Softball Fielder’s Mask & Helmet Buying Guide

Softball Fielder's Mask & Helmet Buying Guide

Whether you are a coach, parent, or player these are my favorite fielder’s mask and helmet finds (that are ponytail friendly) 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 important investments.

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.

In all my years of coaching, this has to be one of the most important pieces of equipment that every parent SHOULD buy if they want their daughter to be a great defensive infielder, or MUST buy if they want their daughter to play on the infield as one of the front three players (pitcher, third base or first base).

Please don’t make the mistake of not buying this mask, or any other defensive mask, for your player(s), even if the ‘chin cup is always falling off’. Go to the local store, spend about $1.50 on some black electrical tape, and tape the chin cup to the bottom bar and over the velcro. I did this very same thing to three of our players’ masks on our team. A $2.00 solution to avoid a $2,000.00 potential nightmare.

BTW, you ask about about wearing a visor? Here’s a hint: sunglasses. Get the polarized ones made for fishing. They’re cheap, do a great job reducing glare and really bright sunlight, plus look cool and intimidating (what the girls say) if you get the mirror finish ones (orange or blue).

I have tried brands like Schutt and Champion, and just keep coming back to Rip-It. Rip-It is also my slowpitch team’s favorite facemask as well (just in case some of you parents still want to play too).

You’ll find these face masks listed in order of my personal favorites.

RIP-IT - Defense Pro Adult Softball Fielder's Mask

Pitchers are throwing faster, batters are hitting harder, and the game is more competitive than ever. This mask provides comfort and maximum protection in a lightweight package (0.69 lbs) with unobstructed visibility. It comes in a variety of sizes and convenient colors that match most standard uniforms, and upgrade kits are available for visors, extra padding, and more. The RIP-IT Defense Pro features Blackout Technology, which is like eye-black for your equipment, only better. This helps eliminate glare from the sun and will help you see the ball like never before. The Defense Pro also comes with removable/washable moisture-wicking pads, features a ponytail-friendly Y-shaped head strap, and an infinitely adjustable chin cup for constant comfort, even when you are calling for a pop up.

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RIP-IT - Youth Defense Softball Fielder’s Mask

This is the same great option as above, just without the 'glare reducing' capabilities and removable padding of the mask above. It comes in a variety of sizes and convenient colors that match most standard uniforms, and upgrade kits are available for visors, extra padding, and more. This mask (like the one above) is ergonomically designed for a secure fit when running. This mask also features a ponytail-friendly Y-shaped head strap and an infinitely adjustable chin cup for constant comfort. I love this brand because they make products specifically for the female athlete.

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You’ll find these helmets listed in order of my personal favorites.

EvoShield XVT Batting Helmet with Facemask Series

This helmet definitely passes the eye candy test with its sleek design, matte finish and convenient logo placement. The pads on the inside are great quality and feel breathable. You will need to purchase a chin strap separately. This helmet can be purchased for both softball and baseball if you decide to remove the mask. EvoShield is known for its high quality protective gear and this helmet is no exception. This helmet comes in both gloss or matte options, 3 different sizes and 6 different colors. Buyers beware that this helmet does run large. So purchase if you have a large head - or make sure to size down.

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RIP-IT Vision Pro Matte Softball Batting Helmet

A crowd favorite for all of my players both young and old. This ultralightweight helmet weighs less than 1lb! The face shield on this one gives an exceptional field of view. You will have to purchase a chin strap separately as the strap does not come with this helmet. I like this brand because they make gear specifically designed for female athletes (girl power, yay!). Comes in 6 different colorways and 3 different sizes AND is ponytail friendly!

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Rawlings Sporting Goods Highlighter Series Softball Helmet

Feel completely confident at the plate when you wear this adult softball batting helmet. This is a one size fits all - and the website says this is an adult helmet, but I have had 6/7 year olds purchase this helmet and it fits them great. This helmet has 9 sleek, matte colorways available to cater to all of those picky softball players. I love the breathability of this helmet. The face mask comes attached, and also comes with wrapped jaw pads to deliver increased protection and comfort. This helmet does come with a chin strap which is an extra bonus! This is a very reliable option for any softball player.

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Easton Alpha Batting Helmet with Face Mask

This helmet comes in 2 different sizes and 5 colorways. This helmet also has a removable logo, so if you wanted to replace it with your team's you could. This helmet comes with a chinstrap which is convenient (yay, free stuff!). This would be a good option if you wanted to buy a helmet for both your daughter and son in one purchase as this is considered a unisex helmet.

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Easton Ghost TBall Softball Batting Helmet

This helmet was designed with the youth Tball player in mind!! I would recommend this helmet for girls ages 4-7 year old. This was the smallest helmet that I could find that was still comfortable and well designed. This would be the perfect starting point for your daughter's first helmet! You will need to purchase a chin strap separately. This helmet comes in 8 different colorways (because you know, style matters, Dad).

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