Also, I would stay away from Cleto Reyes mitts, at least the ones they sell at Pro Boxing Supply. Actually, if you have smaller hands, the PRO boxing supply labeled mitts are made in Mexico and felt pretty damn good.
As far as what the top trainers are using in California...
I have no idea what Virgil Hunter uses. The mitts I've seen him use are huge - they might be a modification of a Winning Mitt, but honestly they look more like the Hayabusa mitts.
I'm pretty sure that Garcia and Joel Diaz use Garibay, but there are many that are copying that style even the lettering so it's hard to tell.
Roach and Sanchez use custom Winning mitts. Kaz has a great relationship with both of these trainers and he keeps them supplied.
At my old gym, the head coach loved the Title Gel Micro Mitts (~$40) - he loved how they fit. Also, holding mitts/catching is an art. Another factor is chemistry with the fighter. You have to learn how to catch your fighter, but that could also mean you have to teach them how to throw how you want them to throw. Chem is huge. Freddie and Manny hit it off, it was love at first catch for those two.
Fit is very key. That's why custom is great. I personally love the old Everlast mitts (I have a few pair saved). Nothing special, but I'm a big fan of the panther design and it was soft enough that I could smack/tap the guy in the head.
I am dying to try the Gonzalez mitt, but I don't work at a gym anymore. Also, random side note: I've heard great things about Master Toddy's mitts, the ones made by Revgear especially. They look beautiful, but they're a straight from Thailand product.
My personal take is mitts should protect the catcher and his joints, but also be forgiving on the person throwing. Fit is king for me.
