If your kid is starting softball, most of the gear list looks like baseball. There are a few specific differences worth knowing before you spend money on the wrong thing.
The ball is bigger (12 inch versus 9 inch in baseball). The gloves are bigger to match. The bats are similar but tend to be a half-inch longer at the same age. Beyond that, most of the same buying advice applies.
Ages 5–7 (Tee-ball or coach-pitch)
This age usually plays with a softer 11-inch ball. The bats and helmets are mostly the same as tee-ball baseball.
A 10-or-11 inch glove
Even at this age, softball gloves run a size larger than baseball. A 10-inch glove fits most 5-to-7-year-olds.
How to choose: pre-broken-in webbing matters more here than in baseball because the ball is bigger and harder to catch. If the kid can’t close the glove, they can’t catch the ball.
Cost range: $25–45.
A bat (24–26 inch)
Tee-ball softball bats look almost identical to tee-ball baseball bats. The one-arm test works the same way: kid extends the bat horizontally with one arm, holds for 5 to 10 seconds, that’s the right weight.
Cost range: $25–55.
A face mask (for pitchers and infielders)
Many youth softball leagues require a face mask for pitchers and corner infielders. Some require it for everyone. Check your league rules before opening day.
Cost range: $25–45.
Ages 8–10
The ball moves to a 12-inch at most leagues by age 10. Pitching also begins (live, not from a machine) at this age in many leagues.
An 11-to-12 inch glove
Infielders use 11.5-inch. Outfielders use 12-inch. Pitchers need a glove with a closed web so the opposing team can’t see the grip.
How to choose: bigger pocket than a baseball glove. The ball is larger, so the pocket needs more depth.
Cost range: $50–100.
A 27-to-29 inch bat
Drop weight (-10 to -12) is typical at this age. Composite bats start to appear at the higher end of the price range. The one-arm test still applies.
Cost range: $50–150.
Sliding shorts (optional but useful)
Sliding shorts have a padded panel on the side that protects against turf burns and dirt. Once your kid starts sliding into bases (year 2 or 3 of pitch ball), these are worth it.
Cost range: $20–35.
Ages 11–12
This is the year the ball goes to 12-inch officially in most leagues. Pitching gets faster. Bats get more serious.
A 12-to-12.5 inch glove
Position-specific gloves matter now. Infielders, outfielders, pitchers, catchers. If your kid plays multiple positions, get an all-purpose 12-inch glove.
How to choose: leather quality starts to matter. A $30 glove from a big-box store will fall apart in one season. A $100 glove will last three.
Cost range: $80–180.
A 30-to-32 inch bat
Drop weight (-10 to -11) at this age. USSSA or ASA stamp depending on league. Two-piece composite bats are common but not required.
How to choose: the bat your kid is comfortable with is the bat your kid will hit with. Don’t pick by color or by brand reputation. Pick by what feels good in their hands.
Cost range: $100–300.
A pitching jacket (if pitching)
Pitchers wear a long-sleeve jacket between innings to keep the throwing shoulder warm. Required by most leagues for serious pitchers.
Cost range: $30–60.
Ages 13–14
Travel ball and middle-school programs become more competitive at this age. Costs go up. The gear lasts longer.
A 12.5-inch glove
Buy quality. Your kid will use this glove for three to four seasons if you treat it well.
How to choose: professional break-in (most retailers offer it for $25 to $50) is worth doing. A pre-broken-in glove plays better in the first month than one you break in yourself.
Cost range: $150–300.
A 33-to-34 inch bat
Drop weight (-9 to -11) at this age. Composite or hybrid is standard.
How to choose: bat speed matters more than weight. If your kid is whipping a heavier bat with good speed, that beats a lighter bat with sloppy swing mechanics.
Cost range: $200–400.
Cleats (metal allowed in most leagues by age 14)
Metal cleats grip better and last longer than plastic. Buy them.
Cost range: $70–150.
Ages 15+ (High school and travel)
Most high-school programs provide jerseys, helmets, and team catching gear. You buy: glove, bat, cleats, sliding shorts, batting gloves, training gear.
Travel softball is its own economy. Showcase tournaments cost $300 to $800 each. National tournaments add travel and lodging. A serious 16U travel team runs $3,000 to $6,000 per season.
We are not telling you whether that’s worth it. We are telling you it adds up.
A few honest notes
Softball-specific cleats exist but are not necessary for most kids. Baseball cleats work for softball at every level under high school.
Catcher’s gear in softball is similar to baseball. The mitt is the only catcher-specific piece that matters; it has a softer pocket designed for the bigger ball.
The face mask debate: some kids hate them, some don’t notice. Buy one early so they get used to it before pitching gets fast.
— Maren