Wellphyt,
To answer your questions...
The Nokona Diamond Heart gloves likely were being produced in the Mass. plant. That plant opened a few years ago when Nokona entered into a partnership to expand their production capabilities. Unfortunately, that deal has fallen through and that plant was plagued with quality issues. Nokona was recently purchased by Cutters, the football glove company. It is my understanding that they intend to move all production back to Texas.
The "deerskin" lining on gloves is not actually made from deer hides. Look closely at the ads and you'll see that these gloves use "deer-tanned cowide". "Deer tanning" is a leather tanning process for creating very soft, pliable leather- like deerskin, but not made from deerskin. This creates a lining that is supposed to be more comfortable to the hand, but it won't be as durable as thicker, conventionally tanned leather. Using a deer-tanned cowhide lining also aids in the break-in process, without having to sacrafice by using thinner, softer leather in the outer shell of the glove. I use a Rawlings glove with a deer-tanned cowhide lining and it feels fine to me. I also take good care of my gloves, so I haven't seen any deterioration in the lining. But I wouldn't expect a deer-tanned cowhide lining to take the same wear and abuse a thicker, heavier leather would.
Of the gloves you listed, personally I prefer the Rawlings HOH. But that is a personal preference! I have used Rawlings gloves for many years. They just seem to fit me better. The A2000's are great gloves, but for whatever reason the fit just doesn't feel as good to me. Of course, that's just me and every person is different. The Worth gloves I've had a chance to try on feel good and seem well-made. Then again, Rawlings bought the Worth brand several years ago! Many of their gloves are made with the same materials Rawlings uses, and some of the same technology- they're just made in different plants.
To answer your questions...
The Nokona Diamond Heart gloves likely were being produced in the Mass. plant. That plant opened a few years ago when Nokona entered into a partnership to expand their production capabilities. Unfortunately, that deal has fallen through and that plant was plagued with quality issues. Nokona was recently purchased by Cutters, the football glove company. It is my understanding that they intend to move all production back to Texas.
The "deerskin" lining on gloves is not actually made from deer hides. Look closely at the ads and you'll see that these gloves use "deer-tanned cowide". "Deer tanning" is a leather tanning process for creating very soft, pliable leather- like deerskin, but not made from deerskin. This creates a lining that is supposed to be more comfortable to the hand, but it won't be as durable as thicker, conventionally tanned leather. Using a deer-tanned cowhide lining also aids in the break-in process, without having to sacrafice by using thinner, softer leather in the outer shell of the glove. I use a Rawlings glove with a deer-tanned cowhide lining and it feels fine to me. I also take good care of my gloves, so I haven't seen any deterioration in the lining. But I wouldn't expect a deer-tanned cowhide lining to take the same wear and abuse a thicker, heavier leather would.
Of the gloves you listed, personally I prefer the Rawlings HOH. But that is a personal preference! I have used Rawlings gloves for many years. They just seem to fit me better. The A2000's are great gloves, but for whatever reason the fit just doesn't feel as good to me. Of course, that's just me and every person is different. The Worth gloves I've had a chance to try on feel good and seem well-made. Then again, Rawlings bought the Worth brand several years ago! Many of their gloves are made with the same materials Rawlings uses, and some of the same technology- they're just made in different plants.