Best Baseball Catcher’s Helmet For 2023
“Defense is the best offense”. You’ve probably heard this quote a thousand times, especially when watching or playing sports, whether it’s an individual sport like tennis or a team sport like football.
A good defense can stop the opponent from scoring or cause them to make errors.
The same goes when playing baseball. For a team to win a baseball game, it must prevent the opposing team from scoring more runs for nine innings. To achieve that, catchers need to be equipped accordingly which is why we are focusing on the best baseball catcher’s helmet in this article.
Just like many team-oriented sports, baseball is a game of strategy. But what makes baseball unique is that the team that holds the ball is the defensive team. Hence, a good defensive strategy can help control and win a baseball game.
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Best Baseball Catcher’s Helmet Comparison Table
On Mobile Devices, drag Table left to see more, if necessary.
| Name | Hat Sizes | Shell | Inner Liner | Air Vents | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mizuno G4 Samurai |
Youth 6½ – 7¼ Adult 7¼ – 7⅝ |
ABS | EVA foam | 17 | NOCSAE |
Rawlings Renegade 2.0 |
Youth 6½ – 7 Adult 7⅛ – 7¾ |
ABS | Pro Dri Plus | 15 | NOCSAE |
All-Star S7 |
Youth 6¼ – 7 Adult 7 – 7½ |
ABS | 3D mesh liner | 21 | NOCSAE |
| Mizuno Samurai Fastpitch  |
6½ – 7¼ | ABS | EVA foam | 17 | NOCSAE |
Rawlings Velo 2.0 |
Jnr: 6½ – 7 Snr: 7⅛ – 7¾ |
ABS | Pro Dri Plus | 16 | NOCSAE |
| Easton Gametime |
Small: 6½ – 7⅛ Large: 7⅛ – 7½ |
ABS | BioDri fabric | 18 | NOCSAE |
Easton Elite X |
Small: 6½ – 7⅛ Large: 7⅛ – 7½ |
ABS | BioDri fabric | 18 | NOCSAE |
Why Are Catchers Important
In a baseball team’s defensive lineup, the catcher is one of the most crucial positions. The role of a catcher goes beyond receiving pitches not hit by the player at-bat.
Catchers can suggest the type of pitches the pitcher should make through hand signals. Baseball catchers can also stop runners from stealing a base or scoring a run by throwing the baseball to the runner and outing them.
Being in a crouched position behind the home plate, a baseball catcher is constantly at risk of getting hit by wild pitches, foul balls, or the batter’s bat. Trying to block a runner from reaching a base or the home plate can cause injury to a catcher.
If you play the catcher position, you must wear protective equipment to ensure your safety and protection on the field. To protect yourself from head or facial injuries, it is imperative to wear a helmet.
Wearing a baseball catcher’s helmet shields your head and face without obstructing your frontal and peripheral view of the field.
NOCSAE Standard Baseball Helmets
Besides a well-fitting helmet, another feature that you must look for when buying a baseball catcher’s helmet is whether it is SEI certified.
A helmet with SEI certification means that its quality and performance are tested and comply with the NOCSAE baseball standards (ND024-21). You can find the “SEI-certified, Meets, NOCSAE Standards” stamp on the outer shell of the helmet.
Other than the SEI certification label, you must also check for the helmet’s date of manufacture and the expiry date of the certification. The date of manufacture gives you an idea about how long the service life of the helmet is.
Meanwhile, the expiry date lets you know when you need to have the helmet reconditioned and recertified to meet the NOCSAE helmet standards before you can use it again.
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Best Baseball Catcher’s Helmet
Many would agree that the catcher is one of the riskiest and most physically demanding positions in baseball. You need to protect yourself, especially your head, face, neck, and jaw, not only from the impact of baseballs traveling at fast speeds and swinging baseballs bats but also from collision against other players.
Choosing a high-quality helmet that fits correctly and meets the NOCSAE baseball standards is a must. The proper headgear provides optimal protection, so you can also play confidently on the field and potentially lead your team to victory.
