[Cubbies87]

Two pieces of equipment I plan on discussing are the chest protector and the mask.

We'll start with the chest protector. From what I've heard and seen, one of the Wilson Hard-Shell protectors or the +POS BB2000 are the best commercial chest protectors (I'm excluding such pieces like the Carlucci protector).

The Wilson stuff is semi-self-explanatory. The original ones are not form fit. One has removable pads, one doesn't. The more expensive, the more advantages. However, what is the difference between the Gold and the Platinum Wilson protector? I had difficulty figuring it out. Plus, while it appears that the Gold is usually more expensive, I saw the Platinum more expensive than the Gold at one dealer (if you want to know the dealer, let me know, and I'll try to find it again).

Aside from that, comparing the BB2000 to the Wilson protectors, I have only heard one complaint for each. The complaint heard on Wilson is size issues, and the complaint heard for the BB2000 is heat issues. What are the real differences? What are the pros and cons for each?

Now to the masks.

The helmet is slowly gaining popularity, and I seem to missing the reason. I've heard claims that it is not as hot as a hat, and there is better vision. However, I feel that the vision could be implemented into any mask, and the heat is not that big of a deal to spend the extra money on a helmet.

But, I fail to see how it protects you better. I'm aware that it covers your whole head, but how do you go about getting hit in spots other than your face, considering you are facing foreward? Foul balls off of a backstop maybe? What am I missing.

The other problem I have with the mask is simply aethstetic. It may be simply because I have been used to seeing umpires with masks, but I think the helmet looks goofy. I was a catcher when I played, and I've used both styles. I think the hockey style looks fine on a catcher. But, for some reason, I just find the helmet on an umpire weird looking.

I want to say that I've gone overboard when it comes to wanting to know about gear. Then again, it is the only thing seperating me from a speeding projectile.