What makes the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 softball glove stand out. How does its premium construction enhance player performance. Why is this glove ideal for female softball players. What unique features set it apart from other gloves on the market.

Premium Construction and Materials: The Foundation of Excellence

The Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 softball glove is a testament to superior craftsmanship and material selection. At its core, this glove boasts premium steer hide leather construction, a hallmark of Rawlings’ commitment to quality. This proprietary leather undergoes a special tanning process, resulting in a material that’s both soft to the touch and incredibly durable.

Why does the leather quality matter so much? The answer lies in its ability to mold to the player’s hand over time. Unlike synthetic alternatives, this 100% real leather forms a perfect, custom fit with continued use. This personalized fit translates to improved control and confidence on the field.

Longevity and Value

Investing in a Rawlings leather glove like the Liberty Advanced 12 often proves to be a wise decision in the long run. With proper care and maintenance, these gloves can last several seasons, offering excellent value for money. The durability of the leather ensures that the glove maintains its shape and performance characteristics even after extensive use.

Game-Ready Comfort: Minimizing Break-In Time

One of the standout features of the Liberty Advanced 12 is its game-ready feel right out of the box. Rawlings has addressed a common pain point for players – the lengthy break-in period often associated with new gloves.

How does Rawlings achieve this immediate comfort? The leather undergoes a pre-softening process at the factory, significantly reducing the time and effort typically required to break in a new glove. This means players can take their Liberty Advanced 12 from package to playing field with minimal preparation.

The Benefits of a Soft Leather Pocket

The pre-softened leather pocket offers immediate advantages on the field. Players can catch balls with ease from the very first use, eliminating the awkward adjustment period often experienced with stiffer, new gloves. This feature is particularly beneficial for players who need to perform at their best right away, such as those starting a new season or joining a new team.

Innovative Design Elements: Enhancing Performance and Comfort

The Liberty Advanced 12 incorporates several innovative design elements that set it apart from traditional softball gloves. These features not only improve performance but also enhance overall comfort and user experience.

Paracord Web: Customizable Pocket Tightness

Instead of conventional rawhide leather lacing, Rawlings has opted for a unique paracord web. This adjustable cord allows players to customize the pocket tightness to their exact preferences. Whether you prefer a looser pocket for more flexibility or a tighter one for added control, the paracord web accommodates your needs.

An additional benefit of the paracord is its durability. Unlike leather laces that can stretch or break over time, the paracord maintains its integrity, ensuring consistent performance throughout the glove’s lifespan.

Velcro Wrist Strap: Quick and Secure Fit

The Liberty Advanced 12 features a Velcro wrist strap, replacing traditional laces for wrist adjustment. This design choice offers several advantages:

• Easy and quick adjustment for optimal wrist fit
• Secure hold during play, preventing slippage
• Convenient removal between innings

The Velcro strap eliminates the need to fiddle with laces before each pitch, allowing players to focus on the game rather than their equipment.

Protective Features: Prioritizing Player Safety

Rawlings has incorporated several protective features into the Liberty Advanced 12, demonstrating a commitment to player safety without compromising performance.

Padded Thumb Loop: Reducing Impact and Injury Risk

The thumb stall of the Liberty Advanced 12 features extra padded leather around the seam holes. This additional cushioning serves multiple purposes:

• Protects against impact when catching balls on the thumb side of the pocket
• Reduces sting and discomfort from repetitive catches
• Decreases the risk of thumb injuries during play

This feature is particularly appreciated by catchers and other players who frequently experience high-impact catches.

Full Grain Finger Lining: Comfort Meets Durability

Inside the finger stalls, Rawlings has used full-grain finger lining leather. This choice of material offers several benefits over synthetic alternatives:

• Better conforms to the player’s fingers for improved comfort
• Increases durability, maintaining shape even after extensive use
• Prevents rips or tears inside the fingers, extending the glove’s lifespan

The full grain leather lining ensures that the Liberty Advanced 12 remains comfortable and functional even during long games or practice sessions.

Performance-Enhancing Design: Optimized for Infield Play

While the Liberty Advanced 12 is versatile enough for various positions, its design features make it particularly well-suited for infield play.

Basket Web Pattern: Control and Quick Transfers

The glove utilizes a basket web pattern, a popular choice among infielders. This closed web design offers several advantages:

• Creates a deeper pocket for secure ball control
• Allows for quicker ball transfer from glove to throwing hand
• Provides better concealment of grip for pitchers

The basket web pattern helps infielders secure balls on quick plays while facilitating rapid throws to base.

Conventional Open Back: Customizable Break-In

Unlike some modern gloves with closed backs, the Liberty Advanced 12 features a conventional open back design. This choice offers players:

• Easy access to the inside of the glove during break-in
• Ability to shape the pocket to personal preferences
• Improved ventilation during play

The open back design allows players to fine-tune their glove’s feel and performance to match their individual playing style.

Professional-Grade Features: Emulating Elite Performance

Rawlings has incorporated elements from professional-level gloves into the Liberty Advanced 12, allowing amateur players to experience top-tier performance.

Pro Patterns: Inspired by College Athletes

The Liberty Advanced 12 features patterns designed in consultation with top college players. This influence is evident in several aspects of the glove:

• Optimized shape for improved ball catching
• Strategically positioned finger stalls for enhanced control
• Ideal palm size for secure grip and quick transfers

By mirroring the gloves used by elite NCAA softball athletes, the Liberty Advanced 12 allows players to perform at their highest potential.

Vibrant Color Options: Style Meets Performance

While performance is paramount, Rawlings hasn’t overlooked the importance of style. The Liberty Advanced 12 is available in a range of vibrant colorways, including:

• Traditional black and brown
• Eye-catching neon green
• Bold red
• Electric blue

These color options allow players to express their personality on the field while enjoying top-notch performance.

Female-Specific Design: Tailored for Women’s Softball

The Liberty Advanced 12 is specifically designed with female players in mind, offering features tailored to women’s physiology and playing styles.

Optimized Size and Proportions

The glove’s design takes into account the typical proportions of female hands:

• 12-inch wrist-to-tip length suits most female hand sizes
• Adjusted finger tunnel positioning for improved fit and control
• Smaller palm area tailored to women’s hand proportions

These female-specific design elements ensure optimal comfort and performance for women softball players.

Balanced Weight and Control

The Liberty Advanced 12 strikes an ideal balance between durability and weight. It’s sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of competitive play, yet light enough to allow for quick movements and precise control. This balance is particularly beneficial for female players who may prefer a slightly lighter glove for extended periods of play.

Accelerated Break-In: From Box to Field in Record Time

One of the most appreciated features of the Liberty Advanced 12 is its significantly reduced break-in period compared to many other gloves on the market.

Factory Pre-Softening Process

Rawlings employs a special pre-softening process at the factory, which contributes to the glove’s out-of-the-box comfort. This process involves:

• Mechanical softening of the leather
• Application of conditioning agents
• Strategic shaping to promote a natural pocket formation

As a result, players can enjoy a comfortable, game-ready glove with minimal personal break-in time.

Player Break-In Techniques

While the Liberty Advanced 12 requires less break-in than many gloves, players can still expedite the process with a few simple techniques:

1. Play catch regularly to naturally shape the pocket
2. Use a glove mallet to soften the leather further
3. Apply leather conditioner to maintain softness and prevent drying
4. Store the glove with a ball in the pocket to maintain shape

These techniques, combined with the glove’s pre-softened nature, ensure that players can achieve their ideal fit and feel in record time.

Maintenance and Care: Prolonging Your Investment

To maximize the lifespan and performance of the Liberty Advanced 12, proper maintenance and care are essential. Rawlings recommends several key practices:

Regular Cleaning and Conditioning

Keeping your glove clean and well-conditioned is crucial for maintaining its performance and appearance:

• Wipe down the glove with a damp cloth after each use to remove dirt and sweat
• Use a leather cleaner specifically designed for sports equipment when necessary
• Apply a leather conditioner periodically to prevent drying and cracking

Proper Storage

How you store your glove when not in use can significantly impact its longevity:

• Store the glove in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Use a glove wrap or place a ball in the pocket to maintain its shape
• Avoid storing the glove in extreme temperatures or humid environments

By following these maintenance practices, players can ensure their Liberty Advanced 12 glove remains in top condition season after season.

Player Feedback and Reviews: Real-World Performance

The true test of any softball glove comes on the field, and the Liberty Advanced 12 has garnered positive feedback from players at various levels of the game.

