Review: Easton VRS Pro 3 batting gloves, a "white glove" version of the VRS Pro 2

It's fitting that the new Easton VRS Pro III (3) batting gloves are available in all white because they are so delicate that you had better be wealthy enough to have your own white-gloved butler if you want to keep yourself in VRS Pro 3's for an entire season.

Easton succeeded in their quest to achieve a sleeker, sexier look and feel with the VRS Pro 3 batting gloves, but they may alienate loyal customers who are expecting the quality and durability of the VRS Pro 2 model.

The glove's Vibration Reduction System (VRS), which they might as well just name "EP" for Extra Padding, is better tapered into the natural shape of the hand. But it's also a bit thinner and covers a smaller area on the palm and the thumb, which seems to defeat the purpose of having extra padding in the first place.

The new wristband is a thin neoprene. The material and the smaller cut is an improvement in comfort, but it's also not as sturdy as the old wristband, which was like the straps on catcher's shin guards.

Another place Easton upped the luxury but skimped on durability was the back-of-hand material and design. The VRS Pro 3 back leather is like a golf glove, much thinner and softer leather than the batting glove's palm. The lycra cutaways are perfect for knuckle comfort and definitely improve the glove's overall breathability. But it also makes for tons of annoying snagging, especially on the index finger, where it's clear they substituted too much lycra for leather.

The Final Score: I'd recommend staying away from the VRS Pro 3 batting gloves, even if mine didn't tear at the palm/wristband seam after 4 games.

If you're rich, or you get free batting gloves because you play Division 1 or pro, then go ahead and try 'em. The Easton VRS Pro 3 batting gloves feel great on your hands.

Easton VRS Pro III - best deals, courtesy of Dealzon Baseball

Baseball Rampage: 29.99 + $6.95 shipping (free shipping on orders over $99)

Amazon: $29.90-to-$39.99 w/ free shipping

But if you're on a budget and want some durable gloves for doing your work at the plate, skip the new VRS Pro 3's and stock up on the old Easton VRS Pro 2 batting gloves while and where they're still available.

Easton VRS Pro II batting gloves - best deal, courtesy of Dealzon Baseball

Baseball Rampage: $24.99 clearance