Are Expensive Catcher’s Mitts Worth It? The Cost-Per-Season Math
Run the cost per season instead of the sticker price, and a premium catcher’s mitt can be cheaper than rebuying a budget one every spring. Here is the math.

From this page you can access all of our reviews of Fastpitch Softball catcher’s gear (scroll below). In this category, reviews typically cover gear for ages 12 and up.
Our top picks for each category of Fastpitch catcher’s gear are shown below. Click the image to check the price!
Top Catcher’s Helmet: Jen Schro The Very Best

Top Catcher’s Mitt: Wilson A2000 FPCM

Top Chest Protector: Jen Schro The Very Best
Top Leg Guards: All-Star Vela

Run the cost per season instead of the sticker price, and a premium catcher’s mitt can be cheaper than rebuying a budget one every spring. Here is the math.
How to choose a catcher’s mitt in five decisions, in order: ball, size, leather, pocket and fit — with the size chart, the leather grades, and where each catcher lands.
How to break in a catcher’s mitt the way that lasts: hand work, a ball overnight, daily catch, a mallet, and no heat — with break-in timelines for the Heart of the Hide, A2K and Pro Elite.
Steerhide, kip, Japanese-tanned, Heart of the Hide, Pro Stock — what catcher’s mitt leather names actually mean, and which leather fits your catcher.
Heart of the Hide vs Jen Schro: we compare the Rawlings 33in and Easton 34in fastpitch catchers mitts on leather, break-in, lefty fit and price.