Every baseball player knows the glove is more than just equipment—it’s an extension of the hand. When you step onto the field, confidence in your glove can make the difference between an error and an out, a good play and a highlight. Two brands stand out in this world: Rawlings and Wilson, with the Rawlings Pro Preferred and Heart of the Hide lines often compared to the famous Wilson A2000. But which is truly better? Many experienced players, coaches, and professionals prefer Rawlings gloves over the Wilson A2000. This article explains why, using real data, insights from the field, and direct comparisons to help you make the best choice for your game.
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Check Price on Amazon As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.The Brand Legacy: Rawlings Vs Wilson
Both Rawlings and Wilson are legendary, with a history in baseball stretching back over a century. Rawlings was founded in 1887, while Wilson Sporting Goods began in 1913. Each brand has supplied gloves to top professionals and has earned trust across generations.
Rawlings is the official glove of Major League Baseball (MLB). Over half of MLB starters use a Rawlings glove, especially the Pro Preferred and Heart of the Hide lines. Wilson, on the other hand, is famous for the A2000, a glove series celebrated for its durability and comfort.
The choice isn’t just about brand loyalty. It’s about quality, feel, and performance.
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Check Price on Amazon As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Craftsmanship And Materials
One of the most important factors in glove performance is the quality of leather and overall craftsmanship.
Leather Quality
Rawlings gloves, especially the Pro Preferred and Heart of the Hide models, use full-grain kip leather or steerhide. Kip leather is softer, lighter, and more flexible, making it easier to break in. Steerhide is stronger and offers long-term durability.
Wilson A2000 uses Pro Stock leather, a high-quality American steerhide. It is stiff at first, needing more break-in time, but is known for holding shape and lasting through many seasons.
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Check Price on Amazon As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Here’s a quick comparison of the leathers:
| Glove Model | Leather Type | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Rawlings Pro Preferred | Kip Leather | Softer, lighter, easier break-in |
| Rawlings Heart of the Hide | Full-grain Steerhide | Balance of softness and durability |
| Wilson A2000 | Pro Stock Steerhide | Maximum durability, holds shape |
Non-obvious insight: While Wilson A2000 leather is durable, it can feel heavier and stiffer for younger players or those with smaller hands. Rawlings’ kip leather offers a lighter, more comfortable fit without sacrificing strength.
Stitching And Construction
Rawlings puts a strong focus on handcrafted construction. Each glove is hand-sewn by skilled artisans. The stitching is tight, reducing the risk of unraveling and tearing. The lacing, made from high-quality leather, is thicker on Rawlings gloves, adding support and improving lifespan.
Wilson A2000 gloves are also hand-assembled, but their lacing is typically thinner. Some players report needing to relace A2000s more often, especially after heavy use.
Pocket Shape And Depth
Rawlings gloves often have a deeper pocket and more pronounced shape. This helps secure the ball more easily, especially for infielders who need to make quick transfers. Wilson A2000 gloves have a shallower pocket, which can be good for rapid plays but may increase the chance of the ball popping out on difficult catches.
Comfort And Fit
Wearing a glove for hours requires comfort and a natural fit. The differences between Rawlings and Wilson become clear here.
Inside Lining
Rawlings uses sheepskin or Pittards leather lining in their Pro Preferred and Heart of the Hide models. This lining is soft, moisture-wicking, and reduces friction, preventing blisters during long practices or games.
Wilson A2000 gloves use Dri-Lex wrist lining, which is breathable and controls sweat but can feel rougher to the touch compared to Rawlings’ leather lining.
Sizing And Customization
Rawlings offers more options for custom sizing, including various hand openings and finger stalls. This allows players with smaller or larger hands to find a glove that fits perfectly. Wilson A2000 does offer some custom options, but the range is more limited.
Non-obvious insight: Some players with wide palms or short fingers find Rawlings gloves more comfortable because of these extra sizing choices.
Break-in Process
How quickly a glove becomes game-ready matters to players at every level.
- Rawlings Heart of the Hide: About 60% factory break-in, requires less time to finish breaking in at home.
- Rawlings Pro Preferred: About 30% factory break-in; slightly stiffer at first but softens quickly due to kip leather.
- Wilson A2000: About 50% factory break-in; requires significant work to reach optimal softness and shape.
| Glove | Factory Break-in (%) | Average Time to Game-Ready |
|---|---|---|
| Rawlings Heart of the Hide | 60% | 1-2 weeks |
| Rawlings Pro Preferred | 30% | 2-4 weeks |
| Wilson A2000 | 50% | 2-6 weeks |
Faster break-in means less downtime. Players switching to Rawlings often mention how quickly they can use their new glove in real games.
Durability And Longevity
A glove is an investment. You want it to last for seasons, not just months.
Rawlings
- Heart of the Hide: Many users report using these gloves for 3-5 seasons, sometimes longer with proper care.
- Pro Preferred: Due to higher-quality leather and lining, these can last 5+ seasons, maintaining shape and comfort.
Wilson A2000
- Known for durability, but the leather can dry out and crack if not oiled regularly.
- Laces may stretch or snap sooner, especially in wet or humid environments.
Pro tip: Rawlings’ thicker lace and deep pocket help the glove keep its form, even after years of use.
Performance On The Field
Ultimately, the best glove is the one that helps you play your best.
Ball Security
Rawlings’ deeper pocket and firmer leather make it easier to secure the ball, especially on hard throws or awkward catches. This can mean fewer dropped balls for infielders and outfielders alike.
