There is a heart guard that is actually worth considering, but I don't know the name of it. It is in a shirt and is formed to your body.
Are you thinking Evo Shield? I think that stuff is sooo cool.
If anyone was watching the California-Kentucky game on ESPN, the announcer (speaking about the Baylor catcher) said it was a horrible accident but that college shouldn't require face guards on helmet. Yes, I'd agree with that, but if I did play college, I'd use a face guard on my helmet. I think in the 8 years I've played softball, I've only been hit twice in the face guard, and that was because of poor bunts. Masks and protection should be up to the player, parents, and coaches, not up to the organization.