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This post is a detailed compilation of all of our top picks for the best youth catchers gear currently available. This represents many, many hours of research and writing on catcher's gear.
These particular picks are geared towards youth Baseball and Fastpitch Softball catchers, generally ages 12 and younger.
If you're looking to quickly and easily find all of the top-rated catcher's gear out there for younger catchers, then look no further. This is it.
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Best Youth Catchers Gear for Baseball and Fastpitch Softball
Components of Catcher's Gear
Catchers have a number of key pieces of gear to wear behind the plate. We discuss this, and many of the accessories that catchers use, in our overview post called Catcher's Gear 101.
At Catchers Home, we tend to think about the equipment catchers wear as being divided between two categories: required and optional gear.
There are four primary pieces of required gear. They are:
- Catcher's Helmet (or Mask with Skull Cap)
- Catcher's Mitt
- Chest Protector
- Leg Guards
Please note that this list does not, of course, list cups as a required piece of gear. However, we recommend all male catchers to wear one, regardless of age. See our post for more information on this.
Can I Buy Catcher's Gear Online?
Of course!
Many online retailers sell gear from an huge variety of brands, with variations of sizes and colors to choose from.
Generally speaking, you won't even come close to finding the same variety of gear in a physical store that you'll be able to find online.
So it's pretty clear to us that buying online is the way to go.
But what if you're worried about the ability to get the right size without trying the gear on first?
If this concerns you, it shouldn't. This is for two simple reasons. First, it's incredibly easy to measure your child for gear.
Second, the majority of online retailers today (especially one of our favorite retailers) have simple return policies in the unlikely event that gear you pre-measured your child for doesn't fit.
How to Size Your Child for Catchers Gear
It is very easy to measure your son or daughter to wear catchers equipment for youth athletes.
We provide instructions on how to do this in our individual posts published on this site. For example, you can find out how to measure for leg guards if you read our post on the best youth leg guards.
For ease of use we've included an illustration below showing how to measure for key components of gear. Take a look, and be sure to review our other posts for additional information.
(Note: The instructions in the picture below really applies to gear for all youth aged catchers.)
Overview of our Methodology and Picks
We have reviewed a substantial number of products sold by every type of brand that manufactures catcher's equipment.
Our reviews were based primarily on our evaluation of the protective qualities of the equipment, on its durability and cost, and to a lesser extent, on its design and available color options.
These evaluations and reviews led to the below list of top picks for youth Baseball and Fastpitch Softball catchers.
(Please note that we also have a separate post looking at the best gear for "adult" catchers, or those 13 and older. Click here to review that post.)
Without further delay, let's take a look at our top picks by category!
Best Youth Catcher's Gear Set (Softball): Jen Schro The Very Best, by Easton
Our choice as the best overall catcher's set for youth Softball catchers
(*You can also check out our full-length post reviewing all of our youth catcher's gear set picks!)
Jen Schro’s The Very Best is Easton's newest line of Fastpitch Softball catcher's gear, and it is impressive due to its quality and distinctive features.
The Very Best set was designed specifically for female catchers and includes a catcher's helmet, chest protector, and leg guards.
The set is available in three sizes: small, medium or large. Small is intended for girls aged 9 – 12, medium for ages 12 – 15, and large for ages 15 and older.
Please note: These are general size ranges, so we encourage you to measure your athlete prior to purchasing a set.
This very unique and very high quality gear stands out for a number of reasons.
First, is the chest protector. It has two straps that connect at the front, allowing for much easier and custom adjustment than other chest protectors on the market. It’s a really cool and useful feature.
The chest protector also features motivational phrases from Jen Schro on its inside lining. It’s unique and a nice touch.
The second area that stands out is the leg guards. They were design in such a way as to wrap around a large portion of the legs.
Additionally, the leg guards include more knee padding than any other Softball leg guards we’ve seen, which helps the wearer do a better job at blocking and throwing from the knees.
