5 Best Youth Catchers Gear|Give Your Kids The Best Protection

Youth baseball or softball players are more vulnerable to injury than adults, especially in the catcher’s box. As a result, the best catchers gear sets are the primary element to protect them from getting hurt.

In such a situation, it is certain that the parent will search for the best youth catchers gear for their kids. But, in search of the best catcher’s gear, you might be a little confused about picking the best one.

There are many quality sets, and you can pick up one of them. As a youth baseball coach, I can help you out by picking up the best catcher’s gear for the young catchers.

Before getting the best youth catchers’ gear set, let’s first know some basics that will help you to make the right decision.

The Components of Youth Catcher’s Gear Set

A catcher’s gear set is combined with several different components. The most common and must-have components are a chest protector, helmet, leg guard/shin guards, and catcher’s mitt.

You need to know what they actually do and how they are measured with sizes.

• Chest Protector: The chest protector is the most important element of a catcher’s gear set. The chest protector protects the upper-body area of the catcher from the pitched ball by the pitchers.
  By the way, the chest protector is measured for the wearer from the bottom of the throat to the nave area.
• Catcher’s Helmet: The catcher’s helmet protects the head of the catcher behind the home plate. The catcher’s helmet is generally made of a combination of metal, hard plastic, and soft materials.
  Basically, the inner side of the helmet is measured as same as the hat size of the wearer. The face mask is another part of the helmet.
• Leg Guards: The leg guards protect the leg area of the catchers. They are basically made of hard plastic and soft materials inside the plastic part.
  Generally, the leg guards’ size is measured from the middle of the knee to the start of the ankle, where the ankle bends.
• Catcher’s Mitt: A baseball glove that is made of leather and is built specifically for catchers is called a catcher’s mitt.
  The catcher’s set, on the other hand, does not contain a catcher’s mitt, despite the fact that a catcher’s glove is one of the essential components of a catcher’s equipment.
  This is presented only for the purpose of providing information.

Aside from these, there are knee guards, shoulder pads, wrist guards, etc., that are often included with youth catchers equipment.

How to Determine the Quality Youth Catchers gear Set?

The essential aspect of buying a catcher’s gear is to ensure its quality. The high-quality set will provide the necessary protection and durability that a low-grade one won’t provide.

check the manufacturer. The world’s leading manufacturers will surely give you the best quality regarding their price ranges.

On the other hand, the size of the catcher’s gear set is among the most important aspects. A youth catcher’s gear set that doesn’t match the size will not serve its purpose.

Manufacturers generally make different variants of catcher’s gear sets. Youth catching equipment has smaller sizes than adult ones.

You will find three types of age group catcher’s gear sets, youth of age under 10, intermediate (age range 10 to 15), and adults (age range 15+).

Make sure you pick the right size for your young kids.

Check for the NOCSAE Certification

catcher’s gear must be NOCSAE-approved for more safety. The chest protector must have an NOCSAE stamp on it. Otherwise, the safety measurement is not ensured for the particular catcher’s gear.

Parents must concern about the safety measures of the catcher’s gear before buying. 

5 Best Youth Catchers Gear

Now, let’s get to the point. Here I have selected and picked the 5 best youth catchers gear sets based on their build quality, performance, comfort, and price range.

Let’s see how they are capable of serving their purposes.

1. WILSON C200 Youth Catcher’s Gear Kit (Best Overall)

The Wilson Sports Equipment Manufacturer must be on the list when you talk about sports equipment. From baseball to glove and safety gear, Wilson ensures top-class quality.

Wilson C200 Youth Catchers gear set is one of the best catcher’s gear and the most popular among the youth player since it came to the market

The Wilson C200 meets the NOCSAE certificate for the highest level of protection.

Chest Protector

The chest protector is made of high-quality and durable fabric. The foam-padded inner side ensures ultimate comfort and safety for the body.

The chest protector also includes a throat guard for the ultimate safety of youngsters’ throats.

Leg Guards

The leg guard is made of high-grade ABS shell plastic, which is extensively premium. Along with foam padding inside, the adjustable metal buckles are used for easy ON-OFF.

The leg guards are incredibly lightweight and don’t give long-time use hazards.

