Best Catchers Gear (2025 Edition)
Written by Zach Kerr
Updated March 26th, 2025
Best Youth Catchers Gear Sets
All Star
All Star Youth Top Star Catcher's Set
$249
5
Specs
Rawlings
Rawlings Youth Renegade 2.0 Catcher's Set
$354
5
Specs
Best Catchers Gear Sets for Adults
All Star
All Star Adult Classic Pro Catcher's Set
$
5
Specs
Rawlings
Rawlings Adult Velo 2.0 Catcher's Set
$319
5
Specs
Best Catcher's Helmets
Best one-piece, hockey-style:
All Star
All Star MVP2500 Catchers Helmet
$179
5
Specs
EvoShield
EvoShield PRO-SRZ Catcher's Helmet
$240
4.5
Specs
Best two-piece, classic-style:
All Star
All Star FM25 Ultra Cool Lightweight Catcher’s Face Mask
$118
4.5
Specs
Skull cap sold seperately
Best Chest Protectors
All Star
All Star Adult System7 Axis Chest Protector
$229
5
Specs
EvoShield
EvoShield Adult PRO SRZ 2.0 Baseball Chest Protector
$189
5
Specs
Rawlings
Rawlings Mach Chest Protector
$169
4.5
Specs
Best Shin/Leg Guards
All Star
All Star MVP Pro Adult Leg Guards
$291
5
Specs
Rawlings
Rawlings Mach Leg Guards
$224
4.5
Specs
EvoShield
Evoshield Adult PRO SRZ 2.0 Baseball Leg Guards
$269
4.5
Specs
Other Resources for Catchers
Features to Look For in Quality Gear
If you’re comparing different gear options, keep an eye on these features that often distinguish higher quality gear:
Safety Certifications
As of 2020, for chest protectors, look for a label that says “Meets NOCSAE® Commotio Cordis Standard” or SEI certified. This means the chest has been tested to help protect against that rare heart impact syndrome. All the top models (and the ones reviewed above) have this but some older models or very cheap gear might not – so it’s important. Helmets and masks should be NOCSAE certified as well (most are).
Also check the quality of the helmet’s cage – high strength steel or alloy cages are less likely to bend on impact. For leg guards, the new safety focus is mostly on having sufficient knee padding and coverage (there’s not a specific standard like the chest). The gear we reviewed is all top-notch in safety; if you venture into other brands, just make sure they meet the basic certifications.
Padding and Comfort
Higher-end gear uses better foams and padding. For example, memory foam or gel padding in the knees (like All-Star’s GelTech) can make a huge difference for a catcher who’s on their knees a lot. Moisture-wicking liners in helmets and chest protectors keep the player drier and cooler. Also look at pad adjustability – can you remove or reposition the pads? (Ex. some leg guards allow you to move the knee donut pad or remove it if not needed.)
Better padding also usually means better rebound control – multi-layer padding that absorbs the ball impact will keep pitches in front of the catcher more often, which is a big plus for performance. For comfort, also consider weight: advanced materials (like carbon fiber inserts or lighter steels) make gear lighter. A few ounces might not seem like much, but over a doubleheader in July, your catcher will feel the difference.
Ventilation
Catchers sweat – a lot. Quality gear often has built-in ventilation: breathable mesh interiors, vent holes in helmets (like Rawlings’ COOLFLO vents, perforated foam, or vented plates. These features help airflow and can keep the gear from becoming a sauna. If your team plays in a hot climate, this is more than a luxury – it helps prevent overheating. Cheaper gear might be more closed off and thus hotter to wear.
Harness and Straps
Look for strong, easy-to-use harness systems. On chest protectors, the trend is toward a 4-point adjustable harness (instead of the old school 2 elastic straps). Systems like All-Star’s DeltaFlex or Rawlings Dynamic Fit distribute the pressure evenly and prevent the chest protector from sliding down or twisting. They often use both elastic and adjustable straps for a custom fit. For leg guards, check that the straps are durable (leather or thick elastic) and have good hooks or buckles.