Lastly, the catcher’s helmet stands out for its solid ABS shell, its steel cage, and its moisture wicking and anti-microbial lining. All of the gear in this set meets NOCSAE standards.
This catcher’s gear set lives up to its name – you simply will not find a better set for Fastpitch Softball players on the market.
Pros
Easton is a top brand, especially among Fastpitch Softball catchers
This set is packed with unique, high-quality features
The chest protector comes with two adjustable straps connecting in the front
Additional padding in the leg guard is strategically placed over the knee
The catcher's helmet has anti-sweat and anti-microbial lining
Cons
As a premium set, it is on the expensive side
Brief Video Overview of Jen Schro The Very Best Set
Best Youth Catcher's Gear Set (Baseball): All-Star System 7 Axis
Our Pick for the Best Youth Catcher's Gear Set for Baseball Catchers
(*You can also check out our full-length post reviewing all of our youth catcher's gear set picks!)
All-Star’s System 7 (S7) Axis lineup is among the most technology-laden, premium level, highest quality catcher’s gear currently on the market.
This set comes with the S7 (MVP2510) catcher's helmet, the Axis chest protector, (CP912S7X), and Axis leg guards (LG912S7X).
You can purchase this particular set in one of two sizes: 1 set for 12 - 16 year olds; and 1 set for 9 - 12 year olds. The gear in each set is the same, other than size differences. Sizes of each piece of gear will be posted on the webpage of the retailer.
The catcher's helmet is made of a resin shell, which does a good job of protecting the wearer. It also has an I-Bar Vision™ frame which is a unique design that strengthens the cage and increases the range of view beyond your typical catcher's helmet.
The Axis chest protector comes with added protective plates (made of a strong material called polyethylene) in the sternum and collarbone area, as well as a proprietary harness system called DeltaFlex™ which helps get the chest protector adjusted for a near-perfect fit.
Lastly, the Axis Leg Guards are breathable, strong yet lightweight, and they don't shift around like a lot of other leg guards do. You can tell they are very high-quality right out of the box.
As an added bonus, this set comes in a many different color combinations for you to choose from, including one with an American flag/red, white and blue color theme.
Pros
Made by an elite and well-respected brand
Axis is All-Star's premium and most technology-packed gear
The helmet, chest protector and leg guards provide excellent protection, yet are lightweight
Gear is designed not to shift around as abruptly as others
Available in multiple colors
Cons
It is All-Star's premium catcher's set, so the cost is higher than others. You are really paying for quality.
Video Overview of the Axis Leg Guards
Best Youth Catcher's Helmet: Mizuno G4 Youth Samurai
It was a tough call, but the G4 Samurai comes out on top as our #1 pick for best youth Catchers Helmet
(*You can also check out our full-length post reviewing all of our youth catcher's helmet picks!)
This is an excellent helmet for the beginner and intermediate youth Catcher.
It not only protects the user well, but it is a comfortable helmet and provides excellent ventilation using Mizuno's strategic ventilation system.
It is easy to fling off for foul balls and plays at the plate, yet durable enough to take a beating game after game.
This helmet looks great and comes in a variety of different colors. It's not perfect, but it's fairly close for a youth Catchers Helmet.
Pros
Very good quality and durability
Lightweight and snug fitting
Easy to clean
Excellent ventilation
Adjustable jaw pad
Multiple color options
Cons
Internal foam padding has come loose after heavy use in a few cases (in that event, a simple re-glue should do the trick)
Best Youth Chest Protector: All Star System 7 Axis
The Axis comes out on top as our top pick for youth chest protectors
(*You can also check out our full-length post reviewing all of our youth chest protector picks!)
Our #1 choice for the best youth chest protector available today is the All Star System 7 Axis. This is a super high quality product developed by one of the leading catcher's gear brands out there.
The Axis emerges above the crowd for not only looking great, but for having moldable polyethylene (PE) protective plates in the throat, collarbone and sternum. Critical areas needing protection.
