Stay Protected with the Best Baseball Catcher’s Gear
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Easton Gametime Baseball Catcher's Gear -
All-Star Baseball Catcher's Gear -
Mizuno G4 Samurai Baseball Catcher's Gear -
ALL-STAR System 7 LG30PRO Pro Baseball Leg Guards -
Mizuno Samurai Pro Shin Guards -
Under Armour Men's Pro Catcher's Leg Guards -
Easton M7 Natural Leg Guards -
Easton Junior/Youth Black Magic Catcher Box Set -
Mizuno Samurai Chest Protector -
Rawlings Adult Catchers Chest Protector -
Buyer's Guide
Without a doubt, catching is the toughest position in baseball. Foul balls, wild pitches, and collisions at the plate with charging runners make catching hazardous duty. For this hazardous position, you need the best in protective gear. Hockey-style helmets, padded chest protectors, and full coverage leg guards are all required tools of the trade and will help keep you safe behind the plate. Catcher's gear is now more technologically advanced than ever with leading manufacturers using innovative designs and materials to make catcher equipment stronger, more comfortable, and more functional, and more durable. Make sure to do research on various products and to test the gear for proper fit before purchasing. Though baseball equipment can get expensive, it is better to save a little on a bat than to scrimp on protective equipment. A good hitter can usually hit just as good with a $200 bat than he can with a $300 bat. However, you will not be as protected nor as comfortable with a $40 chest protector as you would be with a $140 chest protector. Protection and comfort count! Whether you are youth player, high school star, or an adult league player, you will want to choose quality, well-reviewed protects when you purchase catcher’s gear. Checkout our top picks for best baseball catcher's gears in 2022.
Best Baseball Catcher Gear of 2022 Reviewed in Detail
Easton Gametime Baseball Catcher's Gear - Best Baseball Catcher's Gears Overall
The Easton Mako was designed by Easton without budget restraints, and with player performance specifically in mind. For catchers, quickness and agility are king. Easton has developed a mask optimized with speed in mind. NOCSAE Approval ensures the masks adheres to top safety guidelines. Comfort and visibility are optimized in one feature, as the snug fit provides comfort while limiting the mask sliding that leaves every catcher frustrated. The Mako is built for the quick movements of the catcher, which translates into quickness on the field. The top line equipment comes at a top line price.
All-Star Baseball Catcher's Gear - Runner Up
The All Star System Seven SL is the second mask in this years line of All-Star brand catcher's helmets. The System Seven SL features top of the line safety, having been "collision tested" on baseballs over 100 MPH. The 'SL' stands for Super Light, and this mask delivers on its promise. The SL is equipped with armor-clad moisture wicking technology, to offset the discomfort associated with sweating in your helmet -- an inevitable outcome of double headers and hot day games. The 3D mesh padding liner offers improved comfort and stability on the head, and even features a padding replacement to further tailor the mask to improve comfort. The Mask offers good vision range as well, making this mask the complete package.
Mizuno G4 Samurai Baseball Catcher's Gear - Consider
The Mizuno Pro G2 makes this best-of list for it's performance on every measurable level. The helmet meets NOCSAE protection standards, boasts a new design with DryLite lining, which wicks away moisture. Most importantly, this helmet is light, and utilizes thinner bars for increased comfort and visibility, which will translate to performance on the field. I would recommend this helmet to a catcher who has a strong preference for field visibility, since this helmet is specifically designed with visibility in mind. The helmet is also competitively priced, and is comparable to most similar models in the market.
ALL-STAR System 7 LG30PRO Pro Baseball Leg Guards - Best Catcher's Leg Guard
Plain and simple, the All Star LG30Pro leg guards are the best of any catchers leg guard available on the market. They boast a triple-knee design which keeps the knee completely protected from impact while delta flex harnesses, perforated padding, and moldable plastic shins all contribute to creating a comfortable and lightweight final product. These are best for highly competitive, year-round catchers who need consistent, reliable performance from their equipment. While the All Star LG30Pro retail at a fairly high price point, you get what you pay for with these leg guards.
