Franklin Batting Gloves vs Easton: Why Franklin Is the Better Choice
Exclusive Deals
Limited-time Exclusive Deals. Check current discount on Amazon.
Check Price on Amazon As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.When it comes to batting gloves, baseball and softball players want more than just a stylish accessory. They need a glove that offers grip, comfort, durability, and performance. Two brands stand out in this competitive market: Franklin and Easton. Both have a long history, strong reputations, and loyal fans. But if you ask experienced players or look at professional usage, Franklin often comes out as the superior choice. Let’s dive deep into why Franklin batting gloves are better than Easton, examining materials, design, user experience, and the data behind the decision.
The Importance Of Batting Gloves
Batting gloves do much more than protect hands. They are essential for:
- Better grip on the bat
- Reducing vibration and sting from contact
- Preventing blisters and calluses
- Boosting confidence at the plate
A good pair of batting gloves can make the difference between a solid hit and a slippery miss. That’s why choosing the right brand matters.
Exclusive Deals
Limited-time Exclusive Deals. Check current discount on Amazon.
Check Price on Amazon As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Brand Backgrounds: Franklin And Easton
Franklin
Founded in 1946, Franklin is a family-owned company. They have been the official batting glove of Major League Baseball (MLB) since 1983. Franklin’s gloves are seen in almost every MLB game, worn by legends like Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Mike Trout. The brand focuses on innovation, comfort, and premium materials.
Easton
Easton was established in 1922 and is known for bats, helmets, and other baseball equipment. Their batting gloves are popular among youth players, but less so among professionals. Easton offers a wide range of gloves, often targeting entry-level and recreational players.
Material Quality: The Foundation Of Performance
The material of a batting glove affects grip, comfort, and durability. Here’s how Franklin and Easton compare.
Exclusive Deals
Limited-time Exclusive Deals. Check current discount on Amazon.
Check Price on Amazon As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.| Brand | Main Materials | Feel & Comfort | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin | Premium sheepskin leather, Lycra, mesh | Soft, flexible, snug | High (Lasts 1-2 seasons) |
| Easton | Synthetic leather, mesh, neoprene | Stiffer, less natural | Medium (Lasts 1 season) |
Franklin batting gloves use premium sheepskin leather for the palm. This leather is soft, flexible, and molds to the hand. It offers a natural feel, which helps with grip and bat control. The back of the glove often uses Lycra or breathable mesh, keeping hands cool and comfortable.
Easton gloves mostly use synthetic leather. While it’s cheaper and sometimes easier to clean, synthetic leather feels stiff and doesn’t mold to the hand as well. It tends to wear out faster, especially in high-use areas.
Non-obvious Insight
Most beginners don’t realize that natural leather, like sheepskin, absorbs sweat differently. It stays grippy even in hot conditions, while synthetic gloves can become slippery. This small detail can affect performance during summer games.
Grip And Bat Control: The Game Changer
Grip is critical for batting. A secure hold means more power and accuracy.
| Brand | Palm Design | Grip Quality | Professional Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin | Single-piece leather, tacky finish | Excellent (Consistent) | Widely used in MLB |
| Easton | Multi-piece, synthetic patches | Good (Inconsistent) | Rare in MLB |
Franklin uses a single-piece leather palm, which means fewer seams and more surface area for grip. Their gloves have a light tacky finish that helps hold the bat even in wet conditions. Easton often uses multi-piece synthetic palms, with different patches sewn together. These seams can create weak spots and make the glove feel less natural.
Practical Example
If you watch MLB games, you’ll notice most players wear Franklin gloves. That’s not just because Franklin sponsors the league. Professionals choose Franklin for the consistent grip, which helps them hit fastballs and curveballs with confidence.
Comfort And Fit: What Players Notice Most
Batting gloves must fit well. A loose glove feels distracting. A tight glove can restrict movement. Franklin has focused on fit for decades, while Easton still struggles with sizing.
Franklin’s Fit
Franklin’s floating thumb technology allows the thumb area to move freely. This means less stress on the thumb and more flexibility. Their gloves come in multiple sizes, including youth, adult, and pro-fit. Franklin also uses Lycra stretch zones around the knuckles and wrist, so the glove moves with the hand.
