The Wilson A2000 is one of baseball’s most iconic brands since the glove’s initial release in the 1950’s. The A2K came decades later and started the fierce debate over which model is better. In this comparison, we analyze four different categories and crown the winner.
Material Quality
Unlike the Rawlings Pro Preferred vs Heart of Hide debate, the materials on the A2K and A2000 are very similar. When it comes to the leather, the A2000 and A2K use the same American steerhide leather.
The difference, though, is that the leather used on the A2K models is sorted three times more for quality, so that the absolute highest quality material is used. Does this make a difference? Sure, but is it worth the extra money? The A2000, after all, is known for its high quality leather.
In addition to the more select leather, another difference between A2000 vs A2K is Double Palm construction on the A2K models. Double Palm construction is a double layer in the palm to create a stronger pocket. I have used both and can tell you that this feature works, and certainly helps the A2K’s case in this debate.
A last note is that the two models use similar quality lacing. Wilson’s lacing, in my experience, is inferior to Rawlings’, and neither Wilson A2K or A2000 are markedly better than the other one.
The A2K is going to be the better glove material-wise, but the gap between the two models is not wide enough to warrant the increased price. Value-wise, the A2000 wins this round.
Comfort
Although other companies have been improving the comfort of their gloves in recent years, Wilson still puts out some of the most comfortable gloves on the market. A combination of the Dri-Lex wrist lining, cozy thumb and pinky loops, and good palm lining make your hand feel right at home in a Wilson glove.
As it pertains to the A2K vs A2000 debate, the only difference is going to be that the A2K features a softer leather on the palm lining. It’s notably more comfortable and still durable, and it tips the scales in favor of the A2K in the comfort category.
Available Models
At the time of writing this, there are 65 available A2000 models and 32 available A2K models. Because of the highly selective nature of the A2K leather, which limits the raw materials that “qualify,” there are always going to be many more A2000 models than A2K at any given time.
Does this really matter? Not too much. There are a couple extra patterns in the A2000 model (ex: 1716, X2, PP05, 1789), but otherwise there are A2K models for the best patterns Wilson offers (1786, 1799, 1787, etc).
In addition, the A2000 have more creative colorways, while the A2K models are usually more traditional in their design. While eye-catching designs are good for some players, many will prefer the understated looks that the A2K offers.
This category is going to be a draw. The extra A2000 models is cool, and you can get some basic-looking A2000 models, but the A2K is consistently one of the classiest looking gloves on the market.
MLB Use
Some MLB players who use an A2000 model include Vlad Guerrero Jr., Andrew Benintendi, Danby Swanson and Jose Ramirez. Some notable A2K users include Juan Soto, Matt Chapman, and Mookie Betts.
The WPW database and Wilson Glove Day videos and found that many more MLB players go into battle with an A2000 model than an A2K model.
The A2000 wins the MLB usage category. More pro players are choosing an A2000 when presented with a bag of A2000’s and A2K’s.
My Verdict
A last important difference between the models is their price. New A2K’s will run you $400, while new A2000’s will cost $300.
Given this $100 difference and the categories we analyzed above, we are going to say that the A2000 is a better glove for the majority of players. As stated earlier, the differences between the models aren’t as pronounced as with Rawlings Pro Preferred vs Heart of the Hide, making it tough to crown the more expensive A2K over the A2000.
The most important thing is that you won’t regret going with the more affordable option in this case. Here are some of our favorite A2000 models:
- Infield: A2000 1786, an 11.5″ model with an I-web
- Outfield: A2000 1799, a 12.75″ outfield mitt with an H-web
- Catcher: A2000 1790SS, a 34″ catcher’s mitt
- Pitcher: A2000 CK22, an 11.75″ glove with a 2-piece web
- First Base: A2000 2820SS, a 12.25″ 1B mitt