Best Fastpitch Catcher’s Gear Set in 2023: For Softball Girls

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Whether you are starting, an experienced or veteran catcher, you want to wear the best gear to give you the edge and protection that you need behind the plate.

A catcher’s gear typically includes a chest protector, helmet, leg guards, and more. Wearing the best equipment is essential to your success and will make the game more enjoyable.

This article will go over the best catcher’s gear for fastpitch softball and help you become the best out there.

Comparison of the Best Fastpitch Catcher’s Gear Sets in 2023

Product

Our Ratings

Price

Louisville Slugger Youth PG Series 

Wilson C1K NOCSAE 

EASTON ELITE X

Mizuno Samurai 

All-Star Adult System7

Best Fastpitch Catcher’s Gear Set

Louisville Slugger Youth PG Series 5 Catchers Set

The Louisville Slugger Youth PG Series 5 Catchers Set can be purchased in two colors such as a combination of black/gray and black/orange.

This full-set catcher’s gear includes a helmet, shin guards, and chest protector that gives full protection to every softball player of both genders.

This precision pad-designed gear gives you reliable protection as it is made of high-quality materials.

The player’s chest will be protected by high-density foam padding matched with an over-the-shoulder harness so it will neither be too loose nor too tight. Thus, it provides both comfort and protection to the player.

The glossy finished helmet has a pad layer interior to make the head comfortable. It also features a chin pad that is made of moisture-wicking material. As it does not absorb moisture, the chin pad will dry up easier thus giving a light feeling to the player.  This is approved by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE).

Moreover, the shin guards with double knee design for better protection at the same time provide a good fit to resist critical moves during the game. With this, the player will be comfortable executing a wide range of motions.

Wilson C1K NOCSAE Catcher’s Gear Kit Series

Wilson Sporting Goods brings you a performance-tested catcher’s gear kit series that come in four colors such as black, navy, royal, and scarlet. This can fit both men and women ages 15 years and above.

This set includes a catcher’s helmet, leg guards, and a chest protector.

The glossy finish helmet size is from 7 1/8 – 7 1/2 and has adjustable straps so it can perfectly fit the player’s head.

This is important since the range of users is from youth to adults. Additionally, it has a moisture-wicking pad that can be easily removed for washing.

Furthermore, the chest protector is composed of high-density foam padding for the player to ensure his chest is protected and comfortable. It also comes with detachable shoulder straps for enhanced mobility.

Also, leg guards ensure that your entire legs, especially your knees are protected and comfortable during the game.

The helmet is comfortable and offers excellent visibility, which is crucial for any catcher. The chest protector is lightweight yet offers excellent coverage and protection, making it a great choice for both amateur and professional catchers.

The knee pads are easily removable in case you want to wash them. It is made of a very lightweight premium grade ABS plastic and has adjustable metal buckles for wearing and taking off in less time.

EASTON ELITE X Baseball Catchers Equipment Box Set

If you want to try some attractive colors for your gear, this EASTON ELITE X Baseball Catchers Equipment Box Set is what you’re looking for.

It comes in many colors and combinations including black/gold, black, black/orange, cardinal, green, maroon, maroon/gold, navy, and star/stripes.

This equipment box set contains a helmet, leg guards, and chest guards that can be used for baseball and softball. Sizes are youth, intermediate, and adult. Hence, it can be used by both boys and girls from age 9.

Moreover, the chest protector’s multiple foam paddings ensure that the player won’t get hurt and wounded in the game. It also has adjustable straps to perfectly fit the player’s body.

Plus, the helmet has an adjustable strap that will fit the player’s head. It has foam padding for comfort. However, the padding absorbs sweat, meaning it can make the helmet heavy during the game.

One of the standout features of this set is the materials used in its construction. The gear is made from high-quality materials that are both durable and lightweight.

Moreover, the leg guards give both protection and comfortability for the player to freely run and execute moves with a lesser chance of getting leg injuries.

Mizuno Samurai Women’s Catcher’s Gear Box Set

It’s one of the best softball catcher’s gear. Mizuno Samurai Women’s Catcher’s Gear Box Set includes a chest protector, helmet, and shin guards which are specifically designed for girls.

It is available in many color combinations such as black-grey, grey-cardinal, grey-forest, grey-navy, grey-purple, grey-orange, grey-red, grey-royal, grey-yellow, and navy-red.

This set does not just give you beautiful color combinations but also the best performance as each of them is made of high-quality materials

The chest protector is made up of a low rebound foam and has a grippy outer material that is functional in keeping balls in front of the softball player.

Plus, the helmet is composed of triple layers of EVA foam padding. This material gives a comfortable feeling by being soft and having good ventilation. Also, the steel mask is highly durable for better protection of your face. 

In addition to these, the shin guards are constructed with  K-Pad to ensure ultimate comfort while preventing knee injuries.

Overall, the Mizuno Samurai Women’s Catcher’s Gear Box Set is an excellent investment for any female catcher looking for high-quality and comfortable gear.

With its attention to detail in design, excellent protection, and customizable fit, this set is sure to help any catcher perform at their best on the field.

All-Star Adult System7 Axis Pro Catcher’s Set

The All-Star Adult System7 Axis Pro Catcher’s Set comes in many color combinations grey, green, red, orange, blue, and purple.

This set includes a helmet, chest protector, and leg guards that can be functional catching equipment in baseball and softball.

While ensuring that the player is protected, these three pieces of equipment’s inner sides are composed of foam padding so it gives a comfortable feeling.