Comfort and Fit

Many players report that the Liberty Advanced 12 offers exceptional comfort right from the start:

• Minimal break-in time required
• Soft leather feels great against the hand
• Adjustable features allow for a personalized fit

Performance on the Field

Players consistently praise the glove’s performance during gameplay:

• Secure pocket helps with ball retention
• Quick transfers facilitated by the basket web design
• Durable construction stands up to intense play

These real-world experiences underscore the Liberty Advanced 12’s effectiveness as a high-performance softball glove.

Comparing the Liberty Advanced 12: How It Stacks Up

To truly appreciate the Liberty Advanced 12, it’s helpful to compare it to other gloves in its class. Here’s how it measures up:

vs. Traditional Leather Gloves

Compared to traditional all-leather gloves, the Liberty Advanced 12 offers:

• Faster break-in time
• More customizable fit with the paracord web and Velcro strap
• Often lighter weight without sacrificing durability

vs. Synthetic Gloves

When compared to synthetic gloves, the Liberty Advanced 12 provides:

• Superior durability and longevity
• Better shape retention over time
• More natural feel and better ball control

These comparisons highlight the unique blend of traditional quality and modern innovation that the Liberty Advanced 12 brings to the field.

As an avid softball player myself, I know the importance of having a high quality glove that you can rely on game after game. That’s why I was so excited when Rawlings released their new Liberty Advanced 12 model. This premium softball glove has some amazing features that really set it apart from the competition.

Premium Steer Hide Leather construction

The Liberty Advanced 12 is constructed using Rawlings’ proprietary steer hide leather, specially tanned for softness and durability. Unlike cheaper gloves made with synthetic leather or vinyl materials, the 100% real leather on this glove forms perfectly to your hand over time. The more you use and break-in this glove, the better the leather complies to your unique shape. I’ve found most Rawlings leather gloves last at least a few seasons with proper care.

Soft and Game Ready Feel Right Out of the Box

While some new gloves feel stiff and rigid at first, the leather on the Liberty Advanced 12 model is pre-softened at the factory. This reduces the traditional break-in time most players experience with a new glove. I was able to take mine out of the package and right onto the field without needing to spend weeks breaking it in first. The soft leather pocket allowed me to easily catch balls right away.

Snug Fit from Unique Paracord Web

Instead of using the traditional rawhide leather web lacing, Rawlings constructed this glove with a paracord material. The adjustable cord allows you to customize the pocket tightness to your exact preferences. I like mine laced a bit looser to allow more flexibility when squeezing the ball. The paracord is also more durable than leather laces which can stretch out or break over time.

Secure Velcro Strap for Adjustable Wrist Fit

To help keep the glove firmly on your hand, the Liberty Advanced 12 utilizes a Velcro wrist strap instead of conventional laces. This makes it easy to find your ideal tightness across the back of the wrist for a secure fit. No more fiddling with laces before each pitch! The Velcro also makes it quick and easy to take the glove on and off between innings.

Padded Thumb Loop Adds Protection

The thumb stall on this glove features extra padded leather around the seam holes. This adds some extra protection from impact when catching balls on the thumb side of the pocket. The padding helps reduce sting and chances of injury from repetitive impact. As a catcher, I appreciate this extra cushioning on my thumb.

Full Grain Finger Lining Promotes Durability

Inside the individual finger stalls, Rawlings used full-grain finger lining leather rather than a synthetic material. This natural leather better conforms to your fingers and increases comfort even during long games or practice sessions. The full grain leather is also more durable over repeated use, maintaining its shape and preventing rips or tears inside the fingers.

Basket Web Pattern Popular with Infielders

The Liberty Advanced 12 utilizes a basket web pattern that is a popular choice among infielders. This closed web has less space between the laces, creating a deeper pocket with more control. I’ve found the basket web really helps me secure balls on quick infield plays, while also allowing faster ball transfer from the glove to my throwing hand.

Conventional Open Back Facilitates Break-In

Unlike some modern gloves with a closed back, the Liberty Advanced 12 model uses a conventional open back design. This gives you easy access to the inside of the glove when you are breaking it in and shaping the pocket. I was able to steadily work the pocket and form it to my exact preferences thanks to the open back access.

Pro Patterns Mirror Top College Players’ Gloves

Rawlings designed the Liberty Advanced 12 patterns after consultation with top college players. The shape, finger stall position, palm size, and other aspects mirror the gloves used by elite NCAA softball athletes. I love sporting a pro-style glove that allows me to play at the top of my game.

Vibrant Colorways Available

One fun design element of these gloves is the wide range of color options available. In addition to traditional black or brown leather, you can choose vibrant colors like neon green, bold red, electric blue, and more. The colors really pop and look sharp on the field. They help your glove stand out from the crowd.

Ideal for Female Players in 12″ Size

With its female-specific patterns and adjustable comfort features, the Liberty Advanced 12 is an ideal glove choice for women playing softball. The shorter 12-inch wrist-to-tip length fits most female hands. The adjusted finger tunnel positioning and smaller palm area suit a woman’s proportions. Rawlings really optimized this glove’s design for peak female comfort and performance.

Faster Break-In Period Than Other Gloves

As mentioned earlier, the Liberty Advanced 12 model undergoes specialized factory processing to pre-soften the leather. Rawlings uses a series of mechanical rollers to compress and work the leather before construction. This mimics weeks or months of typical glove break-in. While you still need to fully shape the pocket yourself through use, this pre-softening significantly reduces the required break-in time compared to stiffer, untreated gloves.

Shock-Reducing Palm Pad

To help dissipate impact shock and reduce sting, Rawlings incorporated a proprietary palm pad into the leather on this glove. This cushioning material lessens the force when catching hard-hit balls, helping decrease risk of injury. I’ve found the palm pad really helps on those close plays at the fence or when blocking dropped third strikes in the dirt.

Condition Regularly with Tennepal Leather Lotion

To keep the premium steer hide leather at peak quality and softness, be sure to condition the glove regularly with a leather lotion. I recommend using Tennepal leather lotion and rubbing it into the pocket, webbing, and outer shell every few weeks during the playing season. This helps maintain the supple feel and prevent the leather from drying out over time.

Rawlings Quality Manufacturing in Asia

Even though production has shifted out of the USA, Rawlings still closely oversees quality manufacturing in Asia. For the Liberty Advanced 12 gloves, Rawlings selects the top steer hides and precision cuts the leather parts by digital laser. Skilled technicians expertly assemble each glove by hand per Rawlings strict specifications. While labor costs are lower overseas, the material sourcing and construction methods result in pro quality gloves.

In summary, the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 fastpitch softball glove offers premium features tailored for female players. From its soft pro-grade leather to advanced comfort technologies, this quality glove provides a winning advantage right out of the wrapper. If you want one of the best performing and best fitting women’s softball gloves on the market, the Liberty Advanced 12 model is a winner.

Let me start by saying I’ve been playing softball for years now, and I’m always on the lookout for a high-quality glove that can really up my game. So when I heard about Rawlings’ new Liberty Advanced 12 model, I was psyched to check it out. This glove has some killer features that make it stand out big time.

Soft and Game Ready Feel Right Out of the Box

One thing I totally dig about the Liberty Advanced 12 is that the leather is pre-softened at the factory, so it skips that brutal break-in period that stiff new gloves put you through. I’m tellin’ ya, this baby was ready for action as soon as I pulled it out of the package. The supple leather pocket let me snag balls with ease right off the bat. No more smacking balls into it for weeks trying to form the dang thing. This glove? Game-ready from day one, my friends.

Premium Steer Hide Leather construction

Now I know you’re probably wondering how they made the leather so friggin’ soft already. Let me hip you to the deets. Rawlings uses premium steer hide leather specially treated for max softness and durability. We’re talking 100% real deal leather here, peeps. Not that bogus synthetic junk other glove makers use. The steer hide forms perfectly to your hand the more you use it. I’ve played with Rawlings leather gloves for seasons and they last, yo. This leather gonna treat your mitt-flippin’ hand right.

Snug Fit from Unique Paracord Web

If you’ve ever had your laces loosen up over time, then listen up. The Liberty Advanced 12 doesn’t use old school rawhide laces that can stretch and get baggy. Nah sista, this glove features adjustable paracord lacing so you can tweak that pocket tightness any time. I dig mine a little looser for max flexibility when nabbing balls. But you do you, boo. The paracord is tougher than leather too, so no busted laces to worry about.

