If you’re in the market for a new baseball glove, you might have come across 44 Pro gloves. Before you make a purchase, let me share my experience and thoughts on these gloves.
While they have some appealing features, there are significant drawbacks that you should consider.
My Experience With 44 Pro Baseball Gloves
Let me take you back to last summer. My 14-year-old son, Jake, was gearing up for his high school tryouts, and his old glove was on its last legs—laces fraying, leather worn thin. We decided it was time for an upgrade, and I stumbled across 44 Pro online.
The website was slick, the customization options were endless (colors, webbing, embroidery—you name it), and the price tag—around $185 for their Signature Series—felt like a steal compared to the $300+ gloves from big names like Rawlings or Wilson.
I thought, “This could be perfect. A custom glove tailored to Jake’s style without emptying my wallet.”
So, we placed the order, expecting it to arrive in 5-6 weeks as promised.
The first red flag?
Communication—or the lack of it. After placing the order, I got a confirmation email and… crickets. No updates, no tracking, nothing. I figured, “Okay, they’re crafting it by hand, maybe they’re just busy.” But as week six rolled around, I started to get antsy.
I emailed customer service—no reply. I called the number listed on their site, left a voicemail, and waited. Days passed. Nothing. By week eight, I was hounding them through Instagram DMs, and finally, someone responded with a vague, “It’s in production, hang tight.” Stage 6—whatever that means—apparently takes forever.
Week 10 hit, and the glove finally showed up. Jake was thrilled at first—it looked sharp, with his name stitched on the side and a deep navy blue finish. But the excitement faded fast.
After just a few practices, the laces started loosening, and within two months, a small tear appeared near the webbing. For a glove that cost nearly $200, I expected it to hold up better than that—especially since Jake isn’t exactly diving into the dirt every game.
I reached out to 44 Pro again, hoping for some warranty love. Spoiler alert: they didn’t answer. Six weeks later, still no response. I gave up.
That’s my story. It’s not just me, either—scroll through reviews on Trustpilot or Reddit, and you’ll see a pattern: slow shipping, shaky quality, and customer service that’s basically a ghost. I wanted to love 44 Pro, but my experience left me regretting the purchase—and wishing I’d gone with a brand I could trust.
Pros of 44 Pro Baseball Gloves
Okay, let’s give credit where it’s due—44 Pro isn’t all bad. There are some things they get right, and if you’re lucky enough to dodge the pitfalls, you might actually enjoy their gloves. Here’s what I found impressive when everything wasn’t falling apart.
- Customization That Pops
One thing I can’t knock is the customization.
When Jake and I designed his glove, it felt like we were building something special.
You can pick everything—leather type (Kip or Steerhide), colors, web styles, even add your name or a cool phrase.
It’s a blast to play around with, and when the glove arrived, it looked exactly like the preview.
If you’re into standing out on the field, 44 Pro delivers that personal touch.
Jake got compliments left and right, which made him feel like a pro—until the wear set in, of course.
- Affordable Price Tag
For a custom glove, the pricing isn’t terrible. The Signature Series, made with Japanese Kip leather, starts at $185, while the C2 Series (Steerhide) is even cheaper at $149. Compare that to a Wilson A2000, which can run you $300 or more, and it’s easy to see the appeal.
I thought I was getting a bargain—high-end materials without the high-end cost. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind rolling the dice on durability, this might catch your eye.
- Decent Leather Quality (At First)
When we unboxed Jake’s glove, the leather felt solid—soft yet sturdy, with that new-glove smell we all love. The Kip leather in the Signature Series is legit; it’s the same stuff used in premium gloves from bigger brands. Out of the gate, it seemed like a quality piece.
Breaking it in wasn’t too tough either—after a few catch sessions and some glove oil, it started molding to Jake’s hand nicely. If only it had stayed that way.
- Youth-Friendly Options
I’ll tip my cap to 44 Pro for catering to younger players. They’ve got a Youth 44 Signature Series designed for kids aged 8-12, which is great if you’re trying to get your little slugger excited about the game.
Jake’s not in that age range anymore, but I can see how a custom glove could spark some passion in a younger kid. The lighter weight and smaller fit are thoughtful touches—assuming the glove doesn’t fall apart mid-season.
These pros made me hopeful at first, but they’re overshadowed by what comes next. If you’re tempted by the price or the customization, just know you’re playing a bit of a lottery with 44 Pro.
