Our league needs to buy some catcher's gear and would like to know the approximate price ranges for:
helmet/mask
shingaurds
chest protector
mitt

1. Also what should we keep in mind when buying the stuff?
2. What are the advantages or disadvantages of the hockey helmet or the skullcap/mask combo.
3. How much does a mitt cost that's relatively easy to break in and would last a while. Don't foresee pitches being faster than 70mph.
4. What material should the gear be in an area that gets very high humidity and heat in the summer?

Note this is for females ages 14 and up, probably ranging 5'2 - 5'8 height, 120 - 180 pounds.

For a recreational league. Have looked at prices and products on various websites but wouldn't know a thing about actually buying the stuff and evaluating its quality and durability or what are fair prices for new gear.

Thanks.

it really depends how much you want to spend

Well is it better to spend more money upfront for longer lasting gear that would last at least three years or is it ok to get something cheaper in the beginning and replace it if needed?
The gear would probably be used no more than twice a week on average 2-3 hours for about 6-8 months out of the year.

I will assume that a good mitt is the most important thing to get.

I wouldn't know any of this since I dont catch fulltime, only for emergencies and all.

Thanks,

From the sizes of the girls you're talking about, you may need two sizes anyway.

At a HS baseball level, shinguards wear out fast (inner linings/padding) due to the amount of bullpens and drills catchers do. In some cases you can buy replacement lining/padding. Chest protector and helmets can last a few years. Schutt makes some light weight gear that I heard good things about for softball. Hockey helmet is the way to go if possible (some leagues require it; all demand the ears are covered so a true skullcap is illegal)as they are comfortable and most are ventilated pretty well. Easton might be a good starting point as alot of players like their stuff and it's not that expensive; shop all the closeout sources also as there are deals out there.

I would invest in a decent mitt that the girl likes and is sturdy enough to last at least a few seasons. It will last longer by wearing a batting glove also.

My son went through 3 sets of gear from 12 to age 16. Growth and just wearing them out are the culpits. Now on 4th set, shinguards may survive this year but doubtful. Is on 2nd mitt during that time; in market for replacement.

Nothing is truly cheap about catching after awhile.

is schutt's stuff ok to use for baseball?

We are an independant league and have no rules for specific helmet/mask types. As long as the person wearing it is comfortable [and can see in it] and the stuff is safe to use its fine by us.

I know good gear is not cheap, played hockey as a teen. Talk about expensive..

Yes, the Schutt gear I'm talking about is baseball protective gear. Brother-in-law's 11 yr travel baseball team had Schutt gear and loved it...I personally have no experience with it.

Cap/mask is fine and much cooler if allowed. Please make sure the catcher doesn't turn their head when blocking....personally wouldn't advise this setup except for a very experienced catcher.