Wilson A2000: The Best Infield Wilson Baseball Glove?
Finding the perfect infield baseball glove feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Like many players, you might feel lost when looking at all the options, styles, and brands out there. I searched the market high and low before deciding to purchase the Wilson A2000 gloves.
To be honest, I went back and forth between the Rawlings Heart of the Hide (HOH) and hitting the field with a Wilson A2000. The selection available for both brands was immense. Each product had pros and cons, and it really came down to trying on the gloves to make my final decision.
After a ton of research and trying on each, I decided to grab my very first Wilson A2000 1716 custom baseball glove. Now, I’m just a little league coach, so let’s not look at me as some expert who played MLB and that my opinion on gloves holds more weight than anyone else.
Personally, I’m just a coach and consumer who decided to upgrade from a mediocre glove to a good glove (the old “buy once, cry once” motto).
I like the fact that the Wilson A2000 is a top pick for serious infielders who want quick transfers and solid play, matching my playing style as an infielder.
As an infield player who has tested dozens of gloves, I can tell you the Wilson A2000 series has earned every bit of its strong name since 1957. The A2000 model uses Pro Stock™ leather and DriLex® wrist lining to give you the perfect mix of toughness and comfort that just feels right in your hand.
Let’s take a look at what makes the Wilson A2000 special. We’ll cover how to break it in, what makes it work so well, and why it’s worth your money as an infield player. Want to see if this glove lives up to all the buzz? Let’s dig in.
Key Takeaways
- The Wilson A2000 1716 uses Pro Stock™ leather and features DriLex® wrist lining for comfort and durability since 1957.
- This 11.5-inch infield glove has a shallow pocket design and single-post web that helps players make quick transfers during plays.
- Breaking in the glove takes 7-10 days when using warm water, a mallet, and daily 15-minute catch sessions.
- The glove costs $199.99 with free shipping and comes with a 12-month warranty plus a 100-day satisfaction guarantee.
- Some players report issues with stiffness, squeaking leather, and a smaller-than-listed size that affects comfort during games.
Key Features of the Wilson A2000 1716 Glove
The Wilson A2000 1716 glove packs premium features that make it stand out on the baseball field. I love how this glove combines Pro Stock™ leather with smart design elements like the shallow pocket and DriLex® wrist lining to create a top-tier infield glove.
What makes Wilson Pro Stock Leather durable?
Pro Stock™ Leather is one of the best out there for baseball gloves thanks to its superior strength. I can confirm that this leather on the Wilson A2000 goes through careful tanning to make it last longer and keep its shape during games.
The moisture-resistant surface helps players maintain control in wet conditions while making the glove easier to clean after each use.
Pro Stock™ Leather delivers unmatched durability and performance that many major league players trust game after game.
The shell backing and catching surface both use this high-quality leather, which means better flexibility where you need it most. The Wilson A2000 baseball glove comes with a 12-month warranty from Wilson, showing their faith in the product’s durability.
Pro Stock™ Leather resists breaking down or losing its form, even with regular play throughout multiple seasons.
Granted, I could have gone with a Wilson A2000 that had the Superskin™ designs, but they were more expensive, and I didn’t feel the juice was worth the squeeze for the difference in cost. They even have a really cool new-age Snakeskin leather as well that is supposed to be super durable.
If you play a lot of ball, you may want to consider the Superskin or Snakeskin option when looking for Wilson baseball gloves.
How does Dual Welting™ improve glove fit?
I’ve tested countless baseball gloves, and the Dual Welting™ in the Wilson A2000 is simply awesome. The glove’s backing features two leather strips along each finger stall, creating a perfect structure that molds to my hand.
This design keeps the pocket stable during quick plays and hard catches.
The flat finger binding works with the rolled Dual Welting™ to maintain the glove’s shape through heavy use. In my experience, it shows this construction prevents the leather from losing form, even after months of fielding practice.
The inner finger stalls stay firm yet flexible, giving me better control for those crucial infield plays. This special welting system makes the Wilson A2000 feel like a natural extension of my hand rather than just another piece of baseball equipment I shove my fingers into.
Why choose DriLex® wrist lining for moisture control?
DriLex® wrist lining is amazing for baseball players who need dry hands during intense games. I’ve experienced this moisture-wicking material pull sweat away from knuckles and the back of my hand.
The ultra-breathable design keeps palms comfortable through nine innings of play.
The Wilson A2000 baseball glove features this standard moisture control system for a reason. Players stay focused on fielding rather than dealing with sweaty discomfort. The specialized lining reduces skin irritation from moisture buildup, which makes long practice sessions more productive and enjoyable.
How does the shallow pocket design improve quick transfers?
The shallow pocket design in the Wilson A2000 makes ball transfers lightning fast. I’ve tested this glove in countless infield drills, and its quick-release pocket helps grab and throw the ball in one smooth motion.
