new catchers gear - what brand?

Find a sporting goods store or two that carries (or combined carries) the majority of manufacturers, and have your son go with and try on. Comfort and fit is key, especially with the mask (assusume it will be hockey style due to his age) and leg guards. Easton is worn by many. All Star is too, as is Rawlings, then maybe to lesser degree TPX, and Mizuno. So, those are the bigger names I can think of to try.

Most of our HS kids wear Nike gear with All-Star helmets.

I was kind of looking at the Nike gear, but I think it only comes in adult sizes. I have not found any junior sizes yet.

Do they seem to like the All Star helmets though?

The kid is picky, and I would love to go to try stuff on, but even in the bigger cities around here there is not much of a selection or choice.

You'll find ML catchers using all the companies mentioned. bottom line is that they all do the job. if one was actually much better than another, i think youd see all catchers using that gear. although, to be honest, i see many many more players using nike these days.

i used to pride myself that i used nike before most of the pros did but once they raised their prices by 100% i had to go with a more affordable brand (mizuno).