Fastpitch Catchers Gear - Complete Protection for Behind the Plate
Behind the plate, protection is everything. Fastpitch catchers face high-velocity pitches, hard foul tips, and the physical demands of one of softball's most grueling positions. Smash It Sports' fastpitch catcher's gear is built to take hits, absorb shocks, and still move with you—so you can focus on controlling the game, not worrying about your safety.
From trusted brands like Rawlings, Easton, Gem Gloves, All Star, and more, our collection delivers professional-grade protection for youth, intermediate, and adult players. Whether you're gearing up for your first season or upgrading battle-tested equipment, we have the helmets, mitts, chest protectors, and leg guards that keep you safe and competitive.
What's in the Fastpitch Catcher's Gear Collection?
No matter your level, the right catcher's gear means fewer bruises, better focus, and longer innings behind the plate. Here's what you'll find in our comprehensive collection:
Fastpitch Catcher's Mitts and Gloves
Fastpitch catcher's mitts are designed with a shallower pocket and quicker break-in to handle faster pitches and rapid transfers to second and third base. Unlike slowpitch mitts, these are engineered for the speed and precision demands of fastpitch softball—where every millisecond counts on stolen base attempts.
Our collection includes:
- Over 10 glove sizes ranging from youth (30"-32") to adult (33"-35") models
- Right Hand Throw (RHT), Left Hand Throw (LHT), and ambidextrous options for all players
- Premium leather construction from Rawlings, Easton, Gem Gloves, and All Star
- Optimized pocket depth for quick ball transfer and throw accuracy
- Impact-reducing padding to protect your hand on 60+ mph fastballs and foul tips
A well-fitted fastpitch catcher's mitt improves reception, transfer speed, and throw accuracy—essential tools for controlling the running game and keeping runners honest. Explore our complete softball gloves collection for additional fielding options.
Catcher's Gear Bags
Hauling helmets, chest protectors, leg guards, mitts, and personal items requires serious storage. Our catcher's gear bags make organization and transportation effortless:
- Backpack-style bags for catchers who walk or bike to practice
- Wheeled roller bags for easy transport of heavy gear to tournaments and travel ball
- Multi-compartment designs to separate dirty gear from clean clothes
- Durable construction built to handle the weight of full catcher's sets
- Ventilated compartments to reduce odor and moisture buildup
A quality bag keeps your gear organized, protected, and ready for game day. Check out our full bat bags and rollers collection for additional storage solutions.
Complete Fastpitch Catcher's Sets
Buying a complete catcher's set is the smartest way to ensure all your protective gear works together as a system. Our fastpitch catcher's sets bundle the three essential protection components:
1. Catcher's Helmet with Face Mask
Fastpitch helmets provide critical head, face, and neck protection from foul tips and wild pitches. Features include:
- Reinforced face cage design to deflect high-speed impacts
- Adjustable sizing systems for secure, customized fit
- Moisture-wicking padding for comfort during long games
- Meets NOCSAE safety standards for fastpitch softball
- Extended throat guard for additional neck protection
2. Chest Protector
Chest protectors keep you safe on hard foul tips, wild pitches, and collisions at the plate. Quality chest protectors feature:
- High-density foam padding to absorb and disperse impact energy
- Adjustable shoulder and waist straps for secure fit across body types
- Lightweight construction that doesn't restrict breathing or movement
- Extended lower protection to shield abdomen and ribs
- Moisture-resistant outer shell for easy cleaning
3. Leg Guards
Fastpitch leg guards protect shins, knees, and thighs while allowing the mobility needed for quick throws and blocking pitches in the dirt. Key features include:
- Lightweight design for faster pop times and smoother movement when throwing to bases
- Double-knee construction for enhanced protection on blocks and foul tips
- Adjustable straps to accommodate different leg sizes and gear preferences
- Reinforced toe and shin protection zones for high-impact areas
- Quick-release buckles for fast removal between innings
Bundle and Save: Complete catcher's sets offer better value than buying individual pieces and ensure all components are sized and designed to work together as a protective system.
