How To Break In Your Glove - Diamond Sport Gear

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  1. Home
  2. Tips, Care & Frequenty Asked Questions
  3. How to Break In Your Glove: Baseball & Softball Break-In...

A great glove starts with a great break-in. In this guide, Diamond Sport Gear shares proven methods to break in your baseball or softball glove the right way — without damaging the leather. Learn how to shape your pocket, soften the palm, and get a game-ready feel fast using glove oil, mallets, and consistent play. Learn How to Break In Your Glove →

August 20, 2017 2 min read

The best way to break in a glove is to use specially designed glove oil.  Glove oil keeps the leather ''alive'' while providing a softening condition and minimizing weight gain.  Apply a small amount of glove oil to a sponge or cloth, then use the sponge or cloth to apply the oil to the areas of the glove that are currently firm. Start with the palm, the break point of the glove and then web.  Then use the glove oil on all other parts of the glove including the entire inside to help moisturize and protect the glove.  Work the glove oil into the leather evenly.  Do not apply the glove oil directly to the glove, as it will be too concentrated at the point of application.

Also, make sure that the laces get oiled so they can stay moisturized so they will not dry and begin to crack. Otherwise, the webbing of the glove will come loose.  Remember that leather is skin and leather experts tell us not to treat glove leather any differently than you would your skin. Therefore prolonged harsh temperatures (oven, microwave) excessive water soaking, especially use of hot water, abrasives, the salt and acids produced from perspiration and excessive dryness all or individually can be harmful to the glove leather.

Break In Quick Tips

  • Play Catch!
  • Use a Glove Mallet to simulate repeated ball impacts
  • If you have access to a pitching machine stand and catch the balls and drop them in a bucket, breaks in the glove and works on hand eye coordination
  • Keep your hand in the glove to break it it! If you let someone else break it in, it will fit their hand not yours!
  • While watching TV or sitting keep throwing a ball into your glove.
  • Constantly move the leather to help it loosen up.
  • Don't add a lot of Oil or Conditioner! The more you add the heavier the glove becomes!
  • DO NOT BAKE OR STEAM A GLOVE!!! It is a quick fix but will destroy the leather and drastically shorten the life of your glove!

Break Your Glove in Like the Pros

For nearly 40 years, Wilson Glove Master Craftsman Shigeaki Aso has applied his love for ball gloves by designing the glove of choice for the best players in the world, and then some. He works with players at every level, gathering feedback and information to help craft the most innovative and extensive line of ball gloves in the game. As his designs continue to advance, he's become the most respected figure in the industry.

Breaking In an Outfield Glove

Breaking In a Middle Infielder Glove

Breaking In a First Base Mitt

Breaking In a Catcher's Mitt

Breaking In a Nokona Brand Glove

How To Apply Baseball Glove Conditioner and Oil

 

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Softball COR/Compression Info

COR & Compression in softballs refers to the ball's hardness and bounce. Compression is rated by how many pounds of force (like 300, 400, 475) compress it a quarter-inch. The higher numbers mean harder balls for more distance, while lower numbers are softer for limited flight, safer play or training. These compression ratings work with the Coefficient of Restitution (COR) (e.g., 52, 47, 44) to determine bounce, with lower COR/higher Compression balls being harder and bouncier for competitive play.

Understanding the Numbers
  • Compression (e.g., 300, 400): The force (in pounds) to compress the ball 0.25 inches; higher number = harder ball, more travel.
  • COR (Coefficient of Restitution, e.g., 52, 44): Measures the ball's bounce (e.g., a 0.52 COR ball rebounds at 52% of its impact speed)
Types of Softballs by Compression
  • Low Compression (e.g., 275, 300): Very soft, limited flight, great for training, youth, or safety.
  • Mid Compression (e.g., 375, 400): Harder, for competitive play.
  • High Compression (450+): Very hard, lively, often too much for standard play, but used in specific leagues or home run derby's
Key Considerations
  • Weather: Hotter weather makes balls softer; cooler weather makes them harder.
  • Safety: Lower compression/higher COR (like 52/300) balls are safer for beginners or leagues.
  • Performance: Higher compression/lower COR (like 44/400) balls go farther in competitive and tournament play.
  • Certification: Make sure you're buying softballs with the proper certification stamps on them (e.g., NFHS, NSA, USA, USSSA) as they will be required for official league and tournament play. Each association has varying COR/Compression standards.

NOTE: Softballs have a 25± compression variance. So, they could be up to 25 points above or below the certified compression.

Bat Warranty Info

We are an authorized dealer for every brand that we carry so if the item is eligible for a manufacturers warranty you have one by purchasing with us! With that said, All Warranties go directly through the Manufacturer not through Diamond Sport Gear.

How Do Bat Warranties Work?

There are a few things you need to have. You can always register your bat on the manufacturers website so you don't have to keep all of your info. Every new bat comes with warranty information under or on the wrapper, we recommend you keep it in case you need to use it. All Warranties go directly through the Bat Manufacturer not through Diamond Sport Gear. Once a wrapper is off of a bat we cannot take it back.

  • You will need Valid proof of purchase or a copy of your receipt from an Authorized Dealer (Again, we are an Authorized Dealer for every brand we carry). If you lose yours please contact us we can always send you another copy!
  • IMPORTANT NOTE: Most 3rd Party Sellers are NOT Authorized Dealers! This Includes Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Facebook, etc. If you are ever in question you can contact the Manufacturer of the model you are looking at and verify that the dealer you are wanting to buy from is in fact an Authorized Dealer.
  • You have a 1 Year Warranty from date of purchase (not when you begin using the bat).
  • Warranties are 1 Year, 1 Bat. Meaning you get one replacement within the year and the one you get will be stamped "No Warranty" or "No Replacement". Some manufacturers may replace bats more than once with extenuating circumstances, but they do not have to. DeMarini and Louisville Slugger offer extended warranties on their BBCOR bats allowing for unlimited returns within the year. More information can be found on slugger.com and demarini.com.
  • You will need your model number and size. Which can both be found on the bat.
  • VOIDING YOUR WARRANTY: If you use illegal break in processes like Rolling or Shaving a bat, use it in too cold of weather or hit pitching machine dimple balls you void your warranty. Please read the manufacturers policy on their websites for more information on what they cover.
Where do I go to Start a Warranty Claim?

You will have to go to the manufacturers website (DeMarini.com, Slugger.com, Rawlings.com, etc.) to start the process. Their warranty policy and claims forms are often located in the footer or their website. We can always provide you with another copy of your receipt if needed. It can take some time to receive a replacement as they have to check them to make sure the item wasn't used in a way to void the warranty.

Warranties Do Not Transfer

If you buy a bat from another parent, coach, etc the warranty does not transfer! The receipt has to be in your name. If it is someone on your team or that you know you might have to ask them to send it back on your behalf.

We hope that this helps and if you have any questions please contact us. We'd love to help as much as we can!

All Warranties go directly through the Manufacturer not through Diamond Sport Gear.

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