Looking for the best catchers masks and skull caps? Consider me as your friend. One who knows how brave one needs to be to squat down behind the home plate. In addition, who is aware of the dangers foul-tipped balls and an occasional mis-swing of the bat pose to the catcher.
That isn’t to say that catchers masks and skull caps provide as much protection as helmets – they leave your ears and your face unprotected. Hence why a vast majority of youth leagues have mandated the use of helmets over catcher catchers masks and skull caps. Why then are catchers masks and skull caps still in vogue?
Some catchers prefer them because catchers masks and skull caps are easier to put on and take off in the heat of the battle. Others go for them due to their lightweight construction. Still, others say they’re more ventilated and keep their heads cool, especially in summer conditions.
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Table Of Content
10 Excellent Skull Caps and Catchers Masks from Amazon
Wilson Old School Skull Cap
The Wilson Old School Skull cap is a must-have for traditionalists. The reason we’re saying that has to do with its design. One that is gradually lifted from the back – and sloped at the front – to provide as much protection to your back of the neck and the temple.
Wilson has combined this skull cap’s dual-density padding with a moisture management fabric. This decision has done wonders for this cap and its ability to keep you comfortable. That’s because, while the padding would keep the cap steady, the fabric will ensure easy evaporation of moisture.
There’s nothing about this cap’s outer shell which could attract complaints. It looks and feel sturdy and has the ability to withstand blows as long as their number remains in double digits. How can we be so sure? Because we know what ABS plastic can do.
To further sweeten the deal, Wilson has made this skull cap as lightweight as possible. It has also manufactured it in four colors – black, navy, royal, scarlet – and multiple sizes. You can this easily pick one according to the size of your head and your taste.
- Available in four colors
- Made of ABS plastic
- Lightweight yet sturdy
- Size runs large
EASTON PRO X Skull Catchers & Coaches Protective Helmet Cap
What is it that sets apart this catchers’ skull cap from others we reviewed above? Start with its matte finish. It won’t be the shiniest in the field but would still possess all the attributes – fingerprint-resistance, ability to retain original color under sunlight – which most people look for.
Next comes the ABS thermoplastic shell. It strikers the perfect balance between strength and rigidity on one end and flexibility on the other. ABS is also incredibly heat-resistant and offers excellent protection against dents. Which is why you can find car parts made of ABS.
Equally noteworthy is the combo of soft dual-density foam and BioDri fabric. The soft dual density foam will earn your praise by providing unparalleled comfort. Apart from doing exactly that, the BioDri fabric will move one step ahead in utility by absorbing sweat particles.
Not a fan of the ‘Easton Screamin’ E’ logo on its forehead? Easton gives you the option to either remove it – in case you like your caps blank – or customize it. And the final notable thing about this skull cap? It’s available in five colors and two sizes. What more can you ask for!
- Can be worn backward or frontward
- Available in five colors
- BioDri fabric to absorb sweat
- None
Easton CCX Skull Cap
Here’s another skull cap from Easton whose asking price won’t blow a hole in your pocket. The CCX provides above-average protection with its ABS plastic shell. One that can withstand the impact of blows without breaking down or getting dented in the aftermath.
Inside the ABS plastic shell is the dual-density foam padding. The reason why it’s known as ‘dual’ is because there are two layers. An outer, high-density layer sits next to the shell and dissipates the impact of blows. The inner, low-density layer, meanwhile, is responsible for keeping you comfortable.
Easton further sweetens the deal by offering this skull cap six different colors. They range from the ultra-conservative (white and navy) to the extremely chic (red and royal). Those of you who have a habit of taking the middle path can make do with black or purple.
Yet another feature of this skull cap that caught our attention is its vents. Two are close to your neck area, two are on top of your head and the final two are right where anyone’s receding hairline might be. Easton has strategically placed all six of to ensure breathability.
- Competitively priced
- Incredibly protective shell
- Rubberized matte finish
- Size runs small
EvoShield Pro-Srz Skull Cap
Who says old-school skull caps cannot provide new-age protection? The EvoShield Pro-Srz is proof that you can ensure your safety while remaining in a budget. It provides excellent protection with its durable ABS plastic and has a comfort foam padding for better fit and comfort.
