[Cubbies87]

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone that has posted on this topic, as well as any other. I feel I am learning so much, and being able to view everything from many different angles.

Now more specific. As for the purchasing of my gear, for me, I think +POS will actually be the best choice. I also feel, for many first time umpires, they may be one of the best available.

I'm going to be ignoring shipping issues, mainly because I'll be avoiding them by picking the order up on my own. However, I think if ordered in advance, and a shipping problem does occur, if persistent enough, and enough time is set out, one can receive their gear in ample time.

But, here's why I feel +POS may be one of the best places for a starting umpire. I have been making money working other jobs (as well as umping), so I have some money available for me to spend. With money available, I would much rather spend a little more for better quality equipment, which I won't have to "upgrade" as I continue umpiring. Please note, I do not claim +POS to have better gear, but the better quality the gear, the more expensive it tends to be, no matter who is selling it.

+POS offers a starter package called the MY100 package. It is the only package I have seen of its kind. The package is self-assembled, as opposed to pre-made with subsitutions as I've seen elsewhere. By purchasing a shirt, pants, hat, chest protector, mask, and shin guards, you receive 25% off the catalog price. That is by far the highest discount I have seen from ANY of the suppliers, and I have looked all over. They also include a broom, a ball bag, an indicator, and a bullet pencil with the package.

If it was only that, I would say that near any storefront would work. Many of the distributors offer equal quality gear for the same or less price. But, here is the catch. If you want to buy plate shoes or a jacket, you can receive 20% off of both of those as well. With plate shoes running upwards on $80 at the low-end and $100 average (not to mention the $50+ for the jacket), the 20% saves a large chunk of money.

I have looked at Honigs, at Gerry Davis, at Lester's Upstate, at Getofficial, plust countless others. In my opinion, if you are buying single items, or a few items that you need, +POS is most likely not the way to go to save money. But, as for a "starter package", and the starting umpire, the highest quality gear can be bought, saving the most money by buying everything through +POS.

Not to mention, I'm hoping I can con +POS into letting me take the discounts from the packages, and also use the December discounts that they will send out! While I don't deny I am spending a large sum of money, and most likely more than necessary (by getting gear that is higher quality than I need right now), the benefits outweigh that cost:
1. I will feel extremely confident by being behind state of the art gear.
2. I won't have to deal with the hassle of faulty gear, and the costs incurred from injury
3. I will atleast double the cost of the gear with income from umping.
4. I won't need to "upgrade" my gear in the upcoming years, because I am already set with the gear necessary for the more advanced levels.

So, while I haven't made the purchase yet, and I may change my mind afterwords, I really feel that you can get the most for your buck as a starting umpire through +POS.

Nevertheless, thanks for the input! I still haven't found another board that I like nearly as much!