If you’re searching for a catcher’s helmet, but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. To help you shop, here are our picks of the best catcher’s helmets on the market today.
The following helmets are SEI-approved and adhere to NOCSAE baseball standards.
1. Mizuno G4 Samurai Baseball Catcher’s Helmet
With a design inspired by the Japanese Samurai warrior’s helmet, the Mizuno G4 Samurai Baseball Catcher’s Helmet delivers optimal cranial and facial protection while you’re behind the plate.
The G4 Samurai features a tough outer shell that covers the top, sides, and back of the head as well as the jaw and neck areas. The inner shell of this catcher’s helmet is padded with three layers of EVA foam, which not only dissipates impact forces but feels comfortable as well.
The Mizuno G4 Samurai Baseball Catcher’s Helmet is available from Amazon.
At the front of the helmet is a steel-framed mask that protects the face while offering an unobstructed view of the field.
The G4 Samurai is designed with effective heat control in mind, which is advantageous on hot weather days. It comes with multiple vents for better air circulation. The G4 Samurai also has an adjustable, moisture-wicking jaw pad.
The adult version of the G4 Samurai fits head sizes ranging from 7¼ to 7⅝. For youth players, you can buy the Mizuno G4 Samurai Youth Baseball Catcher’s Helmet, which fits 6½ to 7¼ head sizes.
What the reviews say about the Mizuno G4 Samurai Baseball Catcher’s Helmet:
Most reviews say this helmet offers great protection and feels comfortable. However, some comments suggest that the back of the helmet could use a better design and material.
IMPORTANT: How to Know Your Helmet Size
2. Rawlings Renegade 2.0 Hockey Style Catcher’s Helmet
Playing baseball under the heat of the sun could mess up your game, but not if you’re wearing the Rawlings Renegade 2.0 Hockey-Style Catcher’s Helmet.
Featuring the state-of-the-art Coolflo venting technology, this sleek-looking baseball helmet makes you look and feel cool, whether you’re calling pitches or catching high-speed baseballs.
For optimal protection behind the home plate, the Renegade 2.0 helmet is built with an impact-resistant ABS outer shell. It also has a tough cage that shields the face while allowing a clear view of the field. It comes with 15 air vents that let air circulate, keeping the interior fresh and dry.
The Rawlings Renegade 2.0 Catcher’s Helmet is available from Amazon.
On the inside of this catcher’s helmet, you’ll find the Tri-density foam liner that helps reduce the force of impact on the head. For increased comfort, moisture-wicking Pro-dri fabric, which features anti-bacterial properties to prevent germs and odor, line the inner pads.
The Rawlings Renegade 2.0 adult version fits 7⅛ to 7¾ hat sizes. For young players, a youth-level version is available, which can fit hat sizes between 6½ to 7.
What the reviews say about the Rawlings Renegade 2.0 Catcher’s Helmet:
The reviews on this catcher’s helmet say that it is lightweight, which is great for summer days. Some suggest wearing a hat underneath as it runs a bit big.
IMPORTANT: How to Know Your Helmet Size
3. All-Star System 7 Baseball-and-Softball Catcher’s Helmet
The All-Star System 7 series Baseball-and-Softball Catcher’s Helmet protects the head without restricting vision. This baseball catcher’s helmet has a sturdy ABS outer shell with an extra-thick forehead for increased impact protection.
It features submerged air vents that not only provide efficient ventilation but also help deflect foul balls. This unisex catcher’s helmet comes with All-Star’s patented I-Bar vision steel cage.
Instead of round bars, the steel cage uses flat steel bars, which are more efficient in dispersing impact forces.
The All-Star S7 Baseball-and-Softball Catcher’s Helmet is available from Amazon.
The interior of the All-Star S7 helmet is lined with removable and washable mesh padding and comes with a moisture-wicking chin pad jaw to keep you comfortable no matter how humid the weather is while protecting your face and head against impact.
One of the unique features of the All-Star S7 helmet is the straps on the helmet’s backplate. These straps prevent the snaps from popping off, so you can play without interruption. The straps are built along the edges of the backplate, which keeps them from scuffing your ears whenever you put on or take off the helmet.
