The Best Catcher’s Gear for 2025 (with Reviews)
Catchers have a tough job and they must have the right gear to be successful. There are so many different options and different gear brands that it can be hard to know exactly what gear is right for you. Additionally, catcher’s gear can be bought individually or as a complete set further complicating the buying process.
In this article, we will explore the best catcher’s gear for 2025. To see even more, check out BaseballMonkey’s full selection of catcher’s gear.
In this article, we’ll cover:
What Components are in a Full Catcher’s Gear Set?
Catcher’s gear offers both protection and performance, shielding you from foul balls and helping you block pitches. A full set includes a mask, chest protector, and shin guards, while additional accessories enhance comfort and visibility, such as gel knee pads and high visibility masks.
If you're looking for an entire set of catcher's gear, it might make sense to purchase them in a complete kit rather than buying each piece individually. The best catcher's gear sets will include the same brand and style for each piece, giving you coordinated protection and a complete look. In most cases purchasing a catcher's gear set can also save you money compared to purchasing the same items separately.
Helmet and Mask
Perhaps one of the most important components of the catcher’s gear is the mask. This protects the head and neck of the catcher from foul tips and wild pitches. There are two types of masks, the traditional and the hockey style. You can learn about the difference between the two in our article, Hockey Style Catcher's Mask vs Traditional Mask - Which is Better? It is important to know that most youth tournaments and leagues require catchers to wear hockey-style masks as they offer more protection for the ears. Be sure to check the rules for the league or tournament you are playing in before purchasing your next mask.
Chest Protector
The chest protector protects the catcher’s torso and shoulders from foul balls and helps cushion the impact when blocking balls. Chest protectors come in different sizes to accommodate different-sized catchers and are adjustable for the perfect fit. Most have removable shoulder pads for added protection as well. At the younger levels, these can be required to be worn but can be removed at older ages. Some catchers find these bulky and hinder their movement when throwing and catching.
Shin Guards
Shin guards help to protect the knees, legs, and ankles from foul balls when catching. These guards are made of hard plastic and foam to offer excellent protection. The hard plastic also makes it easy to slide on when blocking side to side. Some shin guards have extra foam, padding, or gel in the knees to reduce the impact of blocking. Additionally, some shin guards have extensions on the knee and top of the foot to offer additional protection.
Additional Catcher’s Equipment
Beyond the equipment included in the standard baseball catcher's gear set, there are additional pieces that offer added protection for catchers. While some of these are not required, many catchers choose to use them to increase their protection and ability behind the plate.
- Knee Savers: Designed to relieve stress on the knees while crouched, knee savers offer extra padding for the knee area.
- Wrist Guards: Protects the exposed wrist area behind a catcher’s mitt. Some wrist guards may extend up the forearm for added coverage.
- Chest Guards: An added layer of padding is included in the chest area of a specialized undershirt. Further absorbs impacts to the chest. Often required in youth leagues.
- Throat Guard: Can be added to the mask to cover the exposed area of the throat from the chin to the top of the chest.
- Sun Visor: This can be added to the mask to reduce the glare from the sun when catching
- Padded Batting Glove: This can be helpful to reduce the impact on the hand when catching higher velocity pitching. These gloves have padding on the fingers and palms to reduce the sting.
The Best Catcher’s Gear Sets
Overview:
Components:
- Revolutionary MVP-PRO Catchers Helmet features Deflexion™ shock hammocks to help disperse impacts and I-BAR-BSP™ Cage with extended back swing protection for coverage against wild swings
- The MVP-PRO Chest Protector is SEI Certified to meet NOCSAE Standards for Commotio Cordis and features our revolutionary 3DU BAR™ technology for the most advanced blocking in the game
- SHIFT™ technology on the leg guards moves with you to maintain thigh coverage in any stance while the LINQ X™ Hinge System supports a full range of knee flexion
Overview:
- Force3 has been a leader in protection for years. Their masks are consistently the safest in the market. This is due to the S3 Shock Suspension system that reduces the force of frontal impacts and maximizes force distribution. These are the springs that attach the cage of the mask to the helmet. Also included in this kit is their chest protector and shin guards with individual kevlar sections to keep you protected behind the plate. This kit is a great option for the advanced catcher looking for maximum protection. A youth kit is also available.
