Chest protectors are a hugely critical part of any softball catcher’s gear. If you don’t want to get the complete catcher’s gear set, and you need to choose just the suitable chest protector, you have come to the right place.
Many renowned brands make quality chest protectors and we have decided to test them thoroughly.
Chest protectors are an essential investment, as their mission is to protect your chest, shoulders, ribs, and stomach from impacts to the chest by a softball.
Therefore, we have come up with a list of the top 5 best softball chest protectors to help you make the decision and purchase the right one for you.
Let’s get into the review.
5 Best Fastpitch Softball Chest Protectors – 2024 Reviews
1. Easton Jen Schro THE VERY BEST Chest Protector
Easton is one of the most well-known brands when it comes to fastpitch softball. They produce high-quality fastpitch bats, gloves, and also, catcher’s gear. This chest protector is a part of the JEN SCHRO THE VERY BEST collection and it’s made in collaboration with one of the best catcher’s coaches in the world, Jen Schro.
So, you get by now that this chest protector is made with performance, protection, and fit in mind. And, does it deliver! First and foremost, the fit; since this chest protector is designed and engineered for female players, you shouldn’t worry about getting that perfect fit, as this protector is made from two pieces and has a connector piece that allows you to find the perfect fit.
It also has a lot of memory foam to provide you with better protection from the moment you step on the field. Another nice feature is the added silicone grip that is found on the chest protector, and its main mission is to help you keep the softball as close as you possibly can. A truly innovative and helpful feature that will make any catcher’s job easier.
So, when playing a tough game or making a tough play, you don’t want to be denied for a big range of motion. Luckily, the design of this protector allows you to have a big range of motion, and allow you to perform to the best of your abilities.
If you are looking for a chest protector with the best fit in the game, this is the one you should go with. It also has a nice and clean design and comes in a variety of different colorways, so it will be easy to pick your favorite one.
Features
- Two-piece design
- Neoprene 2nd layer
- Silicone grip
- 3-way tightening system
- 3 sizes: S, M and L
Pros
- Designed specifically for female players
- Offers a lot of protection
- Super lightweight
- Most comfortable chest protector on the market
Cons
- Neck collar may not work great for everyone
2. All-Star System7 Axis Chest Protector
All-Star is one of the premier brands when it comes to baseball and softball catcher’s helmets, leg guards, and helmets. So, there is no surprise that their System7 Axis Chest Protector is featured in our list of the best fastpitch chest protectors.
The System7 Axis can be used for baseball and softball and comes in many different colorways, so you can get the one that resembles your team’s color. However, the most important objective of a chest protector is to protect, and this one does that superbly. This one has even more protection in the upper chest part than the previous generations and features PE protective plates.
The hardware is made from stainless steel, as you would expect from a great brand like All-Star. On the back, you can find diamond vents that improve breathability and also reduce weight, a factor that is so important for a catcher. You want to make fast decisions and quick moves, and the All-Star System7 Axis allows you just that. It also has a removable groin protector, which is a nice feature.
It’s really not hard to see why we chose the System7 Axis as the best one. It offers protection, it’s lightweight, and will make you perform better on the field.
Features
- PE protective plates
- Wedged abs
- Diamond Vents
- DeltaFlex
- Stainless steel hardware
Pros
- Can be used for baseball and softball
- Ton of great colorways
- Premium build quality
- Lightweight
Cons
- High price
3. Mizuno Samurai Chest Protector
The name of this chest protector should tell you everything that you need to know about it. The protector has an appropriate name, Samurai, and once you start wearing it, it truly does give you an invincible, warrior-like feeling. Like the previous model on this list, the Mizuno Samurai is also designed with the female silhouette in mind, so getting a good fit shouldn’t be a problem. The design that this chest protector has should allow you to make quick movements unbothered.
The front of this chest protector is covered in low rebound foam, which also has a sticky surface to assist in keeping the softball close and controlled. It also has built-in shoulder pads to help protect your shoulders during a quick play.
It also, like the two other models, comes in several different colorways, but grey is a dominant color in all of those color combinations, and maybe not everyone will be a fan of that.
So, when playing a tough game or making a tough play, you don’t want to be denied for a big range of motion. Luckily, the design of this protector allows you to have a big range of motion, and allow you to perform to the best of your abilities.
If you are looking for a chest protector with the best fit in the game, this is the one you should go with. It also has a nice and clean design and comes in a variety of different colorways, so it will be easy to pick your favorite one.
Features
- Designed specifically for female players
- Shoulder pads are built-in
- Size 13″ and 14″
Pros
- Very light
- Offers a good amount of protection
- Great price
Cons
- Colorways could’ve been better
4. EvoShield Pro-Srz Fastpitch Chest Protector
EvoShield is the youngest brand on this list, but don’t let that cast any doubt on you about the quality of their products. They are much respected and quickly rose in popularity because of the new and innovative technologies that they put in their products, chest protectors included.
Their Pro-Srz Fastpitch Chest Protector looks like it came directly out of a Batman movie, and it will definitely make a huge statement on the field, under the bright lights. Like most of the other protectors on this list, this one also has a female fit, so you don’t have to worry about getting the right fit. A hugely important and in-handy feature that the Pro-Srz has is the Fidlock Magnetic Buckle, a tiny piece of tech that grants you easier and faster release.
This chest protector allows you a huge range of motion and quicker movement. It fits snugly, and that is made possible by the Moldable Abdominal Wire that is found just below the middle of the protector.
This is a great option for those who are searching for a lightweight and great-looking chest protector and don’t have a problem with its higher price.
Features
- Fidlock Magnetic Buckle
- Moldable Abdominal Wire
- For Intermediate and Adult players
Pros
- Snug fit
- Exceptionally good looking
- Fantastic technologies
Cons
- Higher price
5. Rawlings Velo Series Fastpitch Softball Catcher’s Chest Protector
The Velo Series Chest Protector by Rawlings, which is one of the most popular and best baseball and softball brands, is a great option for those who have a slightly smaller budget, but that doesn’t mean it performs badly. This Rawlings chest protector has an impact-absorbing foam that gives optimal control of the softball.
The left shoulder has extended protection on the left shoulder, which is a nice feature. You can also remove the shoulder caps if you want, and we were always fans of this feature. Don’t worry about the range of motion while wearing this protector; a flexible and adjustable design that the Velo Series has will allow you more range of motion. When playing an intense and competitive game, you will need to be cool as you possibly can, and the Heat Exchange foam technology will enhance the airflow, keeping you cool under pressure.
We must admit that we aren’t huge fans of this design and think that could’ve been done a bit better. However, the nice touch is that you get a number of colorways to choose from, so you might find the one that you like. This one is for those who are on a smaller budget but still want a chest protector that allows them to perform at their highest potential and gives them optimal comfort.
Features
- Dynamic Fit System
- Tri-tech padding
- Extended left shoulder
Pros
- Great for those on a smaller budget
- Two-tone design
- Good fit
Cons
- Design
Difference Between Fastpitch and Baseball Chest Protectors
While there are chest protectors that can be used for softball and baseball altogether, there are a few differences between them you should know about. The first one is the fit; the fastpitch chest protectors have a design that has a contoured fit so it will better fit the female players, and the baseball ones don’t have that. So, we recommend that if you want the perfect fit, get the one that is designed for female players. The second difference is that the softball chest protectors don’t have a groin protector, but on some baseball chest protectors that part is removable.