Youth Catchers Gear Reviews: MLB Catchers’ Best Choices 2023

The simple reason for why we are writing a youth catchers gear reviews article is because of how high the demand is. Many of the youth catcher gear we will be reviewing are from brands that MLB pros vouch for. Each of these gear sets, helmet to leg guard, will be reviewed in detail, and we will be informed about their good and bad properties. So believe that you will be able to find one or two youth catchers gear from this reviews article.

Best youth catchers gear reviews

As I have mentioned above, this review article will mention some of the top MLB catchers favorite brands and their features and pros and cons.

WILSON C200 Youth Catcher’s Gear Kit

Feature:

  • ABS shell
  • SEI certified
  • Precision pad design
  • Removable pocket

As we talk about youth catchers gear reviews, one company we need to mention is Wilson. The Wilson C200 gear set for catchers is a great choice because the set provides full-body protection with its helmet, chest protector, and shin guards. First of all, the helmet comes with an ABS shell which means it will have a glossy sheen.

Additionally, the helmet has a moisture-absorbing chin pad for comfort. The helmet is SEI certified, and its youth size is 6⅜”-7⅛”. The chest protectors has high-density foam padding for high-impact protection and comes with an over-the-shoulder harness for custom fitting. The protector’s unique and precision pad design will block those high-speed fastballs. This youth chest protector size is 12″.

Like the catcher’s helmet, the leg guards use ABS plastic for a glossy look and impact protection. The design of the shin guard is kept anatomically accurate for extra flexibility and greater mobility. These leg guards also have metal buckles that are quick on/off and a custom fit. The size of these youth shin guards is 13″.

Pros

  • Durable design
  • Comes with warranty
  • Multiple colors
  • Top youth choice
  • Removable pocket
  • NOCSAE chest guard
  • Customizable fit

Cons

  • Best model for youths only

Mizuno Samurai Youth Baseball Catcher’s Gear Box Set

Feature:

  • Personalized Name Plate
  • Innovative design
  • NOCSAE certified
  • Low rebound foam padding

Mizuno’s youth samurai youth baseball catcher gear set will give your the heart and soul of a samurai on the ball field. From its unique design to material choice, this gear set does a great job of protecting the catcher. The chest protector will keep the ball close to you for quicker catches, thanks to the low rebound foam padding. 

The surface of the chest protector is also grippy for better ball control. This protector comes in a 14″ size. Moreover, the leg guards come with Mizuno’s patented K-pad and triple knee cup for superior comfort and greater flexibility. The shin guard design is sturdy, protective, and lightweight at the same time. Its size is 14.5″.

Finally, the helmet includes strategic ventilation ports for increased airflow, and the EVA foam padding gives the catcher more protection. The steel-framed mask provides more protection with a wider field of vision. It also comes with an adjustable jaw pad for moisture-wicking and comfort. Its size range is 6½”-7¼”.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Long-lasting
  • 1-year warranty
  • Adjustable fit
  • Multiple colors
  • Full body protection
  • Moisture absorbing

Cons

  • Only in youth sizes

ELITE X Baseball Catcher’s Equipment

Feature:

  • Adjustable extra-wide rear top strap
  • Solid matter shell exterior
  • Stacked memory foam base
  • Removable inner knee and shin pads

Easton’s X baseball catcher gear has numerous features that ensure that catchers are completely protected. Firstly, the helmet comes with a black steel cage for better visibility. The breathable air mesh and BioDri™ moisture-wicking padding give you more comfort. Next is the top strap and chin cup, which help get a better fit. Its size range is 7⅛” to 7½”.

The chest protector has memory foam padding for slower rebounds, increasing the catcher’s ball control. The steel inset waist clips give catchers an adjustable fit. And the web strap system and shoulder cap make the fit more secure and comfortable. This chest protector comes in 17″.

Pros

  • Comfortable fit
  • Ergonomic design
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Removable pads
  • Machine washable pads
  • Increased breathability
  • NOCSAE Commotio Cordis standard

Cons

  • Select color choices

THE FUNDAMENTAL BY JEN SCHRO Softball Catcher’s Equipment

Feature:

  • Streamlined plastic shell
  • Two-tone finish
  • Neck and collarbone guard
  • Extra shin padding

We have talked about enough baseball youth catchers gear reviews so let’s change gears and talk about one of the best softball catcher gear. Easton and Jen Schro collaborated to create this unique and well designed gear set. The helmet is built with durable ABS plastic and has a black matte steel cage.

