire and run back and forth a few times to loosen the leather. It works but get the glove molded the way you want before running over it with your car.

[@Lost-Services]

u ganna upload again or na

[@jb_on_baseball]

Working on a new one…Rawlings HoH vs Wilson A2000. Thx for asking and stay tuned.

[@cauldertellbuescher5364]

What color is the heart of the hide?

[@jb_on_baseball]

The HoH is black, with a crocodile finish on the thumb and pinky finger, camel lacing and embroidery, and a white on navy patch.

[@cauldertellbuescher5364]

@@jb_on_baseball ok thanks

[@erikwilliamson8722]

Pro preferred has thick palm. Good.

[@dominicbasso7577]

I only use HOH,never let me down

[@jb_on_baseball]

No question it's the industry standard, and most preferred by major leaguers. I've owned more HoH's in my career than any other series. I do miss the fur wrist lining, which is now standard on Pro Preferred only. The SSK is a viable alternative, with a different look and feel.

[@nokbbang_Han]

rgg... mlb logo...? wow .. your shop is very nice do . korean japen never get do this all :ㅅ;

[@7P9G]

👍👍

[@jb_on_baseball]

Thanks for the thumbs up!

[@VG-913]

Deer hide?... not cow hide.

[@jb_on_baseball]

"Deer Tanned" Cowhide

[@VG-913]

@@jb_on_baseball I saw it says deer tan cowhide that's my bad

[@treydrier3169]

Honestly there's no need to pay an extra $80 to $100 more for Kip leather. HOH is fantastic leather that is easy to break in, especially if you buy one the is R2G (which means Ready 2 Go right out of the box).

[@RAYRAY-yt3hz]

👍🇺🇸