Lela Stratton
All-star Vella Pro
Wilson C1K
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Summer is here! Thanks to the fantastic weather, we want to be al out of the house, up and about different sports. So, today, we are going to take a look at one of the most popular games among all age groups, Fastpitch softball!
Fastpitch softball is a variation of softball mainly played by men and women. The International Softball federation governs it at the national and international levels. Today we will only focus on the softball catchers, as taking on fastball softball could take quite a while!
Catchers in any softball game are the essential players in the game. I know what you are thinking! How comes yet they barely move around in the pitch?
Catchers have the great responsibility of deciding the fate of the game. If the batter hits the ball, then the game comes to an end, but if they catch the ball kudos to the team! The game shall proceed.
Catchers are tasked with great responsibility, which only means that they need to be in the best state to play well. So, how do we ensure that catchers are at their best?
Although all players in the softball game require protective gear, catchers need more attention. Remember that in the fastpitch softball, the ball flies very fast. Therefore, for a catcher to be able to secure the ball, he or she will need protective gear, which consists of the helmet chest protector, catcher's nit, and the leg guards.
Well, all this said, we know that finding the right protective gear can be hectic. Therefore, we have done the hard part for you. Below is a comprehensive guide on the best catcher gear sets in the market.
Best Fastpitch Softball Catchers Gear Sets List
1
All-star Vella Pro
Our first review takes us to the most reputable catcher's gear set manufacturers. All-star is a trustworthy and renown manufacturer in the market, with positive reviews and thousands of successful sales.
All-star manufactures high-quality gear sets that are not only functional but also appealing to the buyers. The catcher's helmet in this set is appealing and made from sturdy and durable material. The material is also a heavy-duty for maximum protection to the head of the catcher.
The bars on the helmet are made using the I-BAR technology to make the helmet bars. The bars are straight to offer more protection to the user. The cage is made purely out of steel, which is quite heavy-duty.
The steel material is long-lasting and durable so that the user can enjoy safe playing. The material is also difficult to bend or disfigure.
The leg guards of the All-star Vella Pro take an award home for the most lightweight but protective features of this set. The plastic material they are made from is long-lasting such that it can be used a whole season without needing replacement.
The quality of the material is top-rated but lightweight at the same time to serve best in fastpitch softball. The Leg guards also offer maximum protection as they cover the area above the knees and the curves of the knees. They also run into the leg area so that no part is exposed to harm.
The chest guard of the All-star Vella Pro is known for its utmost comfort. The padding material is reinforced to the polyethylene cover. The PE plates offer protection to the collar bone and the throat as they are heavy-duty for maximum protection.
The paddings are also of high quality so that they do not wear out quickly. The chest guard is made in a female fit, therefore suitable for people with small bodies. The chest protector is 14.5 inches thick.
The leg guards are also 14.5 inches while the helmet is between seven and seven and a half inches. The All-star Vella Pro gear set us generally made with intermediate sizes and youth in mind. However, we can state with full confidence that the product gets as high-quality as possible.
Pros
Cons
2
Wilson C1K
You have heard it times without number, and I will repeat it, probably the hundredth time! Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. The catcher's gear set from Wilson manufacturers is perhaps one of the most basic gears to be made.The manufacturer is a reputable one who is renowned for the quality of his gear sets. The materials used by Wilson are long-lasting and of the highest quality. The Wilson C1K is no exception.
So, what makes this set of gear wear worth our time? The leg guard, to begin with, is made from durable ABC material, which is lightweight but durable. The material allows for maximum protection, but it is long-lasting. The catcher's helmet, on the other hand, is made from well ventilated and padded material. The mask also has a steel cage to protect the player's face from hurt. The helmet is padded with two layers of breathable material to provide comfort.
What size is the helmet? The adult-size helmet can fit every typical sized adult. There is also an intermediary size for youths and young adults, which range between 7'7 and 7'8 inches.If reviews are anything to go with, then the chest guard from Wilson C1K is one of the most reliable ones in the market. Many reports have shown that the chest guard is long-lasting and of high quality.
What has earned the Wilson C1K the reviews online? The chest guard is made from double padded parts, which are soft and light to wear. The padding is as well long-lasting, even after several years. The chest guard also extends downwards to the groin area for protection. It is also easy to fasten well for comfort and adjustable for comfort. The chest guard is 13.5 inches thick. Unlike our first product, the Wilson C1K accommodates more sizes due to a bit bigger fit. However, the quality is not as high as the All-star Vella Pro.
