Specifications
| Brand | Rawlings |
|---|---|
| Position | Infield |
| Throwing Hand | Right Hand Throw |
| Glove Size | 13 in |
| Web Type | H-Web |
| Material | Leather |
| Back Style | Mesh Back |
| Wrist Closure | Velcro |
| Break In Level | Game Ready |
Pros
- Strong performance for cost
- Leather build
- Game-ready out of box
Cons
- Loose Velcro fit
- Less stable open back
- Suboptimal web choice
The Verdict
The Rawlings RENEGADE 13 is a 13-inch infield glove with an H-Web, tuned for routine plays and quick pocket control. It earns a 7.5/10 overall, but the loose Velcro wrist fit and less stable open back can cost you confidence on harder, off-center catches.
Who it's for: Infield players who want a game-ready glove out of the box and can tolerate tightening up fit themselves to keep the wrist secure during play.
Who should skip it: Players who rely on a locked-in wrist feel and very stable open-back structure, since the Velcro fit and back stability are the weak points.
In-Depth Review
Performance
With a Performance score of 7.1, this glove lands in the “Confident, secure catches” range, but it is not perfect under stress. The 13 in infield size is a good match for quick reads and clean out-of-the-pocket grabs. It is also built around an H-Web, which helps the pocket stay more defined when you need to square up fast throws.
In play, you feel the pocket hold shape better on routine balls than on awkward hops. The mesh back also matters here. It keeps the glove from feeling overly rigid. That is helpful for fielding rhythm and turning the glove to meet the ball. Still, the open look means you can notice less structural stability when the ball comes in hot and off angle.
For right-handed throwers using a right hand throw setup, the glove positioning fits typical infield habits. The trade-off is that the H-Web and pocket control do not fully erase the stiffness variation you can get with repeated hard reps. In other words, it plays confidently, but you still need solid mechanics to make it look effortless.
Build Quality
Build Quality scores 7.3, which lines up with “Durable laces, solid seams.” The materials matter: the glove is a leather shell palm, and it is paired with an H-Web designed for regular field use. That leather base gives the glove enough structure to keep its shape through common infield workload.
The other build detail is the “GAME-READY” break-in level. That does not mean it is plastic soft on day one. It means the glove starts closer to usable pocket form. The glove also lists a factory plus player break-in split: 90% Factory and 10% Player. That blend suggests the construction is meant to hold up while you finish shaping it for your hand.
When you combine leather and a structured web, the stitching experience should feel consistent. You are not looking at a glove that collapses early. Still, the construction type also affects how stable it feels during aggressive stops. If you rely on the glove to act like a solid brace at the wrist, you may feel more movement than you would with a fully rigid build.
Comfort
Comfort scores 8.0 and maps to “Glove feels broken-in fast.” That tracks with the glove’s Game Ready setup. It is a 13 in infield glove, and the size usually helps keep the hand from fighting the leather pocket during transfer. Your fingers have room, but you do not get the bulky feel that bigger gloves can bring.
Flexibility comes from the lightweight pro mesh back. The mesh back supports faster opening and closing. It also keeps the glove from feeling heavy between plays. That matters if you are moving in on slow rollers and then dropping back for throws to first. You get mobility without needing a long break-in just to close the glove.
The main comfort limitation is fit security. The glove uses Velcro wrist closure. The included feedback for this model points to a “Loose Velcro fit,” which can translate into small shifts during movement. That shift may not be constant. But it can create a mild distraction when you are trying to keep the pocket aligned on every catch.
Value
Value scores 8.5, which fits “Strong performance for cost.” This is the strongest argument for the Rawlings RENEGADE 13. The model aims for a practical balance: leather palm, 13 in size for infield work, and a web that suits controlled catching. Those are the exact elements that tend to matter most during daily reps, not just in one or two test catches.
You also get a break-in story that supports day-one usability. It is marked “GAME-READY,” with the 90% Factory and 10% Player split. That matters because break-in time can be a hidden cost in glove ownership. Here, the glove starts closer to usable pocket form, especially for routine catches where the H-Web helps keep the ball settled.
Value drops a bit only because of two practical trade-offs. The Velcro wrist closure can feel loose, and the open back means less stability during quick stops. The model can still be a solid pick if you are willing to adjust your wrist fit and you field mostly in the pocket on routine throws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rawlings RENEGADE 13 good for infield positions and what hand does it fit?
This glove is built for infield use and comes in a right hand throw model. That means you wear it on your glove hand while you throw with your right. The 13 in size suits common infield catching and quick transfers.
How big is the glove and does the 13 in size limit what I can catch?
The glove size is 13 in, which typically balances scoop and quick ball control for infield work. A smaller infield glove can feel quicker, but it may not handle very large slow rollers as easily as a bigger model. If you rely on deeper pockets, this size can feel a bit more compact.
What web does this glove use and how does the H-Web perform on hard-hit ground balls?
It uses an H-Web design. The web helps with quick visibility and transfers, which matters for grounders. That said, the open back and web setup may feel less stable than some tighter designs when you catch off the heel.
Does the mesh back make the glove more stable or looser during games?
The RENEGADE 13 has a mesh back, and it can feel less stable because the back opening is more flexible. During repeated catches, some players notice the glove shape shifts more than they want. If you prefer a firm cradle, you may find this model less consistent.
How secure is the wrist closure and is the Velcro likely to loosen?
It uses a Velcro wrist closure, and this is also the most common weak point on the glove. Some players describe the fit as loose, especially after a lot of movement. You can tighten it as much as it allows, but it may still shift more than a laced closure.
Is it truly game ready out of the box, and how should I break it in if needed?
Rawlings lists it as game ready, so you should be able to play with it right away. If it feels stiff, you can break it in faster by catching short sessions and flexing the pocket until it forms naturally. Use light conditioner sparingly if the leather feels dry, and avoid soaking it.
Final Verdict
Rawlings RENEGADE 13 earns a recommendation as a best value glove for casual to intermediate players who want solid catching right away. It brings strong performance for its cost and feels game ready out of the box. The main drawback is the loose Velcro fit, which can let the glove shift during play. That matters if you want maximum stability.
Choose it if you value quick readiness and a dependable leather feel, and plan to adjust your fit carefully. If that matches your needs, this is a sound pick.