Catcher’s Helmet

Like the leg guards, the high-grade ABS shell is used in the Wilson C200 catcher’s helmet. The helmet includes adjustable straps for easy wear.

Also, the inner foam-padded surface gives great comfort while wearing the helmet.

The manufacturer includes a moisture-wicking chin pad that keeps moist away from the wearer’s face.

The glossy finish of the helmet and the hockey-style mask gives an astonishing look, along with extensive safety.

Pros

• Great build quality.
• Smooth finishing.
• Additional chest plate inside the chest protector.
• NOCSAE certification.
• Astonishing design and look.
• Good pricing.

Cons

• We don’t find any drawback in the catcher’s gear set with the pricing, build quality, and performance. Will update our feedback later if anything is found.

Additional Read: Evoshield Catchers Gear.

2. Mizuno Samurai Youth Baseball Catcher’s Gear Box Set (Most Premium)

Our very first pick is the Mizuno Samurai Youth baseball catcher’s gear set. Mizuno is one of the pioneers in safety equipment, and the Samurai catcher’s gear is their best creation.

The entire set comes in a well-packed box. Easton baseball equipment manufacturing company did a great job in packing.

Chest Protectors

The Samurai youth chest protector is one of the best chest protectors in its class. The innovative design and high-quality materials ensure good looking and longevity for the entire gear set.

by the way, the foam padding inside the chest protector is too comfortable. The texture on it ensures keeping the ball in front of you.

The removable shoulder caps are pretty easy to adjust regarding the need of the wearer.

Leg Guards

Mizuno showed their mastery in the leg guard. They used their patented K-pad technology along with Triple Knee Cup construction. These give the utmost comfort and superior safety.

Helmet

The hockey-style catcher’s helmet of Samurai gives an aerodynamic design that gives more vision. The airflow is charming and doesn’t make the head hot.

In short, a strategic ventilation system, steel face mask, and three-layer EVA foam padding make the helmet stronger and too protective.

Pros

• The catcher’s leg guards with patented K-pad and triple knee design give ultimate comfort and safety.
• The stronger helmet gives ultimate protection to young players.
• A youth catcher gets the utmost comfort with the Samurai youth chest protector.
• Overall premium quality in its class.

Cons

• As a premium, the cost is expensive.
• There is no throat guard with the Samurai youth catchers gear set.

Also check the Mizuno Samurai Softball Catchers Gear.

3. Easton | JEN SCHRO The Very Best Fastpitch Softball Catcher’s Equipment (The best Catchers Gear for Softball)

Our second pick is Easton Jen Schro, the Very Best fastpitch softball youth catchers gear sets.

You will surely be amazed by its strategic ventilation system, which gives the wearer comfort. The high-quality making of the gear set is impressive and lucrative.

Though the protective gear is designed for females, it could also be hassle-free used by male kids.

Chest Protector

The NOCSAE-approved chest protector ensures extensive protection against fastballs and pain. The chest protector has two straps that allow custom adjustment with your body.

The soft padding system inside the chest protector gives comfort wearing.

Helmet

On the other hand, the ABS plastic shell is used in the catcher’s helmet, which gives the strongest durability for a helmet. The steel cage ensures the ultimate protection for the face from the fastest ball. The moisture-wicking and anti-microbial lining give a dry feel inside the helmet.

Leg Guards

The leg guards, together with the chest protection and the helmet, are composed of the toughest plastic and provide the wearer with a sense of security. In addition, the size is excessively lovely, which guarantees a wraparound effect over the majority of the leg region.

Pros

• Made by one of the best sports brands ensuring the high-quality.
• Strategical knee placement with comfortable padding.
• The Moisture wicking and anti-microbial lining don’t allow any health hazards.

Cons

• probably the most expensive youth catchers set.

4. Under Armour Converge Victory NOCSAE Youth 9-12 Baseball Catcher’s Set

Under Armour is another one of the best baseball equipment makers in the baseball industry. Our fourth pick is the Under Armour Converge Victory youth catcher’s gear.

The gear set is NOCSAE-approved by all means. The Under Armour Converge comes with a catcher’s helmet, chest protector and leg guards.

By the way, this particular gear is designed for the age group 9 to 12.