Pros
Cons
Things to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Fastpitch Softball Catchers Gear Sets
Before we proceed any further, do you understand the importance of having a protective gear as a catcher? Catchers gear sets are as important as the game. We will analyze the significance based on the different parts of the catcher's gear set. Let us take a look!
Until you have played the game, you might think its all fun and bliss. However, there is so much energy, tenacity, and risks associated with the game that only catchers will understand. However, in this article, we will shed light on everyone, including the fans.
Shin Guards
If you have watched a softball game, then you know that a catcher does so many knee bends while playing. It is clear that the knees of a catcher will be exposed to harsh conditions such as friction and contact with stones and the hard ground.
The shin or knee guards worn by the catchers aren't very different from those worn by cricket players. They are made from plastic to ensure they are lightweight so as not to hinder fast movement. I can only imagine if they were made of steel!
Also, the shin guards are hinged at the knees to allow bending of the knees. A right shin guard should be made from good material that does not hinder progress but enhance the involvement in the game. It should also cover the knees, carves of the knees, and area above the shoes.
Chest Guard
The chest guard, as the name suggests, is worn over the chest to protect the body organs from hurt. To enable the chest guard to be functional, it is padded with light materials that provide protection. The padding material is usually light in weight but difficult to penetrate.
The chest guard is made adjustable for apparent reasons. Since it is a big padded vest, how can you play comfortably if it's not flexible? Therefore, it is fixed with adjusting straps that also ensure the chest guard vest is well strapped.
Some chest protectors are also elongated to cover the groin area, which is also exposed to hurt while playing. If the chest guard is not long enough, we have special groin guards that are made from a metallic material, which is harder to penetrate.
The Mask
The mask is one of the latest gear sets to be introduced. Previously, players would play far from the ball due to fear of getting hurt. However, the mask is good news to the players as they are free to play at any point fearlessly.
So, the mask goes as low as the catcher's neck to protect him from hurt. The sides of the mask are made from a lightweight but durable and robust material. The front of the mask is made with strong metallic bars to protect the face of the player. The catcher is advised to choose a mask that thoroughly covers the face and the neck for maximum protection.
Catchers Gloves
Catchers gloves are some of the earliest gear set to be developed. They protect the hands of the catchers as the ball is fast flying. The gloves come in many designs and types.
Catchers' gloves are essential to the user. Below are some of the importance of the catcher's mitts in a fastpitch softball game. It will protect the hands of the catcher from harm and hurt. Considering how fast the ball flies to the catcher, the catcher will require to have their hands protected from the hardball. The catcher's glove also ensures you are safe and versatile. What do we mean by versatile? You do not need to be limited to the single position of the catcher when you have a quality pair of catcher gloves.
So, before you get too excited, we are not yet there. We still need to arm you with a few other guidelines. So, let us take a look at the buying guide for catcher’s gear sets. We will look at a buying guide based on the different parts of a gear set. Stay with me to make your work much more manageable!
Catcher’s Mitt
Catching flying balls can be scary, heck! However, armed with the right catcher's mitt can take the worry off your mind throughout the game. What should you look out for in a catcher’s mitt?
Design
A simple design would do just fine unless, of course, you are the captain, and you want to show off! The mitt should not have different finger pouches like a glove. Ensure it is made from a tough and durable material such as real leather.
Size
The catcher's mitt, unlike gloves, is measured using the circumference size. Therefore, for players below 13 years, 32 or 33' should be a good fit. However, for those above thirteen years, a size 35' should suffice.
The Catcher's Helmet
Size
Youth and adult helmets are designed as a single size. They are all a one fit as they should be broad with enough space between the face and the helmet. However, it should be possible to secure tightly for security.
Helmet
The helmet is similar to the hockey goalie helmet. The cage covers the whole head providing perennial protection. It covers the entire head and goes just below the jaw to protect the neck and the throat.
Chest Protectors
Although it may seem obvious what the chest protectors do, they also provide additional protection to the torso and the upper arms. A proper chest protector should be lined with foam or padding to absorb shock from the ball.
Size
There are different sizes of chest protectors to choose from, depending on age and size. Therefore, the only way to be sure is to take measurements.