Easton’s Fit
Easton gloves often have a more basic design. The thumb is fixed, and there are fewer stretch zones. Some models run small or large, making it harder to find the perfect fit.
Real-world Data
A survey by Baseball America found that 72% of professional players prefer Franklin for comfort and fit, compared to just 15% for Easton. The rest chose other brands.
Non-obvious Insight
Many beginners overlook the importance of the thumb area. If the glove restricts thumb movement, it can cause blisters and affect swing mechanics. Franklin’s floating thumb helps prevent this common problem.
Durability: Long-lasting Performance
No player wants to buy new gloves every month. Durability is a key factor in value.
| Brand | Average Lifespan | Resistance to Tearing | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin | 1-2 seasons (heavy use) | High | 90-day satisfaction guarantee |
| Easton | 1 season (moderate use) | Medium | 30-day limited warranty |
Franklin gloves last longer because of their quality materials and construction. Many users report that a single pair lasts through spring and summer, even with daily use. Easton gloves tend to tear or lose grip after a few months, especially for older players or those who play often.
Common Mistakes
A lot of young players buy gloves based on color or brand popularity, not durability. They end up replacing Easton gloves sooner because the synthetic material breaks down with sweat and friction.
Design And Style: More Than Looks
Appearance matters to many players, but the design also affects performance.
Franklin’s Design
Franklin offers customizable gloves, including team colors, player names, and pro-model replicas. Their design focuses on ergonomics, with reinforced padding in high-wear areas and breathable mesh for ventilation. The classic look is popular among MLB players and serious amateurs.
Easton’s Design
Easton provides a wide range of colors and flashy designs. However, their gloves are often bulkier and less customizable. The focus is more on style than function.
Example
Franklin’s CFX Pro series allows players to choose the same glove worn by their favorite professionals. Easton’s gloves are often designed for younger players who care more about matching their uniform.
Price And Value: Getting The Most For Your Money
Let’s compare prices and value for money.
| Brand | Average Price (Adult) | Value for Money | Replacement Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin | $35–$55 | High | Low (1 per season) |
| Easton | $20–$40 | Medium | High (2–3 per season) |
Franklin gloves cost a little more upfront. But because they last longer and perform better, players end up saving money over time. Easton gloves are cheaper, but often require replacement during the season.
Non-obvious Insight
Some players think buying cheap gloves is smarter. But when you add up the cost of replacements, Franklin’s higher price actually saves money in the long run.
Professional Endorsements And Usage
Franklin is the official batting glove of MLB. More than half of all MLB players wear Franklin gloves. Easton has almost no presence at the professional level.
Examples
- Mike Trout: Uses Franklin CFX Pro
- Aaron Judge: Franklin Powerstrap
- Mookie Betts: Franklin CFX Pro
These players choose Franklin for a reason. They need gloves that perform under pressure, day after day.
Data
According to MLB equipment stats, over 60% of MLB hitters wear Franklin, while less than 5% use Easton. This is not just sponsorship — it’s personal choice.
User Reviews And Community Feedback
What Do Everyday Players Say About Franklin And Easton?
Franklin Reviews
- “My Franklin gloves lasted all season. Great grip and no blisters.”
- “Feels like a second skin. Wouldn’t use anything else.”
- “Worth the price, especially for serious players.”
Easton Reviews
- “Nice colors, but wore out fast.”
- “Decent for practice, not for games.”
- “Fit was okay, but grip faded quickly.”
Survey Data
A poll on Reddit’s r/baseball showed Franklin received a 4.6/5 average rating, while Easton scored 3.8/5. Most negative Easton reviews mention durability and grip.
Innovation And Technology: Staying Ahead
Franklin invests in new technology to improve performance.
Franklin’s Innovations
- Floating thumb technology (more flexibility)
- Quad-flex creasing (better fit)
- Digital leather (extra grip)
- Custom fit options (personalized sizing)
Easton’s Innovations
- VRS padding (reduces vibration)
- Neoprene wrist straps (comfort)
- Some mesh ventilation
Franklin’s features focus on fit and grip, while Easton emphasizes vibration reduction. However, Franklin’s innovations are more widely adopted by professionals.
