Protective Batting Helmets

A full face guard or cage, like on the Easton Ghost Fastpitch helmet or EvoShield XVT 2.0 with Facemask, covers the whole face, including the eyes, nose and mouth. A jaw guard or extender, like the Rawlings Mach with Adjustable Extender, covers the cheek and jaw on the side facing the pitcher, leaving a more open view. Full guards offer the most protection; jaw guards are popular with baseball hitters who want an unobstructed view.

In most fastpitch softball leagues, yes, batters must wear a helmet with a face guard. In baseball, it’s usually optional, but more and more players, especially young hitters and those who’ve been hit before, choose one. Check your league’s rules.

Modern face guards are designed to stay out of your line of sight when you’re in your stance. High-visibility guards, like the Rawlings Mach Hi-Viz with VIZSBFG, use bright colours and thin bars so the guard is easier to see past. Most hitters adjust within a few at-bats.

Yes. Women’s and girls’ fastpitch helmets, like the Easton Ghost Women’s, Ghost Girl’s and Prowess Women’s, are designed for female players, with a fit and shape suited to softball. Pair them with a fielder’s mask for defence.

Only if the manufacturer says it’s allowed. Removing, modifying or replacing the guard with a non-approved part can affect the helmet’s certification. Replacement and compatible guards are available in our batting helmet facemasks and batting helmet extensions.

Yes. Youth models, like the Rawlings Youth Mach Hi-Viz and Rawlings Junior 2-Tone with Faceguard, and the Easton Ghost Girl’s for young fastpitch players, are sized for kids. See also our youth batting helmets.