Gear advise

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DRL

Sep 29, 2014
3
1
Gear advice

My 8 year old soon to be 9 wants to take catching lessons. I'm looking for advice on what gear to purchase.
 
Last edited:
Aug 29, 2011
2,581
83
NorCal
The New England Catcher's Camp DVD - A Coaches Guide to training catchers. It's worth every penny and then some.
The New England Catching Camp - Online Store

As for actual gear I'm sure some catchers dad's (or mom) can suggest suitable gear. If you can find a used broken in catcher's glove, I'd suggest that route as the sooner they get used to a catcher's glove the better and at that age it is tough to break in a new catchers glove because the speeds simply aren't great enough in my experience.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Priority 1 - Get gear that fits properly, and expect to replace it as she grows. If budget is a concern, you might be able to find something at Play-It-Again Sports, but don't sacrifice fit. The chest protector should fit like a compression shirt, not an apron, and should move with the player. If it's flopping around, it leaves parts exposed, and can limit efficient movement. For my DD, I have had to shorten the straps on the chest protector for both of the ones she's had to get a proper fit.

My DD at 9yo in Easton Natural gear...
1450852_10202720670204369_57599374_n.jpg


Recent pic of DD at 10yo (on left) in Schutt Scorpion chest and Schutt S3 legs (which, for some reason, are oddly twisted)...
10615622_10204951506573884_8492634358176374518_n.jpg


Note - Player on the right in the black Easton gear has her chest protector hanging down too low, leaving the area below her neck too exposed. Player in the middle is decked out in All-Star gear. For reference, these girls are all about 4'-10" tall.
 
Jun 4, 2013
305
0
Orange County, CA
Best thing is going somewhere that has a good selection of catchers gear and fitting them on right. I took DD to Monkey Sports and we went through a few sets to find a set that fit just right for her. Then we went online and found the peices of that set for up to 80% off of retail. Sounds bad but it turns a $400 set into a $200 set. You just have to be more patient and wait for shipping
 

collinspc

Softball Dad
Apr 23, 2014
213
18
Pittsburgh PA
Watch craigslist for deals, I just got Easton Adult shin guards and a chest protector for my 11 year old for $40.00 (she is 5'6+). They are hardly used and a great deal. This time of year you may find some organizations that will be selling used equipment. just make sure that it is in usable condition with all hooks in place, padding not torn or damaged etc....

As Eric said, make sure everything fits properly and is functional. You will need to measure your daughters legs from the center of her knee to the ankle to get your starting point for the guards, the chest protector is center of collar bone to the waist. I have found with my two that these are good starting points, but are not an absolute as different manufacturers are not the same for sizing.
 
Last edited:
Mar 23, 2010
2,019
38
Cafilornia
Short answer: as little as possible until you know if she loves it.

Agree with Lou about a used mitt, or even a first base mitt. I wouldn't drop much coin on it though, because when she gets to the 12" ball you will likely end up replacing it anyway. She can certainly make do with a fielding glove for a while.

Used/borrowed gear is OK if it fits. Keep in mind that fit IS protection.

All-Star,Schutt, Mizuno, Under-Armor, Wilson, Rawlings all make good gear. Easton gear is fine, but I'd avoid their leg guards.
The "boxed set" gear can be a good deal if all the pieces fit, IMLE that has never worked out for DD.
If you do go with used gear make sure all the padding, straps, and buckles are there and in good condition. Particularly with legs and helmet, make sure the padding is still pliable.

Describing fit is a bit tricky, so as you put things together, feel free to post pic's or questions here.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
A couple of other things, DRL...

Catcher-beasts are a special breed. Please feel free to ask any questions about care and feeding of your own catcher-beast. ;)

Welcome to DFP. Enjoy the ride!! :)
 
Feb 12, 2014
648
43
You're getting great advice here. We just purchased all new gear for my DD about a month or so ago. We fell in love with the Wilson Pro-Motion stuff, but it's fairly expensive. I would invest your most money in the helmet. Head injuries are not something that you want to mess with. Buy a high end mask even if you're not sure if she's going to be a catcher long term and then make sure she leaves the thing on! Be sure to shop around because prices can differ greatly from one site to the next.
 

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