Choosing & Sizing Catcher’s Gear—A Complete Guide
Of all the positions in baseball and softball, the catcher requires the most gear for reliable protection behind the plate. Whether you’re shopping for the upcoming fastpitch season or need gear for your youth baseball player, our guide explains the three main pieces of catcher’s gear as well as how to size each piece for optimal comfort and protection.
You can find catcher’s gear sets that include all three pieces or buy each piece separately, depending on your level of play; however, it’s important to make sure the catcher’s gear is sized properly for the season. Avoid purchasing a catcher’s kit that your player will “grow into.” This will leave them unprotected behind home plate.
1. Catcher’s Helmet
A catcher's helmet is perhaps the most critical piece of protective gear because it protects the catcher’s head, face, and ears against lightning-fast pitches. It’s important to double-check your league’s requirements, but most players opt for a hockey-style helmet for the most protection.
How to Size a Catcher’s Helmet
When sizing a catcher’s helmet, follow these steps:
- Using a flexible measuring tape, wrap it around your head about one inch above your eyebrows. This measurement is your head’s circumference.
- If you don’t have a flexible measuring tape, use a piece of string and measure with a ruler.
- Use this measurement and the generic catcher’s helmet size chart below to find the proper size.
Catcher’s Helmet Size Chart
| Head Circumference | Hat Size | Helmet Size |
|---|---|---|
| 20 ¾” | 6 ⅝” | XS |
| 21 ⅛” | 6 ¾” | S |
| 21 ½” | 6 ⅞” | S |
| 21 ⅞” | 7” | M |
| 22 ¼” | 7 ⅛” | M |
| 22 ⅝” | 7 ¼” | L |
| 23” | 7 ⅜” | L |
| 23 ½” | 7 ½” | XL |
| 23 ⅞” | 7 ⅝” | XL |
| 24 ¼” | 7 ¾” | 2XL |
| 24 ⅝” | 7 ⅞” | 2XL |
| 25 ¼” | 8" | 3XL |
| 25 ⅝” | 8 ⅛” | 3XL |
2. Catcher’s Chest Protector
The second piece of catcher’s gear is a chest protector. This is designed to shield a player’s torso, ribs, and collarbone from pitches. Having the proper size is important so that the player stays protected and can quickly move.
How to Size a Catcher’s Chest Protector
To find the correct size, measure from the top of your sternum to your waistline. The generic chest protector size charts below help guide you on what to look for when shopping. If the player is in between sizes, choose the longer length to ensure adequate coverage.
Baseball Chest Protector Size Chart
| Size | Age | Length |
|---|---|---|
| T-Ball | 5—7 | 10" |
| Youth | 7—9 | 13.5" |
| Junior | 9—12 | 14.5" |
| Senior | 12—16 | 15.5" |
| Adult | 16+ | 16" |
Softball Chest Protector Size Chart
| Size | Age | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Youth | 7—9 | 12.5" |
| Junior | 9—12 | 13" |
| Senior | 12+ | 14.5" |
Aside from finding the correct size, you’ll want to make sure that the chest protector is properly adjusted before each game. The straps should keep the chest protector snug and in place when squatting, running, and throwing.
3. Catcher’s Leg Guards
The last essential piece of catcher’s gear is leg guards. These are important to protect the knees, shins, and ankles yet allow for mobility to make critical plays behind the plate.
How to Size Catcher’s Leg Guards
When seated, measure the length of your shin starting from the middle of the kneecap to the ankle bone. Use the generic size charts below to find the correct size. If you’re between sizes, choose the longer length for complete coverage.
Baseball Leg Guard Size Chart
| Size | Age | Length |
|---|---|---|
| T-Ball | 5—7 | 10" |
| Youth | 7—9 | 12.5" |
| Junior | 9—12 | 13.5" |
| Senior | 12—16 | 15" |
| Adult | 16+ | 15.5" |
| Adult | 16+ | 16.5" |
| Adult | 16+ | 17.5" |
Softball Leg Guard Size Chart
| Size | Age | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Youth | 7—9 | 12.5" |
| Junior | 9—12 | 13" |
| Senior | 12+ | 14.5" |
When trying on your leg guards, wear your baseball or softball pants to make sure that everything feels comfortable with the clothes you’ll be wearing during practice or on game day.
As a catcher, wearing properly fitting protective gear is important for protection and performance behind home plate. If you have additional questions about how to size your catcher’s gear or need other baseball or softball equipment, stop by your local ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN to speak with an Expert!
