As a catcher, your gear is your shield. The right gear can help you play your position with confidence, providing the protection you need without sacrificing mobility or comfort. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to choose the best catchers gear for your needs. In this article, we’ll break down the top 5 catcher gear options for 2023.
Contents
What Components are in a Full Catcher’s Gear Set?
Catchers must be ready for all types of balls — from field tosses to balls that bounce on the ground to balls, they didn’t expect. They’re doing all this as they crouch behind a plate close to a fast-swinging bat. Their position on the field makes them extremely vulnerable to hits, fouls, pitches, and even collisions with players who slide into the field. Therefore, they require specialized protection measures designed to reduce the risk of serious injury. At a minimum, catchers wear a helmet, face shield, chest guard, and shin guards. Many people opt for additional equipment that is not necessarily needed but provides extra protection.
Helmets and masks
If you’re a baseball fan, you’ve seen at least a few games where the batter fouls and the ball bounces off the catcher’s mask behind home plate. Without a face mask or helmet, the risk of injury to a fisherman is very high. They’re vulnerable to being hit on the head by a swinging bat or hit by a foul ball — a catcher’s normal play can result in serious injury or even death. That’s why you’ll never see a catcher without proper head protection.
In the past, catchers often wore the classic two-piece helmet and mask. It has a skull cap and a mask strapped to a hard shell. More recently, however, anglers have been turning to one-piece helmets, which offer full protection around the ears and behind the head.
Chest protector
The chest guard protects the catcher’s chest and belly from bad balls and helps stop bouncing balls. It also cushions the blow if there is a collision with a player trying to score at home. Many of the best catcher chest protectors have the option to attach shoulder pads for extra protection. These shoulder pads are often required for junior play, but even some advanced catchers choose to wear shoulder pads with these pads to protect their shoulders. Some people choose to wear a pad on only one shoulder to take the weight off their throwing arm.
Leg/Temperature Protection
Foot guards protect the majority of the catcher’s feet from turnovers and foul calls. Made of tough material, these guards provide protection while absorbing shock to splayed and vulnerable legs. The best catchers’ greaves are usually made up of four parts, covering the thigh, knee, shin, and ankle, and front of the foot.
Additional capture device
In addition to the equipment found in a standard baseball catcher’s kit, there are many other pieces of equipment that provide additional protection to the catcher. While some of these are optional, many people choose to wear and use them anyway
- Catcher’s Glove: A glove designed for the catch position. A catcher’s mitt is shaped to catch a baseball thrown by a pitcher and has extra padding.
- Knee Pads: Designed to reduce stress on the knees when bending over, the knee pads provide extra cushioning in the knee area.
- Wrist Guards: Protects the exposed wrist area behind the catcher’s glove. Some wrist wraps can be extended to the forearm for extra coverage.
- Breast Guards: Specialty bras have an extra layer of padding in the chest area. Continue to absorb the impact on your chest. Often called for in youth competitions.
- Groin Protector: For covering the upper thigh and the sensitive inner groin area of the leg.
- Throat Guard: Can be added to face masks to cover the exposed throat area from under the chin to the top of the chest.
See Also: List of Top 10 Best Baseball Helmets for 2023 (with reviews)
Top 5 Best Catchers Gear for 2023
Catching is one of the most demanding positions in baseball, and having the right gear can make all the difference. A catcher needs protection from fast pitches and foul balls, as well as mobility to make plays and communicate with teammates. We’ve rounded up the top 5 best catchers gear options for 2023 based on performance, durability, and value.
| Rank | Image | Name | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Rawlings Renegade 2.0 Adult Baseball Catcher’s Set – 2022 Model |  |
| 2 |  | Rawlings Velo 2.0 Adult Catcher’s Kit | |
| 3 |  | All Star System 7 Axis Pro Adult Catcher’s Kit – 2020 Model | |
| 4 |  | All-Star Classic Pro Adult Catcher’s Kit – 2020 Model | |
| 5 |  | Easton Pro X Intermediate Baseball Catcher’s Set | |
1. Rawlings Renegade 2.0 Adult Baseball Catcher’s Set
Overview:
New for 2022, the Rawlings Renegade 2.0 Adult Baseball Catcher! Perfect for players ages 15 and up, this set is the perfect combination of protection, style and affordability. The Rawlings Renegade 2.0 Adult Baseball Catch Kit features a hockey-style catcher’s helmet, lightweight foot guards, and a redesigned shock-absorbing chest guard for comfort and unmatched protection.