The adult version of the All-Star S7 fits hat sizes ranging from 7 – 7½. For youth players, you can buy the All-Star S7 Youth Helmet, which fits 6¼ – 7 hat sizes.
What the reviews say about the All-Star System 7 Baseball-and-Softball Catcher’s Helmet:
Most of the reviews on this baseball catcher’s helmet say that it offers good visibility and protection, feels light, and is easy to adjust. People also like that the inner padding is detachable and easy to clean.
IMPORTANT: How to Know Your Helmet Size
4. Mizuno Samurai Women’s Fastpitch Softball Catcher’s Helmet
The Mizuno Samurai Women’s Fastpitch Softball Catcher’s Helmet, as the name suggests, is the female counterpart of the Mizuno G4 Samurai. Like the G4, this fastpitch softball helmet offers excellent protection without compromising visibility and ventilation.
The high-impact resistant shell is designed with multiple air vents that are strategically positioned throughout the helmet to increase airflow. The advanced design of the outer shell, which features a raised surface between the vents, helps in deflecting and reducing the impact of high-speed pitches.
The Mizuno Samurai Women’s Fastpitch Softball Catcher’s Helmet is available from Amazon.
This baseball and softball helmet is outfitted with a mask made of thin yet strong steel bars for optimal protection and enhanced visibility.
On the inside, the Samurai women’s catcher’s helmet is padded with three layers of shock-absorbent EVA foam. It is also built with an adjustable jaw pad lined with a soft, moisture-wicking fabric.
The Samurai fastpitch softball helmet comes in a variety of colors and fits hat sizes ranging from 6½ to 7¼.
What the reviews say about the Mizuno Samurai Women’s Fastpitch Softball Catcher’s Helmet:
Reviews say that this catcher’s helmet looks stylish and fits well. However, some people who have worn this helmet say that the jaw pad feels soft, but it makes them sweat a lot.
IMPORTANT: How to Know Your Helmet Size
5. Rawlings Velo 2.0 Baseball Catcher’s Helmet
The Rawlings Velo 2.0 Baseball Catcher’s Helmet combines style and performance in one affordable helmet. Featuring a two-tone design in a wide selection of color combinations, you can easily find a catcher’s helmet that complements your team’s colors.
Not only does the Velo 2.0 look stylish, but it also offers maximum protection like all other Rawlings baseball helmets. This durable hockey-style helmet comes with Rawling’s Coolflo technology, a system of multiple vents that allows air to circulate freely, preventing the face and head from sweating.
The Rawlings Velo 2.0 Baseball Catcher’s Helmet is available from Amazon.
When it comes to comfort and protection, the inner padding of the Velo 2.0 is lined with a moisture-wicking Pro Dri Plus Fabric to ensure your head stays dry no matter how much you move or how sunny it is.
Along with the redesigned chin strap, the helmet’s backplate straps are adjustable in three ways, so you can always find the perfect fit. Meanwhile, the impact-resistant face-cage ensures protection while giving you a clear view of the diamond.
What the reviews say about the Rawlings Velo 2.0 Baseball Catcher’s Helmet:
The majority of the reviews say that this catcher’s helmet offers a comfortable fit and provides good visibility. People also like that it keeps the head cool, especially while playing under the sun.
IMPORTANT: How to Know Your Helmet Size
6. Easton Gametime Baseball Catcher’s Helmet
The Easton Gametime Baseball Catcher’s Helmet delivers excellent comfort and protection, so you can play your best game. The glossy outer shell is constructed from thermoplastic ABS material, ensuring that your head is protected against foul tips, errant baseball bats, or runners running fast towards the dish.
Meanwhile, the strong steel-framed mask shields your face while giving you a clear vision of your surroundings.
The ABS shell of the Easton Gametime features strategically positioned ventilation holes that help keep your head cool while you’re defending the plate.
The Easton Gametime Baseball Catcher’s Helmet is available from Al’s Sporting Goods.
