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Akadema Youth

AGC 98 (32 inch) Catcher - (Special)

  • 32 in
  • Web Spiral-Lock web
  • Steerhide
  • Break-in medium
  • Closing medium
Akadema AGC 98 (32 inch) Catcher - (Special), youth gloves: photo from Akadema
Photo: Akadema

Facts as the maker states them, read 14 Oct 2026

The AGC 98 is a 32 inch circumference catcher's glove with a Spiral-Lock web, an open back and a deep pocket. The page offers a right or left throw.

TypeCatcher's mitt
Size32 in
What this means

Measured from the heel to the top of the index finger. Infielders use smaller gloves (10.25 to 11.75 in) for quick transfers; outfielders larger (12 to 12.75 in); first base and catcher's mitts are measured differently.

Tip: Bigger is not better for a young infielder. A glove they can close beats a glove that looks like a pro's.

WebSpiral-Lock web
LeatherU.S. Steerhide pocket; AkademaLyte leather on the back
What this means

Heavy, durable adult-cattle leather. Stiff at first, lasts for years. Most pro lines use it.

BackOpen
Sizes32” circumference pattern
HandRight-hand throw or left-hand throw
Agesserious youth catcher
Also on the page
  • Position Recommendations: Catcher
  • Throw: RHT or LHT
  • Pocket: deep pocket
  • Padding: Double-sided Slim Padding
  • Closure: Double Flexhinge
  • Lacing: Akadema ¼” Rawhide lacing
  • Features: Praying Mantis, two Finger Hammocks, Stress Wedge technology
AvailabilityOut of stock
The maker says
  • Designed by Hall of Famer Gary Carter.
  • Patent pending 'Stress Wedge' technology.
  • Praying Mantis offers shock absorbing protection for the hand against injury and sting.
  • Double Flexhinge makes the glove snap closed on contact.
  • Uniquely designed shape gives a quicker glove to hand transfer.
Sourceakademapro.com, product page, read 14 Oct 2026

Pat's Grade one person's opinion, with the reason

Not yet graded

Patrick has not graded this line yet. A line not handled yet says Not yet graded, never a low grade.

We have no dealer or affiliate relationship with Akadema. If that changes it will say so here, and the grade will not move. How we grade

Evidence public reviews and break reports, with links

Public reviews of Akadema are there, in moderate numbers. They are gathered by maker; each source says which product or line it covers.

What "buyer reports" means

Public review counts and themes we found for this maker, with links, plus break reports sent in by site users. Where we found nothing public we say so.

  • JustBallGlovesRetailer ratings: Prodigy youth ATM92-12Rating: 4.69 of 5 (page shows 4.6875)Reviews: 16Buyers like: Good leather for the price per most reviewers; Most seasonal users report it holding up, one for three seasons; Fit described as snug or right for kids around 8 to 9Buyers report: Break-in: from within a day (heat and oil) to several weeks, one about four months, though reviewers thought the wait worthwhile; Two reviewers say the exterior is solid but the interior is lesser synthetic material; one notes it is made in China; Thumb logo flaked; laces too long or poorly tied (one each); Finger holes will be outgrown (one) (read it there)
  • JustBallGlovesRetailer ratings: Prodigy youth AOZ91-12 (11.25 in only, listed discontinued)4.27 of 5, 15 reviewsBuyers like: Break-in: quick, a few days to a few sessions of catch for most; Leather and padding praised; padding reduces hand sting; fits small hands well; Some parents report a full season or more of heavy use without troubleBuyers report: Youth closing effort: one 1-star reviewer said the soft leather let the fingers collapse so the glove would not close around the ball; Some stiff spots (thumb, pinky, heel) never softened, one still stiff after a year; Welting coming apart within weeks for some; Only offered in 11.25 in, parents wanted larger sizes (read it there)
  • JustBallGlovesRetailer ratings: ProSoft AHO224-12 12 in4.4 of 5, 15 reviewsBuyers like: Leather described as soft and good; Break-in: several say it broke in quickly or needed noneBuyers report: Break-in split: others found it stiff or not game ready, one needed conditioner and some catch; Fit: tight at the wrist for smaller hands and some large hands; one disliked the thumb strap; Called good but not premium; one compared it unfavorably to a higher-end Rawlings; Liner above the fingers can run hot (one); odd color scheme (one) (read it there)
  • JustBallGlovesRetailer ratings: ProSoft AGM209-12 (listed discontinued)5.0 of 5, 2 reviewsBuyers like: Construction and soft leather praised by bothBuyers report: Break-in took longer than expected for one reviewer, who still felt it was worth it; the other found it soft out of the box (read it there)
  • WalmartRetailer ratings: ABX 12 in ambidextrous ProSoftRating: 4 of 5Reviews: 4 ratings (3 written reviews)Buyers like: Decent quality and a strong choice for ambidextrous pitchers (two 5-star)Buyers report: One 1-star says interior stitching came apart after first use (read it there)
  • WalmartRetailer ratings: APP240-RT 33.5 in catcher's mitt0 reviews

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