This is important to maintain the player’s good performance in the game. 

The fitted and streamlined design aims to provide the player with a perfectly fit, not too loose or too tight, gear. This feature helps a player to move freely resulting in a good performance.

Plus, the shin guards give superior protection for the knees. It also comes with a separate extended toe guard which can be attached depending on the player’s personal preference.

The helmet, chest protector, and leg guards are all adjustable, allowing the catcher to find the perfect fit for their body type.

This is important for both comfort and protection, as a well-fitted set of gear will provide maximum coverage and minimize the risk of injury.

How to Choose Catcher’s Gear for Fastpitch

As a fastpitch catcher, you need to stay protected and safe behind the plate to deliver your best performance.

The right gear can help you to enhance your style and improve your form without worrying about your safety. The basic softball fastpitch catcher’s gear includes a mask, chest protector, leg guards, and a mitt.

You can buy some extra accessories to level up your protection game like knee savers, throat protectors, and bags. All this equipment can be bought separately or even in bulk. But you need to verify that they meet the safety standards set by the NOCSAE.

Catcher’s Mitt or Gloves

If you are a fastpitch catcher, your role is to catch those heaters without hurting your hands or wrist. Thankfully, these fastpitch catcher gloves are designed to protect your hand or wrist from the ball’s heavy impact. They also help you upgrade your skills in the game.

fastpitch catcher with softball gloves

Design

The fastpitch catcher’s mitt is different from the gloves used by the fielder. They do not possess separate pockets for each finger.

They are stitched together with leather laces hence the catcher’s glove forms a mitt. The thick and durable leather protects the catcher’s hand from the stings of the pitch.

The fastpitch catcher’s gloves are larger to handle the weight and density of the softball. They come in two different webbing styles, open or closed webbing systems.

Sizing

The sizing of the fastpitch catcher’s mitt is considered by its circumference rather than its length. The players with ages 12 and under should look for a 32” or 33” mitt while players who are 13 and above can look for a mitt size of around 35”. This allows the gloves to deliver you a wide area for the bigger ball.

Catcher’s Helmet

girl softball player wearing catcher's helmet

The fastpitch catcher’s helmet comes in two different designs and they are the most vital gear of the set.

Mask

The mask of the fastpitch catcher is the original piece of the catcher’s headgear. It comes with a steel cage that covers the face area.

The pad around the forehead and jaw offer an additional layer of protection and comfort to the players. It also has elastic straps that wrap around the back of the head to keep the mask secured.

However, these masks don’t offer you the finest quality of protection, especially to the back of the fastpitch player’s head.

Helmet

The helmet has similarities in the appearance of the hockey goalie masks. It offers an impressionable amount of protection to the back of the head.

It entirely covers the head and cuts below the jaw to offer protection even to the neck and throat. As the helmet surrounds the whole skull, peripheral vision is pretty limited.

They are available for both adults and youth.

Sizing

The helmets for adults and youth are generally one-size-fits-all as they have straps at the back to adjust the fitting of the helmet. However, the helmets marked as youth are for players 12 and below while ones marked with an adult are for players 13 and older.

Chest protectors

softball fastpitch chest protector

The Softball-Fastpitch Chest protectors are meant to protect your entire torso and sometimes the arms too. They are also meant to protect your private parts that are extremely sensitive to the heavy impact of softball.

These are lined with foam throughout the structure that can easily mold into the player’s body. They are also capable to absorb the shock impact from softballs, bats, and even other players.

The chest protectors come with an elastic strap that goes all along from the front to the back to keep them secured in place.

Size

The fastpitch chest protectors come in different size ranges for players of different age groups. To know your size, you need to measure from the base of your neck to your waist.

Leg Guards

The fastpitch catchers need to crouch for a long time. These leg guards help them stay comfortable throughout the game. They are specially meant for the protection of your ankles, shins, and knees and extend from the top of the cleat up above your knee.

These leg guards are made up of soft padding on the inside that provides comfort to players. They have a hard shell on the outside to keep the fastpitch catcher protected from the impact of balls or other players. This gear hinges at the ankle and knee to allow freedom of movement.

They come with elastic straps that wrap behind the legs to keep them secured in one place.

Sizing

The fastpitch leg guards are the simplest to find in terms of sizing as they are available in a variety of size ranges. To find the perfect measure for your leg guards, you need to measure from the middle of your knee to your ankle.

Accessories

As of now, you have collected the most essential gear for your game to stay protected and safe. These are only additional protection you might want to upgrade your skill level without worrying about your safety.

Knee savers

The knee savers are a savior for the fastpitch catchers as they need to crouch for several hours which can easily sore their knees.

The knee savers are attached to the back of your knees. They are made up of soft foam cut into wedge-shaped pieces that help take away some of the pressure off your knees.

Throat protectors

The throat protector is an additional layer of protection if you are not confident about your chest protector.

These are made up of strong pieces of plastic that keep the fastpitch catcher protected from foul balls and close plays. These protectors generally come in one size.

Final Words

The fastpitch catchers play a crucial role in the softball game. They need to stay protected to upgrade their skill level.

You would never be disappointed in choosing the product when you have the right knowledge in choosing the right gear.

Softball Gear of fastpitch catcher

We hope that this article helps you to find the best catcher’s gear set and you take the field with no worries.

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Author

James Arnold
I'm James, and I live in Stanislaus County, California. I'm playing Baseball for many years, and I love this sport so much that I also encourage my kids (Danny and Sara) to play Baseball & Softball.

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