Coach John Peter's Baseball Tips.com
Akadema Praying Mantis Catcher
Akadema Baseball Gloves
- 33½ Circumference Pattern
- Spiral-lock Web, Open Back, and Deep Pocket
- Best for Ages 13 Through High School
Price: $130
Stock# G35
Coach JP Says
You will not find a finer catcher's mitt in pro ball today! Your pitchers will love it too! It is strung so tight, it makes fastballs sound explosive.
The Akadema patent pending Praying Mantis is the most innovative catcher's mitt ever to hit the market, with many unique features setting it apart from the competition.
With the new "Stress Wedge" technology, located between the index finger and thumb, the Praying Mantis offers shock absorbing protection for the hand against injury and sting when receiving the ball.
The Praying Mantis also offers two additional "Finger Hammocks" allowing the fingers to be firmly positioned and more secure in the glove.
Additional features include the "Double-sided Slim Padding" allowing for increased pocket size and easier ball retention; Uniquely designed shape allows the throwing hand easier access into the pocket, resulting in a quicker glove to hand transfer and faster times to second base. The Praying Mantis also features a "Double Flexhinge" which makes the glove snap closed on contact.
Coach JP's Review
Here's why I recommend this glove:
I firmly believe that you will have a hard time finding a finer catcher's mitt on the market, no matter the brand name or what you might pay. This will take a lot of pounding from the hardest of throwers.
The leather is top quality, the lacing is thick, heavy and skillfully installed. The stress wedge will absolutely reduce bone bruising and sting. It's even been designed to provide a bit larger pocket than usual as well as making it easier to get your throwing hand in and out quicker. The double hinged pocket actually snaps the glove closed upon ball impact!
Pitchers even love this glove because it offers a really loud POP when their fastball is caught (you know pitchers... anything for more heat!).
Note:
For the most advanced or the smaller catcher, I recommend the sister model APM 42. The reason is that the best catchers have great hands and seem to prefer a smaller (and sometimes lighter) mitt with a more shallow pocket; the younger players just need a smaller, lighter glove.
APM42
- 32½" Circumference Pattern
- Spiral-lock Web, Open Back, and Deep Pocket
- Best for Smaller Players AND the Catcher with Great Hands
Price: $130
Stock# G37
For right hand throwers only
The APM42 "Thunderpocket" design is for the catcher who likes the control and quickness of a slightly smaller mitt, allowing for increased times to second base.
Coach JP's Review
Here's why I recommend this glove:
This mitt has all the great qualities of the original Praying Mantis Mitt, our APM 40. The difference is that it is a bit smaller and lighter, has a medium depth pocket instead of a deeper pocket for quicker glove to hand transfer. If you are a younger, smaller catcher OR if you are a more accomplished High School, College or Pro Player with good, quick handle... this is your next great mitt!
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