It also includes clear Dri™ and Aegis™ forehead and chin pads for better sweat absorption. The dual-density foam provides more comfort. The chest protector has a new chest silhouette and a two-piece design for better protection and blocking. Over the should mesh allows for greater breathability and comfort. 

The leg guards come with IKP+ or Inner Knee Padding Plus to reduce pain and bruising. This softball catchers set has a neoprene strap for better fit and less discomfort. Finally, the breathable liners maximize airflow and cooling.

Pros

  • Unique design
  • Breathable mesh
  • Comfortable gears
  • Durable plastic gears
  • Protection from bacteria
  • Improves performance
  • Secure fit

Cons

  • Softball catchers only

Under Armour Converge Victory Catchers Gear Set

Feature:

  • I-BAR vision steel cage
  • Fully adjustable shoulder caps
  • Multiple point harness
  • Machine washable shin & knee pad

We need to mention Under Armour catchers gear at least once as we talk about youth catcher gear. The Converge Victory catchers set comes with a feature with each gear part that will protect the catcher from even the fastest pitches. The solid molded mask is a high impact-resistant plastic shell with a strong stell cage that gives the player a wide range of vision.

The helmet also has a breathable and soft moisture-wicking dual-density liner and Aegis™ microbe shield. The 13.5″ chest protector has over-the-shoulder protection and adjustable shoulder caps. The four-point harness will ensure a secure fit, and the plastic insert around the throat, sternum, and shoulders will protect from foul balls.

The 11.5″ leg guards have a mobile double knee design that uses high-impact PE plastic components in key places. For greater breathability and comfort, the shin guards have large vent holes. The shin and knee pads are removable and machine washable. It also has an Aegis™ microbe shield.

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Durable design
  • Adjustable parts
  • Secure fit
  • Complete package
  • Affordable price
  • Impact resistance

Cons

  • Single color choice

All-Star System7 Axis NOCSAE Adult Two-Tone Baseball Catchers Set

Feature:

  • ABS plastic shell
  • I-BAR steel mask
  • Meets NOCSAE standard

Like the Under Armour catcher gear, the All-Star is another brand that makes greater protective gear for catchers that perform amazingly. If you are looking for a catchers gear of a larger size, All-Star System 7 Axis baseball catchers gear is a great choice. The 7-7½” helmet has a two-tone graphite shell finish with a back plate strap that ensures a secure fit.

Also, it has a removable and washable liner that will keep you dry and comfortable. The 16½” chest protector has diamond vents for lightweight and breathable protection. The internal PE protective plates will give you an added layer of safety. For more mobility and better blocking, All-Star added improved break points.

The chest protector comes with a form-fitting DeltaFlexharnes. Finally, the 16½” leg guards have a LINQ™ hinge system and smooth knee plates, which increase the catcher’s mobility and flexibility. For added comfort, the guards have diamond vents on the back along with repositionable center knee pads.

Pros

  • Greater mobility
  • Increase flexibility
  • Secure harness
  • Comfortable fit 
  • Better ball control
  • Larger size
  • Form-fitting

Cons

  • Best for larger catchers

Wilson C1K Catcher’s Gear Kit

Feature:

  • Adjustable straps
  • Removable shoulder caps
  • Inner pads
  • Premium ABS plastic

We have already talked about one Wilson best catcher’s gear, but this one works slightly differently. In the first place, the 7⅛” to 7½” helmet of the C1K comes with a removable chin pad which is also moisture-wicking. Therefore you will have a comfortable pad that you can wash once it gets smelly. 

The 15″ chest protector from Wilson is made using high-density foam that works well in comfort and protection. To help catchers with their mobility issues, Wilson added removable shoulder caps. Additionally, the protector comes with an over-the-shoulder harness that can be adjusted to fit every youth catcher.

The protector pads are also angled and precise enough to block the ball at a straight downward angle. And then we have the 15″ catchers leg guards that are removable and washable. The overlapping thigh pieces provide maximum protection even though only lightweight premium ABS plastic is used to make them. These shin guards also have adjustable metal buckles and have a snug fit.