Quick Transfers
Wilson A2000’s shallower pocket is designed for fast transfers, which can help infielders. However, many pros still prefer Rawlings, saying the pocket depth helps them “feel” the ball better and reduces errors.
Professional Use
According to MLB data, over 59% of MLB starters use Rawlings gloves, while about 25% choose Wilson (the rest use other brands). This is a strong indicator of real-world performance at the highest level.
Aesthetics And Customization
Baseball gloves are personal. Players care about look and feel as much as function.
- Rawlings offers more choices for web styles, colors, and personalization. You can add your name, choose special linings, and pick from dozens of color combinations.
- Wilson A2000 allows some customization, but options are limited compared to Rawlings.
For players who want their glove to stand out, Rawlings is the winner.
Price And Value
Both brands are premium, but there are differences in price and what you get for your money.
| Model | Typical Price Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Rawlings Heart of the Hide | $280–$350 | Steerhide, more custom options, faster break-in |
| Rawlings Pro Preferred | $350–$400 | Kip leather, premium lining, long lifespan |
| Wilson A2000 | $299–$350 | Pro Stock leather, Dri-Lex lining, classic look |
Rawlings gloves are sometimes $20–$50 more expensive for comparable models, but the extra comfort, customization, and durability often make up for the difference.
Common Mistakes When Choosing A Glove
Even experienced players can make mistakes when picking between Rawlings and Wilson. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Ignoring Hand Fit: Don’t assume one size fits all. Try different hand openings and finger stall sizes.
- Focusing Only on Break-In: A glove that is too soft at the start may not last as long. Look for a balance.
- Neglecting Maintenance: All gloves need care—regular oiling, proper storage, and cleaning. Rawlings gloves tend to need less relacing, but both brands need basic care.
- Choosing by Brand Hype: Test gloves in person if possible. What works for a pro may not fit your hand shape or playing style.
- Ignoring Position Needs: Outfielders, infielders, and pitchers all need different pocket depths and web styles. Rawlings offers more position-specific options.
Real-world Examples And Player Feedback
Let’s look at how these differences play out for real players.
Youth And High School Players
Many younger players and their coaches report that Rawlings gloves are easier to break in and more comfortable from the start. The lighter kip leather is easier on small hands, and the extra lining means fewer blisters.
College And Pro Players
While some top players still use Wilson A2000, the majority of MLB infielders and outfielders use Rawlings, especially the Heart of the Hide and Pro Preferred. These players say the glove “feels like part of the hand” after break-in and holds its shape even after hundreds of games.
Common Themes In Reviews
- Rawlings: Praised for comfort, deep pocket, and long-term durability.
- Wilson: Liked for its classic look and quick transfer pocket, but some users mention the need to relace more often.
When Might Wilson A2000 Be Better?
While this article explains why Rawlings is often better, it’s fair to mention when the Wilson A2000 might be the right choice:
- Budget: Sometimes available at a lower price, especially during sales.
- Specific Position Needs: Some infielders love the fast transfer of the A2000’s shallow pocket.
- Classic Style: The A2000’s look is iconic and appeals to many players.
However, for most players seeking premium quality, comfort, and long-term value, Rawlings comes out ahead.
Data-driven Summary
To wrap up the main points, here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Rawlings | Wilson A2000 |
|---|---|---|
| Leather Type | Kip/Steerhide | Pro Stock Steerhide |
| Break-in Time | Faster | Slower |
| Pocket Depth | Deeper | Shallower |
| Lining | Softer (sheepskin/Pittards) | Dri-Lex (synthetic) |
| Customization | More options | Fewer options |
| Price | Slightly higher | Standard premium |
| MLB Usage (%) | 59% | 25% |
For more on MLB glove preferences and history, see the Wikipedia page on baseball gloves.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a Rawlings glove and a Wilson A2000 is a big decision for any baseball player. Both offer outstanding quality, but Rawlings pulls ahead in comfort, fit, break-in time, customization, and long-term value. The deeper pocket, softer lining, and premium leather make a Rawlings glove the top pick for many of the world’s best players—and for anyone serious about the game.
If you want a glove that feels like a natural part of your hand, holds up season after season, and gives you confidence every time you take the field, Rawlings is often the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do More Mlb Players Use Rawlings Gloves?
More MLB players use Rawlings gloves mainly because of their superior leather quality, comfort, and reliable performance. The deeper pocket and handcrafted fit help professionals secure the ball better during intense plays, which is critical at the highest level.
Is The Rawlings Heart Of The Hide Or Pro Preferred Better Than The Wilson A2000?
Both Heart of the Hide and Pro Preferred are often considered better than the Wilson A2000 for their softer lining, easier break-in, and customizable fit. Pro Preferred uses kip leather for extra softness, while Heart of the Hide balances softness and durability.
Which Glove Lasts Longer: Rawlings Or Wilson A2000?
With proper care, Rawlings gloves—especially the Pro Preferred—often last longer due to their thicker lacing and higher-quality leather. Wilson A2000 is still durable but may need more frequent relacing and conditioning over time.
Are Rawlings Gloves Worth The Higher Price?
Yes, for most serious players, the extra cost of a Rawlings glove is worth it. The better fit, comfort, and durability mean you won’t need to replace your glove as often, saving money and hassle in the long run.
How Do I Choose The Right Rawlings Glove For My Position?
Rawlings offers many position-specific models, each with pocket depth and web design tailored for infielders, outfielders, pitchers, or catchers. Try on different models and choose one that fits your hand and playing style, focusing on comfort and ball security above all.
