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Traditional Catchers Mask

E EStroup00810+ posts
So I am going to be a freshman this year, and have a good chance of getting put on varsity, and Im a catcher. This year I want to switch masks from hockey style to traditional but Im not sure. Does anyone have solid information on which one is better? And also what are some good traditional masks out there. I would like it to be under $90 and the skullcap under $40. Am I even allowed to use a traditional mask? I live in NC. Thanks guys!
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MidAtlanticDadMidAtlanticDad10,000+ posts

EStroup008, I'm the father of a former catcher. When you say "better", that means safer to me. Surprisingly, there are very few studies on this topic. The best one I have found is below.

 

My layman's interpretation of the data is that both styles offer similar protection from balls hitting the mask directly on the nose. For catchers, that's where I worry most about concussions. Getting hit by a bat or being involved in a collision are also possibilities, and the hockey style is better in those situations. For that reason, I would stick with the hockey style helmet.

 

http://www.scitechnol.com/comp...ll-catchers-tgVq.pdf

 

RI Read it!10+ posts
I have played with both, and so has my son who is now a Jr. in HS.  We both prefer the hockey style because it is more balanced on our heads, making it easier to move quickly.  The traditional mask tends to be heavy on the front side.  However, it's really just a personal preference.  Whichever one feels better to you and makes you more comfortable while doing the work would be the best choice.  Before spending the money, though, see if you can borrow one for a game and try it out.  Getting a feel for throw downs, blocking and seeing the field would be valuable.
S Smitty2810,000+ posts
Originally Posted by EStroup008:
So I am going to be a freshman this year, and have a good chance of getting put on varsity, and Im a catcher. This year I want to switch masks from hockey style to traditional but Im not sure. Does anyone have solid information on which one is better? And also what are some good traditional masks out there. I would like it to be under $90 and the skullcap under $40. Am I even allowed to use a traditional mask? I live in NC. Thanks guys!

Why would you want to do this?  I'm assuming it's the "cool factor" you are going for, rather than following through on safety research?

E EStroup00810+ posts
Originally Posted by Smitty28:

       
Originally Posted by EStroup008:
So I am going to be a freshman this year, and have a good chance of getting put on varsity, and Im a catcher. This year I want to switch masks from hockey style to traditional but Im not sure. Does anyone have solid information on which one is better? And also what are some good traditional masks out there. I would like it to be under $90 and the skullcap under $40. Am I even allowed to use a traditional mask? I live in NC. Thanks guys!

Why would you want to do this?  I'm assuming it's the "cool factor" you are going for, rather than following through on safety research?


       


No actually I am doing it because I have had 2 concussions in the last 2 years with my hockey mask. And its not cheap either. And if it keeps on going like it is then its a waste of money. "Cool Factor" doesnt matter when you have brain damage. The traditional style masks are pretty ugly IMO
MidAtlanticDadMidAtlanticDad10,000+ posts
Originally Posted by EStroup008:
 
No actually I am doing it because I have had 2 concussions in the last 2 years with my hockey mask. And its not cheap either. And if it keeps on going like it is then its a waste of money. "Cool Factor" doesnt matter when you have brain damage. The traditional style masks are pretty ugly IMO

Foul balls to the mask, or another type of impact?

 

E EStroup00810+ posts
Originally Posted by MidAtlanticDad:

       
Originally Posted by EStroup008:
 
No actually I am doing it because I have had 2 concussions in the last 2 years with my hockey mask. And its not cheap either. And if it keeps on going like it is then its a waste of money. "Cool Factor" doesnt matter when you have brain damage. The traditional style masks are pretty ugly IMO

Foul balls to the mask, or another type of impact?

 


       

One from a foul to the mask, another from a backswing to the head.
MidAtlanticDadMidAtlanticDad10,000+ posts
Originally Posted by EStroup008:
One from a foul to the mask, another from a backswing to the head.

 

In that case I would strongly encourage you to stick with hockey style. The traditional style helmet doesn't offer nearly as much protection from a bat backswing.

 

I wish I could tell you which brand/model offers the most impact protection, but that information isn't available to the public, to my knowledge. The All-Star MVP4000 is "Specifically designed and tested for ball speeds exceeding 100 MPH...". They don't say exactly what that means, but I've always felt like All-Star helmets are as good as anything out there (even though I have no data to support that). They aren't cheap, but your brain is worth the extra investment.

 

I'm glad you're trying figure this out. Concussions are nothing to take lightly. Good luck, and I hope you never have another one.

 

Coach RickCoach Rick1,000+ posts
I have had three concussions while catching.  None from a foul ball to the mask.  I have used both style masks; hockey (plastic) and old-style (steel).  I always felt that the old style mask with helmet afforded me better protection from foul balls due to more heavy padding surrounding the face. It will fly off on the most direct hits, reducing the impact. In fact, my worst foul was a direct hit when I was wearing the hockey-style mask.

Backswings are a greater problem than head injury. I have been hit on the shoulder, back, hand and head. A helmet must be wore with old-style mask.
 
Many youth leagues only permit the hockey-style mask because it provides better protection to the novice catcher who may turn his head.  But as competition increases and skills must improve, better protection is also needed.  

The old style mask is heavier but it is far less hot. It may be the way to go for the older catchers...

Here is an interesting article;
http://m.mlb.com/news/article/62938052/
  
Last edited by Coach Rick

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