Catcher Gear Sizes

[R00STER]

Hey guys, forgive me if this is bad form to start another thread on catcher gear, but I got so stinking long-winded in the other one I started that this question kinda got left out of the discussion. I'm looking to buy gear for my son who is turning 12. He is pretty sizable at 115 pounds. Not exceptionally tall (can't remember what he measured) but at least average height. The gear seems to come in youth 9-12 and then intermediate, which is like 13-16. Given the fact that he's basically 12 now and pretty good size, I hate to get something he'll outgrow in a year, but what do the sizes even mean. Does it affect very much? Does it make the gear unusable if it's a little big for him? You've helped me decide to buy it for him, now help me pick the right size. :happy:

[wild12]

I don't think it would be a problem having gear thats a little too big for him, that you can adjust in the future so he can use it for some time still. I've always been small (like 5'7) and throughoug minor ball I still used the same catchers gear as kids that were average, and above average height, its all adjustable.

[Jake Patterson]

Hey guys, forgive me if this is bad form to start another thread on catcher gear, but I got so stinking long-winded in the other one I started that this question kinda got left out of the discussion. I'm looking to buy gear for my son who is turning 12. He is pretty sizable at 115 pounds. Not exceptionally tall (can't remember what he measured) but at least average height. The gear seems to come in youth 9-12 and then intermediate, which is like 13-16. Given the fact that he's basically 12 now and pretty good size, I hate to get something he'll outgrow in a year, but what do the sizes even mean. Does it affect very much? Does it make the gear unusable if it's a little big for him? You've helped me decide to buy it for him, now help me pick the right size. :happy:
Rooster, I believe CatchingCoach wrote a paper on this. The key with catching gear is to size it and then adjust it such that there is no slop and it does not impede him from performing his job. The catcher should be able to move in the gear as if it was part of his uniform. The mask should fit such that he has a good field of vision and he should not have to adjust it every time he moves. He should be able to leave it on while throwing out a runner stealing with the mask only twisting slightly to the side. I insisted at the MS and HS level that each catcher had their own gear.

Again, seek CatchingCoach's advice