Why Quality Fastpitch Catcher's Gear Matters
Proper gear is especially critical for fastpitch catchers due to the speed, frequency, and physical demands of the position. Here's why investing in quality equipment makes a measurable difference:
Impact Protection from High-Velocity Pitches
Fastpitch pitchers at competitive levels throw 55-70+ mph from 43 feet away—giving catchers less than half a second to react. Quality helmets, chest protectors, and leg guards with advanced impact-absorbing technology reduce injury risk from:
- Foul tips directly to the mask, chest, or legs
- Wild pitches and balls in the dirt
- Errant throws from infielders during pickoff attempts
- Collisions at the plate during close plays
Mobility and Comfort for Peak Performance
Heavy, ill-fitting gear slows your reaction time and creates fatigue. Modern fastpitch catcher's gear uses lightweight materials and ergonomic designs that allow:
- Quick transitions from squat position to standing throw
- Natural range of motion for blocking pitches in the dirt
- Reduced fatigue during doubleheaders and tournament play
- Better agility when fielding bunts and covering first base
Game Control Through Equipment Confidence
When you trust your gear, you can focus entirely on calling pitches, framing borderline strikes, and controlling the running game. A well-fitted mitt and protective set improve:
- Reception quality: Secure catching on all pitch types (fastball, riseball, drop, changeup, curveball)
- Transfer speed: Quick hand-to-hand transitions for throws to second and third
- Throw accuracy: Confident footwork and mechanics when you're not worried about protection gaps
- Mental focus: Ability to call the game instead of thinking about discomfort or safety
Sizing Guide: Finding the Right Fastpitch Catcher's Gear
Proper fit is critical for both protection and performance. Here's how to choose the right size:
Catcher's Mitt Sizing
- Youth (Ages 8-12): 30"-32" mitts with lighter weight and easier break-in
- Intermediate (Ages 12-16): 32"-33.5" mitts with increased pocket depth
- Adult (High School & Beyond): 33"-35" mitts with professional-grade construction
Protective Gear Sizing
- Helmet: Measure head circumference and reference manufacturer sizing charts (typically S/M for youth, L/XL for adult)
- Chest Protector: Length from collarbone to waist determines size (13"-16" for youth, 15.5"-17" for adult)
- Leg Guards: Measure from knee to ankle (12"-14" for youth, 14"-16.5" for intermediate, 15.5"-17" for adult)
Still not sure about sizing? Visit our contact page to speak with our team—we're players ourselves and can help you find the perfect fit.
Complete Your Fastpitch Softball Setup
Build your complete fastpitch arsenal with elite gear from Smash It Sports:
- Softball Gloves - Fastpitch and slowpitch gloves for every position
- Batting Gloves - Enhanced grip and protection at the plate
- Bat Bags & Rollers - Storage solutions for all your equipment
- Softball Apparel - Performance gear for practice and game day
- Arm Sleeves - Compression and protection for throwing arms
Why Smash It Sports for Your Fastpitch Catcher's Gear
Here, baseball runs deep. We don't just sell gear—we test it, use it, and talk about it every day. From bats to gloves, catcher's sets to bags, it's all right here, shipped fast and backed by a team that knows the game.
So whether you're picking up your first catcher's mitt or replacing gear that's seen too many foul tips, Smash It Sports has you covered with authentic equipment from the best brands in softball. We understand what it takes to excel behind the plate, and we're here to make sure you have the protection and confidence to control every inning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between fastpitch and slowpitch catcher's gear?
Fastpitch catcher's gear is specifically designed for the higher speeds and different game dynamics of fastpitch softball. Fastpitch mitts feature shallower pockets for quicker ball transfers during stolen base attempts, while slowpitch mitts have deeper pockets for securing high-arc pitches. Protective gear (helmets, chest protectors, leg guards) for fastpitch emphasizes lightweight mobility since catchers must make quick throws to bases, whereas slowpitch gear can be slightly heavier since the position involves less throwing. Always choose gear designed for your specific game format to ensure optimal protection and performance.
Are catcher's gear sets available for different age groups and skill levels?
Yes! Our fastpitch catcher's gear collection includes equipment for youth, intermediate, and adult players with comprehensive sizing options to fit various ages and body types. Youth sets (typically ages 8-12) feature lighter weight and smaller dimensions, intermediate sets (ages 12-16) offer transitional sizing, and adult sets provide professional-grade protection for high school, college, and competitive adult leagues. Each size category includes helmets, chest protectors, leg guards, and mitts designed specifically for that age group's physical needs and competition level.
Should I buy a complete catcher's set or individual pieces?
For players getting started or replacing entire setups, complete catcher's sets offer the best value and ensure compatibility. Sets bundle helmets, chest protectors, and leg guards that are designed to work together as a protective system—all properly sized and matched in quality level. Individual pieces make sense when you need to replace a single worn item (like a helmet after significant impact) or upgrade one component while keeping others. Complete sets typically save 15-30% compared to buying each piece separately and eliminate sizing compatibility concerns.
How do I know when it's time to replace my catcher's gear?
Replace catcher's gear when you notice: Helmets with cracks, dents, or after significant impacts (even if no visible damage—internal padding degrades); Chest protectors with compressed foam that no longer rebounds, torn straps, or exposed padding; Leg guards with broken buckles, worn knee padding, or structural damage. Additionally, growing players should upgrade when gear no longer fits properly—gaps in protection are dangerous. As a general guideline, competitive catchers should evaluate gear annually, and youth players growing rapidly may need sizing upgrades every 1-2 seasons. When in doubt, visit our contact page for expert assessment.
Does Smash It Sports offer fast and free shipping on catcher's gear?
Yes! All fastpitch catcher's gear ships fast and free within the continental United States for eligible orders. We understand that catchers need their equipment quickly—whether replacing broken gear before the next game or gearing up for tournament season. Our team processes orders rapidly to get your helmets, chest protectors, leg guards, mitts, and bags to you as soon as possible. For specific shipping timelines, international orders, or expedited options, visit our contact page or check shipping details at checkout.
Have more questions about fastpitch catcher's gear? Visit our Contact page for expert help from our team of players who know this equipment inside and out.