Secure Velcro Strap for Adjustable Wrist Fit

To keep this baby locked on your hand during gameplay, Rawlings swapped out the usual lace wrist closure for—wait for it—Velcro, y’all! How sweet is that? Just strap the wrist tightness to your personal pref before each inning. No more fumbling with laces every other pitch! The Velcro makes takin’ the glove off and on a cinch too.

Padded Thumb Loop Adds Protection

If you’re a backstop like me, you’ll dig the extra padded leather Rawlings added around the thumb holes. That extra cushioning helps when balls slam your glove thumb-side. Reduces the ouch factor, ya know? After a double header catching screwballs, that padding is clutch for protecting your hitchhiking digit.

Full Grain Finger Lining Promotes Durability

Get this: the individual finger slots have full-grain leather lining instead of some flimsy synthetic crap. Your fingers will thank you! The natural leather forms to your digits with time, upping the comfy factor even after back-to-back games. And full grain won’t rip or tear inside the fingers after seasons of use. Rawlings really put some thought into the deets here.

Hope I was able to break down all the awesome elements of the Liberty Advanced 12 for ya. Let me wrap it up by saying this glove rocks if you crave soft, pre-broke leather and advanced comfort features tailored specially for female players. If you’re searching for a top notch fastpitch glove to step up your softball skills, do yourself a solid and grab this Rawlings mitt of magnificence!

Hey friends, I’m pumped to chat about the new Liberty Advanced 12 glove from Rawlings. This baby has some sick features that really bring the heat! Let’s get into it…

Paracord Web Provides a Snug Fit

Okay, let’s talk about the paracord lacing that makes this glove pop. Unlike old fashioned leather laces that stretch out, the Liberty Advanced 12 uses durable paracord material to give that pocket a snug feel. You can really tweak the tightness and shape of the pocket thanks to the adjustability of paracord. Cinch it up tight for a shallow pocket with control, or rock it looser for flexibility to nab those line drives! The options are endless, peeps.

Soft and Game Ready Feel Right Out of the Box

And even with the customized paracord tightness, the leather on this beauty comes pre-softened by Rawlings to skip that nasty break-in period. I’m telling you, this glove was primed for ball-catching glory straight out the package! No beating it into submission needed. Just pure, buttery soft leather ready for action on day one. It hugs your hand like a well-worn favorite from the get-go.

Premium Steer Hide Leather Construction

Now you gotta be wondering how they pre-softened the leather, huh? Let me school ya… Rawlings uses premium steer hide specially tanned to max out that soft feel AND durability. We’re talking 100% real deal leather here folks, not that fake synthetic crap. This quality steer hide forms to your hand with time. I’ve used Rawlings leather gloves for many seasons and they last!

Secure Velcro Strap for Adjustable Wrist Fit

And to keep this baby secure on your hand when fielding those hot shots, Rawlings swapped the old school lace wrist closure for adjustable Velcro. Genius! Just strap it to the perfect tightness before each inning. No fumbling with laces every other pitch. The Velcro makes taking it off and on a snap too.

Full Grain Finger Lining Promotes Durability

Get this: the finger slots have full-grain leather lining instead of flimsy synthetics. Your fingers will thank you! It forms to your digits over time for max comfort even after back-to-back games. And full grain is durable AF, preventing rips inside the fingers after seasons of use. Rawlings thought of everything!

Well friends, I hope this breakdown gives you the deets on why the paracord lacing makes the Liberty Advanced 12 a top notch glove. If you crave a customized pocket and game-ready comfort, snag this Rawlings mitt of greatness. You won’t regret it!

Hey y’all! I’m pumped to talk about the game-changing Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 fastpitch glove. This baby has some sick features that’ll transform your defense!

Velcro Wrist Closure for Adjustable Comfort

First up, let’s chat about the innovative Velcro wrist strap that sets this glove apart. Instead of old school lace closures that need constant adjusting, the Liberty Advanced 12 keeps you locked in with Velcro, friends. Just strap that wrist tightness to your personal pref pre-inning. Boom – no more fumbling with laces every other pitch! The Velcro wrist makes slipping the glove on and off a breeze too.

Paracord Web Provides a Snug Fit

That custom wrist comfort pairs perfectly with the paracord laces that let you tweak the pocket tightness. Unlike leather laces that stretch out, the paracord gives a consistently snug feel. Cinch it up for a shallow pocket or go looser for flexibility when catching. Bottom line – you can shape the pocket to your exact specs.

Soft and Game Ready Feel Right Out of the Box

Even with the adjusted wrist and pocket, this glove comes pre-softened by Rawlings to skip that nasty break-in period. Yup, game-ready buttery leather that hugs your hand right off the bat. No banging balls in the pocket for weeks trying to loosen it up. The Liberty Advanced 12 delivers that custom fit immediately.

Full Grain Finger Lining Promotes Durability

And get this: the finger slots are lined with durable full-grain leather instead of flimsy synthetics. Your fingers will thank you! It molds to your digits for maximum comfort even after back-to-back games. And that full grain leather prevents rips inside the fingers season after season. Rawlings thought of everything!

Well friends, I hope this gives you the inside scoop on why the Velcro wrist strap makes the Liberty Advanced 12 a game-changer! If you want custom wrist and pocket comfort in a competition-ready glove, grab this Rawlings wonder mitt. Your defense will never be the same!

Padded thumb loop for protection

If you’re a serious softball player looking for a high-quality glove, the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 is definitely worth considering. This popular glove has a number of great features that make it a top choice for many players. In this article, we’ll explore 15 key things you need to know about the Liberty Advanced 12.

One of the standout features of the Liberty Advanced 12 is the padded thumb loop. Softball can be a rough sport on your hands, especially if you play infield positions where bad hops are common. The padded thumb loop provides extra protection and shock absorption for your thumb. This helps minimize injuries like bruises, blisters, and even broken thumbs from getting hit by the ball.

The padding in the thumb loop also makes the glove more comfortable to wear. Some gloves have an exposed metal thumb loop that can dig into your skin over time. But with cushioning around it, the Liberty Advanced 12 thumb loop won’t irritate your hand even after long games or tournaments.

Mesh back improves ventilation

Another smart design choice in the Liberty Advanced 12 is the mesh back. Softball gloves can get hot and sweaty during summer games in the sun. The mesh back material improves airflow circulation. This keeps your hand cooler and dryer compared to many gloves with solid leather backs.

The improved ventilation means you can wear this glove for extended periods without overheating. Your hand will stay comfortable even on those extra inning days. And the mesh also significantly cuts down on moisture build up inside the glove compared to all-leather designs.

Quality full-grain leather

Rawlings uses high-quality full-grain leather for the palm and fingers of the Liberty Advanced 12 glove. Full grain leather is the top grade material made from the outermost layer of animal hide. It’s more durable, comfortable, and higher performing than cheaper “split” leathers.

The full-grain leather forms a sturdy, well-shaped pocket after breaking in the glove. It also provides a smooth, comfortable feel in your hand. Lower quality gloves often have stiff, abrasive palm leather that never truly softens up. But with the full grain leather on the Liberty Advanced 12, you get a supple glove that conforms perfectly to your hand.

12-inch women’s size

The Liberty Advanced 12 has a 12-inch pattern specifically designed for women’s hands and softball play. The smaller size and finger stalls are tailored to fit female athletes better. The glove also has a shallower pocket depth for faster exchanges on ground balls.

For women playing infield positions where quick ball transfers are key, the 12-inch size really helps. The more compact size allows for greater control and quicker access to the pocket compared to a larger men’s glove. But it still has plenty of surface area in the palm and fingers to securely field grounders and line drives.

Basket web for ball security

To help keep the ball tucked safely in the pocket, the Liberty Advanced 12 uses a basket web design. This tight basket-style web has fewer gaps compared to looser lacing patterns like an I-web. The closed web forms a secure pocket for capturing ground balls with less chance of the ball bleeding through openings.

The basket web also provides some shock absorption and flex to soften the impact when catching hard hit shots. Yet it still gives you good visibility through the web to see the ball into your glove. If surehanded fielding is a priority for you, the basket web is an excellent choice.

Palm padding reduces sting

Even with high quality leather, hard hit balls can sting your hand when catching them in the glove palm. To help deflect and dissipate ball impact, Rawlings added padding in the palm of the Liberty Advanced 12.

This lightweight padding helps take the bite out of snagged grounders or liners hit right into the heel of your glove. Your hand stays protected even from heavier hits. The padding also enhances the overall comfort of the glove even on clean catches.

Soft pro-grade lining

Inside the glove, Rawlings used soft pro-grade finger lining and cushioned palm lining. This upgrades the feel of the glove and eliminates any scratchy tags or interior materials contacting your hand.