Cons of 44 Pro Baseball Gloves
Now, let’s get real—the downsides hit hard, and they’re why I can’t recommend 44 Pro. My experience wasn’t a fluke; it lines up with what tons of other users are saying. Here’s where they drop the ball.
- Shipping Delays That Test Your Patience: I waited 10 weeks for Jake’s glove—nearly double the 5-6 weeks they promised. And I’m not alone. Reviews are littered with horror stories of orders stuck in “Stage 6” for weeks, with no updates or explanations. One guy even lived 70 miles from their San Diego base and still waited over two months! It’s maddening when you’re counting on that glove for a season or tryouts, and 44 Pro just leaves you hanging.
- Spotty Durability: Here’s where my blood boils. Two months in, Jake’s glove had loose laces and a tear. For $185, that’s unacceptable. Other parents report similar issues—laces snapping, leather splitting, holes forming—sometimes within a year. One review I read said their 12-year-old’s glove fell apart just past warranty, and 44 Pro offered a measly 20% off a new one. My 20-year-old college glove is still kicking; Jake’s 44 Pro didn’t make it through a summer. That’s not quality—it’s a gamble.
- Customer Service? What Customer Service?: Trying to get help from 44 Pro is like yelling into a void. I emailed, called, DM’d—nothing. Voicemails went unanswered, emails ignored. Other buyers echo this: no responses to warranty claims, no callbacks, no accountability. One person said they’d rather deal with Rico Gloves because the owner personally stepped in to fix an issue. With 44 Pro, you’re on your own. Good luck if something goes wrong.
- Warranty Woes: Speaking of warranties, don’t expect much. They’ve got a one-year policy, but enforcing it seems impossible if they won’t respond. When Jake’s glove started failing, I couldn’t even get a “sorry” out of them, let alone a repair. Reviews mention kids’ gloves—used by 12- or 13-year-olds—breaking down right after the warranty expires, and 44 Pro shrugs it off. If you’re investing in a glove, you deserve better backup than that.
These cons aren’t just annoyances—they’re dealbreakers. I wanted to root for 44 Pro, but they’ve got too many cracks in their game to ignore.
Maintenance Tips For 44 Pro Baseball Gloves
So, you’ve already got a 44 Pro glove—or you’re stuck with one despite my warnings. Either way, you’ll want to keep it in fighting shape as long as possible, especially given the durability issues. Here’s how I’ve tried to stretch the life of Jake’s glove, plus some tricks I’ve picked up along the way.
- Break It In Right: When Jake’s glove arrived, it was stiff as a board—typical for Kip leather. I grabbed some glove oil (44 Pro sells their own, but any quality conditioner works) and rubbed it into the pocket and seams. Then we played catch for hours—seriously, nothing beats good old-fashioned use. After each session, I’d tuck a ball in the pocket and wrap it with a rubber band overnight. It took a couple weeks, but it loosened up. Just don’t bake it in the oven or microwave—that’ll ruin the leather faster than a line drive.
- Keep It Clean and Dry: Baseball gets messy—dirt, sweat, grass stains. After every practice, I’d brush off Jake’s glove with a soft cloth to keep grime from settling in. If it got wet (thanks, random rain showers), I let it air dry naturally—no hairdryers or radiators, which can crack the leather. A dry glove lasts longer, and with 44 Pro’s shaky durability, you can’t afford extra wear.
- Tighten Those Laces: Since the laces were the first to go on Jake’s glove, I started checking them weekly. If you spot any loosening, grab a glove relacing kit (you won’t find replacement laces on 44 Pro’s site, sadly) and tighten them up. It’s a pain, but it might buy you a few more games before they snap. I wish I’d done this sooner—might’ve delayed that tear.
- Store It Smart: When the season’s over, don’t just toss it in a bag. I stuff Jake’s glove with a ball to hold the pocket’s shape, then store it in a cool, dry spot—away from heat or dampness. 44 Pro throws in a custom bag with your order, which is handy for keeping dust off. Proper storage can slow down the inevitable wear, especially with their iffy leather.
These steps won’t turn a 44 Pro into a forever glove, but they’ll help you squeeze out every ounce of value. You’re already fighting an uphill battle with this brand—don’t make it harder on yourself.
Comparison of 44 Pro Baseball Gloves With Other Brands
Alright, let’s put 44 Pro up against the heavy hitters. I’ve used them all over the years, and here’s is how it stack against up them:
44 Pro Gloves Vs. Rawlings Thermoformed Baseball Gloves
Rawlings Thermoformed gloves are designed with a focus on quick break-in times and comfort. Here’s how they compare to 44 Pro gloves:
- Break-In Time: Rawlings Thermoformed gloves are designed to break in quickly, often requiring just a few uses before they’re game-ready. 44 Pro gloves, however, can take significantly longer to break in, which can be frustrating if you need a glove ready for immediate use.
