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.
- Asymmetric design optimizes the play of a right-handed throwing catcher
- Multi-layer perforation allows heat to quickly dissipate
- Zero shock plus memory foam in abdomen and collarbone regions reduces ball rebound and gives catchers better Control of their Blocks
- Ergonomic adjustable shoulder cap
- Over-the-shoulder Protection with stretch fit and 3-point adjustment
- Stacked memory foam in ab area provides improved rebound control
- Adjustable shoulder cap
- 4-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 cordials standard
- Form-fitting design combined with lightweight, protective foams provide maximum protection and mobility
- Comfort form foam outer layer to deaden ball upon impact
- Removable groin protector on intermediate and Youth sizes only
- Asymmetric design optimizes the play of a right-handed throwing catcher
- Multi-layer perforation allows heat to quickly dissipate
- Zero shock plus memory foam in abdomen and collarbone regions reduces ball rebound and gives catchers better Control of their Blocks
- Ergonomic adjustable shoulder cap
- Over-the-shoulder Protection with stretch fit and 3-point adjustment
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.
- Strategic ventilation system for comfort and breathability
- 3 layer EVA foam padding
- Strong steel framed mask for maximum protection and durability
- Adjustable jaw pad provides moisture control and soft feel
- Meets NOCSAE standards
- Streamlined Profile provides a snug fit that stays closer to your head and moves with you
- ABS high grade shell for strength and durability
- Dual Density foam padding provides protection and comfort
- Keeps you cool behind the dish with 18 vents
- NOCSAE Approved: Meets the NOCSAE standard for Catcher's helmets
- Pro, Collegiate, Men's Senior League.
- ABS shell with clear coat.
- Covered head band for protection and comfort.
- Floating Mask system with extended cage absorbs up to 50% more impact than regular masks
- Strategic venting reduces weight and maximizes air flow
- Extended cage for added durability
- Quad-Axial Impact Design diffuses energy of impact in four key zones
- NOCSAE Approved
Easton Mako Catchers Gear
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.
- Sling Tec creates a ventilation channel between the shin and leg guard
- Close fitting design inspired by the asymmetry of the human body
- Ultra stable conic knee cap with extra padding stays centered for balance and comfort
- 16.5-inch length
- Designed with extra thick plastic in high use locations to better absorb contact
- Gel knee pad absorbs impacts and provides additional comfort
- Triple knee design increases protection and mobility
- Ventilated knee and shin guards offer maximum breathability
- Patented detachable K-Pad for superior fit and knee protection
- Flexible, protective triple knee cup
- Stainless metal buckles for durability
- Additional protection on inner shin
- Detachable/movable toe cap
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
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
- 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
- Includes a helmet, a chest protector, and a pair of leg guards
- MVP2500GTT Helmet features an I-Bar vision, a durable polycarbonate shell, and an exra band of shock absorbing vinyl
- CP1216S7X chest protector provides premium protection
- LG1216S7X leg guards come with a pivoting hinge which allows complete mobility
- Recommended for players between the ages of 12 and 16
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.
- Adult mask with extended throat guard. Black only.
- 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
- Provides maximum field vision
- Colors: Black, Red, Navy, Royal
- Baseball facemask
Here Are Some Great Drills
Final Thoughts on Youth Catchers Equipment
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Loretta
July 1, 2013 at 2:51 pmGreat information here! The protection is vital with such high speed pitches and swinging bats
jeff
July 1, 2013 at 4:15 pmMost definitely Loretta. We want youth to have fun playing the game but also safe.
8u Travel
November 18, 2015 at 3:06 pmAnother 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.