The single-post web works perfectly with the shallow design to speed up double plays and hard-hit grounders.
Speed kills in baseball. A shallow pocket gives you that extra split-second advantage.
The pocket depth can be customized during the break-in phase to match each player’s style. Pro Stock Leather construction keeps the pocket responsive through heavy use, while maintaining its shallow form.
This design proves most valuable for middle infielders who need to make split-second transfers on tough plays up the middle or deep in the hole.
Why is durability important for long-lasting performance?
Durability is a crucial factor for any baseball glove, especially during intense infield play. I tested the Wilson A2000 1716’s Pro Stock leather construction through multiple seasons and found it maintains shape without breaking down.
This premium leather resists wear from repeated catches, throws, and ground balls while keeping its form intact. The Gap Welting system adds extra stability to the pocket, which proves essential for consistent fielding performance game after game.
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Moisture resistance plays a vital role in extending glove life and maintaining peak performance. The DriLex wrist lining keeps hands dry during hot summer games or wet conditions. A 12-month manufacturer warranty backs up the durability claims of this Wilson baseball glove.
Proper care combined with these built-in features helps the Wilson A2000 last through years of regular play without losing pocket stability or shape. This long-lasting performance makes the glove a smart investment for serious infielders.
How Do You Break In the Wilson A2000?
Breaking in a Wilson A2000 baseball glove needs proper care and attention. But that can be said with just about any other glove as well. How you break it in matters.
I learned the perfect seven-step method from Wilson Master Glove Craftsman Shigeaki Aso, which I’ll show below, but I’ll also show you how I did it without the use of water.
- Pour warm water into the glove’s palm to soften the leather fibers, but never use boiling water as it damages the material.
- Squeeze and pull the glove’s sides to flex the heel pad, making circular motions for 5 minutes.
- Pull the finger tops and laces in opposite directions to create flexibility in the webbing.
- Shape your pocket with a mallet, striking the leather firmly but gently to match your preferred depth.
- Strike specific spots with the mallet to create natural break points, focusing on areas where the glove folds.
- Play catch for 15 minutes daily to speed up the break-in process, which takes about 7-10 days.
- Test the glove’s flexibility after each practice session, and repeat steps 1-5 if stiff spots remain.
- Apply glove oil or conditioner (based on your preference) sparingly to maintain the Pro Stock leather’s quality during the break-in period.
- Store the glove in a cool, dry place with a ball in the pocket to maintain its shape.
- Check the Dual Welting structure stays firm as you break in the glove for optimal pocket stability.
While the above works, there’s just something about pouring water on my glove or dunking it in a bucket of water that makes me worry. When I got my Wilson A2000 glove, I was told at Dick’s Sporting Goods DO NOT steam the glove as it can ruin the specific leather used on the A2000 (and in doing so, it would void the warranty).
So, what did I do?
I conditioned it and beat the heck out of it with a wooden glove mallet and tossed the ball around with my son for a few days. Honestly, it wasn’t difficult to break it in this way, and the glove will only get better with more practice time.
Just like with what was mentioned above and in the video, if you can hit the break points of the glove with the mallet and loosen them up a little, you’re going to notice an immediate difference in how your glove closes.
I purchased some Sarna Baseball Glove Conditioner, a one-piece wood mallet, as well as some Sarna Leather Baseball Glove Cleaner and fine horse hair glove brushes to use when needed throughout our season.
How Does the Wilson A2000 1716 Perform for Infield Play?
The Wilson A2000 is a good choice for infield players who need quick ball transfers and smooth double plays.
I tested this glove through countless ground balls over a few seasons and found its 11.5-inch pattern perfect for middle infielders who want fast hands and reliable catches.
What design elements suit infield players?
I love how the Wilson A2000 utilizes smart design features for infield play. This 11.5-inch glove sports a single-post web that lets players see the ball clearly while making quick transfers.
Pro Stock leather makes the glove tough enough to handle hard line drives, while staying light for fast reactions at shortstop or second base.
The conventional open back gives my wrist more freedom to move during double plays and quick tags. My favorite part is the shallow pocket design, which helps grab and release the ball faster than deeper pockets found in outfield gloves (which I used in the past, even as an infielder — such as my Rawlings 12.75” outfielders glove I used for around five years).
These specific elements match what middle infielders need most on defense: speed, control, and reliable ball handling.
How ready are A2000 Wilson gloves to play out of the box?
Honestly, the Wilson A2000 baseball glove is ready for action straight from the box. Is it a little stiff? Sure. But it’s definitely manageable, even without fully breaking it in.
In my experience, the pro stock leather glove needs minimal break-in time, making it perfect for players who want to start fielding right away.
This game-ready mitt takes about 7 to 10 days to reach peak performance on the baseball field. The shallow pocket design helps players make quick transfers while maintaining excellent control.