Components:
MVP2500-GTT mask
CPCC40PRO chest protector
LG40WPRO leg guards
Overview:
- The All-Star Classic Pro Adult Catcher's Kit delivers top-tier protection and comfort. The MVP2400 mask features a high-impact ABS shell and I-Bar Vision steel cage for durability and visibility. The CPCC1618S7X chest protector enhances blocking and breathability while meeting NOCSAE standards. The LG21WPRO leg guards provide triple knee protection, Gel Tech Foam padding, and a rugged design for lasting performance. Built for serious catchers, this kit offers elite protection and comfort behind the plate.
Components:
- MVP2400 mask
- CPCC1618S7X chest protector
- LG21WPRO leg guards
Overview:
- This is a new kit from All-Star for 2024. It is available in both intermediate and junior sizing. It features a hockey-style mask that is lightweight without compromising on protection. The chest protector features a removable groin protector. The shin guards have a double knee and are adjustable to fit a wide variety of athletes. This kit is available in a variety of colors. Finally, all the gear is treated with an anti-order formula to keep the gear fresh.
Components:
- All-Star Top Star Hockey Style Mask
- All-Star Top Star Chest Protector
- All-Star Top Star Shin guards.
Overview:
- This all-in-one youth catcher’s set includes a helmet, chest protector, leg guards, and a detachable throat guard, giving future stars everything they need to take the field with confidence. The chest protector features a unique, clipless fit system that makes it easy to slip on like a shirt, with adjustable tabs for a custom fit. The durable leg guards are built to withstand all the innings, offering extra protection with double knee coverage for sizes 7-9 and 9-12, while the T-Ball size includes a fast-strapping system for a secure fit with just two hooks.
Key Features:
- Complete All-in-One Set: Includes helmet, chest protector, leg guards, and detachable throat guard
- Easy-to-Fit Chest Protector: Features a unique clipless fit system that slides on like a shirt with adjustable tabs for a quick, custom fit
- Perfect for Young Athletes: Ideal for youth sizes 9-12, offering top-quality protection for the next generation of catchers
The Best Baseball Catcher’s Mask
Force3 Pro Gear Hockey Style Defender Youth Catcher's Helmet$199.98 Original Price $299.99 You Save 33% Original Price $299.99 You Save
Overview:
- This mask offers the most protection of any mask available. It has the Force3 S3 Shock Suspension which is the springs that connect the cage to the helmet. This significantly reduces the force of frontal impacts and maximizes force distribution. Even with all this protection, this is still a comfortable mask with great visibility. Multiple colors are youth sizes are available.
Key Features:
- S3 Shock Suspension
- SEI/NOCSAE Certified
- Multiple Colors and Youth Sizing
Overview:
- All-Star has been known for defining safety in baseball for generations, and it is no different on the new All-Star MVP5 Adult Catcher’s Helmet. After four years of extensive development, All-Star has created the new industry standard for both professional catchers and everyone else grinding their way to the top! All Star has incorporated several new technologies on the MVP5 helmet including Deflexion technology and an all-new version of their popular I-Bar Cage. Along with these technologies, All-Star has included their new Back Swing Protection technology. With the game being played harder and faster every year, backswings have become a serious threat to player safety. To protect your head in the new MVP5, All-Star has included a new and improved version of their classic Air-Mesh padding. Along with this, TPR Shock Hammocks are also placed along the forehead and chin to isolate your head and disperse energy from direct impacts.
Key Features:
- New Deflection Technology
- Back Swing Protection Technology
- TPR Shock Hammocks
Overview:
- Designed with an injection-molded magnesium cage, it is our lightest and best-tested traditional facemask, ensuring maximum durability and safety. The extended chin pad features an internal impact dispersion plate, while the curved forehead profile provides optimal stability during play. Equipped with a DeltaFlex™ harness, the mask guarantees a secure fit, and it has been rigorously tested to meet professional levels of play, making it the perfect choice for serious athletes!
