Ultimate Catcher's Buying Guide
Whether you are a coach, parent, or player these are my favorite catching finds that I would buy again and again after 11 years of coaching full time.
Choosing the right softball equipment is hard.
Helpful links and buying guides for coaches, parents, and players looking for a little help.
If you are going to spend your money, do it right the first time.
Let’s make sure you have all the facts and pick the right equipment before making such an important investment.
Thank you for helping me help your daughters.
I will receive a small commission on these links if you purchase them within 24 hours of adding them to your cart.
As you scroll down, you’ll find my favorite picks top down with intermediate and beginner options at the bottom of each section. Also – feel free to pick and choose certain parts from each set that works for your daughter.
These catcher’s sets are great for players looking to replace or buy an entire set and save some money at the same time.
I have listed these sets in order of advanced to beginner.
EvoShield G2S Fastpitch Catcher's Gear Kit
This set is absolute luxury in a box. I would not consider making this type of investment in this gear until your daughter has reached her maximum height as this set actually has Evoshield's 'gel to shell' technology that will mold the gear to her fit her perfectly. The upper leg guard attaches with a hook-and-loop strap and is adjustable by 2" up or down. Together these make a revolutionary leg guard system that is lighter than traditional leg guards and fits like a glove. Two of my college catchers that I train have this set, and they both rave about how comfortable this set is and how much they love it. If I were to purchase another catcher's gear set for myself I would probably purchase this one.
Easton | JEN SCHRO The Very Best Fastpitch Softball Catcher's Equipment | Box Set
The name says it all. The Very Best Chest Protector is form-fit for the female athlete, with easy-to-adjust fit system and patented silicone grip abs. The Very Best Leg Guards feature a neoprene knee strap for improved comfort, as well as inner-knee padding designed for throwing from the knees. This set fits snugly, but it’s quick and easy to adjust. I love the fact that this helmet doesn’t block peripheral vision. The chest protector is probably the most innovative part of the set, since it’s designed to be tight fitting and not be the more floppy type protector of other brands. The front clips make it really quick and easy for us girls to take on/off without help... another feature that I really love after watching so many kids struggle with ill-fitting gear. My girls who have this gear tell me that blocking in this gear is like blocking on pillows. This is definitely worth the investment (lets be real - this gear isn’t cheap) for those girls who know they are going to be lifers behind the plate. If you are in between sizes, I would recommend sizing up since this set is super easy to adjust. P.S. I found the cheapest version of this and the biggest selection on Amazon.
Mizuno | Samurai Women's Catcher's Gear Box Set
This is the gear our coach bought in college for us and I have been loyal to this brand ever since. The chest protector had a great fit and was easy to adjust. The shin guards were also great and form fitting. The straps and clips were all very durable. The helmet was my favorite part about this set. It was well ventilated and came with easy to wipe down and clean leather forehead and chin padding (much better than fabric IMO). I would carry a small case of antibacterial wipes with me in my bag and wipe it down after games. Catcher's you know the pain and how bad acne can get when all you do is sweat and play in the dirt all day long. See below for the link for the helmet only.
Easton | THE FUNDAMENTAL BY JEN SCHRO Softball Catcher's Equipment | Box Set
This is a slight step down from the 'Very Best' Easton set but similar. One of my girls searched and tried three sets before finding this one. It is comfortable, and the knees are excellent at impact absorption. It's ridiculously lightweight and allows needed mobility to catch but sturdy/well made enough to provide needed protection. This is a top notch set for catcher's who are still growing. This super functional set also comes with a 1 year warranty. The eye catching super cool Storm Trooper look isn't bad either. Highly recommend!
For players who are looking to replace a single piece of equipment. These are my favorite picks.
Mizuno Women's Samurai Softball Catchers Helmet
I personally love this helmet. It was well ventilated and came with easy to wipe down and clean leather forehead and chin padding (much better than fabric IMO). I would carry a small case of antibacterial wipes with me in my bag and wipe it down after games. Catcher's you know the pain and how bad acne can get when all you do is sweat and play in the dirt all day long. This helmet did not block my peripheral vision at all and was easy enough to adjust to fit snug enough to make those ESPN worthy plays without looking like a bobble head.
