twotex,
Yes, in some instances, catchers will have their favorite gear and stick with it no matter what. But this, too, is definitely a business. Most companies will look at MLB exposure as an advertising expense and pay players (some quite a bit more than others) to wear their gear. They will sometimes take gear to Spring Training, etc. and ask players to try their bats, gloves, gear, etc. If players find the gear comparable or better than what they use, the negotiations begin.