Best catcher's gear

[Jquick823]

Over three years ago I did an exhaustive search finding the best gear. I took me a couple of months. I came to the conclusion that the two best sets of gear were:

1. Wilson ProMotion
2. All-Star System 7

I got the Wilson ProMotion Chest and Legs in School Ball colors (they didn't have TB colors)
I then got the All-Star System 7 Helmet In the two tone White/Black

 

[Lenski]

What were the factors you considered to determine "best"?

Protection, construction, ergonomics, materials, etc. I had my dd with me and she would put the stuff on, crouch down, act like she was throwing.....stuff like that. She did not drop to her knees to simulate blocking for fear of scratching up the leg guards. Cost was not a factor. Some determing factors that put the Wilson over the All-Star was the chest protector (she really liked the way it moved with her) and the look/color (she did not care for white). She liked the leg guards and the helmet equally for fit, but liked that the ProMotion face mask was furter away from her eyes. I was fine if she went with the All-Star set because it truly was top notch. They are both very nice sets. I don't think All-Star makes the System 7 chest and legs anymore. It looks like it's been replaced with the Vela line.

 

[Eric F]

Protection, construction, ergonomics, materials, etc. I had my dd with me and she would put the stuff on, crouch down, act like she was throwing.....stuff like that. She did not drop to her knees to simulate blocking for fear of scratching up the leg guards. Cost was not a factor. Some determing factors that put the Wilson over the All-Star was the chest protector (she really liked the way it moved with her) and the look/color (she did not care for white). She liked the leg guards and the helmet equally for fit, but liked that the ProMotion face mask was furter away from her eyes. I was fine if she went with the All-Star set because it truly was top notch. They are both very nice sets. I don't think All-Star makes the System 7 chest and legs anymore. It looks like it's been replaced with the Vela line.

Cool. I like the research. Besides Wilson and All-Star, what other brands did you test?

The All-Star part numbers for the "Vela" gear still include an "S7" designation. My understanding is that it's a name change more than a structural change.

 

[KneeHighSocks]

…….I don't think All-Star makes the System 7 chest and legs anymore. It looks like it's been replaced with the Vela line.

I was able to get system 7 leg guards on close out (actually I pieced together a whole system 7 set from closeouts, and only paid about half what the Vela set would cost)…for anyone interested in snapping some up


System 7

 

[Eric F]

I was able to get system 7 leg guards on close out (actually I pieced together a whole system 7 set from closeouts, and only paid about half what the Vela set would cost)…for anyone interested in snapping some up


System 7

How are those ^ different than these...All-Star Sporting Goods | #MFRA | LGW145S7

 

[Coach JV]

I have found that the Schutt lets the air flow thru pretty well on hot days and is lightweight, for
moderately priced gear it is a good value too

 

[Eric F]

I have found that the Schutt lets the air flow thru pretty well on hot days and is lightweight, for
moderately priced gear it is a good value too

I haven't spent any significant time with the Schutt helmets, but my DD did use S3 leg and Scorpion chest for a while. I will agree that the gear is good, but we have found that the All-Star is a step up. The improvement does come at an increased cost, however.

 

[Lenski]

Cool. I like the research. Besides Wilson and All-Star, what other brands did you test?

The All-Star part numbers for the "Vela" gear still include an "S7" designation. My understanding is that it's a name change more than a structural change.

Easton Synge, Diamond iX5, Rawlings, Under Armor, Louisville Slugger TPS Valkyrie, Mizuno Samauri, Schutt Scorpion, plus a couple I'm probably forgetting. That reminds me, if anyone wants a decent complete set for under $200 check out Louisville Slugger.

Thanks for the clarification on All-Star.

 

[guero_gordo]

Big fan of the All-Star gear (including their helmets), but because of their unique features and tech. I'd humbly suggest taking a look at both Wilson and Schutt helmets before making a final decision.

 

[KneeHighSocks]

How are those ^ different than these...All-Star Sporting Goods | #MFRA | LGW145S7

the name? LOL( and a lower price if you can find the size you need) . From what I can tell in the picture the Vela look identical to the system 7 we have… I think they just changed the name….

FWIW DD likes the set and I like the added knee protection compared to some other sets