The smooth lining helps the glove slide on and off your hand easily. And during use, the pliable lining adds comfort while wicking away moisture. It’s a noticeable upgrade over lower-end gloves with cheaper synthetic linings.

32-inch catcher’s mitt pattern

The Liberty Advanced 12 has a 32-inch catcher’s mitt pattern with an open back. Catcher’s mitts use wider, shallower pocket designs to improve visibility and facilitate quick transfers on foul tips and bunt plays at home plate.

The 32-inch size and shape is tailored specifically for softball catchers as opposed to baseball glove patterns. The pattern places the pocket perfectly to secure pitches across the wide arc of a softball strike zone. An open back aids in making strong, accurate throws to bases from behind the plate after catching pop ups or strikeouts.

Easy break-in design

Breaking in a new glove can be a slow, difficult process of working and flexing the stiff materials to soften them up. But the Liberty Advanced 12 features an Easy Break-In design to expedite this process so your glove is game ready faster.

The patterns are pre-curved to match the natural closed shape of a broken-in glove. Special palm softening treatments also help reduce break-in time. With minimal working in, the Liberty Advanced 12 forms a seasoned pocket and opens/closes smoothly right out of the box.

Fastback fastener

To make the glove easy to take on and off between innings, Rawlings included their Fastback fastener on the wrist strap. This innovative closure system uses an elastic band with a plastic snap tab rather than traditional laces or buckles.

The Fastback fastener provides quick, easy one-handed adjustment of the wrist tightness. You can loosen or snug it up perfectly for your hand size without needing to relace the entire glove. It’s much faster than wrestling with normal lacings that can come undone.

Soft inner wrist lining

The Liberty Advanced 12 features specially designed Soft Inner Wrist Lining for added comfort. The inside material around the wrist is ultra-smooth next to your skin. This enhances the overall wearing experience and eliminates abrasion or rubbing on your wrist when catching.

The soft lining also contains antimicrobials to inhibit bacterial growth and resist odors. Your glove stays fresher for longer even through sweaty summer tournament play.

12.5-inch outfielder glove pattern

For outfielders, Rawlings makes the Liberty Advanced model in a 12.5-inch glove pattern. This larger size provides a deeper pocket and more surface area in the palm and fingers. The extra size improves outfielders’ ability to wrangle fly balls while running.

Even with the bigger pattern, the glove still utilizes women’s-specific features like narrower finger slots and a shallower pocket depth. This tailors the glove for female hand sizes and playing styles. But the longer length aids in tracking down balls on the run before making the catch.

All-position utility fit

While optimized for softball positions, the versatile design of the Liberty Advanced 12 allows using it anywhere on the field. The blend of control, comfort and shaping makes it suitable for infield, outfield, pitching, and catching.

Players who rotate positions or want just one quality glove for the whole field can get a lot of mileage out of the Liberty Advanced 12. The flexible basket web and mid-range 12-inch size work great whether playing up the middle or on the edges of the diamond.

So there you have it – 15 key features that make the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 a standout glove for serious softballers. From the full-grain leather to the Fastback closure to the hand-tailored women’s fit, this glove combines quality, comfort, control, and durability. The Liberty Advanced line truly lives up to its name as an advanced piece of softball equipment.

Full grain finger lining for durability

The Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 glove has become a top choice for serious softball players due to its many great features. This high-end glove offers the quality, comfort and performance that competitive players demand. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll highlight 15 must-know features that make the Liberty Advanced 12 stand out.

One aspect that contributes to the durability and longevity of the Liberty Advanced 12 is the full grain finger lining. The insides of the fingers use full grain leather rather than cheaper synthetic materials. Full grain leather comes from the outermost layer of the hide and is most resilient.

This full grain finger lining develops a nice shape over time for lining up catches in the pocket. The full grain material also stands up well to the wear and tear of repeated use for multiple seasons. It resists tearing or peeling away from the fingers even after heavy use.

Soft palm padding

Catching hard hit balls can really sting your hand, even through a high quality glove. To help deflect and absorb ball impact, Rawlings equipped the Liberty Advanced 12 with soft padding in the palm area.

This lightweight padding helps take the bite out of sharply hit balls right into your palm. It provides extra protection without sacrificing flexibility and feel. Your hand stays shielded from pain even on forceful catches.

12.5-inch outfield pattern

For outfielders, Rawlings makes the Liberty Advanced model in a 12.5-inch glove size. The larger pattern provides a deeper pocket and more surface area in the palm and fingers.

This improves outfielders’ range and ability to chase down fly balls. The extra length helps them cover more ground and snag balls before they drop. But even with the bigger size, the glove still utilizes women’s-specific features like slimmer finger slots and smaller pocket depth.

32-inch catcher’s mitt pattern

As a catcher’s mitt, the Liberty Advanced 12 uses a 32-inch pattern tailored specifically for softball backstops. This wider, shallower pocket improves visibility and facilitates quick exchanges on pitches in the dirt or bunt plays.

The size and shape places the pocket in an optimal spot to receive pitches across the arc of the softball strike zone. The 32-inch catcher’s mitt pattern also aids in making strong, accurate throws to bases after catching pop ups or third strikes.

Fastback closure

For quick and easy on/off adjustment between innings, the Liberty Advanced 12 features a Fastback closure on the wrist strap. This closure uses an elastic band with a plastic snap tab rather than standard laces.

The Fastback allows you to snug up or loosen the wrist tightness with one hand in seconds. It provides a secure fit without the hassle of retying laces that can come undone. The convenient Fastback closure is much faster than old-fashioned lace designs.

12-inch infield pattern

As an infielder’s glove, the 12-inch pattern of the Liberty Advanced 12 provides optimal control and ball transfers. The compact size positions the pocket perfectly for scooping up grounders and making quick, accurate throws.

The smaller glove size allows female infielders to access the pocket faster for more responsive playing. But even with the petite 12-inch pattern, there’s still ample surface area in the palm and fingers to handle bad hops.

Basket web design

To securely tuck away balls in the pocket, Rawlings outfitted the Liberty Advanced 12 with a basket web design. The tighter basket web has fewer gaps compared to looser lacing styles.

This closed web forms a solid backstop to capture grounders or liners with decreased chance of the ball punching through openings. Yet the basket web still provides some flex and see-through visibility while fielding.

All-leather lace loops

The Liberty Advanced 12 features leather lacing loops rather than metal D-rings where the laces thread through. Leather loops have more give for enhanced pocket flexibility and break-in.

Unlike stiff metal rings, the leather loops allow greater web movement. This provides some shock absorption when catching forceful throws. Over time, the leather loops loosen up to help form the optimal pocket shape and depth.

Easy break-in design

Rawlings specially crafts the Liberty Advanced 12 using patterns pre-curved to match a naturally worn-in glove’s shape. This helps significantly expedite the break-in process so the glove is game ready faster.

Special palm conditioning treatments also hasten break-in time. With minimal working-in needed, the Liberty Advanced 12 forms a seasoned pocket and smooth open/close functionality straight out of the wrapper.

Soft inner wrist lining

The inside of the wrist strap features soft inner wrist lining for extra comfort. This smooth, pliable lining material feels great against your skin and eliminates any abrasion or rubbing.

The wrist lining also uses anti-microbials to inhibit bacterial growth and odors. Even after repeated hot, sweaty games, your glove interior stays fresher and cleaner season after season.

Pro-grade finger lining

Inside the fingers, Rawlings added pro-quality smooth lining for enhanced comfort and fit. This eliminates scratchy tags or materials contacting your fingers when you slip your hand inside.

The finger lining allows easy slide-on insertion of your hand. During use, the professional-grade lining wicks moisture while maintaining a secure, snug feel around each digit.

Full-grain palm leather

The Liberty Advanced 12 utilizes top-end full-grain leather in the palm, fingers and pocket. Full-grain leather comes from the outermost layer of animal hide and provides the highest quality and durability.

The full-grain palm leather on this glove provides a sturdy, well-formed pocket after break-in. The smooth leather also delivers a comfortable feel in your hand with top-end shock absorption.

Lightweight materials

Softball gloves can quickly become tiring and cumbersome to wear if they’re too heavy. But Rawlings chose high grade lightweight leathers and fabrics to keep the Liberty Advanced 12 glove nimble and easy to maneuver.

The featherlight feel allows you to control the glove like a natural extension of your hand. You’ll never fight against the bulkiness that can slow down clumsier gloves. Even after long games, lightweight materials keep this glove feeling snappy.

