Catcher Gear Recommendation/Reviews?

Bryce · Mar 31, 2016

Because I seem to have left the old set at the park unattended, I'm suddenly in the market for a catcher's set for my 12U team. (Trust me -- I've heard all about it from DW).

Our previous set was Mizuno Samurai youth that we used for about a year with various girls. They all seemed to like it fine and the quality was clearly better than the entry level sets we see around. I wouldn't be against getting it again, but the Louisville, Easton, Under Armour and Allstar sets seem comparable and also interesting to me. Anyone have experience with multiple sets that can help lead me one way or another? Do you or your DD have a favorite?

YOCOACH · Apr 1, 2016

DD has a mismatched set which she absolutely loves. Wilson FX Shock 2.0 helmet, Schutt Scorpion chest protector and All-Star system 7 pro shin guards. Its all top of the line gear so if you go this route, be prepared to spend $300 plus. Of course, you'll be spending this much, or close to it if you go top of the line in any set. Mizuno G3 Samarai, Wilson Pro Series, Diamond Xi3 series, All-Star sytem 7, Schutt Scorpion are all top of the line and will cost you. Stay away from Easton IMO. While the protection, fit and comfort of their Mako series are very good, the longevity isn't.

North River · Apr 1, 2016

My 10u daughter wears All-Star gear. Vela chest protector and shin guards. System 7 helmet.

She tried on a ton of gear and most didn't fit very well.

It took some looking,but we found the chest protector and shin guards marked down online.

Tom · Apr 1, 2016

My 12 yo DD (5'2" 115 lbs) uses the All Star System 7 helmet (size adult...her head size borders right between Y & A so the helmet straps have to be tightened to max, but fits better than the Y which was too tight around face), Boombah chest protector (womens 16.5) and Wilson Pro-Motion leg guards (Adult 16). She's a leg guard snob and tried a lot of them and says these seem to be the lightest and most mobile for her. Switched out the calf straps on the leg guards with the All Star version that has the pad. FWIW our team's other catcher uses the Louisville Slugger set and seems to like it.

Longshot · Apr 1, 2016

DD uses the Schutt Air Maxx set. We bought it directly from the Schutt website. The unique padding on the inside of the helmet keeps her cooler during those 105 degree days. So far the set has held up very well. The only downside I have seen when compared to other brands is that the helmet is slightly heavier. I believe this is because of the unique padding they use instead of the classic foam padding used in most other helmets.

Eric F · Apr 1, 2016

My DD has been through Easton entry-level, Schutt, All-Star, and (some) Wilson gear. Her current armor consists of a Wilson Shock FX2.0 helmet, Wilson ProMotion chest, and All-Star Vela legs. Here's what we've learned...

The Schutt, All-Star, and Wilson gear is all great stuff. My DD preferred the All-Star chest over the Schutt for impact protection and rebound control. She prefers the Wilson chest over the All-Star for fit and comfort. The Schutt legs had an issue with twisting during normal action on the field. This has not been an issue with the All-Star legs. The All-Star legs are surprisingly light for the amount of plastic they have. DD really likes the Wilson helmet, but I wish it had the removable pads of the All-Star helmet.

When it's time for new legs, we will be taking a very close look at the Wilson ProMotion.

FYI...All-Star makes UA gear.

Eric F · Apr 1, 2016

Tom said:
My 12 yo DD (5'2" 115 lbs) uses the All Star System 7 helmet (size adult...her head size borders right between Y & A so the helmet straps have to be tightened to max, but fits better than the Y which was too tight around face), Boombah chest protector (womens 16.5) and Wilson Pro-Motion leg guards (Adult 16). She's a leg guard snob and tried a lot of them and says these seem to be the lightest and most mobile for her. Switched out the calf straps on the leg guards with the All Star version that has the pad. FWIW our team's other catcher uses the Louisville Slugger set and seems to like it.

What do you think of the Boombah gear? I've seen it on their site, but have yet to hear from anyone who has used it.

Tom · Apr 1, 2016

Eric F said:
What do you think of the Boombah gear? I've seen it on their site, but have yet to hear from anyone who has used it.

So far the Boombah CP has been great. She didn't try the helmet or leg guards. Not a lot of homework went into purchase, she wanted it because of colors available, but we have been very impressed with it so far. She had been using the All Star S7 chest and says the Boombah stays in place better when squatting (doesnt ride up into throat even though its cut high around neck), is cooler, clips are easy to open one handed and fits better overall. She says its about the same as her AS7 in regard to pad placement, blocking and deadening a ball. I had to "re-engineer" the straps a bit by shortening the vertical strap to get it to fit right over her shoulders (just folded and pinned out about 2" so it can be let out again as needed). We got the womans size 16.5 and its cut for a woman who is more developed in the chest than my 12 yo is, but fits very well overall. Can tell Boombah put some thought into this though, its definitely made to fit a woman's body. Quality is excellent, and it cleans up easily. The white parts of CP are vinyl so they don't turn the rusty brown color after inning 1 like the others we have tried did. The only minor con I see in it is that the leather piece that holds straps on back seems very flimsy (but has held up fine so far). I'll definitely be cutting another though out of a heavier piece of leather. Looks like something that will fail at exactly the wrong time.

sbmom19 · Apr 1, 2016

My DD is also a member of the mis-matched team. Adidas helmet, all star protector, mizuno samurai guards.

Eric F · Apr 1, 2016

Tom said:
So far the Boombah CP has been great. She didn't try the helmet or leg guards. Not a lot of homework went into purchase, she wanted it because of colors available, but we have been very impressed with it so far. She had been using the All Star S7 chest and says the Boombah stays in place better when squatting (doesnt ride up into throat even though its cut high around neck), is cooler, clips are easy to open one handed and fits better overall. She says its about the same as her AS7 in regard to pad placement, blocking and deadening a ball. I had to "re-engineer" the straps a bit by shortening the vertical strap to get it to fit right over her shoulders (just folded and pinned out about 2" so it can be let out again as needed). We got the womans size 16.5 and its cut for a woman who is more developed in the chest than my 12 yo is, but fits very well overall. Can tell Boombah put some thought into this though, its definitely made to fit a woman's body. Quality is excellent, and it cleans up easily. The white parts of CP are vinyl so they don't turn the rusty brown color after inning 1 like the others we have tried did. The only minor con I see in it is that the leather piece that holds straps on back seems very flimsy (but has held up fine so far). I'll definitely be cutting another though out of a heavier piece of leather. Looks like something that will fail at exactly the wrong time.

Cool. I appreciate the input. Hearing that it is on par with the All-Star CP is a good review, indeed. If I had heard this 2 weeks ago, my DD might not be wearing a new Wilson ProMo. You can't beat Boombah for color selections. I'm curious to hear how it holds up over the long term.

For her recent size upgrade, my DD tried the larger size All-Star (14.5), but it was too big. The Wilson won on fit and comfort. The multi-layer construction improves this aspect significantly in comparison to the All-Star.

Catcher Gear Recommendation/Reviews?

Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch

Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web.

Bryce

YOCOACH

North River

Tom

Longshot

Eric F

Eric F

Tom

sbmom19

Eric F

Similar threads

Latest posts

Members online

Forum statistics

Share this page

Online statistics

Forum statistics