Easton | JEN SCHRO THE VERY BEST Softball Catcher's Leg Guards
My girls say these leg guards are like blocking on pillows. I love the fact that these have inner knee padding specifically added for players who throw from their knees. The outer shell design creates a better wrap around shins and knees for improved performance when blocking and throwing from the ground. They also feature a breathable liner for maximum cooling, and added shin padding for extra comfort. I love the easy to handle clips as well. These are the best shin guards on the market right now and when you see them, you'll understand why.
Easton | JEN SCHRO THE VERY BEST Softball Catcher's Chest Protector
Leave the bulky, ill-fitting catcher's gear you're used to where it belongs - in the past. Easton's 'Very Best' Chest Protector from Jen Schro is built for the modern female backstop who refuses to sacrifice range of motion for protection behind the plate. This chest protector is made for the female athlete and stays close to your body, even when moving, while the front facing buckles allow for easy on/off between innings.
EvoShield Catcher's Knee Blocks
Spend the extra $10 to get the adjustable EvoShield Knee Savers. This is the only set that I've seen that you can adjust. Tailor your support by unzipping the pocket, and remove the foam wedge inserts to adjust to your preferred height. The EvoShield Catcher’s Knee Blocks are compatible with all leg guards and constructed for easy on and easy off between innings so you won’t get caught racing to gear up before taking the field. I believe that each player should be treated individually so I don’t take the cookie-cutter approach to coaching. No two players are exactly alike and they shouldn’t be coached exactly alike. With that said, some of my catcher's wear Knee Savers and some don’t. I personally think that it should be a personal choice for catcher's who are 100% healthy. Just make sure to wear these on your lower ankle straps, NOT the upper straps behind your knee.
Demarini Spectre Wheeled Bag
If you want the Porsche of all catcher's bags, this is it. I have two recommendations for you. 1. Don't buy a cheap catcher's bag. You'll end up having to replace it faster than you can say 'Yahtzee' and 2. Whatever bag you decide to get - make sure it has wheels (you'll thank me later). You definitely only want to purchase a catcher's bag once, so make sure it's a good choice. Featuring a massive storage capacity and reinforced side walls, the DeMarini Spectre Wheeled Bag is built to carry all the gear a player needs for weekend long tournaments and cross country travel. Six padded bat sleeves allow you to stash your full arsenal of bats, and the reinforced internal shelves help to organize multiple ball gloves, uniforms and additional gear. The top compartment with an internal mesh pocket keeps your valuables close, and a large insulated pocket can keep your drinks cool on hot days (my favorite feature BTW). A player’s or coach's best friend.
No Errors NO E2 Wheeled Catchers Gear Bag w/ Fatboy Wheels
If I had to relate this bag to a car, I would relate this one to a Cadillac Escalade. The perfect balance between luxury and sport. This would be another great option similar to the bag above, but this one is one has a few more internal pockets and organization than the Spectre bag above. This bag is made of tough weather-resistant fabrics so your equipment will stay dry in a sudden rainstorm and also has 3 ventilated pockets (iykyk). This is also a small business who has listened to their customers and improved each design of this bag. I especially like this bag because of its ability to hang on the fence like a mobile locker. Perfect for athletes who play multiple positions or those who like to store an entire refrigerators worth of old water bottles. With all of the shelves and pockets this bag is big enough to fit all of your gear plus the kitchen sink. Great for players and coaches.
DeMarini Momentum Wheeled Bag 2.0
This is like the beloved Toyota Camry of catcher's bags. Affordable and super durable and will probably last long enough to be passed down to the next generation. I love this bag because my catcher's have had zero issues with it and its durability is definitely there knowing the way my catcher's put this bag through its paces. DeMarini is known for its amazing equipment and this bag is no exception. Stash all of your bats in the four individually padded bat sleeves, and store a full set of catcher’s gear, ball gloves, batting helmets and other items in the large main compartment. This bag also has a few conveniently placed front pockets for the essentials: cell phone, eye black, chapstick etc.
Rawlings Covert Player Duffle Bag
This bag is relatable to your first car. Just starting out? Need something basic and affordable to get you from point A to point B? This will do. This bag isn't perfect (seriously, get a bag with wheels), but for someone who isn't sure if catching is for them, this option for around $50 will do the job. This duffle is big enough to fit all of your gear plus a few bats. Disclaimer: IF you are buying for a youth player, assume that as a parent you'll have to carry this bag when fully packed. I've seen some of my girls use the straps and wear this like a backpack, but this bag can get heavy fast (Seriously, wheels people). This bag does not come with power windows and automatic locks, but for the price this bag does have the necessities to get you to and from your destination.
