Catchers Gear

BaseballFreak13,you might want to ask this question in the Catching forum.That being said I will answer from my experience.
1. Best on the market- Nike
2.Best under 250- Easton Stealth Comp
3.Best mitt onder 250 Akadema Praying Mantis
4.same as 3
Now these are strickly my opinion on things and I'm sure you will get other responses.Keep in mind that there are better Mitts out there but do not fall into your requirements ie: Rawlings Pro Preffered(best IMO) and the Wilson A2403

I personally wore Rawlings gear. Mask, chest protector, shin guards all Rawlings. I've had probably 3 or 4 catchers mitts and I think the last two have both been Mizuno. Both of them were pretty nice mitts. One of them I got real cheap so that's why I bought it because I really didn't need a new one..

I wore the basic shin guards and pretty basic goalie-style mask that Rawlings has. The chest protector was a little nicer, but I really couldn't tell you prices on any of that stuff. The mask took a beating... it got retired when I hung up the cleats. No passing it down or anything of that nature.

I have not worn this mask and it is likely more than you want to spend, but I have heard good things about this particular mask:
http://www.baseballexp.com/Cat...Y_SEQ_83|0/index.pro

I have a feeling you are going to have a hard time buying a solid set of equipment in your budget. Especially if you have to buy a mask AND a mitt. Those items are both pretty expensive.