Catcher's Gear Recommendations

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Mar 24, 2014
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Looking at upgrading my DD's catchers gear. Currently at 14U and a smaller body catcher. Has only worn Easton but was looking at both the Easton Mako and Wilson Shock gear. With the helmet, looking for something lightweight with max protection. Will also consider other brands if anybody has solid recommendations.
 
Oct 3, 2011
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Right Here For Now
Many of our catching DD's, mine included, wear a mixed bag of gear. It has been pretty much established through reviews by us, longevity of use, comfort, quality and padding that I think the following are the tops out there. Helmet- Wilson FX Shock 2.0. Shin guards- Wilson Promotion or All-Stars Vela/Pro System 7. Chest protector I prefer the Schutt S3 because it has a little thicker padding with 100s of holes and wide mesh backing allowing it to breathe which in turn lets the catcher stay cooler. The other ones are the All-Stars CP and there have been several good reviews on the Boombah CP on here. I've never liked the Easton Mako gear. The longevity isn't there. DD's one set lasted less than a year and had 2 pair of their shin guards in that same time period since the patellar padding broke down after 4-6 months.

Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that it fits properly. Ill fitting gear is almost as dangerous as not wearing any at all. Well not quite, but you know what I mean. The second most important thing is that it's comfortable for them. Wilson/ All-Stars, Schutt, Mizuno and Boombah in that order would be where I'd start looking.
 
Dec 19, 2012
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My dd's favorite setup was Wilson ProMotion chest and legs, and Wilson Shock FX 2.0 helmet. She's forced to wear LS gear now and she is not a fan.
 
Dec 2, 2013
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Texas
DD was forced to wear hand me down LS gear from her TB team because of sponsorship and she hated it. Now she is told that she can wear her own gear since the team couldn't come to an sponsorship agreement. She wears all All Star gear.
 
Feb 7, 2014
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I'll jump in on this one. One company that's been around for awhile, but I never hear anyone talk about them though they currently make a good set of catcher's gear and have a well known endorsement (Megan Willis) is Diamond. The equipment is comfortable, lightweight, and priced reasonably.
 
Oct 3, 2011
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Right Here For Now
The Diamond iX3 series was actually DD's very first set. The quality is every bit on par with the top of the line Schutt gear. The only reason we switched was the dealer from our area went out of business and I started buying on-line since no other stores in our area carry catcher's gear unless I order it. If I have to order anyway, I might as well save money.
 
Mar 9, 2015
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My DD in a similar situation looking to get her some new gear. She has worn different brands over the years, some were team gear but we bought her the Easton Stealth gear. We have seen the Wilson Shock helmet and are considering it, but she wants a light weight helmet and is currently happy wi the weight and feel of the Easton Stealth.

Are there any websites the lists the weights of the different catchers helmets? I can't seem to find anything like this.
 
Oct 3, 2011
3,478
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Right Here For Now
Eric F. I think you have another Database to start!

Just like there isn't one for true bat weights except the one on here that Eric started, I doubt there is one for actual helmet weight.
 
Dec 19, 2012
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The Diamond iX3 series was actually DD's very first set. The quality is every bit on par with the top of the line Schutt gear. The only reason we switched was the dealer from our area went out of business and I started buying on-line since no other stores in our area carry catcher's gear unless I order it. If I have to order anyway, I might as well save money.

The Diamond iX3 was my dd's first set as well. This was about 11 years ago when my dd was 8 years old. I remember it was indeed very well made but when I bought it there was not much in the way of technology pertaining to safety and knew I would have to upgrade it before she would grow out of it. The technology was the same as the technology in my catchers gear of the 1970's. The leg guards had hard rubber padding for the knees and 2 wide plastic/nylon straps for the shins. The inside of the helmet was hard rubber without any wicking material or additional, softer padding. The chest protector was the best part of the set. That was 11 years ago so I'm sure the iX3 has been upgraded. I would recommend the iX3 especially for the younger ages. They also used to come in many color combinations.

YoungBuck, the reason Megan Willis endorses Diamond is because they are the company that offered her the most money to endorse their product. I bet if she didn't have an endorsement and she had to buy her own gear, she would probably choose another company.
 
Mar 24, 2014
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Since I posted this thread, talking to more people they also recommended Schutt catchers gear. Haven't noticed anybody wearing this brand but would this be comparable to the Easton or Wilson?
 

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