Here’s why I recommend this glove:
Two seasons ago, I noticed that my son’s Akadema Reptilian infield model was finally giving in (after 150 plus High School varsity games, summer and fall ball) and that his back-up glove (yes, every serious player should have a back-up) was even worse.

I decided to surprise him and break in one of these ABR 8 models.
It is definitely more traditional looking, has an open back, almost closed web (he was still pitching a bit at that time). Surprise…he wouldn’t give up his old Reptilian.

So, I made it my own. Man, it got sweet really quickly. Everything seemed to find its way into its nice, wide pocket. I liked the substantial weight and the fact that it plays much “bigger” than it's advertised 11” size and frankly, it is a classic glove pattern that I had seen and liked for decades.

Some weeks later, while attending one of my son's home games, I looked out at 2nd base where he was playing and noticed that he was not using his game glove but rather, he had mine. As he ran off the field between innings, I yelled in his general direction, “Hey 24, nice leather.” He kind of laughed and before disappearing into the dugout, he shot back something like, “yeah, it broke-in perfectly too”!

FYI:  At this writing, I am spending a month working out 10 High School Varsity players in preparation for their spring ball season. Four are presently carrying Akadema leather and all are pleased with them. One, a college bound RH pitcher has this same ABR 8 model. He says he loves it!