How do you do that? You should engage someone to measure you from the neck to the waist. If you are 14' you should go for a 14' inch chest guard and not bigger or smaller.
Leg Guards
Leg guards also play a crucial role. They are supposed to be lightweight and durable in terms of material. The best material for making leg guards is ABC plastic as it meets both requirements. On the size, it is advisable to fit to get it right. However, the leg guards should cover the curves of the knee and go down to the shoe area for maximum protection.
When can you make the purchase? I know you are pretty much excited to get out and go shopping before summer is over. Of course, we have ensured you enjoy your summer, but while remaining safe. Therefore, we cannot dictate the time you should buy your gear set as we have seen to it that you are well prepared to make that purchase.
However, who minds saving a few bucks but still get the right equipment? Therefore, to make the most out of catcher’s gear sets, we would genuinely advise that you grab your pair offseason. While you may find very few products when the game is off-season, most shops would be selling the dear set at a throwaway price to secure a new stock of other equipment that is needed. The deadstock of gear sets will not be as pricey as compared to when they are the game in season. Also, it can be wise to wait for the prices to be discounted. Stores give discounts now and then. The only catch will be to wait and be patient, such that when the offer is up, you pounce on it.
Finally, if you need to purchase during the season, you can look out for mega sales around Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Many stores use deals as reward systems for their loyal customers. Around the 4th of July, many offers are also given to buy stores to celebrate the date. It can be the opportunity you have been waiting for, dear reader. Therefore, be aware of all the sales and discounts in the catcher's gear market if you intend to buy at a fair price.
However, if the catcher's gear is an urgently needed, you can make the purchase, but make sure the product and brand you are purchasing are worth to the last dollar. The gear sets may be expensive, but they are a lifesaver. Now that you are aware of everything there is to know about the catcher's gear set, where can you buy this gear? There are very many places one can purchase a catcher's gear set. However, are they reputable and reliable? The biggest debate is usually between an online and a physical shop. So, we will take a look at the different places to buy a catcher's gear.
Online Shopping
Buying online can make you land a jackpot! The prices online are unbeatable, not to talk of the different and wide variety to choose from while buying. There are also buying incentives, such as free shipping and return policies.
However, the problem with shopping online is that you do not have a physical feel of the item you are buying. It is also possible to miss on the sizing of the sports equipment you are buying, especially when we are talking about gear sets. Also, most of the deliveries are usually damaged upon arrival or wrongly and poorly packaged. There is also a case of people not getting the product qualities they anticipated or the product falling short of the conditions it projected.
In-store Shopping
On the other hand, when you shop in-store, you have one plus. You can physically try on the gear set before making the purchase. Have the chance to decide whether you like the quality and make of it. If not, you can choose another product that makes you happy. The downsides of buying the catchers gear set at your local shop are several as compared to the positives of it. First, the prices usually are very high. The local retailers tend to act like a monopoly seller. Hence, they can price their products as they like.
The second challenge is that there is no variety of goods to choose from. You are only limited to what the retailer has in store and nothing more. Therefore, if the size does not fit, you will have to hop from shop to shop until you find the right one.
But who says you cannot have the best of both worlds? It is possible to enjoy both the positives of both. How can you do this?
It is effortless. You will need to visit a retail shop as if you are shopping there. Identify the catcher's gear set from the ones we have discussed above. You will also need to fit to get the right size. After that, proceed to any online shop and make your order. It is safer to do so as you will be assured of the size and the specifications of the catcher's gear set you are looking for online. You will also be free of expectations that the gear set should meet.
What if the item arrives but with other shortcomings? while making a purchase, you will be required to sign a warranty that should protect you. Also, you can take advantage of the free return policy, but you will need to be cautious about the number of days the product should be returned within.
Conclusion
I told you the journey would be long but educative. I believe that this article was worth every minute of your time. The only precautionary measure I will say to you is that you need to follow every guide for you to be able to get this right.
So, are you ready to make that purchase? I would say you head right out. However, before we let you go, we would like to make your work even easier. We do not want you to be torn for choice so that we will point you to the top-rated catcher's gear set. The All-star Vella Pro is the leading gear set in the market. The features are hard to come across in other products. It is also worth every penny of your money.
The chest guard scores high marks due to comfortability, while the padding is double reinforced for durability. The leg guards are also lightweight and durable.
We cannot wait for you to make the right choice. Get All-star Vella Pro catcher's gear set today!