It was also recently redesigned to have a more protected center chest panel to help prevent the rare but serious condition called commotio cordis. You can see this in the pictures on this post – it is the broad, padded area in the center with the All Star logo over it.
The Axis is noticeably thin and lightweight, comes with wedged abs for improved blocking, and it conforms well to the body.
In short, it is an excellent chest protector that should last you through many seasons of use.
Please Note: youth size is generally for ages 9 - 12, and is 14.5 inches. The intermediate size is generally for ages 12 - 16, and is 15.5 ages.
Pros
Improved chest coverage to help protect against commotio cordis
Internal protective plates mold to the body well
Wedged ab design is flatter for improved blocking
Adjustable harness allows for good custom fit
"Diamond vents" help encourage more air flow
Machine washable
Available in multiple colors
Cons
None that we have seen!
Back of the Axis Youth Chest Protector
Best Youth Softball Catcher's Mitt: Easton Elite Series by Jen Schroeder
(*You can also check out our full-length post reviewing all of our youth catcher's mitt picks!)
Our choice for the best youth softball catcher's mitt is the Jen Schroeder Fastpitch Catchers Glove, by Easton (Elite Series, 33 inches). It is an affordable and high quality mitt that will work incredibly well for younger catchers playing fastpitch softball.
The Elite Series mitt was made purposely designed for use on a female catcher's hand, so it should fit at least as well if not better than comparable gloves for softball catchers.
It is built as a closed web fastpitch mitt, and it is made with real rawhide laces and premium steerhide leather.
This mitt has a soft - yet durable - "tumbled leather" outer shell. It looks great in its ivory white colored leather with white lacing, and it has Easton's name and its "E" logo stitched in silver with the phrase "HAVE NO DOUBT" above the pinkie stall (in addition to other motivational phrases).
We are also fans of the enclosure over the wrist which can be tightened to better fit young catcher's hands, and we like the leather snakeskin pattern that's on part of the top of the mitt.
In our opinion, the Easton Elite Series catcher's mitt by Jen Schroeder is an excellent choice for youth softball catchers and a solid pick for the money.
Pros
A fastpitch catcher's mitt that's affordably priced
Built with good quality leather considering its low cost
Has a great fit over the hand for most softball catchers
The wrist strap adjusts
We like the white and silver color pattern
Cons
This mitt is only made for right handed throwers (not for left handed catchers)
Best Youth Baseball Catcher's Mitt: All Star Pro Elite
(*You can also check out our full-length post reviewing all of our youth catcher's mitt picks!)
Our choice for the best youth catcher's mitt for baseball is the All Star Pro Elite catcher's mitt (CM3000XSBT, 32 inches).
All Star is a popular baseball and softball equipment manufacturer known for building high quality gear, including catcher's mitts used by a number of pro and amateur ballplayers.
These mitts have an open back and are built as a 1 piece closed web. They are made with a premium-quality Japanese tanned steerhide leather, which is some of the nicest leather you can get.
Its traditional tan and black leather combined with its yellow stitching and black laces looks really good. The All Star logo appears above the adjustable wrist strap, and the All Star name is over the pinkie finger stall.
Lastly, All Star's Pro Elite catcher's mitts come with an index finger hood and a comfortable liner over the left wrist and hand. This is a durable and well-built catcher's mitt that should last you many years.
Please note: All Star's Pro Elite catcher's mitts are currently only available for right hand throwers.
Pros
Has an excellent quality Japanese steerhide leather shell
Built with an adjustable wrist strap to give you a more custom fit
Contains an index finger hood and wrist liner
Looks great with its tan and black leather
Has a very comfortable feel when you put it on
Did we mention the premium quality of this mitt? You'll get a beautiful pop when catching with this.
Cons
This catcher's mitt is pricey. But you get what you pay for - it will hold up a long time.
Though it comes with some break in, you will still need to do some work to get it fully ready. Make sure to get some glove oil for it.
