Glove Break-In Service

We offer 3 tiers of break-in levels all backed by guaranteed time in the shop with our glove pros. Each level increases the time our glove pros spend with your glove lab equipped to get the most of out of that time.

• Light Break-In: Offers 20 mins with a glove pro and will deliver a balanced pocket formation and moderate flex development. This is a great option for those who have already started breaking in their glove and
• Standard Break-in: Complete break-in using pneumatic, manual, and conditioning sequence for ready-to-play response.
• Pro Custom Break-In: Fully personalized shaping by glove type, field position, wear style, closure tension, hinge resistance, and pocket form tailored to player preference.
• Water Break-In (Recommended for High End Gloves): Safe, distilled-water method for premium gloves — maximizes flexibility while preserving fiber strength.

For elite gloves and high-end leathers, our preferred process is the Water Break-In - a controlled, time-tested technique that softens fibers without weakening the hide.

We use room-temperature distilled water to ensure balanced hydration while eliminating mineral deposits. Each glove is hand-formed through compression, folding, and mallet sequencing while moisture remains active in the fibers.

This allows the leather to learn its shape naturally - building flexibility where needed while preserving structure in the fingers and heel.

No steam. No heat. No shortcuts.

Just authentic craftsmanship, material respect, and professional-level results.

Our Break-In Lab combines traditional craftsmanship with modern precision:

• Pneumatic break-in machine simulates hundreds of game catches with consistent, even pressure.
• Weighted wood mallets and break-in balls (various diameters) shape the pocket(s) and hinge(s) to spec without leaving marks.
• Custom break-in pads and forming blocks support the glove during shaping to maintain uniform structure.

Every motion is intentional and designed to accelerate natural break-in without compromising longevity.

We don’t “soften” gloves - we engineer feel.

Our approach blends moisture control, precision pressure, and patience to create a glove that plays to your hand from day one and stays that way.

Our standards ensure:

• Even moisture distribution through palm, heel, and hinge zones.
• No overheating or oversaturation.
• Position-specific geometry tuned for infield, outfield, and catcher’s mitts.
• Custom details provided by you and verified by our glove pros.
• Light conditioning treatment to restore oils, seal fibers, and lock in structure.

• Room-Temperature Distilled Water: Prevents mineral buildup and ensures clean leather surface.
• Thermal Precision: No steam, no ovens only controlled ambient-temperature and humidity for optimal shaping.
• Compression Accuracy: Pneumatic pressure calibrated for consistent pocket memory without overstretch.
• Surface Protection: Microfiber pads and wood tools safeguard finish throughout the process.
• Each glove is finished with Ball Player’s Balm to retain tensile strength through long, stretched fingers and wide webs.

INFIELD - Precision & Transfer

Infield gloves demand the most exact pocket architecture in baseball.

We shape for two distinct catch zones a shallow transfer pocket for quick exchanges and flips, and a primary catch pocket for securing full catch throws.

Using precision mallets and weighted balls, we build a clean, responsive hinge that moves easy yet holds form.

For pro-level kip and steerhide gloves, our Yumomi Water Break-In provides the perfect blend of flex and control - softening fibers evenly while maintaining crisp stiffness in the fingers.

The result: faster hands, faster turns, and flawless pocket response under pressure.

OUTFIELD - Reach & Retention

Outfield gloves are about extension and control at full speed.

We sculpt deep, forgiving pockets that absorb impact and guide the ball into the web while resisting rollover and collapse.

Using pneumatic cycles followed by large-radius mallet work, we layer the pocket build slowly for even tension.

Our Yumomi Water Break-In is available for top-tier gloves - balancing flex with long-form structural integrity.

The result: secure catches, smooth closures, and consistent feel from first pitch to final out.

CATCHER’S WRX -Command & Endurance

Catcher’s mitts face the highest volume of stress in the game.

We engineer them for impact resistance, repeatability, and sound.

Every mitt goes through pneumatic compression cycles that mimic high-velocity catching, followed by manual shaping and edge conditioning to set hinge tension.

The Yumomi Water Break-In is available for elite mitts requiring pliability without loss of stiffness.

We hand-shape the bowl using wooden mallets and weighted balls, then condition and seal with Ball Player’s Balm to resist sweat and friction.

The result: a mitt that pops sharp, closes strong, and holds form through the grind - the mark of a pro-caliber glove.

• Pocket form and closure tested for symmetry and control.
• Hinge and heel tension dialed for your preferred stiffness.
• Final conditioning and buff for natural sheen.