If you’ve ever seen a kid behind the plate with sweet customized catcher’s gear, you may have wondered where to find it and whether it is worth the extra cost. I have had the pleasure of putting many catchers into middle and high school programs. In the process, I have experience with custom and matching catcher’s gear and am ready to help you sort through the differences.
Matching vs. Custom Gear
Matching different colors on each piece of your catcher’s gear from the same brand might be considered by some a “custom” set. Many companies offer that option. A truly custom set at the amateur level is provided only by All-Star. Understanding the differences between matching vs. custom catching equipment can help you decide which is best for your catcher.
MATCHING
Matching catcher’s equipment is just stock equipment (in a specific color) usually sold as a boxed set. When you purchase a matching box set, all the equipment is sized based on age. You will not be able to mix sizes when buying this way. You may be able to buy each piece individually to mix sizes, but the cost will significantly increase compared to the boxed set, and pieces will only be available in the colors offered.
CUSTOM
Custom catching equipment is custom to your player’s taste and sizing. You can choose colors, accent colors, and sizes. Some brands even allow you to monograph a name into the chest guard, just like your favorite pro player.
Custom Catching Gear Brands
Several companies now allow players to “customize” catching equipment. We will examine each brand and discuss the different customization options they offer.
All-Star Custom Catcher’s Gear Options
All-Star equipment is some of the best on the market. It is also the only custom equipment, as all others can be matched. It is durable, generally stays cleaner, and is very comfortable. In fact, Under Armour’s catching gear is made by All-Star. All-Star will also expedite the catching gear for an additional $150.
Helmet (available in both hockey style and two-piece)
- Padding Color (2 pieces)
- Deltaflex Color (2 piece)
- Cage Color (2 piece)
- Primary Shell (Hockey)
- Secondary Shell (Hockey)
Chest Guard
- Base Color
- Trim Color
- U-Bar Color
- Abs Color
- Throat
- Shoulder
- Harness
You can also have it embroidered for an additional $15.
Shin
- Knee Color
- Shin Color
- Toe Color
- Harness Color
- Trim Color
- Padding Color
- Delta Flex
BOOMBAH Matching Custom Catcher’s Gear Options
Boombah catching equipment fits comfortably and is durable in our usage behind the plate. If you are looking to mix the colors of your equipment, Boombah may be your best bet. They have many colors and are priced cheaper than most other “custom” brands.
Helmet
- Available in 24 different colors
Chest Guard
- Available in 25 different colors
Shins
- Available in 27 different colors
UNDER ARMOUR Matching Custom Catcher’s Gear Options
Under Armour catcher’s equipment is made by All-Star (see above). Under Armour also has almost all standard colors available; they do not, however, have any two-tone equipment.
- Padding Color
- Deltaflex Color
MIZUNO Matching Custom Catcher’s Gear Options
Not currently available for customization. Mizuno has a ton of color combinations that may override your desire for custom equipment and save you money.
Not currently available for customization.
Pros and Cons of Custom Catcher’s Gear
Pros:- More professional looking on the field (matches uniforms)
- Has a bit of an intimidation factor
- Can be fitted to the player (mixing different-sized pieces)
Cons:
- Usually more expensive
- Up to 8 weeks before it is delivered
- No return policy on custom gear
- Only one fully customizable brand (All-Star) on the market
As you outfit your hero behind the plate, customizing gear may be a good idea for a more personalized fit as well as a boost in confidence and intimidation factor. If you are looking for generic gear to pass through a league or team, basic matching gear may be the way to go.
