Nike Catchers Gear vs Under Armour Catchers Gear

When it comes to choosing catchers gear, most buyers get stuck deciding between Under Armour and Nike.  One reason for this is that both companies are leaders in this space but also because their gear looks very similar.  The colors available are also similar, but not the same.  That said, there are significant differences between the gear produced by both brands and it’s something we‘ll discuss in this article.

Take the sting out of catching, check out our article about the PalmGuard.

Nike vs Under Armour Chest Protectors

Right off the bat (no pun intended), it is apparent that Under Armour‘s chest protectors are, on average cheaper than Nike‘s chest protectors.  The only exception is Nike‘s De3539, which varies in cost.  This chest protector comes in four different sizes, 15” through 18”.  So the larger protectors cost a little more than the smaller models.  Under Armour chest protectors get the nod on pricing in this head to head match up.  Click photos below for more details.

Under Armour also offers more bang for your buck with adjustable shoulder caps, padded shoulder protection, NOCSAE Certified, and a 4-point adjustable harness, amongst other goodies.  Nike‘s offering, on the other hand, is more bare–bones.  Nike chest protectors are lightweight, flexible and breathable. Also, Nike features detachable shoulder pads with their De3539 chest protectors.  

Nike Catchers Gear Vs Under Armour Available Colors

While both brands have similar type of catcher gear online, the colors of their catchers equipment fall in line as well.  Most Under Armour catcher‘s gear is available in four colors, i.e., Red, Navy Blue, Royal Blue, and Black. Nike, does offer similar colors.  Nike De3539 pictured below.

The Nike De3539 chest protector offers navy blue, black, red and royal blue, but their other chest protectors don’t seem to have much to offer in the way of color.  We were only able to find black/grey for most of the gear they manufacture.  So, if it is color choices that you want, then you can‘t go wrong with Under Armour.

Check pricing & read more reviews of Nike Catchers Gear.

How do you measure for correct size of Nike catchers gear or Under Armour? Check out these three quick videos about the chest protector, leg guards and of course the helmet.

Comfort Level and Durability

Now comfort is mainly subjective for the most part.  So, one person‘s comfortable is probably another person‘s uncomfortable. However, if we were to judge by the reviews for both brands, it appears that Nike‘s gear is better in terms of comfort.  The gear, for the most part, is lighter than that offered by Under Amour, which allows for a catcher to be more dexterous.  That said, comfort isn‘t everything, especially when foul tips and foul balls are bouncing off you at high rates of speed. 

Under Armour‘s gear offers better protection, but it weighs slightly more. Most people have rated it as being a little stiff initially.  However, most new gear tends to be a bit stiff and takes some getting used to.  That said, Under Armour‘s gear is extremely durable and can last the average wearer several years.

Our Verdict

If you‘re looking for comfort, durability, and color options, then Under Armour is the best choice. Under Armour catchers‘ gear is also cheaper on average depending on which ones you choose compared to Nike‘s gear.  On the other hand, Nike is expensive, but their gear is lighter and does not take much getting used to.  In our opinion, Under Armour may offer most buyers the best bang for their baseball dollars!  However, if comfort and lightweight matter, and you don‘t mind paying extra for it, then Nike‘s catchers‘ gear is worth considering.

Check pricing & read more reviews of Under Armour Catchers Gear.

If it’s Nike catchers gear or Under Armour catchers gear your looking for or any other type of softball or baseball equipment you can check out our Baseball Shop Page and find exactly what your looking for.