So in summary, those are 15 of the most useful features that make the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 a favorite glove for serious softballers. From pro-level construction to custom women’s fit to optimized sport-specific shaping, this glove delivers on all fronts.

Basket web pattern is popular with infielders

When shopping for a new softball glove, one of the most popular models on the market is the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12. This high-quality glove comes loaded with features that make it a top choice for serious infielders. In this article, we’ll break down the 15 key attributes that set the Liberty Advanced 12 apart.

First up, let’s talk about the glove’s basket web pattern. This refers to the crisscross lacing in the pocket area. Basket webs are extremely popular among infielders because they offer a deep pocket while still allowing for quick ball transfer on snags and throws. The Liberty Advanced 12 utilizes a pro-style basket web that provides a sturdy, flexible catching surface.

Next, the glove is crafted from Rawlings’ special pro-grade leather shells. These leather pieces are precision cut and hand-selected for consistency and durability. The soft, supple feel allows for easy break-in while the quality materials ensure season after season of reliable performance. Rawlings also treats the leather to help repel moisture and retain its shape game after game.

When it comes to fit and sizing, the Liberty Advanced 12 utilizes Rawlings’ specialty patterns tailored specifically for female athletes. The finger stalls, hand openings, and wrist adjustments are anatomically crafted based on data from thousands of female hand measurements. This results in a women’s glove with an unrivaled, optimized fit.

For additional comfort and flexibility, this model incorporates Rawlings’ lightweight neoprene inner wrist lining. The breathable, cushioned material conforms to your wrist while preventing abrasion. This enhances overall comfort and increases mobility when wearing the glove.

To bolster the glove’s strength and support, Rawlings integrated high-end Thermal Alloy technology into the Liberty Advanced 12. This innovative process melds together multiple materials to form a durable alloy with ideal properties. The alloy delivers advanced rigidity for a solid, resilient catching surface.

For fast, simple adjustments, the wrist closure utilizes an adjustable Dual Core lacing system. This allows you to quickly dial in the perfect fit for your wrist size. The dual laces also enhance the closure’s strength and durability even after continuous tweaking.

To reduce unwanted palm thickness, this women’s glove utilizes an open back design. This removes excess leather layers from the palm area for a more natural, unrestricted feel when catching. Less bulk in the palm translates to quicker break-in times as well.

Rawlings incorporated pro-style Trap-Eze webbing to fine-tune the pocket tension. This specialized lacing allows for customized tweaks that let you dial in your preferred pocket looseness. It’s an advantage when you want to adjust the glove’s response and ball retention.

For serious players who want their glove game-ready right away, the Liberty Advanced 12 comes 90% broken-in direct from the factory. Rawlings’ advanced breaking-in techniques allow you to take the field with a softened, game-ready mitt right out of the box.

This glove also provides an index finger hood for added protection. The padded, reinforced area helps shield your finger on close plays when ball impact is imminent. The extra padding reduces sting while improving comfort.

To reduce negative space and optimize catch zone area, Rawlings crafted the Liberty Advanced 12 using its special progressive pocket design. This shapes the pocket to be deeper in the center while flaring out towards the outer edges of the webbing.

For players who like a personalized touch, the Liberty Advanced 12 is also available with customizable graphics. You can select the colors and accent designs to match your team’s uniforms or your individual style preferences.

To help control moisture, odor, and glove funk, this model comes pre-treated with Rawlings’ special anti-microbial agents. These ingredients help inhibit bacterial growth while limiting humid conditions inside the glove.

And finally, to provide added protection, this glove comes with a free Rawlings glove wrap. This helps keep your mitt secure and guarded when in transit before and after games.

So in summary, the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 incorporates a pro-style basket web, premium pro-grade leather, specialized women’s fit, neoprene wrist lining, Thermal Alloy technology, dual wrist laces, open back design, Trap-Eze webbing, 90% factory break-in, index finger hood, progressive pocket, customizable graphics, anti-microbial agents, and a free glove wrap. These features combine to make it one of the top performing women’s softball gloves available today.

Conventional open back for versatile break-in

The Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 has become a fan favorite among serious softball players. This high-end glove is packed with features designed for elite performance. In this detailed rundown, we’ll highlight the top 15 attributes that make the Liberty Advanced 12 a top choice.

Kicking things off, one key trait is the conventional open back design. Unlike some gloves with a closed back, the open style removes extra leather layers from the palm area. This creates a more natural, uninhibited feel when closing your hand around the mitt. The open back also aids break-in by reducing unwanted bulk and rigidity in the palm region.

Next up, we have the Liberty Advanced 12’s pro-style basket web lacing. This crisscross pattern in the pocket is a go-to for infielders. The basket web provides a deep catching surface with plenty of flexibility. It also promotes quick transfers when moving from the glove to your throwing hand.

When it comes to materials, this glove utilizes premium pro-grade leather shells. Rawlings hand-selects the softest leather pieces for ideal pliability right off the bat. The quality hides also ensure season-after-season durability on the field or in practice.

For a dialed-in fit, the Liberty Advanced 12 makes use of specialized patterns crafted for female athletes. Rawlings analyzed data from thousands of women’s hand measurements to design the optimal finger slots, shape, and wrist adjustments.

Providing lightweight support, this model incorporates a breathable neoprene inner wrist lining. The soft, flexible material molds to your wrist while absorbing abrasion. This enhances mobility and overall comfort.

The glove also employs high-end Thermal Alloy to bolster structure in key areas. This innovative composite process generates a rigid, resilient alloy that maintains the pocket shape and supports the laces.

For hassle-free adjustments, the dual wrist lacing allows quick customization of the closure tightness. The dual lace configuration adds strength to the closure as well. You can fine-tune the fit without worrying about lace damage.

Rawlings also integrated its pro-level Trap-Eze web pattern. This gives players the ability to tweak the pocket tension based on preference. Dial in the exact looseness and ball retention you want for your position and playing style.

Taking the guesswork out of break-in, this model comes 90% broken-in straight from the factory. Rawlings employs advanced techniques to pre-soften the leather and get the pocket game-ready ASAP.

The Liberty Advanced 12 provides extra finger protection with its padded index finger hood. This reinforced area helps deflect impacts from close plays and hard-hit balls. The extra cushioning reduces sting while improving comfort.

To maximize the usable catch zone, Rawlings developed a progressive pocket design for this glove. The pocket graduates from deeper in the center to shallower towards the outer edges. This expands the total sweet spot while retaining easy closure.

For visual personalization, the Liberty Advanced 12 offers customizable graphics. Select colors and designs that match your team’s style or your individual preferences. Stand out with your own unique swag.

Rawlings infused the leather with anti-microbial agents to inhibit bacteria and odor. This helps control moisture, keep the glove fresh, and prevent premature breakdown of the materials.

And for safe storage and transport, your purchase includes a free Rawlings glove wrap. Protect your new mitt in transit before and after games.

In summary, the key traits of the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 softball glove include the open back palm design, pro-style basket web, premium leather selection, specialized women’s fit patterns, neoprene wrist lining, Thermal Alloy reinforcements, dual wrist lacing, Trap-Eze web adjustments, 90% factory break-in, index finger protection, progressive pocket design, custom graphics, anti-microbial properties, and free glove wrap. With these technologies and features, it’s easy to see why this glove is a favorite among serious female players.

Before investing in a new mitt, be sure to consider your position, playing style, and fit preferences. This can help narrow down your options to find your perfect glove match. For many athletes, the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 offers an unbeatable blend of quality, comfort, and high-end performance. Take your game to the next level with this innovative softball glove.

Pro grade patterns from top college players

When you want a glove with elite performance, the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 is a top contender. This high-quality softball mitt is loaded with innovative features specifically designed for serious female players. In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down the 15 key attributes that make the Liberty Advanced 12 a fan favorite.

To start, one essential trait is the glove’s pro-style patterns crafted using data from top college softball athletes. Rawlings worked closely with these players to analyze hand measurements and preferred shapes. This insight allowed Rawlings to design pro-level patterns optimized for female hands and playing styles.

Next, we have the Liberty Advanced 12’s conventional open back palm design. Unlike closed back gloves, the open style eliminates excess leather layers in the palm area. This creates a more natural, unrestricted feel when closing your hand. Open backs also promote faster, easier break-in.

A key component is the soft, durable pro-grade leather shells. For each glove, Rawlings hand-selects the highest-quality leather pieces for ideal softness and longevity. This premium leather ensures season after season of reliable performance.