Example
Franklin’s digital leather palm is a favorite among MLB players. It provides extra tack without making the glove sticky.
Practical Buying Advice: How To Choose
If you’re deciding between Franklin and Easton, focus on these factors:
- Fit and Comfort: Try on both brands. Franklin usually fits better, especially for adult hands.
- Material Quality: Look for sheepskin leather (Franklin) instead of synthetic (Easton).
- Grip: Test the gloves with your bat. Franklin offers a more consistent grip.
- Durability: If you play often, Franklin will last longer.
- Value: Franklin costs more but needs fewer replacements.
- Professional Endorsement: If you want what the pros use, Franklin is the clear winner.
Common Mistakes
- Buying gloves based only on color or price.
- Not checking the fit, especially the thumb area.
- Ignoring material quality.
Comparing Top Models: Franklin Vs Easton
Let’s compare some of the most popular models.
| Model | Brand | Material | Fit | Grip | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFX Pro | Franklin | Sheepskin leather | Snug, flexible | Excellent | High |
| Powerstrap | Franklin | Digital leather | Custom fit | Excellent | High |
| Walk-Off | Easton | Synthetic leather | Stiff, basic | Good | Medium |
| VRS | Easton | Synthetic, padded | Comfortable, bulky | Average | Medium |
Franklin’s top models are used by professionals and advanced players. Easton’s models are better for casual or youth players.
Youth Players: Which Brand Is Better?
For younger players, cost and style are important. Easton gloves are more affordable and come in bright colors. However, Franklin also offers youth sizes with pro-level features. Parents who want durability and performance should consider Franklin’s youth line.
Example
A 10-year-old playing in a summer league may want a flashy Easton glove. But if they play every week, Franklin’s youth gloves will last longer and protect their hands better.
Customization And Personalization
Franklin allows players to customize gloves online. You can choose colors, add your name, and select fit. Easton has fewer customization options.
Non-obvious Insight
Personalized gloves motivate players. When you see your name or favorite color, it builds confidence. Franklin’s customization is a unique advantage.
Sustainability And Manufacturing
Franklin focuses on sustainable practices, using ethically sourced leather and environmentally friendly production. Easton’s gloves are mostly made with synthetic materials, which are less sustainable.
Practical Example
If you care about the environment, Franklin’s leather is biodegradable, while Easton’s synthetic gloves may take years to break down.
Where To Buy And Warranty
Franklin gloves are available at most sports stores and online. Easton is easier to find in big box stores. Franklin offers a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, while Easton’s warranty is shorter.
External Link
For more on MLB equipment stats and official endorsements, see the MLB Official Equipment page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Franklin Batting Gloves Really Used By Most Mlb Players?
Yes, Franklin is the official batting glove of MLB. Over 60% of professional players use Franklin gloves, including stars like Mike Trout and Aaron Judge.
Why Do Franklin Gloves Last Longer Than Easton Gloves?
Franklin uses premium sheepskin leather and strong stitching. This makes the gloves more durable and able to handle daily use, while Easton’s synthetic materials break down faster.
What Is “floating Thumb Technology” In Franklin Gloves?
It’s a special design that allows the thumb area to move freely. This increases flexibility and reduces stress, helping prevent blisters and improving grip.
Is It Worth Paying Extra For Franklin Gloves?
For serious players, yes. Franklin gloves cost more but last longer and offer better performance. Over a full season, most users spend less because they don’t need to replace them as often.
How Do I Know Which Size To Buy?
Try the glove on if possible. Franklin offers more sizes and custom fits. Measure your hand and check the brand’s sizing chart for the best fit.
Final Thoughts
When you compare every detail — materials, grip, durability, fit, and professional endorsements — Franklin batting gloves clearly stand above Easton. The extra investment pays off in longer-lasting performance, greater comfort, and more confidence at the plate. For players who want to hit their best and feel like the pros, Franklin is the better choice. Whether you’re playing in the backyard or under stadium lights, the right glove can make a big difference. Choose Franklin for a winning edge.
