Baseball: Catcher Mask
June 21, 2008 2:48 pm Baseball, SportsA catcher mask is the not a piece of equipment that should be taken lightly. It prevents a player from serious injury to the mouth, face and neck. While it might not get hit as much as your leg guards or chest protector, it protects the blows that count. A bruise on your shin will heal naturally but a broken tooth will not grow back.
Making the Right Catcher Mask Decision
There are many different ways to approach buying a catcher mask. First of all, you have to look at the ability of the mask to properly protect you. Look and see who the mask is certified by. If it is not certified by a national organization, it might be for fun or looks.
The next concept that should be addressed is the size. There are going to be masks that will fit just about every player. The main two sizes are youth and adult, being that they have adjustable straps. Your head is going to fit into a helmet and the straps will go around the helmet.
Comfort is also a very important attribute. A player should not buy a mask where the pads are covered by anything other than vinyl or leather. While leather is clearly the best, both will provide the most comfort and durability. Think about how many times you will be putting on and taking off the mask. That rubbing alone can cause irritation. The metal wiring should also be positioned how you prefer. There is a pretty standard method, but different variations do exist.