To achieve a customized fit, this model utilizes Rawlings’ specialized patterns crafted for female athletes. The company analyzed statistical data from thousands of women’s hands to dial in the optimal finger slots, shape, and adjustments.

The inner wrist lining incorporates flexible, breathable neoprene. This soft material molds to your wrist for a comfortable feel. It also wicks moisture and absorbs abrasion to reduce irritation during play.

For structural reinforcement, Rawlings integrated its advanced Thermal Alloy technology. This innovative composite process generates a rigid alloy that maintains pocket shape and provides lasting support.

To allow quick fit adjustments, the dual wrist lacing enables easy tightening and loosening when needed. The two-lace configuration also boosts overall wrist closure durability during tweaking.

Rawlings’ high-end Trap-Eze web pattern gives players the ability to customize pocket tension based on position and preferences. Dial in the exact ball retention and rebound response you want for your needs.

Reducing the required break-in time, this model comes 90% pre-softened direct from the factory. Rawlings employs special techniques to prepare the leather and get the pocket game-ready right away.

For protection on close plays, the Liberty Advanced 12 adds padded shielding on the index finger. This reinforced area deflects hard impacts away from your finger to reduce sting.

To maximize the catch zone, Rawlings engineered a progressive pocket design. The pocket gradually transitions from deeper in the center to shallower towards the outer edges. This expands your total usable sweet spot.

You can also customize the cosmetic graphics to match your style. Pick colors and designs to coordinate with your team’s uniforms or your personal swag.

Inside the glove, Rawlings added anti-microbial agents to help reduce odor and bacteria growth. This keeps the leather fresh while inhibiting premature breakdown.

And finally, a free Rawlings glove wrap comes included for safe storage and transport before and after games.

In summary, the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 glove provides pro-level patterns, open back design, premium leather selection, specialized women’s fit, neoprene wrist lining, Thermal Alloy reinforcements, dual wrist laces, Trap-Eze web tuning, 90% factory break-in, index finger protection, progressive pocket shape, custom graphics, anti-microbial properties, and a free wrap. With these technologies and features, it’s easy to see why this glove is a go-to choice for serious infielders.

When shopping for your next mitt, think about your preferences for position, playing style, and adjustability. Compare different models to find your ideal match. For many female softball players, the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 offers the perfect blend of fit, feel, durability, and elite-level performance. Consider this innovative glove to take your game to the next level.

Available in a variety of colorways

For softball players seeking a high-performance glove loaded with innovative features, the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 is a top contender. This premium women’s mitt has become a go-to choice for serious athletes. In this detailed guide, we’ll highlight the 15 key attributes that make the Liberty Advanced 12 a standout.

First up, one great trait of this glove is the array of customizable colorways available. You can select colors and graphic accents to match your team’s uniforms or channel your own personal style. This ability to customize the visuals helps you stand out on the field.

A key component is the glove’s conventional open back palm design. Unlike some gloves, the open back eliminates excess leather layers from the palm area. This creates a more natural, unrestricted feel when closing your hand.

We also have the pro-style basket web lacing in the pocket region. This crisscross pattern provides infielders with a deep pocket and flexible catching surface for ideal ball control.

Rawlings constructs each glove using hand-selected, premium pro-grade leather shells. This soft, durable leather ensures reliable performance season after season.

To achieve a tailored fit, Rawlings analyzed statistical data from thousands of female athletes. This allowed them to craft specialized patterns with ideal finger slots, shape, and adjustments.

The inner wrist area features a flexible neoprene lining for comfort. This soft, breathable material conforms to your wrist while wicking moisture to reduce irritation.

For structural support, Rawlings integrated its high-end Thermal Alloy technology. This adds reinforced rigidity in key areas to help maintain the pocket shape.

The dual wrist lacing enables quick, easy adjustments to the closure tightness when needed. The two-lace configuration also enhances overall wrist closure durability.

Rawlings’ pro-style Trap-Eze web system allows players to customize pocket tension based on preferences. Dial in the exact ball retention and rebound response you desire.

Reducing break-in time, this model comes 90% pre-softened from the factory. Rawlings uses specialized techniques to get the leather ready for game action right out of the box.

For protection, the Liberty Advanced 12 adds padded shielding on the index finger. This absorbs sting on close plays to keep your hand comfortable.

Engineered for maximum catch zone area, the progressive pocket design transitions from deeper centers to shallower outer edges. This expands your total usable sweet spot.

Inside the leather, Rawlings infused anti-microbial agents to reduce odor and bacteria growth. This keeps the glove fresh while preventing premature breakdown.

And finally, each glove includes a free Rawlings wrap for safe storage and transport before and after games.

In summary, the key features of the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 softball glove include customizable colors and graphics, open back palm design, pro basket web, premium leather selection, specialized women’s fit patterns, neoprene wrist lining, Thermal Alloy reinforcements, dual wrist laces, Trap-Eze web, 90% factory break-in, index finger protection, progressive pocket design, anti-microbial properties, and free glove wrap. With these cutting-edge attributes, it’s easy to see why this glove is a top choice for serious athletes.

When selecting your next mitt, think about your preferences for position, playing style, and adjustability. Compare different models to find your perfect match. For many players, the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 strikes the ideal blend of quality materials, advanced tech, customization, and elite performance. Take your game to the next level with this innovative softball glove.

When it comes to softball gloves, the Rawlings Liberty Advanced Series is a top choice for serious players. Specifically, the Liberty Advanced 12 model is optimized for female players who want a high-performing glove in a 12-inch size. This glove has several key features that make it stand out.

Female optimized fit in the 12 inch size

The Liberty Advanced 12 is designed to fit the proportions of a female player’s hand. It has a more narrow wrist opening and finger stalls compared to a men’s glove. The patterns are anatomically crafted to match the smaller hand of most female players. At 12 inches, it’s an ideal size for female infielders who need a glove they can control precisely.

The soft inner lining and low-profile heel combine to make the glove super comfortable right off the shelf. There’s no break-in period needed. It’s ready for game action as soon as you slip it on your hand. The softness inside the glove forms around your hand to create a custom fit.

Rawlings paid special attention to designing a glove optimized for female players. The size, patterns, wrist opening, finger slots and lining all work together to provide an exceptional fit and feel. If you want a high-performance infielder’s glove made specifically for female hands, the Liberty Advanced 12 is an excellent choice.

Full-grain oil leather shell

The shell of this glove is crafted from top-quality full-grain oil leather. This leather is soft and durable, so the glove maintains its shape and performance over the long haul. Even after countless games, the leather shell stays intact thanks to the quality full-grain material.

Full-grain leather also offers a nice, supple feel right off the shelf. There’s no need to pound your fist into the pocket over and over trying to break it in. Just lace it up and you’re ready for game action.

For softball players looking for a long-lasting glove made from premium leather, it’s hard to beat the full-grain oil leather shell of the Liberty Advanced 12.

Palm lining and finger back lining

Inside the glove, Rawlings used soft palm and finger back lining to amp up the comfort. The palm lining cushions your hand as you catch ball after ball during games and practices. Even on hot days when your hand sweats inside the glove, the lining keeps you comfortable.

The finger back lining does the same, cushioning the sides of your fingers to prevent blisters or irritation. When you combine the soft lining with the supple full-grain leather shell, you get a glove that fits and feels fantastic game after game.

The Liberty Advanced 12 stands out for its soft lining that keeps your hand comfy no matter how long you wear the glove or how many balls you field.

Basket web with double X lacing

Infielders need a shallow, flexible web that makes the ball easy to scoop and quick to transfer to your throwing hand. The basket web with double X lacing on the Liberty Advanced 12 is ideal for infielders.

The basket shape is nice and shallow, so you can reach in and pluck out grounders with ease. And the double X lacing pattern creates a web that collapses around the ball as you catch it, securing it in the pocket.

For fast, flawless transfers on quick infield plays, you’ll love the basket web with double X lacing. It’s designed for quick, clean catches and transfers on ground balls.

12.5-inch patterns

The patterns on this 12-inch glove measure 12.5 inches from the tip of the index finger around the pocket and back to the bottom of the pinky finger. This half-inch extra length in the pattern adds some control and reach.

The size 12 patterns allow infielders, especially at second base, to reach grounders out in front of their body more easily. You’ll get to more balls with the extra length these patterns provide.

For youth and women infielders who want more range and control, the 12.5-inch patterns are an excellent feature of the Liberty Advanced 12 model.

Adjustable pull-strap back

To ensure a perfect fit, this glove includes a pull-strap closure on the back of the wrist. You can cinch the strap tight for a snug, secure fit or loosen it up if you want the glove a bit more breathable.

