Rawlings Mach Pro Series Senior Hockey-Style Baseball Catcher’s Helmet CHMCHPROS  

FAQs

• Do baseball batting helmets need to be NOCSAE certified?

  Yes. NOCSAE certification is required for batting helmets in all organized youth, high school, and college baseball competition. The NOCSAE stamp is printed inside the helmet. This certification confirms the helmet has passed impact attenuation testing at the required performance standard.

• Are face guards required on baseball batting helmets?

  Face guards are required for youth players in most organized leagues including Little League, travel ball, and rec leagues through approximately age 12. Requirements at the high school level vary by state athletic association. Many states allow no-face-guard helmets at the varsity level; others mandate a guard for all batters. Check your specific state's rulebook.

• How do I measure my child's head for a baseball helmet?

  Use a flexible measuring tape around the widest part of the head, approximately one inch above the eyebrows. Match that circumference in inches to the helmet's size chart. Most youth helmets cover head sizes from 6 3/8 to 6 7/8 inches. Adult helmets typically run 6 7/8 to 7 1/2. Models with a rear dial-fit system provide more precise adjustment within a given size range.

• What is the difference between a single and dual earflap batting helmet?

  A single earflap helmet places padding on the side facing the pitcher when the player bats. A right-handed batter's helmet has the earflap on the left side. Dual earflap helmets protect both ears and are required in most youth leagues. Some leagues require dual earflaps through age 14; others allow single earflap models at age 12 or 13. Check your league's equipment rules.

• When should a baseball batting helmet be replaced?

  Replace a helmet after any direct impact from a pitch or batted ball, regardless of visible damage. Foam interiors absorb the impact and may not protect adequately a second time. Most manufacturers also recommend replacement every three to five years due to foam degradation, even without a known impact event.

• What is a catcher's skull cap and when is it used?

  A skull cap is a lightweight protective cap worn under a catcher's wire mask, covering the crown and back of the skull. It is used in traditional two-piece catcher setups at the high school and college level where the wire mask is changed independently for different game situations. Most youth leagues require a full helmet rather than a skull cap for catchers.

• Are coach's helmets required in Little League?

  Yes. Little League mandates that first base and third base coaches wear helmets on the field during games. Most other youth organizations have similar requirements. Adult coaches in high school baseball are not required to wear helmets under NFHS rules in most states but many programs still provide them.

• What is EvoShield and what batter protection products do they make?

  EvoShield produces elbow guards, wrist guards, shin guards, and other batter protection products using their proprietary Shieldskin gel-to-shell technology. The material is soft and flexible when first applied and hardens within 30 minutes to the exact contour of the player's body, creating a custom-fitted rigid shield. EvoShield products are legal in all major baseball organizations.

• Can I use a football helmet for baseball batting practice?

  No. Football helmets are not certified for baseball use and are not legal for batting practice or game use in any organized baseball setting. They are built for a different type of impact and do not meet the NOCSAE certification standard applicable to baseball.

• Are batting helmets one-size-fits-all?

  No. Batting helmets come in distinct size ranges (youth, junior, adult) and within those ranges in S/M, L/XL, or specific head circumference ranges. Models with a rear dial-fit system give more adjustability within a single size, but they do not replace accurate sizing. An improperly sized helmet provides significantly less protection than one that fits correctly.

• What is the difference between a traditional wire face mask and a carbon fiber face mask on a batting helmet?

  Traditional wire masks are steel wire in a grid pattern. Carbon fiber masks are lighter and stronger, flex slightly on impact to absorb energy, and are now used on many premium batting helmets. Carbon fiber masks cost more but are preferred by many competitive players for the weight savings and improved field of vision in some designs.

• What size face guard should I order for my child's helmet?

  Most replacement face guards are sized as youth or adult, corresponding to the helmet size categories. They are also sometimes categorized by the number of bars (single, double, or full cage). Check the helmet's brand and model when ordering a replacement guard to confirm compatibility with the attachment system.

• Are there baseball helmets designed specifically for left-handed batters?

  Yes. Left-handed batting helmets have the single earflap on the right side, facing the pitcher during a left-handed stance. When ordering a single earflap helmet, confirm the batting hand orientation in the product listing.

• What does batter protection gear include beyond the helmet?

  Batter protection covers elbow guards, wrist guards worn on the bottom hand, shin guards for the front foot and lead leg, and heart guard inserts for some younger players. EvoShield produces the most widely used products in this category at the competitive level.

• Can I replace the interior padding in my batting helmet?

  Yes. Many helmet manufacturers sell replacement interior padding kits that attach via velcro to the helmet shell. Replacing worn or compressed interior padding extends the helmet's useful life and restores a proper fit if the original padding has compressed. Do not use a helmet whose foam has visibly compressed, even if the shell looks intact.