Mizuno GXT-1 Classic Pro Training Glove Review

Pancake style or “quick hands” training gloves have been around for a while, but none have been quite like the Mizuno GXT-1 Classic Pro Training Glove.  Mizuno has traded in the foam board, most often associated with this type of training aid, for high quality, real glove materials.  The difference is a good one, and I think you’ll like it too.

Feel

Mizuno GXT1 Classic Pro Training Glove

Wearing the GXT1 feels similar to wearing any other glove.  It’s made from the same materials and constructed similarly to Mizuno’s regular fielding gloves.  This is a benefit, because the more authentic the feel of a training aid, the easier it is to apply the techniques you’ve learned.

There is ample padding in the palm and finger area, so catching balls thrown at a normal speed doesn’t sting your hand.  I took a couple pretty strong throws with barely an afterthought.

The finger ports are very roomy, although the inside of the glove itself feels a bit shallow.  This wasn’t a big deal for me, but if my hands were a little bigger it may have been a problem.  I had a man model the glove in the pictures to give an idea of the sizing.

The only other downer is the finger ports are stitched together in a way that causes them to stick up on the back of the glove.  Because of this, the puckered up portion of the finger port is right in the way of where I normally rest my index finger.  This was slightly annoying, but it didn’t affect my ability to use the glove.

Quality and Function

Mizuno GXT1 Classic Pro Training Glove - Back View

The purpose of pancake style gloves is to help build fielding techniques like quick hands and two handed catching.  With training gloves like this, you often have to worry about the ball stinging your hand, the ball slipping off the glove (and therefore hitting you), or the glove just falling of your hand completely.

The Mizuno GXT-1 Clasic Pro Training Glove will give you none of these worries, making it easier to focus more on your technique and training rather than on trying to make your training aid work.

Because it fits on your hand like a normal glove, it stays on your hand like a normal glove.  The extra padding makes it comfortable to use, and because it’s made of real leather, baseballs and softballs have a little more grip on the glove compared to a foam or synthetic material.

I was able to field grounders, pop flies, and regular throws with confidence.  Like any pancake style training glove, the Mizuno GXT-1 basically forces you to use proper technique to catch the ball.  If you don’t, the ball bounces right off the glove!  The difference between this glove and other similar gloves is the quality of construction and the ease and comfort of use.  It’s definable a big step up from the traditional training gloves made from foam board.

Specs

• Rich natural leather tanned in the USA
• Black and cork colored (tan) leather
• Teaches proper infield fielding mechanics
• Available in right hand throw and left hand throw

Rating

4.5 of 5

Why? This glove is a much appreciated update to an old favorite.  I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to improve their in-fielding skills.  The shallow hand opening and awkwardly protruding finger ports on the back are the only things keeping this glove from a full 5 rating.

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For more information about the Mizuno GXT-1 Classic Pro Training Glove, visit our store at www.hitrunscore.com.

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