This skull cap’s semi-gloss finish offers the better of both words. On the one end, it provides that shine that will help this product stand out in the field. On the other, it keeps a lid on the glare, thereby making sure that your fellow teammates won’t complain you about the same.
The size range might cause some confusion and that’s why we’re going to explain it here. The EvoShield Pro-Srz’s small/medium sizes are for those with head sizes 7 ¼ (and below) and the large/XL size range is for all the others. That’s where the good news ends.
There are two areas where this skull cap could have done a bit better. First is its asking price which might put a considerable burden on your pocket. Then is the lack of vents in its outer shell. You’d thus have no choice but to regularly take it off to give some air to your head.
- Semi-gloss finish
- Comfortable foam padding
- Long-lasting outer shell
- Pricey
- Has no vents
Easton CCX Grip Catcher/Coach Skull Cap
Two features separate the Easton CCX Grip from the Easton CCX we saw above. We reached that conclusion by juxtaposing both these skull caps. The first factor using which you can distinguish the CCX grip is that it does a better job of encapsulating your head.
That isn’t to say that the abovementioned CCX will come off without any notice. But it does mean that if we’re to wager our money on which of these two skull caps would stay on an extensively shaking head, we’d bet on the CCX Grip. Here’s why we’d do that.
This skull cap has an added layer of padding that you can see from one of its vents. Look closely at the sliver on top of the left ear and there you’d see white padding. That is what tells us that the grip has taken extra steps to ensure that it stays on your head in inclement circumstances.
Apart from these two features, not much is different between these two skull caps. Both have a rubberized matte finish, are made of a well-ventilated ABS shell and have packed their interior with the BioDri liner to manage moisture. And both are available in only two sizes only.
- Extra padding for added comfort
- Stays on head even during shaking
- Well-ventilated ABS shell
- Striking red color matte exterior
- Heavy
Rawlings Coolflo Matte Style Alpha Sized Base Coach Helmet
Here’s another high-quality skull cap from the world-renowned Rawlings brand. It is available in four colors, lets you pick from an equal number of sizes and weighs relatively less when compared to other skull caps on this review. That’s not all.
Those of you who have bought helmets before might know what the term ‘Coolflo’ in this skull cap’s name means. It tells us that this product contains 15 vents to let the ingress and exit of air through it. Their sheer number alone should tell you how far the vents would go to keep your head cool.
You might find it useful to note that its exterior boasts rubberized matte paint finish. One that isn’t glossy to reflect sunlight into the eyes of your teammates. But still has that striking features and that polished look which will make it the center of the attention on the field.
One thing you might want to note about this skull cap is that its size runs small. That is to say that those of you who regularly wear a smaller sized helmet might want to order a medium or larger one here. Check out this product’s size chart to know more.
- Coolflo Venting technology
- 15 strategically placed vents
- Glare-free polished exterior
- Size may run small
All-Star Baseball-and-Softball-Catcher-Helmets Catcher’s Skull Cap
Prepared to break the bank on an above-average skull cap? In that case you might prefer what the All-Star Skull Cap has to offer. It features a streamlined design with two vents running from the base of the helmet to that area on top of your head, thereby ensuring easy sweat handling.
Also on offer is an ABS plastic shell with clear coat finish. The presence of ABS should give you confidence that this helmet won’t break on facing a mis-hit ball or a wild-swinging bat. As for the clear-coat finish, it resists fingerprint smudges as well as stains.
Yet another notable feature of this skull cap is its availability in eight different colors. That’s at least three more color options than what you get from the 2nd most versatile skull cap on this review. You’d thus have to have an extremely eclectic taste to not find a color in there that meets your taste.
- Rugged exterior
- Polished and streamlined design
- Comfortable vents and padding
- Won’t come cheap
Rawlings Ultra Lightweight Adult Catcher’s Face Mask
Players worldwide know the quality that comes with every purchase of Rawlings Catchers Masks. Moreover, since the founding of Rawlings in 1887, the brand thrived to become one of the most trusted brands in the MLB today. Therefore, you can never go wrong with the quality Rawlings provide.
