This article will tell you about the five best youth catchers gear. Being a catcher is not an easy job! It is one of the toughest positions in baseball. Just like a catcher’s performance is crucial for the team, so does his safety!
A catcher needs to handle a lot of abuse, and without proper protection, it can lead to severe injuries. To reduce the chances of injuries, players need to stay on top of safety! If your little champ is on his way to being a catcher, it is best to get him well equipped.
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Our Top Five Youth Catchers Gear
Here is our top five youth catchers’ set that can help you play at the top of your game!
#1 Wilson EZ Gear Youth Catcher’s Kit
When it comes to catcher’s kits, Wilsons You EZ is one of the most popular gears that one can try. It is a great product at this price range, and it does not compromise quality at all. This kit is available in four different shades. You can pick your color easily. Wilson’s kits come in two small sizes for kids aged 5 to 7. And large for kids aging from 7 to 12.
It is a great kit for protecting important parts of one’s body. But, one thing you should know is that this kit will not last season after season. The Velcro straps on the chest and shin protector tend to wear out.
Pros
- Available in different shades
- Lightweight
Cons
- Issues with the Velcro straps
#2 Under Armour PTH Victory Youth Catcher’s Gear
This armor is way similar to the Easton catcher’s gear. This set is solely designed for young players and features shoulder pads. This kit also keeps the upper part of the wearer’s body fully protected.
This kit features foam on the shoulders, throat, and sternum. Hence, it gives the young player extra protection. Not only that, but it also provides a better and customized fit.
It comes with an Aegis shield offering better comfort, and in addition to this, it helps defend against bacteria formation and moisture. Generally, catchers’ equipment gets real stinky, and this feature also keeps your gear from getting stinky.
On the inside of the helmet, they have provided a protective ABS layer, and it comes with a bar vision mask. This provides a clear view of the field and enhances your peripheral vision. It also enhances mobility, and it is very lightweight.
Pros
- Comfort is at its best
- Very protective, and the helmet enhances vision
Cons
- The metal clip on the chest protector is hard to open.
#3 Louisville Slugger Series 5
The Louisville series is one of the best catchers’ kits. They are designed for catchers for ages 8 to 12. This is one of the most popular catcher’s gear sets due to its comfort, price, durability, and blend. It comes with a multi-foam layer, and its build quality is great. This offers better rebound control and protection.
It has been built following a precision pad design that makes it feel as if it is well-connected to your body, almost like a second skin layer. This set comes with great leg guards designed to fit flawlessly. One thing that makes it better is none of the gears in this set are rigid and stiff. It allows you to move freely and offers comfort and great protection.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Promotes free movement
Cons
- Chest protector is a bit loose
#4 Easton Black Magic Youth Catchers Gear (M7)
If you have been looking for the best and latest alternative to Easton, this is it. The Black Magic set is the closest alternative to the natural setting of Easton. The M7 and the Natural set are pretty similar to each other. But, the Black Magic or the M7 comes with better improvements. Yes, it features a quality chest protector made using lightweight foam.
This set’s prime goal is to offer comprehensive protection and reduce the effect of the wild throws on your chest. This keeps the ball from going in another direction and helps you play your game better than a chest protector made of a hard shell.
Like the older model, this also features a double-back adjustment.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Offers good protection
Cons
- Fittings could have been better
#5 Mizuno Youth Samurai Box Set Catcher’s Gear
If you have been looking for the best youth catchers gear in the market, you should go with the Mizuno Youth Samurai Box Set Catcher’s gear. No player can go wrong if Mizuno backs him!
Even if you purchase the whole set or just the needed gears, you will not be disappointed, trust me on this. You have been using a mediocre gear set, and now it is the time to step up and be the best at your game. Certainly, this set is much more upgraded than the gears the youth leagues provide.
It boasts of its strategic ventilation system, which comprises three EVA form layers and a dryline inner liner. This promotes breathability, and it uses a low rebound technology that all the blocked balls close enough.
This product is durable enough to last a good amount of time. And you are getting it at a budget-friendly price—the best fit for players of ages 10 to 14.
Pros
- Glass friendly helmet
- Breathable and protective
Cons
- It does not come with the chin guard
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between intermediate and youth catchers’ gear?
The adult sizes for the catcher’s gear start from 15 and up. An intermediate gear will fit players aged 12 and up, while the youth gears are designed for players ages 8 and up.
Are throat guards mandatory for catchers?
Yes. It does not matter which style masks a catcher uses, but it is mandatory to have a throat guard in all divisions of softball and baseball.
Conclusion
So, now that you know about the best gear sets for your little champion, it is time to get him equipped so that he can contribute his part to his team.
All of the gears mentioned here are NOCSAE [National Operating Committee on Stands for Athletic Equipment]. Safety is very important for games of all levels, not just youth baseball.
Every gear mentioned here will help the player improve his game! So, without further ado, get one of these today!