Some newer leg guards like All-Star and EvoShield have quick release buckles or even magnetic buckles, which make gear up/gear down faster. It’s also worth considering if the straps are replaceable – because over years, they can stretch out. All-Star, for instance, sells replacement harnesses. A secure harness keeps gear aligned; a flimsy one can lead to constant readjustment (nothing more annoying for a catcher than gear that won’t stay put).
Durability (Materials)
Higher quality gear will use materials that last. Examples: metal buckles vs plastic, stainless steel hardware that won’t rust, high-density plastic shells that resist cracking, leather reinforcement on wear areas, etc. If your player is going to use the gear heavily or you want it to last multiple seasons, durability matters.
All the gear we discussed (All-Star, Rawlings, EvoShield) is known for durability at the high end. If you’re looking at other brands, just gauge the thickness of plastics, stitching quality, and read reviews for any common breakage issues. Catcher’s gear takes a beating (foul tips, hard grips when removing, tossing it in a gear bag, etc.), so it needs to be tough.
Additional Protections
Little features can be a big deal. For example, extensions or accessories: Does the chest protector come with a removable groin protector? Do the leg guards have an ankle guard or foot cap? (Most do, but the quality varies – plastic vs. foam cap. Rawlings and All-Star have solid toe/foot guards. Is there a throat guard included on the mask/helmet? (All-Star youth sets often include a clip-on throat guard for the helmet, which is great for extra protection.) These small add-ons can improve safety.
Also consider knee savers – while not part of the gear set itself, if your young catcher’s knees are bothering them in the squat, those attachable wedge pads can help (and the leg guards should be compatible with knee savers, which most are – ex. All-Star youth legs note they have straps “compatible with Knee Savers”
In a nutshell, quality gear tends to have better padding, smarter designs, and more durable materials. That translates to better protection and a happier catcher (less adjusting gear mid-inning, more focus on the game). However, even mid-range gear today often includes some of these features. Prioritize what matters most for your player – for a beginner, you might prioritize fit and comfort; for an advanced player, maybe weight and rebound control for blocking. And always, safety first: if a piece of gear doesn’t fit right or seems insufficient, upgrade it.
Tips for Parents: Buying for First-Time vs. Experienced Catchers
Buying catcher’s gear can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time. Here’s some advice I give to parents in different situations:
For a first-time youth catcher (or younger players just starting):
Consider a full catcher’s set
If your child is just trying the position or in Little League, buying a set is convenient and usually cost-effective. Sets like the All-Star Youth or Rawlings Renegade come with everything needed and are sized to match. This ensures all the pieces fit together (no odd gaps between knee guards and chest protector, etc.). It also usually comes with a carrying bag. You can often find a decent youth set in the $150–$250 range that meets all safety standards.
Don’t overspend on top-of-the-line gear for a 8-10 year old
Especially if you’re not sure they’ll stick with catching. Kids can be unsure; one hard foul tip and some decide they’d rather play outfield . It might be wise to start with a solid mid-range set (like the two we mention in the Youth section) and upgrade in a few years if they are still passionate and need adult-sized gear. The good news is those mid-range youth sets are quite good now – for instance, Rawlings’ Renegade youth chest protector uses the same Arc Reactor commotio cordis tech as their high-end, so your young catcher is well protected.
Size with a bit of room to grow, but not too loose. Kids grow fast, and you’d love the gear to last two seasons instead of one. If they are near the upper end of a size range, you might go one size up (especially with adjustable harnesses that can tighten). However, don’t put a tiny kid in an adult set – oversized gear will shift and actually be less protective. Use towels or pads to temporarily adjust fit if needed, but try to get close to their size. Remember, chest protectors and leg guards usually have some adjustability.
Teach them how to wear it right. This is part of buying gear: show your new catcher how to put it on properly – how tight to make the straps, how to tuck the straps away (so they don’t snag), and how to adjust on the fly. A common rookie mistake: wearing the chest protector too low. Emphasize it should fit high, and tighten the straps so it stays there. Also ensure they wear the helmet correctly (chin strap snug, not loose). Properly worn gear protects much better.