Chest Protector

The entire set uses Under Armour technology for making. The chest protector ensures maximum protection for the catcher’s body.

The chest protector comes with a throat protector, and the throat protector includes an additional plastic inside.

Also, adjustable shoulder caps are included with the chest protector that ensures the coverage of the full upper body, the throat guard, and the chest protector itself.

Leg Guards

The double knee shape of the shin guards makes them among the most effective options for younger athletes. The leg guards protect the whole leg, beginning above the knee and extending all the way down to the ankle.

In addition, the shin guards cover the whole front and sides of the legs, so guaranteeing that the player’s legs get complete protection from the ball.

Both protection and comfort are provided by the high-grade PE plastic outside and the foam-padded inside.

Catcher’s Helmet

Under Armour gave a great effort in the helmet section. They use a high-grade impact-resistant ABS plastic shell for the helmet, I-BAR large vision steel mask, and dual-density moisture-wicking line.

All these ensure a super high-quality helmet, without any doubt.

Pros

• High-precision impact-resistant cage.
• The nylon and foam combination in the chest protector gives the utmost safety and performance.
• I-BAR vision large viewing steel catcher’s mask.
• NOCSAE approval.
• Great breathability.
• Dual-density moisture-wicking line for sweat resistance.
• Great fitting.

Cons

• A little expensive in its class.

5. Easton | The Fundamental by Jen Schro (Balanced Pricing)

This Easton the Fundamental by Jen Schro is specially designed for youth softball players. Boys who play softball will be greatly protected from shock impact by using this gear.

Chest Protector

The Easton Fundamental is one of the catchers sets that use great-quality materials. High-precision nylon and low rebound foam ensures keeping the ball in front of the catcher.

It’s among the youth gear sets that are NOCSAE-approved for utmost safety. It provides great fit, reliability, and mobility.

Leg Guards

The Fundamental catchers leg guards from Easton have some novel design elements that Easton brings to the table. The manufacturer introduced a new and improved shell design, resulting in better wrapping.

Additionally, the shin guards’ form becomes more adapted to provide an excellent fit to the legs. Coverage of the top part of the knees is ensured by the use of double knee guards in conjunction with knee pads.

Catcher’s Helmet

The NOCSAE-approved helmet is designed with a high-quality ABS plastic shell, bringing more safety to the heads. The catchers mask is composed of steel and have extensive venting for increased ventilation and visibility.

Inside the helmet is a cushion made of foam with a double density, which increases comfort and enhances the helmet’s ability to absorb shock.

Pros

• The white color is tempting.
• The build quality is great, which enhances durability and performance.
• The unisex design factor allows both males and females to wear the gear.
• Dual-density foam padding ensures great comfort.
• The pricing is good to performance ratio.

Cons

• The catcher’s gear is not lightweight as expected. 

Bonus One(The Most economical): Jadekylin 14″ Baseball Catcher Gear Youth Age

Our last pick is out of the premiums rather than for casual use for the kids. If you are looking for the most economical best youth catcher gear, you might find it good.

By the way, the catcher’s gear is not NOCSAE-approved.

For both the chest protector and the leg guards, they use clip closers. They both are durable enough and perform for casual baseball kids.

High-density molded foam is used for the chest protector for comfort. Also, the gear features a pair of removable shoulder pads for extra protection of the body parts.

However, the catcher’s helmet is not included though. This is a big drawback for this gear set.

Pros

• Multiple color options.
• Good performance.
• Highly economical.

Cons

• You can’t expect premium-level performance.
• This is not a high-quality build.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do professional catchers use knee savers?

Yep, professional catchers in MLB wear knee savers while playing. Even the number is not small. Almost 47% of MLB catchers use knee guards when they are in the catcher’s box.

2. What gear do MLB catchers use?

MLB catchers mainly need three elements for their protection. They are chest protectors, shin guards, and catcher’s helmets. Aside from these, they use catcher’s mitts for catching the balls.  

Final Verdict

Your kids need the utmost protection while they are in the catcher’s box. To ensure their protection, you must make sure to buy the best youth catchers gear for them.

By the way, there is many catcher’s gear available in the market. All are not in the top-notch category.

To ensure the best catcher’s gear, check all necessary criteria for quality gear sets. 

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