Underneath the durable shell is the comfort-stacked foam, lined with BioDri fabric that offers a comfortable fit and enhances moisture control. The inner chin cup features an ergonomic design, allowing you to easily communicate with your team members even when the helmet is on.
To help you find the most secure and comfortable fit, the Easton Gametime comes with an extra-wide rear top strap that you can easily adjust.
The Easton Gametime is available in two hat sizes; large (7⅛ – 7½) for adult players and small (6½ – 7⅛) for youth athletes.
What the reviews say about the Easton Gametime Baseball Catcher’s Helmet:
Most reviews on this baseball helmet say that it is durable and comfortable. People also like that the straps are easy to adjust.
IMPORTANT: How to Know Your Helmet Size
7. Easton Elite X Baseball Catcher’s Helmet
The Easton Elite X Baseball Catcher’s Helmet comes with features similar to the Easton Gametime, but costs slightly more because of a few additional features. Like the Gametime, its exterior is made from durable ABS plastic.
This catcher’s helmet also comes with multiple strategic vents to enhance airflow and keep the interior dry and odor-free. However, what sets the Elite X apart is that its steel cage comes in a solid black color, giving it a more rugged appearance. Plus, the middle bar of the steel frame is flat, which offers better visibility.
The Easton Elite X Baseball Catcher’s Helmet is available from Amazon.
Just like other Easton baseball helmets, the inside of the Elite X is lined with breathable, impact-absorbing foam padding, which is covered by a BioDri fabric on the forehead for improved temperature control. The forehead and chin pads are removable and washable.
The Elite X catcher’s helmet is also built with an extra-wide top for easy fit adjustment and an ergonomic chin cup for better communication with other players.
This baseball helmet comes in two sizes. The large option fits hat sizes 7⅛ to 7½, while the smaller version fits hat sizes 6½ to 7⅛.
What the reviews say about the Easton Elite X Baseball Catcher’s Helmet:
The majority of the people who bought this catcher’s helmet say that it is lightweight and easy to put on and take off. People also like that they can easily remove the inner pads for washing.
IMPORTANT: How to Know Your Helmet Size
How to Measure for a Catcher’s Helmet
A baseball catcher’s helmet must fit well, meaning, it stays on no matter how much you move, if you get hit by a baseball, or collide with another player.
To find the correct helmet size, you can measure your head’s circumference using a measuring tape or a piece of string and a ruler.
If you have a measuring tape, all you need to do is wrap it around the widest part of your head, ideally, slightly above your ears and eyebrows. Alternatively, you can use a string, shoelace, or long strip of cloth to measure for a baseball helmet.
Wrap it around your head as you would a measuring tape, then mark the point where the rest of the string overlaps with the other end. To find the length, lay the string on a flat surface next to a ruler.
Note the measurement in either inches or centimeters as helmet manufacturers may use one or the other in the helmet size chart.
Convert Inches or Centimeters to Hat Size
| Convert Inches or Centimeters to Hat Size | ||
|---|---|---|
| Inches | Centimeters | Hat Size |
| 18¾” – 19” | 49 cm | 6 |
| 19¼” – 19⅜” | 50 cm | 6⅛ |
| 19⅝” – 19¾” | 51 cm | 6¼ |
| 20” – 20⅛” | 52 cm | 6⅜ |
| 20⅜” – 20½” | 53 cm | 6½ |
| 20⅞” – 20¾” | 54 cm | 6⅝ |
| 21¼” | 55 cm | 6¾ |
| 21⅝” | 56 cm | 6⅞ |
| 22” | 57 cm | 7 |
| 22⅔” – 22⅜” | 58 cm | 7⅛ |
| 22¾” | 59 cm | 7¼ |
| 23⅛” | 60 cm | 7⅜ |
| 23½” – 23⅝” | 61 cm | 7½ |
| 23⅞” – 24” | 62 cm | 7⅝ |
| 24¼” – 24⅜” | 63 cm | 7¾ |
| 24⅝” 24¾” | 64 cm | 7⅞ |
| 25 | 65 cm | 8 |
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