TLDR Review: Rawlings R9 Contour Glove 11"
Pros
- •Features outstanding leather quality that strikes a great balance between durability and softness.
- •Designed with a contour fit tailored specifically to snugly accommodate youth hands, especially ages 7 to 11.
- •Offers excellent flexibility and is easier to break in compared to many other youth gloves, making it playable sooner.
- •Superior craftsmanship ensures the glove is built to last several years with proper care.
- •Provides a premium brean feel right out of the box, enhancing comfort and confidence for young players.
- •Reinforced palm pad absorbs impact well, adding to protection and comfort during play.
- •Comfortable to open and close during use, important for infielders and middle infield positions.
- •Good sizing with welesigned thumb and pinky holes, including a unique feature allowing two fingers in the pinky slot for a better feel.
- •Soft aleather shell breaks in quickly, especially when aided by glove conditioner and some dedicated effort.
- •Highly recommended for travel teams and competitive youth players as a reliable, toier glove option.
Cons
- •The glove is initially very stiff and requires a significant brean effort; young users (around age 8) may need adult help to properly soften it.
- •Some players might find it feels a little large at first, although sizing up can be beneficial for growth and longevity.
- •The brean process, while easier than some gloves, still demands patience and may require tools or machines from sporting goods stores for best results.
- •Younger players sometimes struggle to generate enough force to naturally soften the glove without parental involvement.
Bottom Line
The Rawlings R9 Contour Series Baseball Glove is an excellent premium-quality youth glove made for players around 7 to 11 years old who need a durable, comfortable, and well-fitting option that will last several seasons. The glove’s contour design and supple leather make it a strong contender for serious young athletes, especially infielders, but be prepared to put in some dedicated break-in time or enlist parental help to get it game-ready. If you want an equally reliable option with potentially less break-in hassle, you might compare this with other youth gloves known for faster softness, but overall the R9 Contour is a smart long-term investment for youth baseball.
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