{"id":95,"date":"2024-03-31T19:30:06","date_gmt":"2024-03-31T19:30:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theplanetofbaseball.com\/index.php\/2021\/04\/19\/top-5-best-youth-catchers-gear-reviews-2018-updated-april-2021\/"},"modified":"2024-03-31T19:30:06","modified_gmt":"2024-03-31T19:30:06","slug":"top-5-best-youth-catchers-gear-reviews-2018-updated-april-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theplanetofbaseball.com\/top-5-best-youth-catchers-gear-reviews-2018-updated-april-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 Best Youth Catchers Gear Reviews"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are the parent of a youth who has just wrapped up baseball season, you may already be looking forward to next year. Kids at younger ages usually rotate through positions, but if your child is serious about playing at a more competitive level, he or she is likely going to stick to just one position. If that position is catcher, the off season is a great time to find the best youth catcher\u2019s gear and equipment.<\/p>\n

As you take stock of what your child needs for the new season, it is important to keep in mind that much of this equipment may become too small as your child grows older and bigger. Still, catcher\u2019s gear holds its resale value quite well and you may be able to trade it into a second-hand sports equipment store after your child outgrows it. It can be quite tempting to buy something that your child can grow into in a couple of years, but it is better to buy something that fits correctly now, especially if it will help prevent injuries and offer better protection.<\/p>\n

What Equipment Does A Youth Catcher Need?<\/h2>\n

For youth who are just starting out in playing baseball, you will need, at a minimum, three pieces of equipment. You can buy these three items separately, or you can look to buy all three as a pack together.<\/p>\n

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Via: batandballgame.com<\/p>\n

First thing you will need is a good catcher\u2019s helmet and mask. The fit must be comfortable as it will be on your child\u2019s head for most of the game. In addition, he or she will be taking it off and putting it on constantly, so finding something comfortable that can be slipped on and off repeatedly is important.<\/p>\n

You will have to decide whether to get a cage that protects the full face (similar to a hockey mask) or just a traditional style cage (leaves the eyes open parallel to the ground). The full caged mask offers slightly better protection and would be suitable for children, while the traditional caged mask may be a bit easier to slip on, with two straps to adjust the tightness and one on top to arrange the fit.<\/p>\n

The second item that you should look for is a solid chest protector. This incredibly important piece of equipment will make sure your child is safe from any errant pitches that cannot be caught, as well as any incidental contact at the place. Your child\u2019s ribs, chest stomach will all be protected with a good chest protector.<\/p>\n

You will want to find something that is good quality that can absorb the impact of fast pitches as this is the primary piece of padding that is keeping your child safe. This may cost a bit more but in the end it is worth it.<\/p>\n

Finally, you will need to get your child a pair of knee and leg guards. These are usually made of plastic with some reinforced padding to add some protection. Good guards will protect your child\u2019s knees and legs as they are often down on their knees to stop low pitches. Thankfully, the technology has improved over the last decade and guards are now quite good at protecting your child\u2019s legs.<\/p>\n

What To Look For When Buying Catcher\u2019s Gear<\/h2>\n

When buying catcher\u2019s gear for your youth, there are 5 important things to look for before making your purchase:<\/p>\n