With spring right around the corner, you just can't contain your affection for returning to the field with your softball gear. However, buying softball gear might not be as easy as it seems.
Firstly, you need to understand the most important things you absolutely need. For instance, softball is a game where the ball can travel at very high speeds.
This is why you should ensure that the players have enough gear to protect themselves. That said, what gear you need mainly depends on your position. Further, here is a compiled list of gear a softball starter kit on your first day should contain.
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The Ball:
Quite obviously, buying the ball is the first thing on your purchase list. The balls usually have a circumference of 11-12 inches. These balls get made with hard leather and filled with rubber, synthetic, and cork materials. The balls come in white or yellow color.
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The Bat:
The second most important is the bat. Usually, the best quality bats are one solid piece; others often have two pieces joined together near the center. The bats are usually made from aluminum or other composite materials. It is 34 inches long and has a 5 inches diameter. However, the sizes might change depending on the player’s preferences.
If you are looking for a baseball starter kit, choosing any solid bat will work for you. Nevertheless, if you are in a league, you might want to buy one that displays the Amateur Softball Association of America certification. Compared to baseball bats, softball bats have tapered handles and are thinner.
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A Pair Of Gloves:
In softball, there are mainly two kinds of gloves. One is a more common buy and does not come with a lot of padding but has individual fingers. All outfielders and sometimes even infielders use this type.
The other kind is also known as the mitt. These types of gloves are mainly meant for first basemen and catchers. They have a lot more padding and are much larger. The padding helps the catcher protect their hands from catching balls at high speeds.
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Cleats:
Another must-have in a softball starter pack is a pair of cleats., irrespective of the position they are playing in. Cleats are meant to help prevent players from sliding or slipping on the muddy clay and grass. They come with molded or metal studs that can help players run, slide, and jump in control without any hassle.
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Facemask:
Facemasks are very necessary protective gear, helping keep your nose, eyes, teeth, and mouth safe from any injuries.
Without these, players can often witness concussions, bad injuries, and in some cases, even temporary blindness. However, as the rules suggest, the only player required to wear the mask is the catcher. Other players often have a choice and cannot wear it if they do not want to.
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Helmets:
Like face masks, helmets are an important safety gear you must include in your starter gear list. This can help protect you from many serious and fatal injuries.
These get made with foam fillings and durable plastic that can help soften the blow of fast-paced balls. However, contrary to face masks, all players must use helmets by rule.
With these in your starter kit, you are all set to go to the field and play your first match. If you are looking for high-quality gear at attractive prices, you can check Betayah’s online store. They are great at making products and have some of the best reviews in the market. You can also find a variety of options at their online store.