If your hand swells on hot days, you can let out the strap a notch to accommodate it. And if the leather stretches a bit over time, tightening the strap will restore that custom fit.

The adjustable pull-strap back closure ensures your glove maintains the ideal fit game after game. It allows you to tweak the feel until the glove feels like an extension of your hand.

Lightweight construction

Infielders need gloves light enough for blazing fast transfers and quick exchanges with the pitcher. The Liberty Advanced 12 weighs in at just 12 ounces thanks to lightweight leather and patterns.

The feather-light feel allows you to control the glove easily. You won’t get tired hands, even on marathon days with doubleheaders. The glove is so lightweight you’ll forget you’re wearing it.

If quick hands and lightning fast transfers are part of your game, you’ll appreciate the lightweight build of this glove.

Youth to adult sizes

Rawlings makes the Liberty Advanced model in both youth and adult sizes. For young infielders with smaller hands, the youth 11.5-inch and 11-inch patterns are ideal. As those players grow, they can transition to the 12, 12.5-inch and 13-inch adult sizes.

It’s smart to buy the same glove model year after year. That way young players can master one style of glove but progress up in size as their hand grows. The full range of youth and adult sizes makes that possible with the Liberty Advanced.

No matter what your age, there’s a Liberty Advanced model sized right for your hand.

100-Day Playability Guarantee

This glove comes with Rawlings’ 100-Day Playability Guarantee. That gives you 100 days to fully break-in, test and get used to your new glove. If you decide it’s not the right fit or feel for you during that trial period, return it for a full refund or replacement glove.

The guarantee lets you try out the Liberty Advanced risk-free. If it turns out it’s not your ideal glove after you’ve broken it in, Rawlings will make it right.

Every serious ballplayer knows it takes some time to fully break-in a new glove and adjust to it. Rawlings’ 100-Day Guarantee gives you plenty of time to be sure the Liberty Advanced 12 is the right glove for you.

An Exceptional Glove Built for Female Infielders

From the full-grain leather shell to the custom fit for female hands, everything about the Liberty Advanced 12 is optimized for serious women’s softball players. It provides the right size, feel, durability and performance for infielders who need a dependable glove.

If you want a game-ready glove sized for female hands with lightweight control and a quick break-in, check out the Liberty Advanced 12 model from Rawlings.

With over a century of experience crafting high-quality baseball and softball gloves, Rawlings is a name synonymous with excellence in the sport. The Liberty Advanced 12 model is a testament to the company’s continued innovation and understanding of players’ needs. This glove incorporates new technologies and features to provide improved comfort, control, and durability for aspiring softball players.

Breaks in quicker due to Liberty Advanced techniques

One of the most significant advantages of the Liberty Advanced 12 is how quickly it breaks in. The glove utilizes Rawlings’ proprietary patterns and laces to promote fast break-in with minimal effort from the user. Specifically, the Liberty Advanced series incorporates thinner palm padding and finer laces to allow the glove to gain that desired custom-molded shape in less time. Players can spend more time on the field instead of tediously breaking in a stiff glove.

In addition to the materials used, the glove also employs Rawlings’ advanced steaming methods to further accelerate break-in. The factory steaming process loosens up the leather fibers before the glove even reaches the player’s hands. This pre-softening allows for an even faster break-in period. The Liberty Advanced 12 is game-ready faster than most other gloves at this price point.

Soft leather and padded palms enhance comfort

While designed for quick break-in, Rawlings did not compromise on comfort with the Liberty Advanced 12 softball glove. The glove features meticulously tanned Kip leather palm lining and Pittards sheepskin finger linings. These high-quality leather materials offer a comfortable feel against the hand right out of the package. As the glove breaks in, the leather forms perfectly to the player’s hand for an even more customized fit.

Strategic padding placements also optimize comfort in key areas. The palm incorporates lightweight foam padding to dampen ball impact. Thicker padding along the edges of the index finger and outer pinky finger protect against abrasion from the ball’s seams. Finally, the thumb and palm heel have extra padding to absorb shock. All these comfort features allow players to focus on the game rather than discomfort from the glove.

Improved pocket control and closure

For infielders, quick glove closure and pocket control are essential for making quick, clean catches and transfers. The Liberty Advanced 12 softball glove delivers in both regards with its modified trapeze web design. This web is wider and more rounded than a traditional trapeze web, offering a deeper pocket with greater flexibility. The glove is easier to close around the ball, ideal for fielding grounders. The modified pocket also provides more control when transferring to the throwing hand.

Rawlings also incorporated dual welting into the glove’s design – two strips of leather reinforcing the pocket edges. This added reinforcement allows for quicker break-in of the pocket while maintaining structure. The overall result is a very controlled pocket environment right off the shelf.

Lightweight backing and wrist adjustability promote responsiveness

In terms of glove weight, lighter is often better for infielders who need quick reaction times. The Liberty Advanced 12 utilizes lightweight Dual Core technology in the glove’s back to reduce weight. This dual-layer backing shaves critical ounces off the glove for faster glove speeds while retaining durability. Players maintain their quick-twitch responsiveness in the infield.

The glove’s adjustable wrist opening also caters to responsiveness. The dual adjustment system includes an adjustable cuff strap and bungee loop on the wrist lining. Players can customize both the wrist opening diameter and tension to find their optimal fit for responsiveness. The snugger fit decreases excess glove flopping as you squeeze the pocket closed around the ball.

Mesh finger gussets encourage air circulation

Finally, high breathability is another comfort factor built into the Liberty Advanced 12 model. Baseball and softball gloves can get hot and sweaty, especially in spring and summer months. To counteract heat retention, this glove implements mesh gussets between the fingers. This mesh material enables much improved airflow which helps keep hands cool and dry.

The mesh finger gussets also facilitate quicker break-in throughout the glove. As the mesh stretches, the leather fingers gain flexibility more rapidly. Air circulation dries out the interior leather too, preventing moisture retention issues during break-in.

An Ideal Glove for Training and Competition

In summary, the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 fastpitch softball glove provides an exceptional combination of quick break-in, comfort, control, and responsiveness. The use of high-quality leather, strategic padding, and optimized web and backing designs allow this glove to stand out from competitors. Female players looking to gain an edge at training or competition should give this glove serious consideration. With proper care, the durable construction of the Liberty Advanced 12 will equip players for seasons of peak performance on the diamond.

Rawlings has been at the forefront of baseball and softball gear for over a century, continuously innovating and improving their equipment. The Liberty Advanced 12 fastpitch softball glove demonstrates Rawlings’ mastery, with numerous technologies and design elements that enhance performance. From break-in time to fit and feel, this glove delivers significant advantages for aspiring softballers. Let’s explore the top features that make the Liberty Advanced 12 a top-tier glove choice.

Palm pad helps reduce sting on impact

Softball can be a hand-stinging sport, especially for positions like infielders who take sharp grounders barehanded. To counteract that sting, the Liberty Advanced 12 incorporates lightweight foam padding in the leather palm. This padding serves as a dampener, softening the blow when a ball lands firmly in the pocket. Players can worry less about hand pain and discomfort, focusing instead on making the play.

The palm padding also benefits long-term durability, reducing wear and tear on the leather over time. Friction from repeated impact slowly breaks down the leather. The foam protects the palm leather to maintain the pocket integrity longer. Given this glove’s premium leather construction, maximizing longevity is a smart design choice.

Snug fit from adjustable wrist and finger loops

A secure glove fit stabilizes the glove on the hand, providing better control. The Liberty Advanced 12 utilizes two adjustable systems to achieve that snug lock-on fit. An adjustable wrist loop lets players cinch the wrist opening to their exact hand size. This removes looseness and flopping at the wrist for better security.

Additionally, each finger includes an adjustable anchor loop that can be cinched down for a tighter feel. Tighter finger loops reduce excess space in the digits for a more responsive glove extension and closure. Together, these adjustable fit features allow for a truly customized glove-to-hand fit.

Modified trapeze pocket for improved ball control

Infielders know that quickly transferring the ball from glove to hand is crucial for making plays. The Liberty Advanced 12’s modified trapeze web promotes excellent ball control for smooth transfers. This web shape has a wider, curved bottom with more rounded ends versus a standard trapeze. That contoured trapeze design creates a deeper pocket that’s easier to close securely around the ball.

The modified shape also centers the ball better in the pocket sweet spot. Centered balls are easier to control during glove-to-hand transfers. In essence, the modified trapeze generates a pocket better optimized for an infielder’s quick transfers and throws.

