11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fine baseballs at a reasonable price, May 20, 2010
This review is from: Rawlings Little League Tournament Grade Baseball (One Dozen) (Sports)
I have been playing baseball since the last ice age, and I'm pretty picky about my equipment. I am very pleased with these balls (Rawlings ROLB1X). I purchased one dozen from an Amazon seller/merchant (about 2 bucks per ball + reasonable shipping cost). They are ideal for practice balls, but actually they would even be fine for game balls for economically challenged organizations below high school level.
Rawlings makes the best baseballs in the world, and of course they make the balls used by MLB. The problem is that high quality baseballs are quite expensive. MLB spec baseballs go for about $13+/ball. The ROLB1X balls are a great solution. They are the same official size and weight of an MLB ball; but most importantly they have nearly the same feel and performance. Here are the major differences between the ROLB1X and the top of the line MLB ball. ROLB1X has polypropylene & "polycotton" windings, composite cork & rubber center, and slightly raised seams -VS- mostly wool windings, cushioned cork, and flat or nearly flat seams.
As mentioned, the ROLB1X seams are slightly raised. I prefer flat seams myself, as I wish to use balls nearest to MLB specs as possible. Flat seams are also best, or may be required, for use in pitching machines. However; raised seams can provide better grip for small hands or children, are usually less expensive, and will have more "movement" in the air due to reduced aerodynamics/increased air resistance.
The ROLB1X is a "blemished" version of the ROLB1; but the blemishes are not readily apparent. The ROLB1 is only a few dollars more per dozen if you are concerned about blemishes.
The ROLB1X's performed nicely. They haven't dented nor do they feel mushy. The best quality test is how they feel, sound, and travel when hit with a wood bat - they passed this test with flying colors (I love that sound). I can't comment yet on the durability as I have only used them for one practice session thus far; but I expect they will be fine, as I have several dozen of similar quality Rawlings balls used for practice, that have held up very very well. I will update this review for durability after more use.
Also note; these balls have leather covers like a MLB ball. I have never used synthetic covers, but I know they are slippery and generally get poor reviews for durability.
If these balls don't meet your specs, Rawlings makes literally dozens of different baseballs, but many are not readily available at retailers. The ROLB1X's seem to be prevalent, and at an attractive price.
Finally; you can also buy 36 of these balls in a five gallon bucket for around $80-90. You could save some money by buying three dozen balls and your own bucket separately; but you do get a cushion on the top of the Rawlings bucket for luxurious seating.
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1.0 out of 5 stars
DO NOT ORDER -- THEY WILL SEND YOU ONLY ONE BALL NOT A DOZEN!!!!, January 12, 2012
This review is from: Rawlings Little League Tournament Grade Baseball (One Dozen) (Sports)
My review is not based on the baseball itself but on the fact that I received only ONE ball, not a dozen. I contacted Amazon and they re-submitted the order and assured me that it would be a dozen balls, but again only ONE ball. I ended up returning the ball(s) for a refund -- VERY frustrating!!! Amazon's only explanation was that "there must be an inventory issue with this item". No kidding.
I was looking for a nice dozen baseball for my son that had leather, not synthetic covers. There were many to choose from on Amazon but ALMOST ALL of the others had at least one negative review that they had received only one ball, not a dozen. I ordered this particular ball since there were no such complaints, and the fact that it is fulfilled by Amazon and not a third party vendor. My precautions did me no good.
You are better off just going to Dick's or Sports Authority to buy your baseballs.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Good ball, Great price., October 12, 2011
This review is from: Rawlings Little League Tournament Grade Baseball (One Dozen) (Sports)
These are good leather balls for little league teams. Advertised as blemished but very hard to find where on the ball. It appears they have gone up about $20 per dozen since I bought them. I wish I would have bought several dozen more at the time.
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