Catchers gear

[dailyjoy]

In your opinion which brand of protective gear is the best deal (price plus value) for a catcher? Also which catcher mitt would you recommend?

[slapperdad]

Entirely personal opinion. Kind of a Ford vs. Chevy debate. At this stage of the game, most of the manufacturers have great equipment, lightweight, durable, etc. Have your DD try it on, go with what she says, it's all about comfort. My DD is partial to Mizuno, but she doesn't catch all that much anymore.

[dailyjoy]

Thanks slapperdad.

[Turn two]

Agree with Slapper on the equipment. My DD uses an Akadema catchers glove and swears by it.

[slapperdad]

I would also point out, that while I'm not calling it a boycott, I will say that I will not purchase anything from Easton, unless it is just absolutely necessary. Jim Easton being the reason Softball is no longer included in the Olympic Games. While I understand his excuse for recusing himself, it's not a valid argument in light of the fact he's never recused himself from votes on Hockey or Archery.

[clayface74]

We tried Champro this year. All the girls seemed to like it, and it held up quite well. My DD uses an older Nike Athena glove (1 with the neoprene glove liner). We had 3 of them given to us by the high school, and although they are all the same model, and size she will not wear the other 2. Like slapper said it all comes down to preference.......

[backstop13]

Slapperdad trying to go all political on us now. Unlike him, I do purchase Easton gear. I might feel bad about it, but my DD likes their gear and I think it is a good value for the price. She is now on her second set of Easton gear. Plus I just can't bring myself to mix/match gear, so everything is Easton from head to toe. She currently uses the Worth Liberty Catchers Mitt (used Mizuno and Louisville Slugger mitts before this one). We are limited somewhat in our options. DD is a lefty so finding mitts and chest protectors with both shoulder caps removable is tricky at times. Not too many mitts available to try on at the sporting goods stores...they have all been bought online. The pitchers LOVE her mitt...it has great pop to it. Makes it sound like they are throwing gas.

[slapperdad]

No politics backstop. BTW, the new TPS Valkarie has great pop as well. And I think she may actually be beginning to like it.

[killerbee]

Daddieo showed me this post so I wanted to give you my opinion without having to open an account.

I really really liked the mizuno gear I had a few years ago. The mask is very easy to see through and shin guards flex more than others I've had.
I outgrew that set and went to a Wilson fx helmet. LOVE IT!!! I have schutt chest protect and Wilson shin guards fit me best.
Not sure yet for next season. I like reading this kindastuf.

Chauns

[dailyjoy]

Chauns

The gear she owns was purchased used on ebay. It served its purpose for a first time catcher just trying the position at the coaches request. It is now too small.

Last season, her first year of travel ball, she used the travel teams gear and though it was "ok" it moved quite a bit and tended to need readjustment after every play. Since it is the only gear she has ever used (it is the same brand as the gear she owned which is too small) I am trying to decide whether to buy her the same gear or try a new brand.

The problem I am finding is the stores around here only sale one brand and I don't think it is the nicest gear. So how do you know what to order without having the ability to try it on first to see if you like it.

Since you are a catcher what do you think is important in gear and how do you make your decision on which gear to purchase? Do you purchase online?

Also which catchers mitt do you like the best and why?

Thanks for helping.......and say thank you to your daddieo for letting you use his account.