Featuring a hollow-wire facemask, this Rawlings Traditional Facemask effectively protects catchers against rogue balls. In addition, the hollow-wire construction of the Rawlings Ultra Lightweight Facemask provides ample protection that dampens the ball’s force upon impact.
Furthermore, the Rawlings designed this traditional mask with leather interior cushions that provide overall face cushioning and protection. Complimenting this feature is Rawlings’ Pro-Dri Plus fabric that helps wick sweats and provides a comfortable playing experience.
Lastly, Rawlings specifically designed the interior cage of the Rawlings Adult Catcher’s Face Mask for maximum visibility. In this light, Rawlings painted this Traditional Catcher’s Facemask black, effectively reducing glare for a crystal-clear line of sight.
- Features sweat-wicking fabrics excellent for games under the sun.
- Provides catchers with unparalleled visibility behind the plate.
- Features a lightweight construction compared to hockey-style masks.
- Offers excellent breathability during games.
- Doesn’t fit youth catchers.
EASTON SPEED ELITE Catchers Facemask
Since the 1960s, Easton has maintained a reputation in the field of manufacturing baseball equipment. Trusted by professionals in the MLB, Easton provides both professionals and amateurs with innovative gear. Therefore, if you are looking for a budget-friendly catcher’s facemask that offers decent cushioning and protection, then the Easton Catchers Gear is perfect for you!
If you are on the hunt for a facemask that provides a breathable and comfortable feel without compromising protection, then the Easton Speed Elite is the way to go!
The Easton Speed Elite features a traditional facemask design that incorporates lightweight and highly durable materials. As a result, catchers benefit from the high level of protection this traditional face mask provides. Aside from its protection, the string cage design of the Easton Speed Elite offers an excellent field of view; thus, making ball tracking easier.
Moreover, Easton utilized and incorporated an energy-absorbing foam to help deaden the impact felt from baseballs. Paired with this is a moisture-wicking liner that provides catchers with a cool and dry feel during high-pressure games.
- Features impact-resistant paddings for a comfortable fit.
- The design of the mask provides catchers with an unobstructed vision.
- The fabrics are soft to the skin.
- Features a lightweight construction perfect for young players.
- The Easton Speed Elite comes with a harness that doesn’t live up to expectations.
All-Star Sports Traditional Steel Baseball Catcher Face Mask w/ Luc Pads
One of the main problems catchers experience behind the plate is when their mask moves with every motion. This problem results in catchers losing visibility during games, having to adjust their helmets from time to time. As a result, catchers lose their focus on the game, decreasing their overall comfort and performance during games. Luckily, All-Star Sports has you covered.
Introducing the All-Star Sports Traditional Catchers Face Mask, experience a top-of-the-line performance from a traditional facemask. Featuring the DeltaFlex harness, forget having to adjust your catcher’s face mask from time to time.
Moreover, All-Star Sports incorporates the luc pads to provide players with a comfortable and irritation-free playing experience because of its moisture-wicking properties. Plus, the All-Star designed the I-bar Vision to provide catchers with a clear field of view during games, helping catchers to track the ball easily.
Lastly, All-Star Sports emphasizes convenience through the easy maintenance of the mask. For instance, the luc pads’ machine-washable design allows players to easily clean the paddings for their next game.
- Features an excellent harness system that keeps the mask in place.
- All-Star Sports specifically designed the mask for maximum visibility.
- Features a high-quality hollow steel design, making it extremely durable but lightweight.
- Comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
- Fairly expensive in comparison with the Rawlings and Easton offering in this list.
Frequently Asked Questions about Skull Caps and Catcher’s Masks
Benefits of Catchers Masks and Skull Caps
Here’s why catchers skull caps are still in vogue:
- Easier to put on and take off: One cannot deny the fact that catchers masks and skull caps fail to provide as much protection as hockey-styled helmets. However, it’s equally true that while helmets are a pain in the backside to put on and take off, you can set aside your catcher’s masks and skull caps at a moment’s notice.
