Catcher's Gear Measurements... One of the first things we cover when meeting a new catcher for lessons or evaluations is the fit of their gear. Specifically their shin guards and chest protectors. Most manufactures will provide suggested ages ranges for their "small" intermediate" and "adult" gear. The only problem is that I have worked with 10U catchers you would swear were 18 as well as 15-year-olds you could mistake for 10U. Catchers come in all sizes no matter what the age! Please don't rely on age suggestions when purchasing equipment.
An ill fitting chest protector can sag and move around, not properly protecting the catcher. A chest protector that is too large will catch on the hips or thighs and push into the catchers neck when getting down into stance. A protector that is too small will be restrictive and not cover vital areas needing protection.
An excellent rule of thumb for chest protector measurement is to measure from the top of the collarbone to the bottom of the navel. When adjusting the fit of your chest protector it is important to remember that the shoulder straps/pads should cover the top of the shoulders. There should be little or no slack in the adjusting straps for the sides and shoulders. The fit should conform to the catcher's torso.
Shin guards should be measured from the center of the kneecap to the bottom of the ankle. While you may not find this measurement listed on shin guards at the local department store, you will find it on the manufacturers website and be able to cross-reference this measurement to their small, medium and large shin guards. Thereby knowing that the gear you order will fit properly.
Shin guards vary with manufacturers and can range from 12 3/4 inches all the way up to 17 inches (Bottom of ankle to center of kneecap, Most manufacturers go in 2 inch increments between the different sizes.
Remember that shin guards especially must be of good quality and good fit to protect the knees when blocking.
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An ill fitting chest protector can sag and move around, not properly protecting the catcher. A chest protector that is too large will catch on the hips or thighs and push into the catchers neck when getting down into stance. A protector that is too small will be restrictive and not cover vital areas needing protection.
An excellent rule of thumb for chest protector measurement is to measure from the top of the collarbone to the bottom of the navel. When adjusting the fit of your chest protector it is important to remember that the shoulder straps/pads should cover the top of the shoulders. There should be little or no slack in the adjusting straps for the sides and shoulders. The fit should conform to the catcher's torso.
Shin guards should be measured from the center of the kneecap to the bottom of the ankle. While you may not find this measurement listed on shin guards at the local department store, you will find it on the manufacturers website and be able to cross-reference this measurement to their small, medium and large shin guards. Thereby knowing that the gear you order will fit properly.
Shin guards vary with manufacturers and can range from 12 3/4 inches all the way up to 17 inches (Bottom of ankle to center of kneecap, Most manufacturers go in 2 inch increments between the different sizes.
Remember that shin guards especially must be of good quality and good fit to protect the knees when blocking.
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