Mizuno Samurai Pro Shin Guards - Best Catcher's Leg Guard
The Mizuno Pro G2s are another high priced leg guard boasting superior protection, comfort and performance. Like any of the premier leg guards, the Pro G2 come standard with triple-knee protection. Silicon straps in the back contribute to stable wear during play and drilite material keeps the leg guards relatively comfortable (At least as comfortable as one can be squatting behind the plate.) Additionally, there as a detachable 'K-pad' allowing the wearer a degree of comfort customization.
Under Armour Men's Pro Catcher's Leg Guards - Best Catcher's Leg Guard
Under Armor has created a significant following of loyal consumers and their Pro leg guards come with unique features putting them on our list of best catchers leg guards. For one, Under Armour Pro leg guards use a thick outer layer providing great protection without adding a lot of weight. Second, of all of the Leg guards I’ve used in my career, the Under Armour Pro's tend to provide the most protection for my legs largely due to the wider construction of the leg guards. These are recommended for high level athletes who prefer the unique feel of Under Armour gear over other leg guards.
Easton M7 Natural Leg Guards - Best Catcher's Leg Guard
The Easton Natural leg guards are a fairly common sight in most amateur baseball dugouts (Including nearly every dugout I’ve played or coached in since I was 8 years old.) They’re the consummate standard for leg guards as they’re strong, protective, sturdy, and durable. Easton has committed to keeping the leg guards lightweight, and they’ve achieved this goal with the Natural. Comfort is secondary to the All Star LG30Pro as it provides standard only padding, nothing special. Overall, these leg guards are a great combination of effectiveness and value as evidenced by their continued popularity with baseball teams at all levels of play.
Easton Junior/Youth Black Magic Catcher Box Set - Best Youth Catchers Gear
The Easton Junior Youth Black Magic Baseball Catchers Equipment Set includes helmet, chest protector and leg guards is built for protection. Specifically designed for younger players, this set has all the attributes of a professional set of equipment, but perfect for a smaller player. The helmet comes equipped with a durable steel cage for protection as well as being properly ventilated so you'll be comfortable and protected while behind the plate.
The chest protector has an innovative attachment system which basically keeps the safety of the player in mind, offering unbelievable protection, while still allowing them to move as they wish. It’s Perfect for jumping, running and throwing. The leg guards, with their double kneecap design have a protective shin plate designed to make it nearly impossible to get injured.
Mizuno Samurai Chest Protector - Best Catcher's Chest Protector
The worst thing to experience as a catcher is bulky, heavy equipment. The Mizuno Samurai G3 is a quality piece of equipment built for durability, comfort and lightweight performance at an affordable price. It features a DryLite inner lining which wicks perspiration vapor away from the body, keeping you cool and comfortable in addition to a removable neck pad and a personalized nameplate. It also features low rebound technology so when a ball bounces off your chest, it won't go flying but instead land right at your feet. Along with detachable shoulder pads, there's a lot to like about this piece of equipment.
Rawlings Adult Catchers Chest Protector - Best Catcher's Chest Protector
There's a lot to like with this Rawlings Matte chest protector. First, the padding is specifically made to drastically reduce ball impact and rebound which takes a lot of work and stress out of a catcher's job. Without worry of the ball bouncing and flying, a catcher can focus on other aspects of their job. Rawlings also has what they're calling their Dynamic Fit System which basically means they’ve created a custom fit with removable shoulder caps and adjustable back harness. Protection is paramount, but comfort is just as important. This allows for both. A rubberized matte finish gives this particular piece of equipment a professional and sharp look, and at a reasonable price, you'd be hard pressed to find a better deal on the market.
Buyer's Guide
A baseball catcher is an integral part of the team. As a catcher, you are the first line of defense for your pitcher. You also have to catch balls thrown at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. That's why it's important to make sure you have the best baseball catcher's gear possible.
There are many different baseball catcher's gear styles, so it can be hard to find the right one for you. Luckily, we've put together this handy guide to help you learn a thing or two about your next set of equipment. So, let’s dig in!
What Are The Different Components Included in Baseball Catcher's Gear?
A catcher's set of equipment comprises 4 pieces - a chest protector, shin guards, helmet, and leg guards. The equipment varies depending on the level of play from youth to professional and from position played from catcher to pitcher or infielder.