Main function:
- Rolling Arc Reactor Core Technology.
- Adjustable chin pad and moisture-wicking helmet liner.
- Rollin’s CoolFlo Hockey Helmet.
2. Rawlings Velo 2.0 Adult Catcher’s Kit
Overview:
The Rawlings Velo 2.0 Adult Catcher Set is an advanced set that includes a top helmet, chest guard and foot guard. Rollin’s chest shield with Arc Reactor Core technology disperses impact and reduces shadowing when blocking. The Velo 2.0 Foot Guard features a lightweight and tailored design for maximum comfort and mobility.
Main function:
- Arc Reactor Core technology in the chest shield helps disperse impact and dampen the ball when blocking.
- Heat exchanger foam technology in the footbed enhances airflow to keep you cool.
- Dynamic Fit System 2.0 provides a more form-fitting fit to the chest protector for added comfort.
3. All Star System 7 Axis Pro Adult Catcher’s Kit
Overview:
The All-Star System 7 Axis Pro Adult Catch Kit is worn by many professional baseball players and is the perfect choice for the elite catcher. The All Star System 7 Axis Pro Adult Catcher Kit features the MVP2500-GTT Catcher Helmet and I-BAR Vision Cage to provide players with excellent sightlines. The wedge-shaped abs on the chest protector provide more control by reducing the ball when blocking.
Main function:
- Removable, washable, quick-drying replacement helmet liner.
- Internal moldable PE protective breastplate for protection and fit.
- LINQ hinge system for flexible movement of the toe guard.
4. All-Star Classic Pro Adult Catcher’s Kit
Overview:
The All-Star Classic Pro Adult Catch Kit is a great choice for the catcher looking for ultimate protection and high-quality gear. This kit contains all the necessary catchers you are looking for such as MVP2400 mask, CPCC1618S7X chest protector and LG21WPRO leg protector. The All Star Classic Pro Catcher will give players the comfort, look, feel, and protection they need!.
Main function:
- The I-BAR cage gives the catcher a great view behind the disc.
- Wedge abs for improved ball blocking and control.
- The three-knee design brings the need to move receivers behind the plate.
5. Easton Pro X Intermediate Baseball Catcher’s Set
Overview:
The Easton Pro X Intermediate Baseball Catch Kit is the same gear worn by professional baseball player Austin Hedges. Recommended for players aged 13-15, this kit comes with an elite-level helmet, chest protector, and shin guards. Helmets with Poron XRD technology offer the highest level of protection and help absorb shock from a ball, club, or impact. The toe guard on the Pro X features a wide knee to allow the receiver to better catch the ball off the ground.
Main function:
- BioDri moisture-wicking fabric in the helmet helps keep you dry.
- Stacked memory foam in the chest protector reduces bounce when blocked.
- EVAIR foam lining in the toe guard helps keep you cool.
The Best Baseball Catcher’s Helmet
| Rank | Image | Name | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Easton Elite X Adult Catcher’s Helmet | |
| 2 |  | Rawlings Renegade 2.0 Senior Baseball Catcher’s Helmet – 2022 Model | |
| 3 |  | EvoShield Pro-SRZ Adult Catcher’s Helmet | |
| 4 |  | All Star MVP2410 Youth Catcher’s Helmet | |
Easton Elite X Adult Catcher’s Helmet
Overview:
Easton’s Elite X Adult Helmet is the perfect helmet for those looking for a more breathable helmet without sacrificing protection. Easton includes strategic vents on the forehead and BioDri breathable mesh/moisture control fabric to keep the mesh cool and dry. The sleek black steel cage and ABS shell provide the catcher with excellent protection from any impact.
Main function:
- Removable and washable forehead and chin pads.