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The extra stiff feel provides the right balance of structure and flexibility for immediate play, which suits both youth players (13+) and adults who need reliable performance from day one.
And the pop sound your glove makes when a line drive hits your pocket is a chef’s kiss. Totally satisfying.
How durable is the Wilson A2000 during regular play?
I tested the A2000 through intense baseball games and practice sessions. Pro Stock leather makes this glove tough enough to handle daily wear and tear without losing its shape.
My field experience shows the rolled dual welting keeps the pocket firm even after months of catching hard-hit balls.
The DriLex wrist lining fights moisture damage while the ProLux leather interior stays fresh during sweaty games. This glove comes with a 12-month warranty against defects, proving Wilson stands behind its durability claims.
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Regular cleaning and proper care help maintain the leather’s premium feel through multiple seasons of infield play.
Pros and Cons of the Wilson A2000
Let’s dive into the good and bad of the Wilson A2000 infielder’s glove to help you decide if this is the right choice for your next baseball glove.
What are the advantages of the Wilson A2000?
The Wilson A2000 is made with its Pro Stock Leather construction, making it one of the best choices for serious baseball players (especially infielders). My testing on the field shows this glove keeps its shape through intense games while offering superior durability.
The DriLex wrist lining stops sweat buildup during hot summer games, and the shallow pocket design helps middle infielders make quick transfers.
This baseball glove comes with a 100-day satisfaction guarantee and a 12-month warranty against defects, giving players peace of mind about their investment.
The free shipping offer at $199.99 makes this pro-level glove more accessible to players aged 13 and up.
The dual welting feature creates a more stable pocket that maintains its form through countless innings of play and for many seasons of wear.
What are the disadvantages of the Wilson A2000?
While I haven’t noticed this, some players have mentioned that the Wilson A2000 stayed stiff, even after a full year of break-in attempts. This made it hard to close the glove quickly around ground balls.
Again, I haven’t noticed that and found it quite easy to break in without much effort at all. That said, if your hand and grip strength aren’t good, I can see how breaking it in could be problematic.
The shallow pocket design can cause baseballs to pop out more often than you want, which can hurt your fielding confidence. With a little practice, you can quickly get comfortable with the pocket.
This Wilson A2000 can get dirty (but what glove doesn’t?).
The Pro Stock leather can feel hard and attracts dirt faster than other gloves, like Rawlings Heart of the Hide, from what I’ve seen and heard. Some players report squeaking sounds from the leather, plus uncomfortable lumps in the wrist padding. Neither of which I have experienced.
The glove runs smaller than listed sizes, creating potential fit problems for players who need exact measurements for gameplay. These quality concerns make the high price tag harder to justify for serious baseball players.
I don’t have monster hands, but I have no fit issues once the glove is broken in. At first, my thumb would get a little sore due to the tightness of the glove, but that didn’t last long at all. But for youth players, I don’t see this being an issue at all, as their hands are going to be smaller than an adult’s.
Is the Wilson A2000 Baseball Glove Worth the Investment?
The Wilson A2000, in my opinion, is a smart investment for serious baseball players. In my experience, this infielder’s glove delivers top value through its Pro Stock leather and Dual Welting design.
Is the glove going to make you a future baseball hall of famer? No. But we can all dream, right?
The glove has set baseball standards since 1957, making it a trusted choice for MLB pros. The 12-month warranty backs up its quality promise.
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Players get real benefits from this pro-level baseball glove’s durability and custom-fit features. The DriLex wrist lining keeps hands dry during intense games. The shallow pocket design helps quick ball transfers for smooth plays.
The proven track record with the Wilson A2000 baseball glove makes its price point fair for the premium quality and long-lasting performance you’ll get on the field.
Would I recommend the A2000? All day long without hesitation. And just for fun, grab it in a bold and exciting color pattern to showcase your own personality.
FAQs
The Wilson A2000 is an industry standard 11.50-inch glove perfect for infield positions. This Wilson pro stock leather glove offers the perfect fit for baseball and softball players looking to take their game to the next level.
While it’s mainly designed for infield play, this glove isn’t ideal for catchers or first basemen who need specialized mitts. It works best for middle infielders and third basemen on the diamond.
The glove break-in period varies but typically takes 2-3 weeks of regular use. Wilson baseball and softball gloves are made with quality materials that form to your hand over time.
You can shop for Wilson gloves directly online or through authorized sporting goods retailers. Watch for closeout sales to find better value quality deals.
The A2000 lineup offers premium features and better materials than the A1000 series. A2000s are considered the top choice for serious players in both baseball and fastpitch softball.
Yes, this versatile glove works well for softball fielding. Many players in both fastpitch and slow-pitch leagues trust the Wilson A2000 series for its reliable performance.
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