Should I Trust an Online Tool's Safety Certification Info Over My League?
What GearScore Actually Shows
GearScore compares helmets, balls, gloves and bats side by side. For each item, it lists a price band, its own quality score, the safety certification the item carries (NOCSAE, CPSC, or USA Bat), ship time, and sources. It is meant for players and for parents buying gear for them. It is free and does not require a login.
It Lists Certifications — It Does Not Issue Them
GearScore is a comparison tool, not the certifying body. It tells you which certification an item carries, but it is not the organization that grants NOCSAE, CPSC, or USA Bat certification.
- Always confirm the exact certification status directly with the manufacturer.
- Also confirm with your league before you buy or use the gear.
Why This Matters More Than Price or Ship Time
Certification and equipment rules can matter a lot for safety. GearScore is meant to help players and parents compare gear, including certifications like NOCSAE, CPSC and USA Bat, side by side. That comparison is useful for narrowing choices. It is not a substitute for confirming league-specific requirements.
- Check requirements with your coach.
- Check requirements with your league.
- Check the certification directly with the manufacturer.
What We Don't Know
The material describes the quality score only as "our quality score" used to compare items side by side. It does not explain the exact scoring method, so treat it as a general comparison, not a technical or certified rating.
GearScore shows price band, ship time, and sources for each item so you can compare, but it does not say that GearScore itself sells or ships the gear. Check the listed source for actual purchase and shipping details.
The material also doesn't say whether information you paste into the tool is stored. What is confirmed is only this: it's free, and no login is needed.
What to Do Next
This page is general information, not legal, medical, or safety advice. Certification rules and league requirements can vary and can change, so confirm current requirements with your coach, your league, or the manufacturer before you buy or use any gear.
If you want a side-by-side look at your own gear options, GearScore's free tool reads your own document or numbers and compares price band, quality score, certification, and ship time for you.