Check league rules: Some youth leagues have specific requirements (for example, throat guards are required on any mask/helmet at younger levels, even if the helmet has an extended chin piece). Most sets comply, but if not, you might need to buy an add-on throat protector ($10 piece that ties on). Make sure any gear you buy is labeled as “Meets NOCSAE standard” – by 2021, most leagues mandated the newer NOCSAE-certified chest protectors for youth.
Knee Savers for little catchers: If your child is just learning to squat and their legs get tired, knee savers (those foam blocks on the back of leg guards) can help. There’s some debate among coaches, but for young kids I’m pro knee savers – it reduces strain and they can focus on skills. Just don’t let them squat lazy on them all the time (knees should still be over toes, not sitting back completely). For older kids, use as needed (many high schoolers don’t use them to maintain mobility, but some still do due to knee issues).
For experienced or older catchers (travel ball, high school)
Involve them in the choice.
By this point, your catcher will have preferences. Maybe they’ve borrowed a teammate’s All-Star mitt and loved it, or they hate the way one helmet felt. Let them try things on and listen to their feedback. As a coach, I see far better results when the player is comfortable and likes their gear. Confidence is key for a catcher – if they trust their gear, they’ll block fearless and play aggressive.
Mix and match to get the best fit
As mentioned, many advanced catchers end up with a “custom” set of different brands. An experienced player might say “All-Star’s chest protector is the only one I want” or “I need those EvoShield leg guards for my style.” It’s perfectly fine to buy different brands for each piece – just stick to the top brands and correct sizes. There’s no rule that the helmet brand must match the chest protector. The goal is the best protection and comfort for each body part.
Upgrade specific pieces as needed.
Maybe the old leg guards are still fine but the chest protector has worn straps or doesn’t meet NOCSAE. You can replace just that piece. Or if their helmet is an older model without as much padding, invest in a new one (head protection is worth it). Identify any weak links in their current gear: for instance, older gear pre-2019 might not have commotio cordis protection – definitely upgrade the chest protector in that case. Or if the gear is smelly and falling apart, time for new. High school players often accumulate gear; I know some who keep a backup set or an old set for bullpens. But for games, ensure they have the safest, best gear you can reasonably afford.
Consider the rigors of their schedule
A travel ball catcher playing 50+ games a year needs gear that can hold up. Investing in pro-level gear (All-Star, Rawlings, Mizuno, Easton’s high-end, etc.) will pay off in durability. Also, some gear has features for heavy usage – ex. removable liners to wash (helpful for hygiene on those hot summer tourneys), better ventilation so they don’t overheat in double-headers, and extra protection because older pitchers throw harder and hitters foul balls back with more force.
If your catcher is catching bullpens every day and games on weekends, treat their gear like the important equipment it is. It’s as vital as their bat or glove, arguably more.
Don’t neglect the catcher’s mitt!
This article is about gear, but quickly: the best catcher’s mitts are part of the safety ensemble (saves those thumb injuries). For an older catcher, make sure they have a high quality mitt that’s in good condition. It completes the package – you don’t want great protective gear but a floppy old mitt that offers no support.
Have spares of small parts
For experienced catchers, I recommend keeping an extra helmet strap, mask pads, and even extra laces/straps for leg guards in the gear bag. Things break mid-game sometimes (I’ve seen mask buckles snap or a strap tear). Having a spare can be a game-saver. Some brands include spares; otherwise, ask the manufacturer or get generic ones. A little kit of replacement parts and a multitool can be gold for a catcher (or their coach).
Lastly, listen to your catcher’s complaints or pain points. If they say “my knees hurt” – maybe thicker knee padding or knee savers are needed. “This helmet gives me a headache” – maybe it’s too tight or the wrong size; adjust or replace it. “The chest protector feels bulky” – perhaps a different model with a slimmer profile would suit them. At more advanced levels, all high-end gear protects well, so it becomes about what fits the individual’s body and style. The more comfortable and confident the catcher, the better they’ll play.
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