Which catchers gear to buy?
- Thread starter Dalek
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I'm not a fan of Easton gear. IMO, a few other manufacturers do a better job with protection and fit/comfort. The general consensus of DFP'ers is that All-Star Vela and Wilson ProMotion are at the top of the heap.
I haven't heard a lot about the Boombah stuff yet, but one recent review of their chest protector was very positive.
My 11yo catcher-beast is currently using a Wilson Shock FX2.0 helmet, Wilson ProMotion chest, and All-Star Vela legs. She recently moved from an All-Star chest to the Wilson, and immediately noticed an improvement in fit and comfort.
Also keep in mind that there is no requirement to do a complete set from one manufacturer. Mixing pieces to find the best combination for your DD is just fine.
I haven't heard a lot about the Boombah stuff yet, but one recent review of their chest protector was very positive.
My 11yo catcher-beast is currently using a Wilson Shock FX2.0 helmet, Wilson ProMotion chest, and All-Star Vela legs. She recently moved from an All-Star chest to the Wilson, and immediately noticed an improvement in fit and comfort.
Also keep in mind that there is no requirement to do a complete set from one manufacturer. Mixing pieces to find the best combination for your DD is just fine.
DD uses the Mako legs and chest protector and loves them both. She hated the helmet. Still wears the old LS TPX helmets. She's on her fourth TPX helmet and I've got one more put up. Tried the Schutt gear and didn't care for it either. Sold it to a friend who's DD loves it. While it's tough to do, if there's any way possible to try some gear on before you buy, do it.
dd#2 has used shutt scorpion air maxx for 3 years she is a junior. this is her 2nd set we just got over the summer she tried all pro and easton and didnt like the feel. dd#3 decided she wanted to catch she is 8 so got her some ls gear she loves it but would probably love anything shes young. havent heard good or bad boombah.
DD had the Easton Mako set several years ago. Although she loved the comfort and fit, she couldn't get the longevity out of it. The padding was coming out of the helmet in under a year and she went through 2 pair of shin guards in that same years because the knee/patella padding broke down. So we moved on and took it as a lesson learned.
Like many others on here DD now uses a mixed set. She has a Wilson Shock FX2.0 helmet, Schutt S3.2 chest protector and the All-stars vela shin-guards.
The little I've heard about Boombah gear has all been positive but I have no first hand knowledge about it.
Like many others on here DD now uses a mixed set. She has a Wilson Shock FX2.0 helmet, Schutt S3.2 chest protector and the All-stars vela shin-guards.
The little I've heard about Boombah gear has all been positive but I have no first hand knowledge about it.
Any thoughts on 8U catcher gear? The league provided some but like most it's rough. I was planning on going to the local shop to look for a decent used set during lunch.
Anything that fits pretty well at that age will do. There's nothing worse than a kid trying to catch in gear that doesn't fit.
This!!! ^^^
Fit is critical to comfort, efficiency, and - most importantly - safety. The biggest issue is usually chest protectors being far too big and too loose. The chest protector should fit like a compression shirt, not an apron. It should also be worn high enough to eliminate the gap between the bottom of the helmet and the neck cutout. With little and/or narrow girls, sometimes a little modification of the straps is required to get a proper fit.
My kid in action at 10yo...
Notice that the chest protector is snug to her body so it isn't flopping around and impeding her movement.
You absolutely, positively have to either find a local store where your daughter can try gear on, or plan on buying and returning a bunch of equipment before you find something that fits properly.
For an 11 year old, there are a lot of options that are inexpensive. If she's a big girl, or she's done growing (hard to say at 11) and knows she's going to be a catcher for a while, spend the money on quality gear.
Both of my catchers wear ProMotion chest and leg protection and ShockFX 2.0 helmets.
For an 11 year old, there are a lot of options that are inexpensive. If she's a big girl, or she's done growing (hard to say at 11) and knows she's going to be a catcher for a while, spend the money on quality gear.
Both of my catchers wear ProMotion chest and leg protection and ShockFX 2.0 helmets.
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