Key Features:
- Injection molded magnesium cage
- Extended chin pad with internal impact dispersion plate
- DeltaFlex™ harness for secure fit
Overview:
- Designed to be worn by youth and even collegiate-level backstops, the 2510 model is equipped with an I-BAR VISION™ steel cage facemask and a high impact resistant ABS shell, providing them with quality protection and visibility each time they step onto the field.
Key Features:
- UltraCool mesh lining system
- High impact resistant ABS plastic shell
- I-Bar vision steel cage
The Best Baseball Chest Protectors
Overview:
- Recommended for high school and above, the All-Star System 7 Axis Pro Adult Chest Protector has a patent pending chest panel for improved protection. Plus, it has wedged abs for improved blocking and moldable PE plates in the shoulders and throat for added protection. The protector has a thinner, more form-fitting DeltaFlex harness and Diamond Vent Ports for weight reduction and breathability providing a more lightweight and comfortable fit. This chest protector is 16.5" measured from clavicle to naval and is Certified by SEI to meet NOCSAE standards for protection against commotio cordis.
Key Features:
- Chest Panel for improved protection
- Wedged abs
- Delta Flex Harness
Overview:
- The All-Star MVP-PRO Series Adult Chest Protector is a top-of-the-line, SEI Certified piece of protective gear, meeting NOCSAE standards for Commotio Cordis to safeguard against chest impacts. Featuring innovative 3DU Bar™ technology, this chest protector increases the blocking area by 50%, ensuring block balls stay within reach. The redesigned Delta Flex™ harness system provides a secure yet breathable fit for maximum mobility, while the CON4M™ Fit Tech delivers formable collarbone protection for a customized, comfortable fit. Ideal for serious players, this protector is designed for a 16.5" size, offering superior protection and performance!
Key Features:
- 3DU Bar™ Technology: Increases blocking area by 50%, keeping block balls within reach for better control
- Delta Flex™ Harness System: Redesigned for a firm yet breathable fit, ensuring maximum mobility during play
- CON4M™ Fit Tech: Features formable collarbone protection for a customized, comfortable fit
Overview:
- Easton's all-new Elite X catcher's gear takes fit and performance to a whole new level. The chest protector features stacked memory foam in the ab area, providing improved rebound control so blocked balls stay close, allowing catchers to prevent runners from advancing on the bases more consistently. Constructed with a 4-point webbing strap system with a comfortable neoprene back organizer, this chest protector will not only provide the perfect amount of protection all around but will be extremely comfortable. The use of a heavy-duty black-coated steel inset waist clip allows the player to adjust this chest protector to fit perfectly without the adjustment tool moving and becoming tight or loose while in use.
Key Features:
- Stacked Memory Foam in Ab Area
- 4-Point Webbing Strap
- Available in Multiple Colors and Adult, Intermediate, and Youth Sizes
The Best Baseball Leg Guards
Overview:
- Simply put, these are the best leg guards ever developed. Inspired by motocross leg guards, the LINQ™ pivoting hinge allows a catcher to strap these on and completely forget about them. When blocking and running down the basepath, the SYSTEM7 AXIS™ leg guards move hand and hand with how legs bend. The single top strap remains behind the thigh without dropping behind the back of the knee. There a reinforced front double knee protector straps for added durability for indoor workouts and a wider and smoother knee for better pivoting and sliding. Finally, there are Diamond Vents lining the back for even more weight reduction and breathability.
Key Features:
- LINQ Hinge System
- Reinforces Front Double Knee
- Diamond Vents for Breathability
Overview:
- The All-Star MVP-PRO Series Adult Leg Guards are designed for optimal performance and comfort, featuring cutting-edge technology for the modern catcher. The SHIFT™ system ensures the interior padding stays securely connected to your thigh, while the exterior shield moves with your leg for superior 1KD (one knee down) protection. The next-gen LINQ X™ pivoting hinge system offers unmatched flexibility, allowing for natural movement during blocking, throwing, and running. Specialized knee and thigh coverage, combined with the rotating hinge design, ensures a secure fit throughout the full range of motion.