- Ergonomic chin cup design for better fit and communication.
- Black steel cage design with a flat bar in the middle for increased visibility.
Rawlings Renegade 2.0 Senior Baseball Catcher’s Helmet
Overview:
On the Renegade 2.0, Rawlings include a highly durable impact cage to protect the catcher from any impact. Version 2.0 of the Renegade helmet includes an upgraded chin pad for a better fit and comfort. To double down on this custom fit, Rawlings offers a 3-way adjustable back panel to help the catcher fit.
Main function:
- Moisture Wicking Lining.
- The cage has high strength and impact resistance.
- Upgraded chin pad for more comfort and a custom fit.
EvoShield Pro-SRZ Adult Catcher’s Helmet
Overview:
Constructed with Windpact’s Crash Cloud technology, the EvoShield Pro-SRZ helmet absorbs and then disperses high-speed impacts for superior protection from bat and foul balls. The visor is made of durable steel with a pattern that provides excellent vision without sacrificing protection.
Main features:
- Windpact’s Crash Cloud Technology.
- Durable steel visor for impact protection and maximum visibility.
- Innovative design for better fit and comfort.
All Star MVP2410 Youth Catcher’s Helmet
Overview:
All-Star’s MVP2410 Junior Catcher Helmet is perfect for the young catcher who is looking for a durable, high-quality helmet. Many professional baseball players swear by All-Star catcher gear and their I-BAR Vision steel cages. This provides players with an expansive view of the entire field while protecting them from the ball, bat and other contact a catcher may endure.
Main features:
- I-BAR Vision steel cage.
- High-strength ABS shell with increased forehead thickness.
- The ultraCool lining keeps players cool.
The Best Baseball Chest Protectors
| Rank | Image | Name | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | All-Star System 7 Axis Pro Adult Chest Protector | |
| 2 |  | Easton Elite X Adult Chest Protector | |
| 3 |  | All-Star Player Series Junior Youth Chest Protector | |
1. All-Star System 7 Axis Pro Adult Chest Protector
Overview:
The All-Star System 7 Axis Pro Chest Protector features a patent-pending chest panel designed for ultimate protection. Wedge-shaped abs improve block control, and the low-profile DeltaFlex harness fits well and is comfortable. Formable PE panels add protection to the catcher’s throat and shoulders.
Main features:
- Diamond vents for added breathability.
- Increased shoulder and throat protection.
- SEI-certified NOCSAE-compliant shock protection.
2. Easton Elite X Intermediate Chest Protector
Overview:
Easton’s Elite X Intermediate Chest Protector features stacked memory foam to absorb the ball and dampen kicks from blocked balls. This creates more control for the catcher and helps prevent runners from advancing. 4-point webbing on the back of the Easton provides a custom fit and comfortable feel for each player.
Main features:
- ab area stacked memory foam.
- 4-point webbing system provides a custom and comfortable fit.
- Adjustable shoulder cap provides players with cu.
3. All-Star Player Series Junior Youth Chest Protector
Overview:
The All-Star Player Series Youth Chest Guard is a great choice for young players looking to start their career as a catch. Ideal for ages 7-9, the Player Series Chest Protector includes a moldable PE chest plate at the shoulders and throat for excellent protection. Easily adjust to size with the All Star’s 4-point adjustment, making it easy for younger players to achieve a custom and comfortable fit.
Main features:
- Stepped ab padding for improved blocking.
- Moldable PE chest plate at shoulders and throat.
- Delta-Flex harness with 4-point adjustment for a perfect fit.
The Best Baseball Leg Guards
| Rank | Image | Name | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | All-Star System 7 Axis Intermediate Baseball Catcher’s Leg Guards | |
| 2 |  | All-Star System 7 Axis Youth Baseball Catcher’s Leg Guards | |
| 3 |  | EvoShield Pro-SRZ Adult Upper Leg Guards | |
1. All Star System 7 Axis Intermediate Baseball Catcher’s Leg Guards
Overview:
The System 7 Axis Intermediate Baseball Catcher Leggings from All Star are one of the best leggings ever made. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better leg guard with All Star’s LINQ hinge system. The knees of these shin guards are wider and smoother, making it easier for the catcher to spin and slide to block the ball.
