- 33 inch Praying Mantis pattern
- Spiral lock web
- "Stress Wedge" technology
- "Double Flexhinge"
- Made in the USA
Praying Mantis 33 inch catcher's mitt with new patent "Stress Wedge" technology, located between the index finger and thumb, the Praying Mantis offers shock absorbing protection for the hand against injury and sting when receiving the ball. The Praying Mantis also offers two additional "Finger Hammocks" allowing the fingers to be firmly positioned and more secure in the glove. Additional features include the "Double-sided Slim Padding" allowing for increased pocket size and easier ball retention. Uniquely designed shape allows the throwing hand easier access into the pocket, resulting in a quicker glove to hand transfer and faster times to second base. The Praying Mantis also features a "Double Flexhinge" which makes the glove snap closed on contact. The latest glove series by Akadema uses Precision Kip leather that is 20% lighter and tighter grained than steerhide . The Hides are harvested in Europe and tanned in Japan. The gloves are more pliable, easier to break in and have more tensile strength than our competitors glove lines. In August 2008, Akadema did what very few American companies do these days. They brought American manufacturing home and created jobs for American craftsmen. Why is this so unique? Since the 1950’s the American baseball glove manufacturing industry has shrunk from an estimated five thousand jobs fewer than fifty jobs in 2007. A new baseball factory has not been built in the USA by an established recognized brand in nearly two decades. The reasons for the demise are all too familiar: the costs of wages, insurance, benefits, taxation, and regulations. These obstacles increase the products' cost over three times and make it impossible to compete against foreign imports. Then why would Akadema build gloves in the USA? Akadema's ownership has a love of the game and the USA. Akadema believes Americans should be able to make products which are loved and respected around the world. Our goal is to be the USA’s largest domestic baseball glove manufacturer and make the best quality product. Akadema is willing to sacrifice the bottom line. We hope you will support thebaseballbat.com, Akadema and its American initiative. Buying Akaema products at thebaseballbat.com will help Akadema create more American jobs.