Helmet
The catcher's helmet is the only mandatory piece of safety equipment. Infact, no catcher should step into the batter's box without one. Catcher's helmets are made to protect both your ears and forehead, but they come in several different varieties depending on how much protection you need. You can even wear a mask with these helmets for ultimate protection.
Chest protectors
A chest protector covers the chest and stomach of the catcher. It has hard plastic pieces covering the sternum and collarbones and large shoulder plates to protect from any balls hitting you. Some chest protectors have an adjustable backplate that provides extra protection to the lower back along with a neck pad and personalized nameplate.
Shin Guards
Shin guards are typically rubber or plastic pieces that cover the lower calf area of the catcher's leg. The shin guards protect the body from getting injured by foul balls, and line drives off bats. They also help keep the catcher warm during cold games, especially in winter when temperatures drop to lower 30s.
Leg Guards
Catcher's gear also includes leg guards. These are worn above the shin guards and are meant to protect your legs and knees against balls that get past the catcher. Although it isn't likely that the catcher would be hit by a ball in the knees, it is still possible.
What Aspects Should You Consider While Buying Baseball Catcher's Gear?
Finding the right gear can be tough, so it pays to know what factors are worth considering. Today, we will talk about those qualities you should keep in mind as you shop for catcher gear.
Price
When picking out your baseball catcher's gear, you might want to ensure you're not overspending. If you do not find the right set of gear at a reasonable price point, it will be hard to replace them in the future when they break down or no longer work for you.
Durability
You must know how durable the catcher's gear is when you are out there on the field. A quality set of gear will keep you in the game longer. Always try to pick out pieces that are well-made so that they will last long. If you're playing for a school team, you must choose catcher gear that will last them up to five years, roughly the period you will spend in high school.
Size and Fit
When buying catcher's gear, you need to make sure that all of your equipment fits comfortably. You don't want your helmet or mask to feel too loose. Infact, it should fit snugly so that it doesn't shift or fall off during a game. Your leg guards should fit comfortably with about a half-inch of space between the knee area and the leg guard.
Your first piece of catcher's gear should be your size according to your height - then you can look into buying pieces that are designed to offer more protection.
How Much Does Baseball Catcher's Gear Set Usually Cost?
If you are an aspiring baseball catcher, it is important to be mindful of your equipment. Catchers' gear can be expensive, but it is worth investing in if you are serious about the game. The cost of purchasing a baseball catcher's gear set varies widely based on the quality, brand, and what other equipment you need to get it. Some beginner sets can be purchased for less than $350, while others may require an investment of upwards of $500 or more.
You can find a four-piece set including a helmet, chest protector, shin guards, and leg guards for under $400. A six-piece set with the same quality of protection that you'll find in a four-piece set may cost you as much as $600 or more.
How to Take care of your Baseball catcher's gear
There are a few different things you can do with each piece, depending on what you're using it for and how often you use it – but here's a quick rundown:
- Helmet – For starters, try to avoid sharing helmets since this is one of the most germs. Ensure it is clean by wiping down any dust or dirt, so it doesn't scratch up your face mask or block vision.
- Chest Protector – Try not to sit on it or leave it out in the heat because this will reduce its lifespan. Also, never dry your chest protector in the oven. It might smell fresh and clean afterward but will stick to you like glue once you start wearing it again.
- Leg guards – Again, try not to leave out your leg guards in the sun for too long as this will shrink them and make them really stiff and uncomfortable to wear.
Baseball Catcher's Gear FAQ
Q: What's The Difference Between a Four- And Six-Piece Catcher's Gear?
A four-piece catcher gear includes leg and shin guards, along with chest protectors and a helmet. Whereas in a 6-piece set, you will also get catching mitts and masks. The more pieces you get, generally speaking, the better protection they offer.
Q: How To Choose a Properly Fitted Baseball Catcher's Gear?
As we know improper use of equipment can lead to serious injury. Ask your coach, trainer, or other qualified baseball staff member to help you find a properly fitted catcher's gear.
Q: Is It Necessary To Buy Gear Set With Knee Savers?
Baseball catchers are expected to be tough and durable players. It is not uncommon for them to be prone to injuries due to the contact nature of the game. However, their job is to catch ground balls and fly balls, so anything that can help catcher's knee protection is quite valuable.
