My brother played behind the plate for many years so I know how important finding the best youth catchers equipment is.
It can be an expensive position to play so that’s why I’m giving you some top and cheap catchers gear.
Many times a team will provide gear but I remember players having a hard time fitting into it or feeling comfortable with it.
If this is a position you play or want to play long term then I suggest you buy your own equipment so you can play the position to the very top of your ability.
When choosing I would also keep in mind the area you live and the types of weather you play in whether it’s really hot, mild or cool.
Youth Catchers Equipment – Baseball Chest Protector
There are several different styles of chest protectors including ones that have groin and throat protectors to ones where you can remove those parts.
It all depends upon the catchers comfort. Some just like the traditional protector with no extras.
There are always foul tip balls that end up hitting right in the chest and that’s why it’s one of the most essential pieces of youth catching equipment.
There are so many great brands such as Easton, Mizuno, MacGregor, Rawlings and Louisville Slugger to name a few.
Find a chest protector you will feel good in and perform well in.
- Stacked memory foam in ab area provides improved rebound control
- Adjustable shoulder cap
- Four-point webbing strap system with neoprene back organizer for a tight fit
- Heavy-duty black coated steel inset waist clip for a better wrapped fit
- Meets NOCSAE Commotio Cordis standard
- Lightweight protection and contoured design
- New design allows more movement and flexibility
- Optimal coverage around the ribs and chest
- Creates a "dead-zone" in the blocking area
- Adjustable/removable shoulder caps allow you to adjust the caps depending on your preference
Last update on 2020-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Youth Catchers Helmet
We’re not playing in the old days anymore where the catcher would just wear his normal hat. Today most wear a hard helmet to protect their head.
Some are combined with the mask and others are all by themselves. You’ll see both kinds below.
I like the Wilson baseball one the most.
- Engineered for performance
- Crafted with feedback from the game's top players
- Innovative, high performance gear
- Premium Grade ABS Shell for maximum protection
- 360 degree protection from balls and bats
- Strategic venting to keeping your head
- Meets NOCSAE protection standard
- Sizes: S/M (6 - 7) and L/XL (7 - 7 5/8)
- Pro, Collegiate, Men's Senior League.
- ABS shell with clear coat.
- Covered head band for protection and comfort.
- Premium Grade ABS Shell for maximum protection
- 360 degree protection from balls and bats
- Strategic venting to keeping your head
- Meets NOCSAE protection standard
- Sizes: S/M (6 - 7) and L/XL (7 - 7 5/8)
Last update on 2020-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
EvoShield Pro SRZ Catcher’s Gear Leg Guards Fitting Video
Catchers Leg Guards
Catchers leg guards are placed on the shin area of the leg extends from over the knee down to the foot area.
They use these not only for protection but for blocking the plate and blocking balls from going to the backstop in case of a bad pitch.
I’ve also seen bats hit them on the back swing which if left unprotected can really hurt.
They are made of a really hard plastic and you can get them in all the popular team colors.
- LINQa,, hinge system provides the best mobility
- Single top strap remains behind thigh without dropping behind knee
- Reinforced front double knee protector straps add durability
- Wider and smoother knee for better pivoting and sliding
- Repositionable center knee pad
Last update on 2020-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2020-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Catchers Mitt
I was actually a little shocked when I saw the price of this glove because it’s a really good one for a really small amount of beans.
I consider this one of the best catcher mitts available today.
Lots of parents are saying it’s the perfect one for their sons. Make sure you read the reviews because they are really good.
This isn’t the area to skimp in because I’ve seen mitts fall apart midway through the season and then you’ve got to get a new one.
- 32" catcher's mitt
- Half moon web
- Black/Copper top grain leather
- Rolled dual welting
- Double palm construction
Last update on 2019-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Youth Catchers Gear Sets
Are you looking for really great catchers gear sets?
This is one of the most quality ones! It comes with everything you would need.
It includes the mask/helmet, chest protector, shin guards and a big baseball equipment bag to carry it all in.
This is a good option if you want the same brand or model for all your gear.
- Samurai Youth Helmet (Youth 6 1/2 -7 1/4 inches)
- Samurai Youth Shin Guards (Youth 14 1/2 inches)
- Samurai Chest Protector (Youth 14 inches)
- Gear Bag
- Does not include mitt and ball.Samurai Youth Helmet:3 layer EVA foam padding
Last update on 2019-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Sleek glossy finished helmet Sleek matte finish NOCSAE approved helmet with moisture wicking chin pad
- Precision pad designed chest protector with high-density foam padding and over-the-shoulder harness for an enhanced fit
- Anatomically inspired shin guards with double-knee design allow for a better fit and less restricted range-of-motion
- Durable straps keep the guards securely in place
Last update on 2019-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Recommended for male baseball players in the 12 to 16 age range
- Set includes a NOCSAE approved helmet, NOCSAE approved chest protector, leg guards, throat guard, equipment bag and wristbands
- Model MVP2500-GTT helmet - Adult size 7 - 7/12
- NOCSAE approved Axis model CPCC1216S7X chest protector
- Axis model LG1216S7X leg guards
Last update on 2020-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Baseball Catchers Mask
The catchers mask either goes on top of your catchers helmet or it’s somehow connected to the mask itself.
The screen is usually made from very strong steel and has a lot of padding which makes it comfortable on the players face.
Most of them come with a throat guard for protection which is very necessary. I remember one time a catcher on my team didn’t have the throat protector and a ball bounced in front of the plate and hit him right in the throat and he passed out.
Let’s play our favorite sport and be safe at the same time.
- Sized for adult players
- Extended throat and ear guard for extra protection
- Harness included which holds mask in place
- Color: Black
- HEAVY DUTY CATCHERS EQUIPMENT: Champion Sports traditional catchers masks for children offer full pad protection for youth players but weigh only 18 ounces to lighten pressure on the face during play
- CLASSIC LIGHT WEIGHT GEAR: Childrens face mask offers complete face comfort with DryTek EverClean leather pads that protect player’s chin and forehead and wick away moisture to keep them cool and dry
- HELMET HARNESS INCLUDED: Junior catcher’s lightweight face mask for boys or girls includes adjustable straps in the back to comfortably and easily secure the mask into place for any child head size
- EXTRA DURABLE PROTECTION: Pro sport catcher’s mask is made of durable and lightweight hollow wire with wide forehead, ear and neck guards that provide another protective covering in vulnerable areas
- IDEAL FOR ANY JR CATCHER: From little league to middle school fast pitch Champion Sports Small Childs Face Mask provides the perfect fit and protection to always keep kid catchers safe and comfortable
- High visibility design
- Lightweight solid wire frame; Age: Adult & Level: Adult
- Simulate leather pad covering
- Built-in throat Protector
- Includes pwmh harness
- Traditional catcher’s mask with lightweight, high-strength cage
- Provides maximum field vision
Last update on 2019-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Great information here! The protection is vital with such high speed pitches and swinging bats
Most definitely Loretta. We want youth to have fun playing the game but also safe.
Another good post.
If your young player is sure they want to catch having their own catcher’s gear is essential. Catcher’s gear offers the best protection when it fits properly and the straps are adjusted for the player. With two or three catchers sharing gear, the fit is almost always off and there’s not enough time to set it up. My son has his own set and we use his older set and the team set for the other catchers on my travel team.
I have found the All-Star S7 youth gear to be another great set at a good price point. I like some of the hockey technology (e.g., gel pads between the knee and the leg guard) they’ve brought over.