Key Features:
- SHIFT™ System: Keeps interior padding connected to the thigh, while the exterior shield moves with your leg for enhanced 1KD (one knee down) protection
- LINQ X™ Pivoting Hinge System: Offers full flexibility, rotating with your knee through the entire range of motion, providing secure, uncompromised fit during blocking, throwing, and running
- Specialized Knee & Thigh Coverage: Interlocking components offer protection for areas exposed in the 1KD stance
Overview:
- These are the highest-end shin guards from Rawlings. They feature a low-profile design and are very customizable. For example, you can change the placement of the knee and inner shin pad to fit your preferences. There are also quick adjustable velcro straps with silicone backing to prevent strap movement during use. The top taps are also adjustable for full foot protection. These are available in Adult and Intermediate sizes.
Key Features:
- Low-Profile Design
- Adjustable Padding
- Adult and Intermediate Sizing
How To Size Each Piece of Catcher’s Gear Correctly
The best-rated catcher's gear won’t offer the best protection if it’s the wrong size. So it's vital to understand how to size your gear. Buying equipment that’s either too large or too small can impact performance and safety. Additionally, you should never buy gear a size too big for youth players and growing teens thinking they will grow into it.
Each piece of your catcher's gear set must be sized correctly, so let's take a look at how to measure a catcher's gear correctly. You can also review our Catcher's Equipment Buying Guide for more information.
Helmet and Masks
Measuring a helmet and mask is incredibly simple. Both two-piece and one-piece catcher's mask styles can be fitted by hat size. If you don't know your hat size, use a cloth measuring tape to measure the circumference of your head starting just above the eyebrows.
Chest Protector
Chest protector sizes are also determined by a simple measurement. Use a tape measure to find the distance from the top of your sternum to your waist. This measurement will help you easily find the perfectly sized baseball chest protector. It is vital to purchase the exact size chest protector for your measurements. Protectors that are too large will be uncomfortable and have major gaps in protection.
Leg/Shin Guards
To determine your baseball shin guard size, you should measure from the center of your kneecap down to your ankle bone. If you're trying on leg guards, make sure you try them on over your baseball pants and while wearing your cleats to get a better feel for how they fit. Youth sizes range from 9 - 12 inches, intermediates fall in the 12 - 15 inch range. Adult sizes go from 16 inches and up.
NOCSAE Equipment Standards and Approval
The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) sets safety standards for equipment for numerous sports, including baseball and softball. Nearly every single youth and intermediate baseball league requires that catcher's equipment is approved by and meets NOCSAE standards. Most recently manufactured catcher's helmets and chest protectors have been designed to meet these standards, but it's important to verify certification before purchase. It should be noted that some adult-sized catcher's equipment may not require NOCSAE approval.
Find the Best Selection of Catcher’s Gear at BaseballMonkey!
BaseballMonkey has a wide variety of the best baseball catcher’s gear sets and equipment for adults, intermediates, and Youth players. Check out our full selection of catcher’s gear on BaseballMonkey.com today!
Best Catcher’s Gear FAQs
What are the top brands known for producing the best catcher’s gear?
Leading brands known for high-quality catcher’s gear include Easton, Rawlings, All-Star, and Mizuno. These brands are renowned for their durability, protection, and comfort.
What materials are used in high-quality catcher’s gear for durability and safety?
Premium catcher’s gear often uses advanced materials like high-density foam, reinforced plastics, and synthetic leather for enhanced durability and safety. These materials provide excellent impact absorption and protection.
What is the difference between youth and adult catcher’s gear?
Youth catcher’s gear is designed for smaller sizes and lighter weight to fit younger players comfortably, while adult gear is larger and provides more robust protection for stronger players. Youth gear often has adjustable features to accommodate growth.
How does catcher’s gear differ between baseball and softball?
Baseball catcher’s gear is typically lighter with a smaller mask and chest protector due to the smaller ball size and faster pitches. Softball gear is generally more robust, with a larger mask and additional padding to handle the larger ball and varied pitch speeds.
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