Buying Guide
A Guide To Know All About Softball Fielder's Masks and Batting Helmets
Curious what type of headgear you should wear, learn about it in this buying guide.
Last updated: 29 January 2026 | 4 min read
Do you see some players wear a fastpitch or slowpitch softball fielding mask or batting helmet and are you curious which one you should buy? This guide will learn you more about the features and why you should wear one. Keep on reading to find out more!
Wearing a batting helmet is required in play, but putting on a fielders' mask is still not required. But fielding masks have become an essential piece of equipment in the recent years. Whether you're an infielder diving for grounders or a pitcher facing fast line drives, a quality mask can make all the differnce in staying protected during games.
Why A Fielding Mask is Important?
Some players might think wearing a face guard looks stupid or think that they are not tough, but there are much more pros than cons on this one. If you are playing yourself or have a daughter that plays a faceguard should be one of the first items on your list. So lets make sure that even tough it is not required we all play with protection so that the field is evenly protected and head injuries are reduced.
The most important reason of why you should be using a fielding mask is to stay protected during the games. Another reason is confidence, with a mask you'll not have to worry about getting hit in the face so you can fully concentrate on your game.
Positions
A face guard is most important for infielders and pitchers because they are closer to the ball. Although it is advised for all young players to use a face guard. Most leagues have already required a face mask on the diamond. For pitchers there are also special softball pitchers helmets available for more protection when pitching.
Fit and Comfort
Look for a mask that fits comfortably but doesn’t feel tight. Adjustable straps help ensure comfort and stability during play. The mask should stay in place when you move your head quickly, if it shifts easily it’s too loose. Try your mask on with a ponytail or headband, so it feels like a gameday.
Visibility and Design
A good fielding mask shouldn’t block your line of sight. Check that the bars or frame don’t interfere with your view of the ball. Many modern designs have wider openings around the eyes for enhanced visibility while maintaining full-face protection.
Ventilation and Weight
Shop Fielder´s mask
82.50
In stock
Why A Batting Helmet is Important
Maintenance
A batting helmet is a critical piece of safety equipment for softball players. A helmet can reduce the change of sustaining a head or neck injury during play. For softball batters, protection is especially important when facing pitches, foul tips, or while running the bases. European Leagues and Little League require players under the age of 18 to use a facemask attached to the batting helmet, but it is advised for all players to use one.
Certification and Safety Standards
In all European Leagues it is required to use a batting helmet that has a NOCSAE certification. So always check the helmet for a NOCSAE mark before buying one.
Material and Features
Almost all quality batting helmets are made from ABS Thermoplastic and internal padding for shock absorption. Depending on the helmet there are several features like moisture absorbing pads, extra airflow, and better ventilation. You can buy a batting helmet with or without an attached facemask, when buying these separately always make sure you buy from the same brand to ensure the mask fits the helmet.
Maintenance
A batting helmets is designed to protect a batter against wild and fast-wielding pitches. A helmet starts to wear down after time, which is only natural. But the most damage is caused by a batter throwing the helmet into the dugout or on the ground. So handle your helmet just like your bat and you are able to stretch the life of the helmet by a couple of seasons. Also keep the helmet away from the sun, as the sun can cause the padding inside the helmet to harden and crack. And before using it, always check the outside and inside if it is still good to ensure you don't go out and play with a worn out helmet.
The Right Fit
Regarding the size of the helmet, different brand use different measurements when it comes to the batting helmets. Although they are all quite similar it is best to find the right measurement for your head and compare it to the closest size available.
When fitting the helmet, always make sure that the helmet sits 1 inch/ 2,5 cm above your eyebrows and it fits evenly on your head. When the helmet sits tilted up, the chances of getting struck in the forehead increases. When the helmet is tilted too much forward, you could get hit from the back when running from base to base.
To see if the helmet size is the right size for you, you can use the shake test to see if it fits good. Put the helmet on your head like you would usually wear it. Now give it a few good shakes and if the helmets moves around too much you can try a size smaller. You could also buy a padding kit for a more accurate fit. For youth players it is advised to use a baseball cap underneath the batting helmet for a more secure fit.
