Mizuno Prospect PowerClose Youth Catchers Mitt - ButterSoft Palm

Our review of the Mizuno Prospect PowerClose youth catchers mitt finds it best suited to younger players who need an easy-to-close, comfortable first glove. Built from full-grain pigskin leather with Mizuno's PowerClose technology, this mitt stands out for how quickly it becomes game-ready: the leather is soft out of the box and the ButterSoft Palm Liner adds immediate comfort while the Parashock Palm Pad reduces sting on repeated catches. For parents and coaches shopping for a 7-9 year old learning to catch, this mitt delivers one clear benefit - effortless closing with protective padding.

Key Features

• Full-grain pigskin leather: provides a soft feel and solid durability so the mitt holds shape while remaining comfortable for young hands.
• PowerClose technology: makes catching and closing the mitt intuitive for kids, reducing the time needed to break it in.
• ButterSoft Palm Liner: a PU palm lining that increases comfort and durability so the interior feels good after repeated use.
• Parashock Palm Pad: absorbs impact on repeated catches to protect small hands and reduce sting during practice and games.
• Less 2 Lacing: removes the last two lace loops on the web to increase flexibility along the closing axis for easier catches.
• PowerLock: secures a snug fit quickly so younger players get a reliable hold without constant adjustment.

Who It's For

The mitt is aimed at youth players, especially 7-9 year olds, who need a first catchers mitt that is easy to close and comfortable right away. Coaches and parents who value quick break-in and protective features will appreciate the Parashock pad and ButterSoft liner, which both prioritize comfort for growing players.

Players who require pro-level, long-term durability or advanced custom fit options may want to look at higher-end adult models; this mitt balances softness and protection for early development rather than extended heavy use at travel or elite levels.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very easy to close for young hands thanks to PowerClose and Less 2 Lacing.
• Comfortable out of the bag with the ButterSoft Palm Liner and minimal break-in time.
• Good protection from the Parashock Palm Pad which reduces impact on repeated catches.
• Secure fit with PowerLock for quick sizing on game day.

Cons

• Some customers report mixed durability on the webbing after extended use, so it may not match heavy travel-level longevity.

Specifications

Brand	Mizuno
Series	Prospect PowerClose Youth
Leather	Full-grain pigskin
Palm Liner	ButterSoft PU palm lining
Padding	Parashock Palm Pad
Special Features	PowerClose, PowerLock, Less 2 Lacing

Our Verdict

The Mizuno Prospect PowerClose catchers mitt is a smart choice for young players who need a comfortable, easy-to-close mitt that performs well right away. It packs protective padding and practical closure technology into a soft, full-grain pigskin build, offering strong value for development-level players while trading some long-term ruggedness for immediate playability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this mitt ready to use out of the box?
Yes. The full-grain pigskin and ButterSoft Palm Liner make it soft and usable with very little break-in.

Will it fit a typical 8 year old?
Yes. The PowerLock feature and youth sizing are designed to secure a quick, snug fit for 7-9 year old players.

How protective is the padding?
The Parashock Palm Pad absorbs repeated impact well, offering noticeable protection and reduced sting for young catchers.