Pro-grade leather handpicked for softness

Rawlings carefully selects every leather hide used in their gloves, including the full-grain steer hide leather on the Liberty Advanced 12. Rawlings handpicks each glove’s leather components based on softness, knowing buttery-smooth leather facilitates faster break-in. This meticulous leather selection ensures every glove meets Rawlings quality standards right off the production line.

Once broken in, the pro-grade leather forms perfectly to the player’s hand for an exceptional fit. The hand-shaped pocket leather also develops custom rebound properties tailored to the user’s playing style. All around, Rawlings’ leather expertise delivers major long-term performance benefits.

Thinner laces loosen up faster

To help accelerate break-in, the Liberty Advanced 12 uses thinner, finer glove laces across the web and fingers. Compared to thick rounded laces, these lower profile flat laces require less work to soften and shape. As the laces gain flexibility, the leather pouches between them stretch and contour quicker too.

Thinner laces also eliminate bulky, stiff spots on glove panels that resist forming. With pliable laces after just a few practices, players knock out the break-in process faster. Soon the glove laces themselves disappear, creating a smoothly flexing leather surface.

Cutting-Edge Technologies Enhance Comfort and Control

In summary, Rawlings packed their latest engineering into the Liberty Advanced 12 fastpitch glove, from pro-preferred leather to high-adjustability fit. Premium materials plus baseball-specific structural designs generate a fast break-in glove with long-term playability. For serious softball athletes looking to gain an edge, this thoughtfully crafted glove delivers on all fronts. Any player would be proud to flash the iconic Rawlings logo and break in this beauty before stepping onto the diamond.

Tennepal leather conditioner recommended

If you’re in the market for a new softball glove, the Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12 is definitely worth considering. As the “flagship” model in Rawlings’ Liberty line, this glove boasts a number of features that make it an excellent choice for serious softball players. In this article, we’ll take a close look at 15 key attributes of the Liberty Advanced 12 that you should know about.

1. Pro Level Patterns

The Liberty Advanced 12 features Rawlings’ pro-level patterns, meaning its shape and design are modeled after the gloves worn by elite college and professional softball players. These patterns offer a larger pocket area and straighter, flatter finger stalls for improved control and stability when catching the ball.

2. All-Leather Shell

The shell of the Liberty Advanced 12 is crafted from full-grain oil-tanned leather. This high-quality leather provides durability and a natural, game-ready feel right off the shelf. The soft, supple leather also allows for quicker break-in time compared to stiff, synthetic gloves.

3. Dual Core Break Points

Located in the palm and index finger, the dual core break points are designed to flex with the natural closing motion of your hand, creating a snug pocket for catching balls securely. This innovative feature enhances the Liberty Advanced 12’s closure and grip.

4. Basket Web Pattern

With its basket-style leather laces along the fingers and conventional open back, this glove sports the classic softball-specific web pattern preferred by many players. The basket web creates a deep, secure pocket ideal for cleanly snagging grounders and controlling the ball on catches.

5. Fastback Design

The Fastback design means the back of the glove tapers in toward the index finger, creating a more narrow, snugger fit. This contours to the natural shape of your hand for less restrictive feel and better control when closing the glove around the ball.

6. Soft Palm and Index Finger Lining

Inside the palm and index finger, Rawlings incorporated its soft, full-grain fingerback leather lining, which yields a smooth, comfortable inner surface for your hand. This enhances overall comfort and also aids in forming the pocket.

7. Conventional Open Back

As the name implies, the open back design leaves the back wrist opening of the glove uncovered. This allows for better airflow to your hand and wrist to reduce heat buildup. The conventional open back is preferred by many softball infielders.

8. Modified Trapeze Web

Unique from the basket web of typical softball gloves, the Liberty Advanced 12 actually features a modified trapeze web. This sturdy web design connects the thumb and first finger at the top, then extends across the pocket in the trapezoidal shape. It provides strength, stability and extra control.

9. Double Palm Construction

For enhanced durability and shape retention, Rawlings equipped this glove with double palm construction. It consists of a leather palm liner tightly stitched to the outer palm piece. This provides a sturdier pocket and better performance over time.

10. 100% Wool Padding

The palm and other key areas of the glove are padded with 100% wool. Besides providing cushioning, wool retains its shape well and conforms perfectly to your hand. The padding aids in breaking-in the glove to your preferred shape.

11. Pro Taper Fit

The Liberty Advanced 12 is crafted using Rawlings’ pro taper fit system. This entails strategically tapering the glove’s pattern to better contour to your hand’s natural shape. The result is a more relaxed, customizable fit promoting quick break-in.

12. Accelerated Break-In

Along with its high-quality leather, the glove also incorporates Rawlings’ advanced technics to pre-soften it before assembly. Together with the wool padding, pro taper fit and other features, this enables up to an 80% faster break-in than conventional gloves.

13. Soft Touch Padding

For a smoother feel and additional shock absorption, soft touch padding is integrated into the palm liner. This supple foam provides extra comfort and protects your hand from sting on hard catches.

14. 31-Inch Pattern

The Liberty Advanced 12 has a 31-inch pattern, meaning it’s sized to fit most female hands ages 13 and up. The circumferences of the fingers and hand opening are tailored for women’s proportions. But some younger players may find it fits too.

15. Available in Multiple Colors

This glove comes in a choice of attractive color schemes to suit your tastes. Options include black, gray, blue and red – all with either metallic silver or metallic gold accents. There’s sure to be a color combo you’ll love.

Clearly, Rawlings packed the Liberty Advanced 12 model with premium features to deliver an unbeatable softball glove. From its pro-level patterns and quality leather shell to its strategically placed padding and tapered fit, every element is optimized for top performance. If you’re seeking a high-end glove that will boost your confidence on the field, the Liberty Advanced 12 is definitely one you should strongly consider.

Made in Philippines to Rawlings’ high standards

When you think of high-quality softball gloves, the Rawlings name immediately comes to mind. For over a century, Rawlings has been handcrafting premium gloves in the United States. But in recent years, to control costs and prices, they have started manufacturing many models, including the popular Liberty Advanced 12″ fastpitch softball glove, in factories in the Philippines.

This shift understandably caused some concern among players about whether the quality would remain the same. However, Rawlings has taken steps to ensure their excellent reputation remains intact. The company closely oversees production at their partner facilities in the Philippines, training the local workers in the Rawlings craftsmanship techniques and quality control methods.

Rawlings maintains that all materials and components used in the Liberty gloves are sourced from the same premium suppliers they’ve always used, whether the final assembly takes place stateside or in the Philippines. As they say, “It’s in the details” when it comes to giving players the tools they need to succeed on the field. Let’s take a closer look at some of those details in the Liberty Advanced 12 model.

Rawlings Liberty Advanced 12: 15 Key Features

The Liberty Advanced 12″ fastpitch glove from Rawlings is designed for serious softball players looking for a durable, high-performance glove. Here are 15 key features that make this glove stand out:

• Full grain oil leather shell offers strength and durability.
• Soft leather palm lining and fingerback linings conform to hand over time.
• Tennessee Tanning rawhide lace provides unmatched strength and shape retention.
• Basket web pattern provides flexibility and allows for quick ball transfer on scooping.
• Palm padding reduces sting from impacts and provides comfort.
• Index finger pad protects against abrasion from repeated catching.
• Double bar reinforced web increases durability in high stress areas.
• Inner thumb loop allows for adjustable and secure fit.
• Full wraparound wrist lining prevents abrasion and irritation.
• Mesh shell back allows for breatheability to reduce sweat buildup.
• Softball style deep pocket is designed specifically for fastpitch softball.
• Cushioned wrist closure provides flexible support and comfort.
• Pro grade patterns are based on gloves worn by collegiate, high school, and elite travel ball players.
• Youth through adult sizes available for the right fit for all players.
• Backed by Rawlings’ limited 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

As you can see, Rawlings has packed the Liberty Advanced glove with premium features to optimize performance and durability. The leather quality, padding, reinforced lacing, and durable web design allow this glove to withstand season after season of competitive play. The moisture-wicking liner materials, adjustable wrist closure, and grip features provide all-day comfort and control in the field.

While the “Made in USA” mark has been replaced with “Made in Philippines”, Rawlings has taken care to uphold their reputation for American-quality craftsmanship abroad. So you can confidently choose the Liberty Advanced 12″ knowing you’re getting a glove made to Rawlings’ demanding standards, whether it comes from their factory in the Philippines or their original plant in St. Louis.