THE PRIMO BLOG

Primo Glove Lace Replacement Kit Now Available!

2009-01-22T08:27:00.000-08:00

For those of you needing to relace your Primo, there's now a replacement pack of Primo laces available! Primo laces are 100 lb. tensile-strength making them extremely tough and durable. You can find the Primo Relacing Kit at RawlingsGear.com or at your favorite Rawlings dealer!

Primo Laces

2008-12-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

Hi there,

We received the following comment from a Primo Owner. You can now purchase a Primo Lace Replacement Pack! Check with your favorite Rawlings dealer or go to http://www.tanners.com and look under "New Products". Hope that helps!

Hello. Is there anywhere I am able to purchase primo-leather lacing? I contacted Rawlings about Primo repair and they said my glove was out of warranty, they referenced me to Kenny J. Glove Repair but he doesnt have any of the Primo lacing. What to do now!? Any help or suggestions would greatly be appreciated. I love my Primo and the heel lacing snapped late this year and I need it replaced, this gloves to young to retire! Thanks.

Two New Models Added to Primo Collection

2008-12-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since our last post. We've been hard at work on creating the 09 line of Rawlings gloves! That said, we've listened to your pleas and have created two new Primo models. The PRM1200 features a 12" Pro Pattern that works best for infielders and pitchers. It's Basket Web makes it perfect for concealing pitches at the mound. And just in the past few weeks, we've added a Primo Catcher's Mitt (33") to the line. We hope you

like what you see! Let us know what you think.

Introducing the new Primo Glove Butter

2008-05-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the note Ronnie sent us...He asked a good question about caring for his Primo Glove. You guys have been asking for it and we listened! Now there's a new Rawlings Primo Glove Butter that was created by our leather care experts, chemical engineers and researchers, and elite athletes.

Check it out at http://www.tanners.com/pages/newproducts.htm and let us know what you think!!!

Ronnie's note:

I bought the primo last season and it is without a doubt, the best looking glove on the market. at first, the glove seemed a little heavy, but it is fine once you get used to it. the only problem that i am still having with it is the fact that i need to condition the leather and am scared to use anything on it and mess the leather up. any suggestions? other than that, the glove catches a lot of eyes and makes heads turn when im on the field. great glove and one of my best investments!

Fielding some questions

2007-09-24T13:19:00.001-07:00

I saw some really good questions and comments out there this month. I picked out a few and will address them here:

Q.) I just got my son the 12.75" Primo (also got an 1150T but that'll be a Christmas suprise) and need to know how to maintain these gloves. I suspect Glovolium is what you recommend but wonder if it will discolor the leather? Also, do you recommend applying anything right out of box or can he just start playing catch to break it in?

A.) Good choice. You can check out the post on the “All Things Gloves” blog about breaking in your glove the right way: http://allthingsgloves.blogspot.com/2006/09/breaking-in-your-glove-right-way.html.
Note that applying any glove oil, including our Glovolium, will darken the leather. We’re currently testing out a new formula made specifically for the Primo.

Q.) I am considering both the Primo PRM1150T and the Pro Preferred PROS15TCB for my son (middle infielder). Is there a weight difference between the two? I have not yet found a store that had both models available for a side-by-side comparison. However, the few Primos we have looked at felt heavy.

A.) Yes, there’s a slight difference in weight between a Primo and Pro Preferred glove. The Primo is slightly heavier because of the Dual Core and the oiled leather.

Q.) When you say we will be expanding the Primo line next spring what do you exactly mean by that. More sizes, different patterns, better leather, etc. And will you be discontinuing the primo gloves that you make now. One last question: is it a sure thing that you will have a personalization option for the primo next spring or are you just considering it?

A.) There will be more sizes offered when we expand the line for next year. The same core specs will remain the same and we won’t drop any of the current models. As for personalization options, yes we are considering it but it’s not a definite option. If it is available next year, it will be during the summer, pending some production capabilities.

Q.) Where will your name go on the PRIMO? Because the thumb has "Dual Core Tech." sewn in and the pinky has "Italian Leather" sewn in.

A.) We’ll replace the Dual Core Tech logo with the player’s name.

Q.) Rawlings Primo outfield model says that the trap-eze web is part of the glove and not an extension. Why is it important that it's part of the glove? What are the advantages of having it this way? Conversely, what are the disadvantages when the trap-eze is an extension?

A.) With the Trap-Eze web, the web is part of the palm. There’s no binding or lacing to stop the stretching in the formation of the pocket. The leather, shell, and lining all stretch together without any restriction. That’s why you get a nice, deep pocket that’s perfect for outfield positions.

Keep submitting your questions and I’ll tackle some more in the coming weeks.

Scott Keene
Rawlings Product Manager, Gloves

Primo gets a shout-out

2007-09-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

The Primo was recently featured in Fortune Magazine. Take a look for yourself!

http://money.cnn.tv/2007/08/23/news/funny/100202648.fortune/index.htm

Speaking of the Primo...

2007-07-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

I’ve received a lot of good questions and comments related to the Primo over the past few weeks. Rather than answer them individually, I’ll try to pick out a few key topics and answer them for everyone to see. Keep them coming!

When can I get my Primo personalized?

Several people have asked when the option to customize their Primo will be available. Essentially, we currently do not offer the option as the demand is so high for the gloves and we have a limited production capacity. We’re working on the personalization plan right now for the Primo and hope to launch it next spring…

Is the Primo completely waterproof?

I’ve noticed a few comments about the Primo being waterproof. I want to be clear….the Primo does have a water-proof treatment applied to its leather to repel water; however, this does not mean that you can submerge your glove in water. Water can get in into the lace holes, padding, etc. if you’re not careful and cause damage to your glove. So, in summary, never soak your glove!