- Stay in place despite head movements: Experts tell us that the reason why some catchers go for catchers masks and skull caps is that helmets, for all the protection they offer, move around when the catcher’s head moves. That isn’t the case with catcher’s masks and skull caps that stay in place come what may.
- Don’t weigh as much as helmets: Ask catchers who don’t wear hockey-style helmets and most of you would point to the thing’s weight. They are too heavy to allow easy head movement, some of them might impede the overall mobility of a catcher. On the other hand, catcher’s masks and skull caps don’t allow anyone to point this accusation at them.
- Can be worn with a separate mask: Remember Dottie Hinson from “A League of Their Own”? Then you might also recall her wearing a skull cap backward and a separate metal cage in front of her chin, throat, and forehead. Only skull caps would let you mimic that look on the field.
- Provide more ventilation to keep your head cool: The mention of summertime brings two memories to veteran baseball players – lots of play and a hot head. Catchers’ masks and skull caps, with their well-ventilated holes, will take care of the latter.
Drawbacks of Catchers Masks and Skull Caps
Here’s why most youth leagues have outlawed skull caps:
- Leave the side of the head and the ears exposed: Here’s the reason why we recommend that you don’t use skull caps in isolation. You should always use them alongside something that would protect your chin, your ears, and the side of your forehead, such as a catcher’s mask.
- Vulnerable to a hitter’s backswing or foul balls: One of the main reasons why the majority of youth leagues have mandated the use of helmet style masks – in place of catchers masks and skull caps – is because the latter leaves the catcher dangerously exposed to mis-hit balls.
- Require you to wear extra gear: According to NOCSAE rules, the skull cap and mask combination aren’t allowed on the field. The catcher is thus required to wear a throat protector – as well as a face protector – alongside a skull cap when they are in a crouch position.
How to choose catchers skull caps – Catchers Skull Caps Buying Guide
One of two types of baseball players will consult this article. The first are those who have been playing the game for years. They know everything about catchers skull caps, their drawbacks and shortcomings and are only here to find one with the best reviews.
Then there are those who don’t know what to look for when choosing catchers skull caps. They could therefore do with a helping hand, one which would direct their attention to the qualities that top-rated skull caps possess. It’s for them that this section is vital.
Following are the questions you need to ask yourself to get the best catchers masks and skull caps:
Here are the materials you skull cap’s outer shell might be made of: Let’s start with the basics. ABS plastic is a polymer which strikes the perfect balance between strength and rigidity on one end and flexibility on the other. It’s incredibly heat-resistant and offers excellent protection against dents. Which is why it’s even used in car parts. That isn’t to say that ABS doesn’t have any downsides. Direct exposure to sunlight over an extended period causes it to degrade and lose its color. It’s also extremely heavy, especially when compared with carbon fiber, and would thus make its presence felt on your head. Carbon fiber helmets are 130 times stronger and 300% stiffer than their counterparts made with ABS plastic. They also weigh very little and are poor conductors of heat, which means you won’t feel like your head is on fire with them on top of it. That isn’t where the good news ends. They are also perfect for inclement weather conditions and are punctuated with vents to remain wearable when it’s too hot out there. Throw into the mix their crack- and scratch-resistant exterior, and there aren’t many faults – expect their high asking price, that you can find with them. What is it that is common between bulletproof windows, eyeglass lenses and your upcoming catchers’ skull cap? Polycarbonate plastic is the primary ingredient in all of them. It offers high impact resistance, even higher than ABS, while also being transparent. Hence the reason why the utility of polycarbonate isn’t limited to the products mentioned above. It’s also used in riot shields, phone cases, medical devices, luggage packs, and so on. And of course, some catchers’ skull caps are made of polycarbonate too.Which material is the skull cap’s shell made?
