Catchers Equipment

All Star makes the best gear in my opinion. They really only make one model and that is the Pro Stlyle. It sells for a good price also. The best glove in my opinion is the Wilson Pudge A2000 model, very reliable with a good pocket.

I use the LG950 from Rawlings for shin guards, they are very nice. I also use the CP950 chest protector, it is good as well, very thin. My only complaint is it cuts into my neck slightly. For my glove I use the Akadema APM40, a great glove once you broken in. For a helmet I use a mask and skullcap.

We use nothing but AllStar.

Without a doubt the most common gear I see at my camps is ALL-Star. Probably Rawlings next. See alot of the A2000 glove as well

When I caught, we used Dinosaur Scales

My son has rawlings equipment, but he really likes the All-Star chest protector we picked up for the travel team... nice thick padding that does not inhibit him at all. He doesn't like the velcro attached throwing shoulder gaurd though..... took it off after 1 throw.

My son likes the new Easton gear with a Pudge A2403 mitt.

I think that either Mizuno or Easton gear is the best. Just MO. I use it and I like it and it protects very well.

A LEFTY catcher! WOW! You guys are rare.
Back on topic-

I just ordered the Mizuno Tsunami helmet. It should come on monday. I'll let you guys know. I'm sure you're on the edge of your seats.

It's nice... Very good vision. A bit bulky, and heavy. It'll take a little getting used to, probably safer than an old fashioned mask too.

Good job Makshim.........because as Im sure you know that old mask and skull cap was illegal per NFHS rules......

My son has the Mizuno Tsunami equipment and really likes it. He said the helmet is the most comfortable one he has ever worn although he still prefers a skull cap and mask when he is allowed to wear them in a game.

quote:

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Originally posted by piaa_ump:
Good job Makshim.........because as Im sure you know that old mask and skull cap was illegal per NFHS rules......

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Really? Is NFHS the high-school rules (Sorry don't know lol)? No one ever said a thing to me.

Makshim,

NFHS (National Federation of High Schools) rule

1-section 4 article 8- the catchers helmet and mask combination shall meet the NOCSAE standard. Any helmet or helmet and mask combination shall have full ear protection (dual ear flaps)
(condensed)

So a skull cap and mask combo is illegal for High school.

Doesn't matter now anyway. This helmet is awesome! It gets my full recomendation.

My son selected the following:

Rawlings CFP1 "COOLFLO" helmet

Rawlings OMW Shinguards

Rawlings RCP Chest Protector - w/low rebound foam. Says it's a little stiff when it's cold.

Rawlings PROS20JA (J-Series) Mitt - Has a 'gel' index finger insert, broke-in easily, a great "pop" sound, and doesn't feel much with 90+mph pitches.

why does the rawlings chest protector get so stiff when cold out? Living in upstate NY we play in 60 degree weather often times the first month of the season and I was just wondering if there was a way around the stiffness........its an 850 chest protector

I don't think there is... unless you can change the weather.

All-star makes good stuff

NWCOUGARS......

Not to get to technical, but most soft, pliable, foam materials will have a tendency to stiffen-up when cold, and become more pliable when heated. It's just the chemical make-up of the material compound. Who ever took Chemistry in school might understand this.

Thanks for the info Boomer......Luckily being a sophmore I dont have chemistry until next year

i was wondering where you can find the new all star gear that the pros are wearing now. the new 2005's (ex. the one jose molina wears for the angels.)

I think the best stuff comes from different makers. For instance I prefer All-Star for my masks-I think they are the best they come. I have the top Mizuno chest protector, cant feel a thing when it hits. For my shin guards-the top Rawlings, the ones with that take away your sweat, and are 5 straps. My glove is a Nakona, and I like the Easton gel wrist bands. I think each company has their own strengths

Personally I myself use Rawlings. But, be careful what you buy because Rawlings does make economical "cheap awful quality gear" for a low price which is no good. But then they do make the gear that the pros wear, which is a little more expensive. I use the Rawlings Coolflo Hockey Style Mask (about $100), Rawlings cp750 chest protector "like Jason Kendall and Paul Lo Duca wear" (about $70),
Rawlings lg900 leg guards "like Mike Matheny wears" (about $80), and last but not least "personally I think most important" is the mitt, which is a Rawlings Pro Preferred Pros20ja "like Dioner Navarro wears" (about $250). Rawlings has tough competiton with All-Star and Easton, but like I said, dont go cheap, spend money and by quality gear. Believe me, it will all pay off on the field! Buy what you like best. Rawlings fits me the best! But maybe All-Star fits you better! It's all about personal preference!!!