Pros

  • Removable parts
  • Adjustable
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to put on/off
  • Durable materials
  • Moisture absorption
  • Fits all youths

Cons

  • Only for 15+ year olds

Rawlings | Velo 2.0 Baseball Catcher’s Set

Feature:

  • Hockey-style helmet
  • ABS shell
  • Two-toned stripe pattern
  • Over-the-shoe elastic strap

Like Wilson, Rawlings is another big name for baseball gear and accessories. The Velo 2.0 youth catchers gear sets is one of Rawlings’s better youth catcher sets with many useful features. The 6½” -7″ hockey-style catcher’s helmet comes with a liner that keeps you dry, and the chin pad keeps you comfortable while being adjustable.

The cage of the helmet is strong enough to withstand high impacts with a 3-way back plate that gives a custom fit. Next comes the 15.5″ chest protector with both Arc Reactor Core™ and Dynamic Fit System™ 2.0 shoulder and back harness for a fitting control. This protector absorbs high impact and damps rebound for better ball control.

Lastly, the leg guards are lightweight, and their triple knee design gives better protection for the shins and legs. It comes with Heat Exchange™ foam for better airflow. Supertoe™ of the guards gives the best protection from foul pitches.

Pros

  • Durable design
  • Comes with warranty
  • Multiple colors
  • Top youth choice
  • Removable pocket
  • NOCSAE chest guard
  • Customizable fit

Cons

  • Best model for youths only

Mizuno Samurai Women’s Catcher’s Gear Box Set

Feature:

  • Meets NOCSAE standard
  • Built-in shoulder pads
  • Double knee design
  • Air Mesh technology

We have talked about softball catcher gear for women (Mizuno softball catchers gear), but the female gear is also set for baseball. Out of all of the best ones, the Mizuno samurai women catchers box set is our favorite. The design of the box set is amazing, and it comes in multiple colors and sizes, not just youth.

Thanks to its strategic ventilation port system, the helmet will keep the female catcher’s hair cool and dry. Also, it comes with an EVA foam padding in three layers and steel bars for better protection and comfort. The bars are kept thin to give catchers greater visibility.

The protector was built exclusively for females. As such, it fits all the curves of a female body accurately. The mesh lining of the chest protector is cut anatomically correctly. The protector is lightweight and is adjustable to 1″. It also comes with built-in shoulder pads. The leg guards are also meant for females only, and they have air mesh tech for comfort and breathability.

These leg guards are built using a double knee design; therefore, the female catchers will have greater mobility and flexibility.

Pros

  • Greater mobility
  • Increase flexibility
  • More breathable
  • Fits accurately
  • Multiple colors
  • Adjustable
  • Durable design

Cons

  • Only female baseball catchers

How to size your catcher’s gear?

Youth Catchers Gear Reviews _ How to size
Youth Catchers Gear Reviews _ How to size

Sizing a catchers gear doesn’t involve a lengthy process. In fact, the whole thing can be done easily and in a short amount of time. For the helmet, you will need to go around the circumference of your head just above the ears.

For the chest protector, measure from the collarbone to the bottom of your waist. And for the leg guards, go from the middle of your knee cap to the bend in your ankle. To make these measurements, all you will need is a measuring tape. Aside from size, there are a few other things you need to answer on how to choose the best catchers gear.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

What does ‘NOCSAE Approved’ mean?

NOCSAE Approved means that your catchers gear meets all the standards set by the baseball authorities, and youths can wear this gear to official games. Also, NOCSAE stands for National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment.

Is there a difference between 4- and 6- catchers gear?

Four-piece includes leg and shin guards plus chest protectors and a helmet. On the other hand, the six-piece catchers set include the catchers mitts plus a mask. Different players have different preferences, but more pieces, like throat guard, mean better protection.

How often should you clean catchers gear?

Generally speaking, the more you use your catchers gear, the more often you should clean your catcher’s gear. The standard practice I am most familiar with is watching my gear after every two or three games or practice sessions. There is a simple multi-step process we discovered on how to clean catchers gear.

What to look for when buying catchers gear?

There are multiple factors you should look into when purchasing a baseball catcher’s gear. For me, here are the most important criteria I look into:
Size
Price
Brand
Warranty

Conclusion

Out of all the youth catchers gear reviews, I believe the All-Star System 7 Axis is the best for male baseball catchers, and Mizuno Samurai youth female catchers gear is the best for females.

Deciding on the correct-sized baseball catcher set is a big deal, and you shouldn’t make it hastily. Take your time, look over our list, see which one catches your eye, and make the best decision.

Leave a Comment

Show Buttons
Hide Buttons