The 2027 A2K(R) 1734 is a 34" catcher's mitt designed to be a large but lightweight target behind the plate. Handmade in Japan by expert craftsmen, each A2K(R) is the product of decades of experience poured into hours of labor spent assembling, shaping and perfecting. Exclusive Double Palm Construction implements an additional layer of leather that maintains a smooth palm and ideal pocket shape during the break-in process and throughout the life of the glove by enhancing pocket stability. The 1734 pattern is built for framing fastballs. Thinner pads along the thumb and pinky reduce overall weight, allowing for faster hands behind the plate and reducing fatigue over the course of the game. It also encourages proper glove posture, with the lighter weight making it easier to keep the thumb underneath the ball and snap the glove to a level position after receiving the pitch-a key skill for framing. Extended finger guards provide extra shock absorption, which is useful for catchers tasked with receiving a high volume of high velocity heat. The A2K(R) is made with Pro Stock(R) Select leather, which represents just the top 5% of Wilson leather hides. We finely inspect every hide, with only the softest, most flawless pieces making the cut to be used for our most premium glove line. SERIES OVERVIEW: Pro Stock(R) Select Leather: These leather hides are triple-sorted, a fine inspection process reviewing the leather at least three times to identify the top 5% for ideal qualities of softness, stretch and durability Flat Finger Binding: Gives players who prefer to play with a finger outside the glove greater comfort and control in the field. By reducing the amount of space between your finger and the back of the glove, you'll experience less pain when making plays Extended Index Finger Pad: A finger pad on the back of the catcher's mitt supplies extra cushion between your index finger and the palm Thinner Toe Pads: Allow for easier receiving and accurate framing on edges of the strike zone Expert Japanese Craftsmanship: Manufactured entirely in Japan by craftsmen who have been making ball gloves for decades, the A2K is formed to the perfect shape over 18 hours of labor