Easton | Black Magic 2.0 Baseball Catcher's Set | Sizes - Ju
✅ PROS
- Full set includes helmet, chest protector, and leg guards — no need to piece together mismatched gear
- Padded palm and reinforced thumb on the catcher's mitt break in quickly, per multiple buyer reports
- Adjustable straps throughout allow the set to fit kids from roughly 8–12 years old as they grow
❌ CONS
- Helmet sizing runs small — several parents report needing to size up for kids at the top of the age range
- Chest protector padding is adequate for youth speeds but won't stop sting from hard-throwing 12U pitchers
The Verdict
The Youth Catcher’s Dilemma, Solved (Mostly)
Buying catcher’s gear for a growing kid is a nightmare of mismatched sizes and inflated prices. The Easton Black Magic 2.0 set aims to end that hassle by bundling everything in one box. At 4.5 stars from 225 ratings, it’s clearly doing something right. But is it the right set for your player? Let’s break it down.
What’s Actually in the Box
This is a complete package, not a starter kit with gaps. You get:
- Catcher’s helmet with steel wire mask and adjustable harness
- Chest protector with segmented padding and shoulder caps
- Leg guards with knee shin coverage and instep protection
- Catcher’s mitt (12-inch pattern) with padded palm
That’s the full setup. No need to hunt down a separate mask or throat guard — it’s all included. As one buyer put it, “Everything fits together and looks sharp on the field. My son felt like a real catcher for the first time.”
Real-World Performance: Where It Shines
The leg guards are the standout piece. They use a hinged knee design that actually moves with the kid when they drop into a squat. Multiple reviews mention that young catchers can get up and down without the guards shifting or digging into their calves. The instep protection is a thoughtful touch that many budget sets skip entirely.
The chest protector’s segmented plates flex naturally, which matters more than you’d think for a kid who’s still learning to block balls in the dirt. It’s not pro-level armor, but for youth speeds (think 45–60 mph), it gets the job done. The adjustment straps are generous, meaning the set can stretch across two seasons of growth.
The mitt breaks in faster than most synthetic-leather models. One parent noted, “My 10-year-old could close it on day one, which was surprising. We thought it would take weeks.” That’s a real advantage for kids who get frustrated with stiff gloves.
Where It Falls Short
Let’s be honest about the helmet. Multiple reviewers report it runs small. If your kid is at the top of the size range or has a larger head, order up. One buyer wrote, “My son wears a 6 3/4 hat and the medium was tight. We had to exchange for the large.” That’s an easy fix, but it’s an annoyance that could delay first use.
The chest protector is adequate, not exceptional. Hard-throwing 12U pitchers firing 60+ mph fastballs can still sting through the padding. It’s not a safety failure — it’s a comfort issue. If your kid catches for older, stronger arms, consider adding a separate padded chest guard underneath.
Who Should Buy This
This set is ideal for:
- Parents of 8–12 year olds who want one purchase that covers everything
- Rec league and travel ball players who need reliable, adjustable gear without dropping $300+ on separate pieces
- Kids transitioning from machine pitch to live arms — the protection is sufficient for that jump
Skip it if your catcher is 13+ or already throwing to pitchers who touch 70 mph. At that level, you’ll want higher-end individual pieces.
FAQ: Three Questions Buyers Actually Ask
Q: Does this set include a cup/jock strap? A: No. You’ll need to buy that separately — it’s not included in the package.
Q: What age range does “Junior” actually fit? A: Based on buyer feedback, it fits most 8–12 year olds, but sizing varies by body type. The adjustable straps help, but the helmet runs small — size up if in doubt.
Q: Is this legal for travel ball and USSSA play? A: Yes, the set meets standard youth certification requirements. It’s widely used in rec and travel leagues.
The Verdict: 4.6/5 — Buy It
Buy it if: You need a complete, adjustable catcher’s set for a youth player and want something that’ll last two seasons without breaking the bank.
Skip it if: Your player is on the larger side (size up the helmet) or catching for pitchers who throw serious heat — you’ll outgrow the padding quickly.
This is the rare youth sports set that gets the fundamentals right: solid protection, smart adjustability, and a mitt that doesn’t require a month of relentless catch to become usable. For the price, it’s the best value in the youth catcher’s gear category right now.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.