Sunglasses for a catcher

[CoachHenry]

I've searched the forum and didn't find much around this topic. I would like to get a pair of sunglasses for my son (15yrs old, Freshmen) that works under his catching mask. It is hockey style. Most sunglasses will hang up when quickly taking the mask off which will not work. I'm sure whatever I end up getting will need a strap to secure them to his noggin. Is there a brand and/or style that is commonly used by catchers? I also don't want him to get a visor shield as that would make it too difficult to change out if the sun moves or the like.

Any suggestions?

[CoachB25]

Coach Henry, you will need to know what the league regulations are or the high school federation rules if your son is in HS. I know that in our state, you can not wear a tinted "shield" and some companies sell "shields" for catcher's mask. There are a couple of brands of Oakleys that work. I have worn a pair of M frames under our catcher's helmet for a couple of years. However, that is the old model. BTW, I wear them to catch my kid.

[MrSurprise]

Maui Jim has a pair called MJ Sport... they are super lightweight and they fit closely to your head, but most of all the frames are superflexible so they can be bent around without having to worry about breaking. I know Maui Jim isn't the only brand that makes flexible sport sunglasses but its what I use as a catcher. Its hard to use sunglasses under the mask though because not only does your breathing fog them up, but when you sweat sometimes sweat drops on the lens and you have to call time to clean them, and not always does it happen at the time you can call timeout... I recommend a shield if your league allows you to wear them... Lots of eye black helps you not have to squint, there are tricks out there try them out!!

[CoachHenry]

Coach Henry, you will need to know what the league regulations are or the high school federation rules if your son is in HS. I know that in our state, you can not wear a tinted "shield" and some companies sell "shields" for catcher's mask. There are a couple of brands of Oakleys that work. I have worn a pair of M frames under our catcher's helmet for a couple of years. However, that is the old model. BTW, I wear them to catch my kid.

Thanks for the warning on the shields. I wasn't going to get one of them anyway, but I'll check, never know when I might have bought one anyways. Is there a reason why they are not allowed in your state?

I have Oakleys with the heater frame and love them for playing ball. I was going to let him try mine out to see how they worked and go with that style, if even a different brand.

[CoachHenry]

Maui Jim has a pair called MJ Sport... they are super lightweight and they fit closely to your head, but most of all the frames are superflexible so they can be bent around without having to worry about breaking. I know Maui Jim isn't the only brand that makes flexible sport sunglasses but its what I use as a catcher. Its hard to use sunglasses under the mask though because not only does your breathing fog them up, but when you sweat sometimes sweat drops on the lens and you have to call time to clean them, and not always does it happen at the time you can call timeout... I recommend a shield if your league allows you to wear them... Lots of eye black helps you not have to squint, there are tricks out there try them out!!

Excellent, thanks for the tips and tricks. I didn't consider the fogging problem. I'll check out the brand you suggested.

[JeepTJ12]

I have to suggest the Nike Contacts. They are the best thing to hit the sport IMO. The orange tint reduces glare, makes the surrounding brighter and more vibrant, and no frames or bulk. You can see the ball a lot better too. When you first try them they are a little weird but within the first game I was used to them and won't steer away from them. No steaming up, no sweat marks, and no shattering.

[CoachHenry]

I have to suggest the Nike Contacts. They are the best thing to hit the sport IMO. The orange tint reduces glare, makes the surrounding brighter and more vibrant, and no frames or bulk. You can see the ball a lot better too. When you first try them they are a little weird but within the first game I was used to them and won't steer away from them. No steaming up, no sweat marks, and no shattering.

Are these actual contact lenses or the name of a line of sunglasses?

[sixpointone]

Oakley Radar Sunglasses might work. They make them with standard Stems, or a Baseball specific Stem that is more narrow.

The Radar's are pretty much an updated M Frame and have Hydrophobic Coating, which is supposed to reduce the amount of Fogging and let Water bead up more.

The Lenses come in 3 Sizes, and each are available in a Number of Colors, some Vented and some not.

I own a Pair with the Standard Stems and use them mainly for Tennis, and they have worked well for me. So maybe they might work for your needs.

Hope that helps,
John

[CoachHenry]

Thanks for the input. I'll also look into those. I might go visit the mall (ugh) and check out some of the ones mentioned here at the aisleway sunglass things. He will have to carry his catcher's helmet but that shouldn't look out of place in the mall.

[JeepTJ12]

Are these actual contact lenses or the name of a line of sunglasses?

These are actual contact lense. They have prescription or non prescription.

[CoachHenry]

These are actual contact lense. They have prescription or non prescription.

I was able to find them just a few minutes ago. Interesting. I wonder if he would run the risk of getting dirt under them too often? I have the amber color on my Oakleys and I wear them even at night while driving. It takes the glare off things, especially in the rain.

[MrSurprise]

You don't have to worry about dirt getting under them too often... The wind does dry them out though, but that's an easy fix, just carry around some opti-free with you... a few drops and you are good to go... I like the idea of the contacts butttt 2 problems, cost, and durability. They don't last but maybe 3 weeks so you have to keep replacing them.

[CoachHenry]

You don't have to worry about dirt getting under them too often... The wind does dry them out though, but that's an easy fix, just carry around some opti-free with you... a few drops and you are good to go... I like the idea of the contacts butttt 2 problems, cost, and durability. They don't last but maybe 3 weeks so you have to keep replacing them.

I was wondering how much one set would last. With the HS season there aren't too many real sunny days at the start but in the middle and end there are.

[Steven Tyler]

Try the Oakley half jackets. They work when I wear a a bucket.

[CoachHenry]

Try the Oakley half jackets. They work when I wear a a bucket.

Those look reasonable. How about when you hit, do they sit low enough for the nose piece to not get in the way?

[JeepTJ12]

One set last you a month for prescription. I don't know about non-prescription.

http://www.1800contacts.com/_whatshot/Nike_MaxSight/Nike_MaxSight.html

That company is a little expensive but some info is provided there. I got a years worth for $60.00 but I can't remember from where.

[MrSurprise]

Those look reasonable. How about when you hit, do they sit low enough for the nose piece to not get in the way?

Half-jackets and M-Frames are both really popular in baseball. Our starting catcher here uses the Lance Armstrong half-jackets just because our colors are yellow and black... He loves them! About the nose piece getting in the way... the face should be squared up on the pitcher so the nose piece is irrevalent, correct? Both eyes should be looking directly at the pitcher, i think? haha... I am no expert.

[CoachHenry]

Half-jackets and M-Frames are both really popular in baseball. Our starting catcher here uses the Lance Armstrong half-jackets just because our colors are yellow and black... He loves them! About the nose piece getting in the way... the face should be squared up on the pitcher so the nose piece is irrevalent, correct? Both eyes should be looking directly at the pitcher, i think? haha... I am no expert.

I ended up getting him the half-jackets. He took his mask in and tried things out and those are what works best.

As far as the face being squared to the pitcher, stand up and try that out on some spot on the wall. Orient yourself so that it is the same as when you are in the box and the pitcher is on the mound. Now try and square your face to the pitcher.

[MrSurprise]

I see, I see... good observation, I have never noticed how its hard to be completely square...

[CoachHenry]

I see, I see... good observation, I have never noticed how its hard to be completely square...

Dress like your grandpa to the next school dance and you'll be there.

[Steven Tyler]

Those look reasonable. How about when you hit, do they sit low enough for the nose piece to not get in the way?


CH,

Saw where you got the half jackets. They work just fine hitting or with a helmet. Hoping your son has much success this season.......:)