Catchers gear

[slapperdad]

Joy I'm assuming 12U, smaller hand, look at Mizuno mitts. Their mass marketed FP mitts/gloves, tend to be game ready and pretty well designed for the masses. That being said, I absolutely LOVE the TPS Valkarie 32" I bought for my DD. Though it is a little small for my hand. She even complains about it being a little small. She has long skinny fingers, I have short fat fingers. I would think it would be perfect for a 12U player. All that being said, as a catcher when I was younger, I much preferred a smaller mitt. Some catchers like bigger mitts. My DD plays a myriad of positions, corner, mid field, OF and she still uses a 12" glove, so I'm guessing she's a bit like her old man.

[dailyjoy]

Thanks Slapperdad....

Last year I bought her a mitt.......it is a louisville slugger tpx I think. It has a letter then P202N on it and is a catchers mitt. The reviews said it was designed for the smaller hand of a female........well she doesn't like it and says it is too small........she never worn it.

It fits my hand just fine which are bigger than hers. I think she is just use to the bigger, looser glove the team used plus this one has only been used a few times so might still be stiff........

When she first started catching she used her regular mitt......this year, her first in travel ball, she used the team mitt which was donated and I thought way too big for her......but she got use to it catching 4 to 7 games a weekend........now she doesn't like any of the mitts we try and she is on a different team so can't use the old mitt.

Oh by the way thank you for your patience with all my questions and for taking the time to respond back.......sometimes I feel like I am out of my league with all this travel team stuff having never played softball ( I was a swimmer which is soooo different) and this seems to a good source for asking questions even if they are newbie ones.

Oh and yes you are correct....she will be playing 12u.

[dirtroad]

Use what's comfortable!!!! Don't buy anything without trying it on first. That is the most important thing next to how much it actually protects you! Personally I hate the bulkier shins because they just get in the way and limit your mobility. With the chest protector...I would go without the shoulder protector on the throwing arm. I have never been a fan of them because they also get in the way. The odds of getting hit there is slim. I have gotten hit there twice in 8 years and risking it is definately worth it! I like being able to move! Just be sure that your helmet and chest protector over lap a little so her neck can't get hit!

Try several options and see what she likes best!

Good luck!

[dirtroad]

And with the catchers glove, I will suggest the Worth Liberty Advanced! =) Great glove!

[rocket4]

DD uses Schutt equip. Never had a problem in 3 yrs playing virtually every inning. No busted snaps or straps. Partial to an old model Mizuno mit.