Top Brands for Catcher's Gear: Elite Picks for Behind-the-Plate Pros!

When it comes to choosing the best catcher's gear, selecting the right brand is crucial for comfort, protection, and performance on the field. Brands that have carved out a reputation for excellence in this area often combine advanced technology with durable materials to ensure safety and ease of movement. Leading the pack, some of the most trusted names in catcher's gear include Easton, All-Star, and Rawlings, each offering specialized features catering to players' varying needs. For a comprehensive rundown of these top brands and what makes each unique, check out the detailed list below.

Illustration of catchers gear

Best brands of catchers gear in 2025

Rawlings

Rawlings is a paramount brand in the production of catchers gear, renowned for its exceptional quality and widespread adoption among professional baseball players. In 2022, Rawlings dominated the market with 70% of MLB starting catchers using their gloves, a testament to the brand's reliability and performance. This dominance extends beyond gloves, as Rawlings is also a preferred choice for other catching equipment. The brand's popularity is further underscored by its use by esteemed players such as Sean Murphy, J.T. Realmuto, and Salvador Perez. Rawlings' commitment to innovation and safety has solidified its position as a leader in the baseball equipment industry.

Easton

Easton is a prominent brand in the catcher's gear market, though it does not dominate the sector. As of 2022, Easton held a 10% market share among MLB catchers, with other brands like Nike and All-Star leading the way. Despite this, Easton is known for its innovative products and strong presence in other areas of baseball and softball equipment. In fastpitch softball, Easton's Ghost line of bats is particularly successful, holding a 65% share of overall fastpitch softball bat sales from April 2020 to September 2022. Easton's focus on female athletes and its partnerships with ambassadors also contribute to its reputation. For more details on Easton's cutting-edge catcher's gear offerings, visit their website.

Wilson

Wilson, although not the leading brand in catcher's gear, is a well-known and respected name in the sports equipment industry. However, in the context of catcher's gear, other brands like Force3, Nike, and All-Star dominate the market. For instance, in 2022, Force3 masks were worn by 47% of MLB starting catchers, while Nike led in the chest and leg guard category with 53% of MLB starting catchers using their gear. Wilson's brand awareness is high among sportswear owners, with 78% recognition in the United States, but it does not specifically stand out in the catcher's gear segment. You can explore Wilson's brand profile further on Statista's website.

Mizuno

Mizuno is a highly regarded brand in the baseball catcher's gear market, with 20% of MLB catchers opting for Mizuno mitts, highlighting its quality and reliability. Known for its innovative designs and durable materials, Mizuno's gear is favored by both professional and amateur players. The brand's commitment to research and development ensures that their products meet the evolving needs of baseball catchers. In the global market, Mizuno competes with other major brands like Rawlings, All-Star, and Easton, but its strong brand recognition and global distribution network maintain its dominant position. Mizuno's catcher equipment kits are available in various segments, including youth, amateur, and professional levels, catering to a wide range of players.

All-Star

All-Star is a leading brand in the production of catchers' gear, particularly notable for its catcher's masks and helmets, which are worn by 30% of MLB starting catchers in 2023. The MVP5 helmet, one of their flagship products, is highly regarded for its safety features and is used by prominent catchers like Adley Rutschman and Joey Bart. All-Star also offers a range of other essential gear, including chest protectors and leg guards, making it a comprehensive choice for catchers. Despite a 7% decline in overall gear usage from 2022 to 2023, All-Star remains a strong contender in the market. The brand's commitment to safety and performance has solidified its position as a preferred choice among professional and amateur catchers alike. For a detailed report on catchers' gear used in 2023, visit What Gear Do MLB Catchers Wear.

Under Armour

Under Armour is a prominent player in the sporting goods industry, particularly notable for its high-quality catchers gear. As of Q3 2024, Under Armour holds a market share of 3.07% in the Apparel, Footwear & Accessories sector, demonstrating its significant presence in the market. The company, founded in 1996, has grown to generate over $5.5 billion in global net revenue in its 2024 fiscal year. Under Armour's innovative products, including catchers gear, are favored by athletes worldwide, contributing to its status as one of the most valuable sports business brands. With a global workforce of approximately 15,000 people, Under Armour continues to expand its reach and product offerings.

Louisville Slugger

While Louisville Slugger is a renowned brand in baseball, it is not prominently mentioned as a leading producer of catchers' gear among professional catchers. However, Louisville Slugger is well-known for its high-quality bats and other baseball equipment. For catchers' gear, brands like All-Star, Rawlings, and Mizuno are more frequently cited for their excellence, with All-Star and Rawlings being particularly popular among MLB catchers, accounting for a significant portion of the market share.

Nike

Nike is a leading brand in the production of catchers gear, worn by 43% of MLB starting catchers in 2023, making it the most popular choice among professional catchers. Notable players such as Francisco Alvarez, J.T. Realmuto, and Gabi Moreno prefer Nike's chest and leg guards. Nike's gear is highly sought after by both professional and amateur catchers due to its quality and visibility on television broadcasts. In 2022, Nike was worn by 53% of MLB starting catchers, highlighting its consistent dominance in the market. Nike's player-exclusive gear is particularly coveted among non-professional and unsponsored catchers. For more insights on what gear MLB catchers wear, visit the 2023 catchers gear report.

Diamond Sports

Diamond Sports, through its brand All-Star, is a leading producer of catchers gear, renowned for its high-quality and innovative products. In 2022, All-Star masks and helmets were worn by 30% of MLB starting catchers, with notable players like Adley Rutschman and Joey Bart using their MVP5 helmet. All-Star also holds a significant share in the chest and leg guard market, with 20% of MLB starting catchers opting for their gear. Additionally, All-Star gloves are preferred by 13% of MLB starting catchers, including players like Max Stassi and Martin Maldonado. The brand's commitment to safety and performance has made it a mainstay in the baseball catcher's gear market. For more information, visit the All-Star catchers gear collection.

EvoShield

EvoShield is renowned for its innovative and premium catcher's gear, particularly notable for its Pro-SRZ Catcher's Gear which integrates advanced technologies such as Gel-to-Shell™ leg guards and Windpact Crash Cloud Technology™ for unparalleled protection and comfort. Despite being one of the lesser-used brands, EvoShield held a 3% share in the MLB catcher's gear market in 2022 and 2023, highlighting its niche but significant presence. The brand's focus on custom fit and adjustable leg guard systems sets it apart, offering up to 55 potential color combinations. EvoShield's gear is certified to the NOCSAE standard for Commotio Cordis, ensuring top-tier safety. Its commitment to innovation and player comfort makes it a preferred choice for many catchers. For more details, you can visit their website's frequently asked questions section.