- Comfort: The Thermoformed line is known for its comfort, thanks to the thermoformed wrist liner and palm padding. While 44 Pro gloves are comfortable once broken in, the initial stiffness can be a drawback.
- Price Point: Rawlings Thermoformed gloves are often more affordable than 44 Pro gloves. If you’re looking for a balance of quality and cost, Rawlings Thermoformed might be a better option.
44 Pro Gloves Vs. Rawlings Baseball Gloves
Rawlings is a well-established brand in the baseball world, known for its high-quality and durable gloves. When comparing 44 Pro gloves to Rawlings, there are several key differences to consider.
- Durability: Rawlings gloves are renowned for their durability. Many players use Rawlings gloves for multiple seasons without significant wear and tear. In contrast, 44 Pro gloves have been reported to show signs of wear, such as loose stitching and holes, after just a year of use.
- Customer Service: Rawlings has a strong reputation for customer service. They offer warranties on their gloves and are responsive to customer inquiries. 44 Pro, on the other hand, has been criticized for poor customer service, with many customers struggling to get responses to their issues.
- Customization: While Rawlings offers some customization options, 44 Pro excels in this area. You can customize almost every aspect of a 44 Pro glove, from the color to the web design. This makes 44 Pro a strong contender if customization is a top priority for you.
44 Pro Gloves Vs. BOA Gloves
BOA is another brand that offers custom baseball gloves, making it a direct competitor to 44 Pro. Here’s how the two compare:
- Customization: Both BOA and 44 Pro offer extensive customization options. You can choose the color, web design, and other details to make the glove uniquely yours. However, BOA’s customization process is often praised for its ease and the quality of the final product.
- Durability: BOA gloves are known for their durability, with many players using them for multiple seasons without issues. In contrast, 44 Pro gloves have been reported to show signs of wear after just a year of use.
- Customer Service: BOA has a strong reputation for customer service, with responsive support and a commitment to addressing customer issues. 44 Pro, however, has been criticized for poor customer service, with many customers struggling to get responses to their inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
From my experience and what I’ve read, it’s a mixed bag. The leather starts off decent—Kip leather’s legit, and it feels solid out of the box. But the durability? Yikes. Jake’s glove tore in two months, and reviews back me up—laces break, leather splits, and it doesn’t hold up like it should for the price. You might get a good one, but it’s a roll of the dice.
I’d put my money on Wilson or Rawlings. Wilson’s A2000 is buttery and tough—years of use, no problem. Rawlings’ Heart of the Hide is my personal champ; mine’s 20 years old and still kicking. Both brands have tighter stitching and thicker leather than 44 Pro, plus they’ve got decades of trust behind them. Rico’s a contender too if you want custom vibes with better follow-through.
They promise 5-6 weeks, but don’t hold your breath. Jake’s took 10 weeks, and I’ve seen reviews griping about 12+ weeks with no updates. Shipping’s a mess—delays are common, and good luck getting a straight answer. Compare that to Rawlings or Wilson, where you’re looking at days or a couple weeks tops.
Randy and Brent Habert are the guys behind it. They kicked things off in 2011 from their Southern California garage, aiming to shake up the glove game with affordable custom options. Nice story, but based on my run-in and the flood of bad reviews, they’ve got some work to do to live up to the hype.
Conclusion: Why I Can’t Recommend 44 Pro Baseball Gloves?
After all this—my saga with Jake’s glove, the highs and lows, the endless wait—I can’t in good conscience tell you to buy a 44 Pro baseball glove. Sure, the customization is fun, and the price seems sweet, but it’s a mirage.
The delays, the fragility, the radio silence from customer service—it’s a trifecta of frustration that outweighs any upside. I wanted to believe in Randy and Brent’s garage-born vision, but the reality is, they’re dropping the ball too often.
Baseball’s too important to gamble on gear that might let you down. Your kid’s season, your big game—it deserves a glove you can trust. I’ve been burned once, and I’m not going back.
Stick with Rawlings or Wilson if you want proven quality, or take a chance on Rico if you’re after custom flair with better support. 44 Pro? Save your money and your sanity. You’ll thank me when you’re not chasing down a nonexistent support team or stitching up a glove that should’ve lasted longer.
