Mizuno Prospect PowerClose Youth Baseball Glove - Easy Close Play

In this review of the Mizuno Prospect PowerClose Youth Baseball Glove the bottom line is simple: it is aimed at young catchers who need an easy-to-close, comfortable mitt to learn fundamentals. The glove stands out for its PowerClose technology, which helps small hands secure the ball with far less effort than a traditional mitt. Built from full grain pigskin leather with a ButterSoft palm liner and Parashock pad, it balances softness and protection so a child can focus on catching and playing more confidently right away.

Key Features

• PowerClose Technology: Makes catching significantly easier for younger players by guiding the glove closed along the intended axis.
• ButterSoft Palm Liner: PU palm lining provides increased durability, a softer feel, and more comfort during repeated use.
• Parashock Palm Pad: Absorbs shock from catches to protect the hand and reduce sting on impact.
• Less 2 Lacing: Removes the last two lace loops on the web to increase flexibility along the closing axis for quicker closures.
• PowerLock Fit: Delivers a secure, quick fit so the mitt stays in place during play and is easy for kids to put on.

Who It's For

The Mizuno Prospect PowerClose is best for youth catchers and infielders roughly in the beginner to early intermediate range, especially around ages 7 to 10, who need a glove that requires minimal break-in and is easy to close. The combination of full grain pigskin leather and the ButterSoft liner offers a comfortable fit out of the bag while still feeling substantial enough for regular practice.

Families looking for a long-term travel or high-school level mitt should look elsewhere, as some customers have reported mixed long-term durability. If a player needs an elite-level, heavily reinforced mitt for intensive daily use, a higher-end model would be a better match.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy to close for small hands thanks to PowerClose, accelerating confidence and catching success.
• Comfortable from the start with a ButterSoft palm liner that reduces break-in time.
• Good protection from the Parashock palm pad, reducing sting on repeated catches.
• Considered good value by many parents for youth use due to balance of materials and tech.

Cons

• Some customers report mixed durability over time, so heavy everyday use may reveal wear sooner than premium adult models.

Specifications

Brand	Mizuno
Series	Prospect PowerClose
Leather	Full grain pigskin leather
Palm Liner	ButterSoft PU palm lining
Padding	Parashock palm pad
Fit System	PowerLock quick, secure fit
Web Lacing	Less 2 Lacing for increased closing flexibility

Our Verdict

The Prospect PowerClose is an excellent youth mitt for players learning to catch and close the glove easily. With full grain pigskin leather, a soft ButterSoft liner, and shock-absorbing padding, it delivers comfort and protection at a sensible price, though very heavy daily use may expose durability limits. Overall it is strong value for families seeking a low-effort, reliable youth catchers mitt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this glove ready to use out of the box?
Yes. The ButterSoft liner and PowerClose design mean minimal break-in is required, and many users find it comfortable immediately.

Does the glove reduce sting on catches?
Yes. The Parashock palm pad is designed to absorb impact and provide improved protection and comfort on repeated use.

Is this suitable for long-term heavy play?
The glove is durable for regular youth play, but some customers report mixed long-term durability, so players with intense daily use may prefer a higher-end model.