Specifications
| Brand | Rawlings |
|---|---|
| Position | Catcher |
| Throwing Hand | Right Hand Throw |
| Glove Size | 33 in |
| Web Type | Fully Closed Web |
| Material | Kip Leather |
Pros
- Confident, secure catches
- Durable laces, solid seams
- Leather build
Cons
- Slow uncertain break-in
- New stiffness heaviness
The Verdict
Rawlings Pro Preferred 33 is a 33 in catcher mitt built for a controlled receiving pocket and secure ball holding. Build quality scores 8.8 for kip leather and solid seams, but the break-in can be slow and heavy, so it may feel stiff at first.
Who it's for: Catchers who want a confidently secure glove for hard-hit pitches and are willing to work through a slower break-in are the best fit. The trade-off is initial stiffness and slower feel in the pocket.
Who should skip it: Players who need a quick, game-ready break-in should look elsewhere, because the new stiffness heaviness can slow down snagging and transfer timing early on.
In-Depth Review
Performance (8.2) - Confident, secure catches
The Rawlings Pro Preferred 33 is built for catchers who want a glove that stays calm when the ball comes in hot. The fully closed web is the key piece of the design. It limits what the ball can do after contact, so you can form a pocket and keep the ball in the same spot through the catch and early transfer phase.
That closed-web feel matches the mitt size too. At 33 in, the pocket has room for late ball movement at the top of the strike zone. It is easier to stay centered and keep your receive point consistent, especially when you are catching on the move behind the plate.
One more detail matters for real games. This model is listed as a catcher mitt, and it is made for the right-hand throw side. So the catching setup aligns with the typical catcher receiving motion for a right-handed thrower. With the glove at 33 in and the fully closed web, the goal is simple: catch cleanly, then move the ball without feeling like the pocket is sliding around.
Build Quality (8.8) - Durable laces, solid seams
Build quality ranks high because the leather and the stitching approach show up in the way the mitt holds its shape. The mitt uses kip leather, and that is a meaningful material choice for a catcher glove that will take repeated impacts. Kip leather tends to form a stable pocket without turning floppy after a lot of reps.
The construction details also look consistent. The existing pros highlight durable laces and solid seams. That matters because catcher mitts live on abrasion at the edges and stress at the heel and pocket. If the lacework stays tight, the glove keeps its pocket geometry longer, which supports more consistent catching in play.
The size helps here as well. At 33 in, you need more than a small pocket to handle hard-hit balls and quick bounce angles. The glove is designed for that larger catcher pocket, and the kip leather plus the lace and seam quality give it the structure to stay usable as you rack up innings.
Comfort (7.7) - Lightweight, flexible fit
Comfort scores solidly, but the path to that comfort is not immediate. The key trade-off is break-in. The cons call out slow uncertain break-in and new stiffness heaviness at first. That lines up with what many catchers feel when a fully closed web and full-size 33 in pocket start out firm.
Still, the mitt is made as a catcher-specific glove, not a one-size conversion. That matters for hand fit and movement around the wrist. The specs confirm the throwing hand as Right Hand Throw, so you can expect the glove orientation to match the usual catcher setup for that side. When the mitt matches your motion, it tends to reduce awkward repositioning during the receive.
Because the glove starts heavy, you will likely notice fatigue when you first use it for longer sessions. The upside is that the material build and pocket design can help you move into a more flexible feel once the stiffness eases. For comfort, this mitt is more of a process than a day-one win.
Value (7.7) - Strong performance for cost
Value lands at 7.7 because the glove’s material and construction choices support its on-field job. The specs lock in kip leather, and the build-quality feedback points to durable laces and solid seams. Those are the pieces that keep a 33 in catcher mitt from turning into a loose pocket after frequent use.
The fully closed web also adds practical value. It ties directly to the performance theme: confident, secure catches. When the pocket can secure the ball and limit wild outcomes, you do not have to compensate with extra glove movement. That kind of control tends to matter more than small differences elsewhere.
The one drag on value is time-to-use. Slow uncertain break-in and new stiffness heaviness at the start mean you should plan for a stretch where performance feels less consistent than the finished glove. If you want a catcher mitt that feels game-ready immediately, this one may not match that timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rawlings Pro Preferred 33 a right hand throw catcher's mitt?
Yes. This model is built for right hand throw catchers, meaning the catching hand is on the opposite side from your throwing arm. That setup helps you transfer the ball quickly after the catch.
What size is the Rawlings Pro Preferred 33 and who is it for?
It is a 33 inch catcher's mitt. A 33 inch size usually suits older youth and adults who want a deeper pocket for receiving and blocking. If you prefer a more compact mitt, you may want to size down.
Does this mitt use a fully closed web for catching?
Yes. It uses a fully closed web, which can help you secure the ball and limit missed catches during quick transfers. It also gives the mitt a more traditional, secure look for catchers.
What leather is the Rawlings Pro Preferred 33 made from?
The mitt uses kip leather. Kip leather typically holds up well and keeps its shape with regular use. The build quality also shows in the stitching and lace strength.
How long does break in take, and is it stiff when new?
Expect stiffness right out of the box. Reviewers and buyers often describe a slow, uncertain break in, with a heavy feel during the first sessions. You may need more catch sessions and light oiling and conditioning to speed up pocket shaping.
Is the pocket deep enough for catching hard-hit pitches as a catcher?
The design is made for confident, secure catches, and the pocket depth supports controlled receiving. In hard-hit situations, it should help you hold the ball cleanly once you set your target. Transfers feel solid, but break in will affect how quickly you get full pocket confidence.
Final Verdict
This Rawlings Pro Preferred 33 is a recommended buy for catchers who want confident, secure catches and a glove that feels built to last. Its standout strength is the durable laces and solid seams. The main drawback is a slow, uncertain break-in, with new stiffness that can feel heavy at first.
Choose it if you are a catcher ready to put in some early work before it settles in, and it will reward you with steady control behind the plate.
