About Softball Catchers Equipment
A softball catcher's equipment is essential for preventing injury. Fast-pitched softballs can travel up to 70 miles an hour. The face, neck, legs, chest and hands are all vulnerable to injury. Catcher's equipment protects vulnerable areas and allows the player to perform to the best of her ability, without fear of injury.
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Catcher's Mask
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Most catcher's masks are made of high-impact plastic, and fit over the head with elastic around the back to fit a variety of sizes. Higher-end catcher's masks have adjustable straps and are made of light-weight plastics. According to Easton Softball, higher-end catcher's masks run from $70 to $120, as of June 2010.
Shin Guards
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Shin guards fit over the front of the legs and are typically fastened with Velcro straps around the calf. Most catcher's shin guards extend from the knee down over the foot. As of 2010, shin guards typically cost from $20 to $100, according to Wilson.
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Catcher's Mitt
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A catcher's mitt has extra padding to protect the catcher's hand. Many catchers wear an additional protective glove underneath their mitts for added padding, according to the website Clear Lead. Catcher's mitts vary widely in cost, from $20 to $500, as of June 2010, depending on materials, quality of construction and brand, according to Easton Softball.
Neck Guard
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Neck guards have been added to the catcher's arsenal in recent years. A high-speed softball hitting the neck can cause the windpipe to collapse, potentially leading to death, according to Clear Lead. As of 2010, neck guards average around $20, according to Easton Softball.
Chest Protector
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The chest protector extends from the shoulders to the waist and protects the entire front of the upper body. Manufacturers have begun adding an additional section of padding over the throwing arm, according to Wilson.
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- Photo Credit catcher"s mask on home plate. image by pixelcarpenter from Fotolia.com