ABS Plastic
Carbon Fiber
Polycarbonate
The padding inside your skull cap will determine how comfortably it fits. It is therefore imperative that you pay special attention to the foam. Otherwise you might end up with an inner cushioning that won’t do much besides blocking air. Ethylene and vinyl acetate foam offers many sought-after features. It’s extremely lightweight, has a soft, cushioning texture and is water-resistant. You can also rest easy with the knowledge that it’s non-toxic and can be wiped clean. And the best thing about EVA foam? Its anti-bacterial properties. On the flip side, inner liners made of EVA foam tend to be pricey and have a similar effect on the asking price of the skull cap in which they’re attached. That is to say that you’d have to pay more for skull caps with an EVA foam inner liner. But its benefits justifies the increase in asking price. Inner liners made of dual density foam offer the best of both worlds. They have an outer high-density foam that disperses and dissipates the impact of the blow. And their inner, low-density side absorbs the impact. Both the layers make sure your head doesn’t feel the full impact of every blow. Not everything is hunky dory about dual density foams, though. They provide you with an added layer of safety but require the trade-off of your comfort in return. As the presence of two layers make them more resistant to sweat absorption, especially when compared with EVA foam. Some of the models you’d encounter in our reviews section have gone with a unique combo. They have wrapped up a leather headband in soft padding, before using the combo to fill the inside of the cap. This arrangement has provided those skull caps with two benefits. Leather, as we all know from experience, tends to do a fine job of dissipating and absorbing blows. It also has a huge shelf life and can keep on going for years. Nobody can also raise any questions about leather’s ability to withstand exposure to environmental irritants.Which material is the skull cap’s inner padding made of?
EVA Foam
Dual Density Foam
Leather headband
Most players pay little attention to their catcher’s mask and skull cap’s finish. All they care about is that the cap is available in their favorite color. You cannot argue with them as they aren’t wrong. Yet if you could spend a few extra seconds to choose between matte and glossy finish, you won’t end up with buyer’s remorse. Here’s what you’d get if you decide to go for a glossy finish. You’d end up with bluer blues, redder reds, greener greens. That means that regardless of the color your helmet possesses, a glossy finish will end up making it extremely vivid. That is not all. Glossy finishes also tend to be more vibrant, have the ability to highlight details (like vents) better and provide any surface on which they’re applied with a striking finish. They are also incredibly reflective, thereby giving a sparkling shine when exposed to sun. That is also where their shortcoming lies. Since glossy finishes create a lot of glare, your teammates might start complaining to you how your helmet is distracting them on the field. However, if you opt in favor of a light matte finish, it might wear out upon extended exposure to sunlight. Two words come to mind whenever we think of matte: flat and soft. That is to say that you cannot expect matte finishes to beat their glossy counterparts when it comes to vividness. To some people, it’s a deal-breaker. To others, it’s the reason why they prefer matte over gloss. Provided you belong to the second camp, you might find it useful to note that matte’s ability to avoid fingerprint smudges is second to none. You won’t see any blotches on its surface even when your skull cap has gone through many hands. That’s not all. Matte offers a flat finish that keeps reflections at bay. You can thus wear your skull cap under the sun without troubling the eyes of your teammates. In addition, catcher’s masks benefit from matte finishes by providing players with an undistracted view. Yet the biggest selling point of matte has to be its greater tonal range that provides it with an elegant and subtle look. Which finish does the skull cap’s outer shell and catchers mask steel frame possess?
Glossy Finish
Matte Finish
Here are the most famous catchers’ masks and skull caps brands:Which brand does catchers masks and skull caps belong to?
Following are the must-have features:Must-Have Features
Conclusion
Let’s end with the basics. You need to answer four questions to land the best catchers masks and skull caps. They include what type of material you want the skull’s exterior to be made of, which type of foam padding you prefer, whether you like matte or glossy finish and the brand of the skull cap. On the other hand, finding a catcher’s mask includes its frame construction, finish, and overall material to make the most out of your purchase.
Regardless of your answers to these questions, there are two things that are a must-have. You should insist on having them in your skull cap while shopping. They include strategically placed vents (to ensure sweat handling) and a moisture wicking liner.
That’s what you got to do to land the best catchers’ skull cap. However, if you feel that it’s too much for your liking, forget what we said in the past two paragraphs. Just scroll back up and select your favorite skull cap from the reviewed seven. All of them possess all the attributes we mentioned here.
