For a number or years, I used the very basic ribbed style chest protector. This year, I bought the Honig's K2 "shorty" protector designed for softball use. It provides very good protection of the upper chest bones, marginal protection (my opinion) of the heart area, and no protection below the sternum.
I like it OK, but I feel a little vulnerable around the heart.
I've taken a minor hit to the belly, but that area on me is well padded without a protector!
