When playing your favorite sports chances are that, even if you are extraordinarily cautious, inevitably physical contact will happen. In baseball, this contact can occur in a lot of different ways, being one of them the possibility of getting hit by a baseball in anyplace of your body, including the chest area. That's the reason why looking for and using the best baseball chest protector has become a must for players who want that important protection, even more for younger athletes.
There is no doubt in the fact that catching is one of the most challenging positions in baseball. For this dangerous position on the field, you need the best protective gear. This guide will explain all the information you need for finding the right chest protection.
What are Baseball Chest Protectors?
First, let's understand what these are and who needs to use them.
A baseball chest protector is a type of protective wearable device which is designed to protect young and adult players by dispersing ball impact to the chest area. A pocket in the compression shirt holds the thin custom-molded protective shield in place without hindering their flexibility or range of motion. Wearing protection gear will boost their confidence and give them some peace of mind.
The technology used in these protectors is very important as it offers a lot of new and incredible features that are extremely important: they are of great quality, flexible, provide a better fit through an adequate amount of padding and proper design, and using top materials like state-of-the-art foam with high durability which keeps the gear guarding the sternum area for longer and in a better way.
The best chest protector for baseball will have a pad body, a cushion to protect the neck, another pad on the chest that is designed to protect you from shocks.
Hence, the chest protector will secure the player from any fatal injuries to the chest, stomach, and neck.
Chest protectors for baseball need to be lightweight but have proper ventilation and be comfortable for the players.
Who Should Wear Them?
This type of protection is used in multiple levels of the game, from the smallest categories all the way up until the MLB, where it is used by many players.
To avoid casualties on the field, the umpire and the catcher both need wear a chest protector.
Do Baseball Chest Protectors Work?
A chest protector will shield not only the collarbones but also the ribs. It has been reported that in some cases, due to the chest protector, the player was saved from a cardiac injury as well. On the flip side studies have shown that some of these chest protectors were not very effective at preventing sudden death from cardiac injury.
Either way, there's no doubt that these protectors assist in the prevention of bone related injuries.
Common Types of Baseball Chest Protectors
If we look at history, then it is women who led to developing protective gear for catchers. Charles Bennet was a professional baseball player who played for Detroit Wolverines for almost 15 years as a catcher.
His wife created a chest pad to protect her husband from any injuries during the game. He was seen to be wearing that chest pad on top of his jersey during the 1800s.
James Deacon White is the legend who devised the first chest protector in the early 1800s. The design of that protector was unique as it had air tubes on the canvas-covered rubber.
Whereas in contemporary societies, air tubes were substituted with padding. And now, these chest protectors for baseball have a shock-absorbing polyfoam. These are also known as heart guards or breast protectors and most likely to be worn inside the jersey.
Throughout the years, catchers were also given inflatable vests.
Even though umpires continued wearing inflatable vests but catchers quickly moved to the foam-filled chest protector. These protectors are not only lightweight but also do not impair mobility in any way.
There are some chest protectors in the market today that come with shoulder straps that can be easily removed. These are also likely to have velcro, breathable cotton, and high padding, ensuring optimal protection, and are also exceptionally lightweight.
As opposed to the 1940s and 1950s, today's chest protector weighs only half as much as before.
Features of Chest Protectors
To avoid any potential injury to the chest, the catcher needs a protector. And there are certain features which you should look out for.
Wings or Shoulder Pads
As the name suggests, the shoulder pad protects the catcher's shoulders. In case of an illegal strike, the catcher can face intense damage to the muscles if the shoulder pad is not there.
The shoulder pad on it today is very lightweight and does not cause any restriction in movement.
Groin Protector
For young players, the youth baseball chest protector comes with a groin protector as well. It is attached with velcro and can be easily removed if needed.
Even though this is mandatory in many leagues, some players tend to use the groin protector and a cup along with a chest protector during their game.
Sizing and Fit Guide for Chest Protectors
How Do You Size a Chest Protector?
It is essential that the protector needs to fit ideally to provide the highest support.
A catchers' chest protector is sized in inches. This indicates the separation between the lower part of your throat to your midsection.
To get the correct measurement for the chest protector, firstly, you need a measuring tape. Take the measuring tape and measure the length from the chest to the waist.
To get an accurate measurement, make sure you are not wearing any bulky clothing.
Youth
Since chest protectors are measured from the length, the sizing for youth and adults tends to vary. For baseball players under 12 years are the youth chest protectors - the length for these ranges from 9.5 inches to 14.15 inches.
Senior
Intermediate or senior sizes are for baseball players between 12-16 years of age, and the length for these range from 14.5 inches to 15.5 inches.
Make sure to buy the ideal fit and do not opt for anything bigger, thinking that the player would grow out of it soon, as this can fail to provide proper protection during the game.
Adult
Finally, for any baseball player above 16 years of age, they need to opt for adult sizes in chest protectors; the length of this is 16.5 inches.
