10 Best Youth Catchers Sets 2026 in the United States

The Rawlings VELO 2.0 Catcher's Set is designed specifically for young baseball players aged 12 and under, making it a strong choice for youth catchers. The set includes a hockey-style helmet (6 1/2"-7"), a 13 1/2" chest protector, and 13 3/4" knee guards, all sized well for smaller players. Made mainly of plastic with durable polyurethane padding, it balances protection with manageable weight—about 7 pounds in total. One clear strength is the improved ventilation: the helmet has a moisture-wicking liner, and the chest protector uses heat exchange technology to help keep kids cool during play.

The helmet’s high-strength, impact-resistant cage is recessed to improve safety and visibility, which gives young players confidence behind the plate. Comfort and fit are also addressed through a three-way adjustable back plate and a redesigned chin strap, allowing for a more personalized fit as kids grow or need adjustments. The chest protector’s foam with Arc Reactor Core technology disperses impacts well, providing solid protection against hard hits or collisions.

The materials are mostly plastic and polyurethane, which is typical at this price and category but means it might not feel as premium or breathable as higher-end sets. Also, at 7 pounds, some very young or smaller players might find it a bit heavy initially but it is reasonable for the level and size. This set suits beginner to intermediate youth players who need dependable protection with thoughtful comfort and ventilation features, helping them stay safe and focused while learning the catcher position.

The Rawlings VELO 2.0 Catcher's Set is designed specifically for youth baseball players aged 12 to 15. This set includes a hockey-style catcher's helmet, a 15 1/2" chest protector, and 15 1/2" triple-knee leg guards. One of its standout features is the improved ventilation and air circulation, thanks to the helmet's moisture-wicking liner and the chest protector's heat exchange technology, which help keep players cool during games.

The helmet offers high-strength, impact-resistant protection with a recessed cage that enhances both safety and visibility. Additionally, it has a three-way adjustable back plate and a redesigned chin strap for better fit and comfort, making it feel more personalized for each player. The chest protector incorporates Arc Reactor Core technology, blending impact-absorbing foam with an arch-engineered polymer plate to effectively disperse forceful impacts, adding another layer of safety.

However, the set weighs 8 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for some younger players, potentially affecting mobility and comfort. Made primarily from plastic with a polyurethane outer material, the gear is durable but might not offer the same breathability as other materials. This catcher's set is well-suited for intermediate youth players looking for robust protection and good adjustability, though the weight could be a concern for some.

The All-Star S7 Axis catchers set is designed specifically for youth players aged 9 to 12, offering a solid option in the youth-catchers-sets category. The size of 14.5" fits most kids in this age group comfortably, providing necessary coverage without feeling bulky. It uses durable materials like Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) for the outer shell combined with foam padding, which helps absorb impacts and protect the player safely during the game. Weighing just 2 pounds, the gear is lightweight enough for young players to move freely without being weighed down.

Adjustability is a strong point here, with straps and harnesses that can be customized for a snug and comfortable fit. This ensures the gear stays in place and doesn’t restrict movement. Ventilation is thoughtfully included through strategic holes that promote airflow, helping to keep kids cool and less sweaty during intense play. The set covers all essential components—helmet, chest protector, leg guards, and throat guard—and meets the NOCSAE safety standard, reassuring parents about its protective quality.

This set delivers a balanced combination of protection, comfort, and adjustability tailored for young baseball catchers.