Close-up Image of the All Star Pro Elite Catcher's Mitt
Best Youth Leg Guards: All-Star System 7 Axis Youth Series
Premium Leg Guards for serious young catchers
(*You can also check out our full-length post reviewing all of our youth catcher's mitt picks!)
After many hours of research, our conclusion is that All Star makes some of the best Leg Guards on the market right now. This generally rings true not only for adult Baseball and Fastpitch Softball but at the youth level as well.
The System 7 model is arguably the best known line of catchers gear in the All Star collection, the Axis version being the newest addition to the System 7 family.
These Leg Guards have a lot of great features built in, such as the gel enclosed "Patella Plus" knee pad technology, which gives excellent protection and comfort to the knee.
Speaking of the knee, the Axis version has a smoother and wider knee area than its predecessor, increasing the mobility of the catcher using it.
The DeltaFlex™ harness system does a great job of keeping the Leg Guards firmly in place throughout the game. The padding and exterior plastic are vented which allows air to circulate, helping keep Catchers cool behind the plate.
In short, System 7 Axis Leg Guards were designed to take a beating while keeping the wearer safe and comfortable. In our view, it is the top choice for young catchers.
Pros
Made with proprietary hinge system, preventing excess shifting
Superior ventilation via perforated padding and shell
Triple knee protection and knee pads with D30®
Moldable plastic, which allows the Leg Guards to conform to your legs with use
Cons
Premium product, so cost is higher than average
Rear of the Leg Guard
Best Catcher's Bag: No Errors NO E2
Our Top Overall Pick for Best Catchers Bag
(*You can also check out our full-length post reviewing all of our catcher's bag picks!)
No Errors is a specialty brand that focuses exclusively on making bags for Baseball and Fastpitch Softball players. The NO E2 is the premium catcher's bag made by the No Errors brand.
You can immediately tell that this bag was well thought out when it was designed. It is very large and can hold all of the equipment that a catcher might have, and then some.
There are nine distinct "pockets" in this bag, three of which are ventilated (to help wet gear and/or clothes dry) and one of which is shaped for Leg Guards and is able to be expanded for Leg Guards with Knee Savers.
In the rear part of the bag, you can fit up to three bats measuring 34" each.
The NO E2 is a catchers bag with big wheels. Seriously. It comes with extra large "fatboy" wheels that can withstand up to 500 pounds of stress.
This type of wheel is pretty unique among other bags in the market. As an added note, if wheel size or durability is the most important factor for you, then this is your bag.
The NO E2 also has high quality lubricated zippers, which helps make zipping easier than it otherwise would.
On the bottom part of the bag there are two bumpers, which serve two purposes: 1. to keep the bag elevated when laid on the ground, and 2. to hang the bag on a dugout fence.
It also has four "hideaway hooks" that you can rest gear on (for example, your catcher's mitt) between innings. You can see an example of one of those hooks in the picture below.
The NO E2 is definitely a big, high quality catcher's bag with some really cool features. It's for all of these reasons that it earned our #1 pick.
Note: The dimensions of the bag are 36" Lx 12" W x 12" H.
Pros
Comes with big, rugged fatboy wheels
Has durable, easy to use lubricated zippers
Includes three ventilated pockets which can help dry out wet equipment
Nine separate storage compartments in the bag, some of which can be expanded
External hooks allow catchers to quickly retrieve their gear in between innings
Sold in several different colors
Cons
It does not have a telescopic or adjustable handle
As a premium product, cost is on the higher side
Video of the NO E2 Bag and Additional Pictures
That Wraps it up!
Thanks for reading. We hope that this post and our reviews were helpful to you.
If you have any questions for us - whether you want to learn more about some of the best catchers gear, or you have questions about catching in general - then don't hesitate to reach out by heading over to the Contact Us page or by sending an email to scott [at] catchershome [dot] com.
Scott Perry
Scott Perry is the owner and lead author at Catchers Home. He's a former baseball player, a current coach, a husband and a Dad. He remains as passionate about baseball today as he was as a kid.