2015 Baseball Gear Review: Easton Mako, Wilson A1K, and More

This review dives into the world of 2015 baseball gear, offering a firsthand account of several key pieces of equipment. From gloves and helmets to bats and bat bags, we'll explore the performance and durability of various brands, including Easton, Wilson, Rawlings, and Demarini. This detailed look will provide valuable insight for baseball players of all skill levels, helping you make informed decisions when choosing your own gear. We'll examine the pros and cons of different models, offering a balanced perspective based on real-world use.This personal review covers a range of products, focusing on their performance, comfort, and overall value. The analysis will cover a variety of bats, including composite and aluminum options, highlighting the importance of selecting the right bat based on individual strength and skill. Similarly, glove choices will be discussed, considering different playing positions and the need for a well-formed pocket. Ultimately, this review aims to assist baseball players in finding the optimal equipment to enhance their performance on the field.

Pros And Cons

DeMarini Bat Bag
  • Speaker really likes it
  • Favorite colors (red)
DeMarini Batting Gloves
  • Good venting
  • Fit perfectly
Rawlings Helmet
  • Fits perfectly
  • Heavy duty
  • Very durable
Easton 28" 16 oz. Bat (Lizard Skin)
  • Good bat
  • Has lizard skin

Read more: Top 5 Best BBCOR Baseball Bats in 2024

Batting Gloves: Demarini

My Demarini batting gloves have been my go-to for a year now. Purchased from Walmart, they're surprisingly comfortable and durable. The venting is excellent, keeping my hands cool even during intense games.

Close-up of the Demarini batting gloves
Close-up of the Demarini batting gloves

I find the fit perfect, and they provide great grip and feel. While I got mine from Walmart, you can easily find them at Dick's Sporting Goods or other retailers.

Overall, a great value for the price and a reliable choice for any baseball player.

Helmet: Rawlings

My Rawlings helmet is a heavy-duty, durable piece of equipment that's stood up to a year of use. The fit is perfect, offering excellent protection without feeling bulky or restrictive.

The Rawlings helmet shown
The Rawlings helmet shown

It's incredibly resilient, having weathered numerous impacts without damage. The construction is top-notch, providing both safety and comfort.

Rawlings consistently produces high-quality helmets, and this one is no exception; a perfect choice for serious players.

Wilson A1K Gloves: A1K BES and Outfield Edition

The Wilson A1K BES glove has seen a lot of action, and the well-formed pocket is testament to its use. It’s become my primary glove. Its reliable performance and comfortable feel make it an essential part of my equipment.

The Wilson A1K Outfield Edition glove
The Wilson A1K Outfield Edition glove

The A1K outfield edition offers a unique design and is a worthy addition. Although I haven’t used it as extensively, the quality is similar. Both gloves provide excellent control and durability.

Wilson A1K gloves are known for their high quality, and both models live up to the reputation. The choice between them depends on personal preference and playing position.

Bats: Easton

My Easton bats are a mix of composite and aluminum. The 28-inch, 16-ounce composite bat is my current favorite, offering a great balance of power and control. It's relatively new but already proving to be reliable.

The Easton Mako (29-inch, 18-ounce) is a powerful bat, though I haven’t fully mastered it yet. Its performance is excellent, but it requires more strength. The lack of lizard skin is a noticeable difference.

The Easton Omen, another composite bat (29-inch, 17-ounce), hits exceptionally far but needs significant hitting power. I often opt for the other bats due to my current strength level. A powerful bat only for experienced hitters.

Bat Bag: Demarini

My Demarini bat bag is spacious enough for all my gear, including bats, gloves, and accessories. The bag's well-made and durable, offering excellent protection for my equipment.

The Demarini bat bag
The Demarini bat bag

The design is straightforward and functional with handy compartments and straps. While it mostly carries bats, I also use it for additional equipment.

Close-up of the Demarini bat bag
Close-up of the Demarini bat bag

It’s a reliable and practical choice for any baseball player looking for a durable and functional bat bag.

Additional Bats: DeMarini

I have two additional DeMarini bats: a 29-inch, 18-ounce composite bat and an aluminum bat. The composite bat, while useful, is less preferred due to its faster swing speed.

The aluminum bat is used less often, mainly because my other bats are currently more suitable for my skill level. Both offer decent performance, but the others are simply more effective for my current game.

The selection of bats highlights the importance of finding the right tool for your individual strengths and playing style.

Conclusion: Gear Recommendations

Overall, the reviewed equipment is top-notch, although suitability depends on individual player needs. The Demarini batting gloves and Rawlings helmet provide comfort and durability. The Wilson A1K gloves are reliable for different playing positions.

Among the bats, Easton provides options for various skill levels, but finding the right bat is crucial. For strength, the Easton Mako and Omen are powerful options, however the 28-inch 16-ounce composite bat is well-suited for a balance of power and control.

Finally, the DeMarini bat bag proves practical. Choosing the right equipment is key for optimal performance. Consider your skill, strength, and play style when making decisions.