When will other Primo models/patterns/sizes be available?

We plan to launch a 12” pattern this fall. We’re still debating on what kind of web it should have. Let me know what you think! We’ll expand the line further next spring. Check out your local sporting goods dealer, online retailer, or favorite cataloguer to see if they carry the Primo models you are looking for.

I hope that helps answer some of your questions.

Scott Keene
Rawlings Product Manager, Gloves

Pros and the Primo

2007-05-16T08:40:00.000-07:00

I've been asked by a few people why there aren't any pros using the Primo gloves yet. Essentially, we have limited capacity of the Primo leather we can get from our tannery in Italy. Secondly, Primo gloves are made by a small team of our very best glove craftsmen. We want to ensure that every Primo glove is perfect before it is shipped. Due to the limited number of Primo gloves we could make, we made the decision to service outside the pro level first. We already have interest in the Primo from several of the best pros in the game. As our capacity to produce these gloves increases, watch for more of the pros to be wearing a Primo.

Scott Keene
Rawlings Glove Line Product Manager

Rate your Primo

2007-03-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

We want to hear from all of you who own a Primo. How does it field? Was it worth the money? What do you like about it? Is there anything you dislike? We want to know! Nothing is off limits here...

Lindsey Naber
Rawlings Asst. Marketing Manager

Defining Dual Core Technology™

2006-12-22T08:48:00.000-08:00

Normal gloves have two layers: the shell palm and the lining palm. With the Primo, I decided to add a third layer that would fit in between the two. We wanted to create a glove that was soft but would have the durability that you expect from Rawlings. As a result, the Dual Core Technology was born. With this technology, we added a third layer that sits between the shell palm and lining. Italian leather is naturally thinner than American leather, so we needed to ensure that durability would not be an issue. With multiple layers, you get a glove that’s both durable and soft. Further, we cut strategic break points into the pattern. These allow the glove to close easily and form a pocket that is designed to perform for your position. With the Dual Core Technology, all three layers stretch together to form that perfect pocket. The Primo not only is made of the very best materials, but it is durable and soft and was designed with your position specific needs in mind.

Scott Keene
Rawlings Glove Line Product Manager

Primo vs. Pro Preferred

2006-11-02T15:12:00.000-08:00

I had a few people ask the question of which glove is better; the Primo or Pro Preferred gloves. The Primo has different features than the Pro Preferred Series. The most telling difference is that Primo glove features Italian leather. Italians are famous for their detailed skill and craftsmanship, which is reflected in the Primo gloves. You can really see the handiwork in each of these pieces. Each was treated as its own masterpiece, hence the limited quantity. Further, the Dual Core Technology makes this series unique. With this technology, the inner palm and lining mimic the shape of the outer palm at the point of impact. This allows the glove to fully absorb the impact. Additionally, there are break points specific to each position cut into the pattern that enable the glove to close easily. Primo series gloves also have new added features that have yet to be seen on any Rawlings glove, including direct embroidered logos and reverse hand-sewn welting. While different with regards to the look and technology used to develop the gloves, the Primo and Pro Preferred series have one thing in common: they are built to last for years.

Scott Keene
Rawlings Glove Line Product Manager

Primo Style

2006-10-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

The objective:
Designing a logo for a glove produced by the top glove company in the world was a daunting task. The Primo logo had to reflect the quality of the glove. Typically, logos and graphics on bats seem to take precedence over gloves. The Primo was different. We wanted to give the consumer the whole package; the look, the feel, the materials all had to be superior to everything else out there already.

The inspiration:
The Primo is a luxury glove, so naturally I considered luxury items, specifically automobiles, when brainstorming to design the logo. I utilized a crest, horse head, and chrome finish, all elements used when designing high end automobiles. Further, the logo itself almost looks as if it could be a hood ornament on a car. I also drew inspiration from Italian sculpture and art. As a result, I created a horse that was statuesque and robust, almost appearing to be made of marble. I also added the colors of the Italian flag to reinforce the fact that the glove is made from Italian leather.

The challenge:
The main challenge in designing the Primo logo was creating something that was new and innovative while still reflecting the heritage of our brand. It had to be relevant without being old-fashioned. It took a few tries, but I think we have created the best visual representation for the Primo glove series.

Check out the links below to see preliminary designs of the Primo logo:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/rawlings06/PRIMO1.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/rawlings06/PRIMO2.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/rawlings06/PRIMOfinal.jpg

Brian Dorsey
Rawlings Graphic Designer

The Concept of the Primo

2006-09-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

The initial idea of creating the Primo spawned from our popular Pro Preferred line of gloves. The Pro Preferred gloves utilize kip leather, which is known for its smooth texture, durability, and tight grain structure. Rawlings had yet to venture into the world of exotic Italian leather, although we certainly noticed what it had to offer. Italian tanneries were known for producing the highest quality, most luxurious leather goods including high end shoes, jackets, and bags, but could it work for ball gloves? More importantly, could Italian leather perform?

We did our homework to find the answers to these questions. European cattle are naturally smaller than American cattle, so our main concern was that the Italian leather would be too thin. This concern led to the development of the Dual Core Technology (more to come on that later). Add in the fine craftsmanship and details that Italians are known for and you end up with the softest, most luxurious, high performance model glove ever created.

We want to hear your thoughts on the Primo. How does it look? How does it perform? What do you think about its features? Nothing Primo-related is off limits here.

Watch for more postings on the design of the Primo as well as an insider’s look into the technology behind the Primo…

Scott Keene
Rawlings Glove Product Line Manager