Straps
Along with this, it is essential not to forget the straps on the protector. The fitting of the straps for your protector is also vital. The top strap on it needs to cover the collarbone, but if you bend down, the protector should be able to move a bit without touching the chin.
Lastly, the side strap on the protector also needs to be tight enough to allow the player to move in different positions.
Different Material Options Available in a Chest Protector for Baseball
The price range tends to vary with the wide variety of options available in the market. The higher the price tag on the protector, the greater the likelihood of having better quality material.
Higher quality ensures durability and a better absorption factor.
Some of the best baseball protectors also come with proper ventilation to keep the body temperature low while playing on hot days.
The foam quality can mainly differ in them; some might have poly foam, whereas others might use light padding.
The cheaper alternative in the marker for a protector is likely going to have low-quality foam and velcro, which will be heavier.
What is a Baseball Chest Protector Shirt?
Many players tend to also choose baseball chest protector shirts. There are many options available in the market.
What you need to look for in the best baseball chest protector shirts is that they should be lightweight, protect the chest through high-quality padding and slim fitting.
You can also choose a youth chest protector baseball shirt in a small size if your player is below 16 years of age.
The Top 6 Baseball Chest Protector Options
To help you make the right choice for a chest protector, we have listed down our top picks below.
1. All-Star System 7 Chest Protector
There's no doubt about the best chest protector in the market today. This All-Star System 7 is certainly in the league.
Despite being a bit on the higher end of the price tag, this protector is one of its kind, but you cannot put a price tag on safety, can you?
The All start System 7 is one of the best chest protectors you can find. It has a unique U-Bar design, and this provides the correct body position to the player.
This gear has polyethylene protective plates for the throat as well as the sternum and collarbone. When this is snugly fit, it provides high protection to these areas.
The size is ideal for players of all ages. It is also incredibly lightweight, and it covers the torso well. It also comes with diamond ventilation to facilitate airflow.
Along with all this, there are multiple thin layers of foam to provide the best protection against any injuries.
Pros
Cons
Our second pick for catchers chest protector has to be the Easton Pro X. It is bound to make you look good and keep your chest well protected from any injuries.
This protector has a double layer of EVAIR foam as well as memory foam to enhance protection and breathability.
It also comes with heavy-duty clips for snug fit and comfort, along with an adjustable shoulder cap. All these features make it one best products for protection against any injuries during your game.
Pros
Cons
If you are looking for a gear that will provide you with high durability and protection but at a great price point, then this Mizuno Samurai protector will be your best bet.
It is made from Drylite inner lining made to absorb moisture from your body. It can also be customized according to your nameplate if you like.
Also, it comes with a neck pad which can be removed whenever needed. Along with this, it has detachable wings for an ideal fit. The back of the protector is made with mesh which increases breathability.
All these features make it difficult not to like this product and make it your first choice.
Pros
Cons
Another protector in the market which you can choose if you are on a budget is Easton Gametime. This is one of the best baseball gear available with a very low and affordable price.
It has an integrated memory foam padding for the abs and reasonable rebound control, along with an adjustable shoulder cap and four-point strap system, which ensures an ideal fit.
The durability of this gear is very high, and it's going to last you a few seasons. The back of this protector is also adjustable according to length.
Lastly, this protector also meets NOCSAE standards and is bound to keep the catcher safe.
Pros
Cons
This protector has a lot of features that you might like. This can also be a chest protector for pitchers as well as catchers.
It is made from Tri-tech padding for ventilation. It also has foam fitting around the chest, which makes mobility easier.
Shoulder protection is also given in this as it has an extended shoulder cap. Along with this, it comes with an adjustable back harness.
The finish on this product is top-notch; having a matte finish provides it with a highly professional look.
Pros
Cons
This has to be the best youth baseball heart protector available in the market.
Over the last few years, youth baseball has gained a lot of popularity, and this is why so many options for young players are also available.
This Mizuno youth chest protector is in 14-inch size, made with high-quality rebound foam. The young players can also customize it on the back with their nameplates.
Ventilation on this protector is also exceptional. And it also allows free range of movement with adjustable shoulder pads.
Hence, if you are looking for the best youth baseball chest protection equipment, this is your ideal choice.
Pros
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
Do MLB players wear chest protectors?
Even though it is not mandatory, it has been seen that many MLB players choose to wear chest protectors these days for added procession.
What is the best umpire chest protector?
Many options are available in the market for umpires, but the best umpire chest protector has to be the Wilson Pro Gold Umpire chest protector.
This is has hinged plates for high protection. It is also highly durable and longer in length than average umpire chest protector.
What is a chest protector called?
It is also frequently called sternum.
Conclusion
Our top pick for best baseball chest protector has to be the All-Star System 7 Chest Protector from all the options listed above. It is highly durable, with protective plates and a unique U-Bar design. All these features make it an ideal choice despite the higher price tag.