Be VERY careful with sizing on catcher’s mitts. Sizing goes by the pocket size circumference, rather than the glove’s length like most fielder’s mitts. Many baseball dads who have softball daughters assume they can buy any old catcher’s mitt on the shelf. Please make sure you are buying the correct size!
A 32inch catcher’s mitt is almost ALWAYS a baseball mitt and the pocket will be WAY too small to fit a softball! If your daughter is playing with the 11inch ball, you should look for a 33-inch catcher’s mitt. This is the pocket-size needed to fit the 11inch ball. Once your daughter graduates to the 12inch ball, I would recommend spending a little more on this glove, since hopefully, she’ll have it for a long time if she takes care of it. For the 12inch ball, you’ll need a 34inch pocket on your catcher’s mitt.
Catcher’s mitts are notorious for being difficult to break in, especially when investing in a high-end brand like Wilson or Rawlings, that leather will be STIFF. Make sure you read the section on my best tips on how to break in a mitt.
I have listed these gloves in order of Advanced to Youth.
Wilson | 2024 A2000 Series 34 Inch CM Fastpitch Softball Catcher's Mitt
This 34" glove is Wilson's top of the line glove. I love this mitt because of the amazing construction. This glove is surprisingly lightweight due to Wilson's SuperSkin™ which is a microfiber material that’s half the weight of traditional pro stock leather, but twice as durable. Its moisture-resistant design extends the longevity of the glove, which also makes it easier to clean than traditional leather. Please note that this glove is NOT for beginners and will take a long time to break in, but once you do this glove will last you at least 4-5 years of heavy use.
Easton | Professional Collection Signature Series Fastpitch Softball Glove 34"
This 34" glove was designed with Jen Shroeder to create several unique catcher-specific features that female athletes will love. This glove is handcrafted with Premium Reserve USA steer hide leather and pro-grade rawhide laces. This glove also includes a full leather lining, binding and welting to provide a durable shape and a faster break-in, which makes you game-ready in no time. I personally really like the way this catcher's mitt is designed with comfort in mind with a suede back of the wrist liner and adjustable fit system. Lastly - All Easton products typically come with a 1 year warranty - but the company is standing by an extended 6 month warranty on top of the initial first year. Although this glove is an investment - it clearly will last you a long time if well taken care of (see glove buying guide for tips on how to care for your new mitt!).
Rawlings | Liberty Advanced Fastpitch Softball Glove Series 34"
A step below Rawlings Heart of the Hide series. I absolutely ADORE this mitt. I personally have this glove in all white - and after 4-5 years of owning it believe it or not it still looks great and is an extremely sharp looking mitt. This mitt is awesome for intermediate players who enjoy a stiffer feel. This glove has a great, deep, moldable pocket that isn't difficult to break in. This glove’s laces and colors can be fully customized and even stitched with your name and number (if you're into that stuff). This is the type of glove in both stature and quality that a young player can grow into. It may feel large and heavy at first to any player upgrading from a beginner mitt, but once my players play catch with this glove its usually love at first try on! I would consider this a high end intermediate/advanced level glove.
Easton | Elite Fastpitch Softball Glove | Jen Schroeder Model
If you haven't heard of Jen Schroeder you probably should look her up. Her expertise in the game shines through in the design and functionality of this glove. A standout feature is the superior pocket design. A well-defined pocket is crucial for secure ball retention, and this mitt delivers. Whether you're framing pitches or making those lightning-fast transfer throws, you can trust that the ball will stay right where it needs to be. This is a great mid level intermediate option.
Mizuno Franchise Fastpitch Softball Glove Series
This glove would be more of a beginner mitt if your daughter is playing with the 12in ball. I would definitely get this glove if your daughter plays travel and catches for faster velocity pitchers. I like that this has an easy velcro wrist closure which allows players to fully customize their fit. Lightweight leather allows for good glove control at the youth level while also allowing for a fast break in. This is great option for those who want a great durable glove for a great price.
Rawlings | Shut Out Youth Softball Glove
I see a ton of these gloves at all of my beginner clinics. This is another great option for those who want a great durable glove for a great price. Designed for the youth fastpitch softball player that is just starting the game. This glove is super lightweight leather that basically comes broken in already. Super easy to squeeze and get adjusted to, I would recommend this glove as a great starting point for players ages 6-10 years old for girls that are using the 11in ball.
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