Main features:
- LINQ hinge system.
- Repositionable central knee pads with D3O pads.
- Diamond vents on the back reduce weight and increase breathability.
2. All Star System 7 Axis Youth Baseball Catcher’s Leg Guards
Overview:
The System 7 Axis Youth Baseball Catcher Leggings from All Star are one of the best leggings ever made. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better leg guard with All-Star’s LINQ hinge system. The knees of these shin guards are wider and smoother, making it easier for the catcher to spin and slide to block the ball.
Main features:
- LINQ hinge system.
- Repositionable central knee pads with D3O pads.
- Diamond vents on the back reduce weight and increase breathability.
3. EvoShield Pro-SRZ Adult Upper Leg Guards
Overview:
The EvoShield Pro-SRZ Thigh Guards really allow catchers to get a custom fit. Catchers can lengthen or shorten these thigh guards by 2 inches when attached to the calf guards for the perfect fit. With EvoShield’s reinforced knee and thigh construction, this helps the leg guard stay in place effortlessly.
Main features:
- Unparalleled two-piece shin guard system.
- Shorten or lengthen the leg guard by 2″ for a truly custom fit.
- Adjustable knee pads for enhanced knee support.
How To Size Each Piece of Catcher’s Gear Correctly
The best catcher’s gear won’t provide the best protection if it’s the wrong size. Therefore, it’s important to know how to resize your device. Buying equipment that is too large or too small can result in poor performance and the risk of serious injury. Note that you should never buy equipment that is too large for young gamers and growing teens. Buying the equipment they need to thrive increases the chances of injury from guarding distance.
Every part of the catcher must be the correct size, so see how to measure the catcher correctly.
Helmets and masks.
Measuring helmets and visors is easy. Both two-piece and one-piece capture mask styles fit hat sizes. If you don’t know your hat size, use a cloth measuring tape to measure the circumference of your head, starting just above your eyebrows.
Chest protector.
Breastplate size can also be determined by simple measurements. Use a tape measure to measure from the top of your breastbone to your waist. This measurement will make it easy to find the right size baseball chest protector. For young players (and even adults), it’s important to buy the right bra size for you. An overly large protective panel can be uncomfortable, and the gaps in the protective cover are also large.
Leg/Shin Guards
To determine your baseball shin guard size, you should measure from mid-knee to ankle bone. If you’re trying on toe guards, make sure you’ve tried them on over your baseball pants and with your boots on to ensure a better fit. Teen sizes range from 9 – 12 inches, Medium is approximately 12 – 15 inches. Adult sizes 16″ and up.
See Also: Best Batting Gloves for Baseball
FAQs
Is catcher’s gear necessary for youth players?
Yes, catcher’s gear is necessary for youth players to protect themselves from injuries while catching pitches.
How often should I replace my catcher’s gear?
It’s recommended to replace the catcher’s gear every two to three years, or immediately if there are any signs of wear or damage.
Can I use adult-sized catcher’s gear as a youth player?
While it’s not recommended, some youth players may be able to use adult-sized catcher’s gear. It’s important to ensure a proper fit for maximum protection and comfort.
What materials are typically used in catcher’s gear?
Catcher’s gear is typically made of a combination of foam, plastic, and metal, with some sets featuring additional materials such as mesh or leather.
How can I ensure a proper fit for my catcher’s gear?
It’s important to carefully measure yourself or your child before purchasing a catcher’s gear to ensure a proper fit. Many manufacturers offer size charts and fitting guides to assist with the process. Additionally, trying on the gear in person can help ensure the best fit.
Conclusion
Having the right gear is essential for any catcher, regardless of age or skill level. The top 5 best catchers gear for 2023 offer a range of options for players, from beginners to experienced athletes. Each set has its own unique features, advantages, and disadvantages. It’s important to consider factors such as size, material, comfort, and level of protection when selecting a catcher’s gear set. With any of these top-rated options, you can be confident in your ability to perform at your best and stay safe while behind the plate.
