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Originally posted by Texas Aggie
Crossover from football/basketball considering baseball. I liked the idea of being outdoors and I love baseball.
With that, I don't want to drop a small fortune into gear I'm not going to like. Understanding there are no guarantees, I'm wondering the following:
1. What's the minimum amount of equipment I need to get started (first 3-4 weeks)?
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the minumum amount of equipment is everything. shin guards, chest protector, mask, cup, plate shoes. i guess you could really skip plate shoes if you are new and working lower levels, but it is really a big risk that could lead to lots of pain and/or injury. if you can, get plate shoes, even used ones from someone in teh area.
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2. Are the combo pants really big enough to fit the shin guards for the plate? Do they look like bell bottoms on the bases?
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in my opinion, no, they arent right for either. they are a bit tight on the plate, and a bit loose on the bases. i still have a pair of combos around for a backup, but thats it. id suggest investing in both plate and base pants, as each will look better for their application.
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3. From what I understand, the chest protector and mask are pretty much your key pieces of equipment. What do I need to look for here?
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i like single bar masks, most of us around here do as well. look for a west vest (WV) or +POS mask, as both are pretty good quality, even though most dont like to wait for +POS slow service. i use a +POS AUL3000 "zero gravity" mask, and it gives me a great view, and it is very light. try to find a light mask, and try them on if possible. you dont want a heavy mask to weigh you down for a 3 hour game.
in a chest protector, look for the proper size and comfort. honigs and the other sites out there have sizing guides to help you figure out how big it should be. being new, and maybe not looking to get the best piece of equipment on the market right away, look to a lower end piece from honigs possible. i cant think of numbers, but they make quality equipment and i think you can find a good entry level protector on there.
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4. I don't like the look of pure plate hats. Does the combo hat come off when you pull off the mask or do you have to work on that to keep it from coming off?
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lots of guys have moved to wearing full length hats behind the plate, but i am a combo guy behind the plate. if you wear your hats with the proper sizing, it shouldnt come off. i never have this problem, but if you do, make sure your hat is tight enough and that you are pulling your mask off correctly.
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5. Indicator on the bases to start out or no?
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this is all up to you really. i would possibly recommend having one but only in your pocket. its basically like going without one, but if you find in the middle of a game you are having trouble, you can revert back to it. by starting out without one, you start a good habit of keeping track on your own, which could work its way behind the plate. i think i would work without an indicator, but have one in your pocket just to start out as a backup.
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6. I've worn under-armour stuff all season in football and basketball and expect to do the same baseball. Is UA stuff sufficient for the base layer under the equipment?
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i dont wear UA stuff personally, but some guys do. a popular undershirt here is the McDavid InteraWear shirt. i like those a lot
one thing to remember, is that this this is an investment. you are going to use this equipment for a couple of years and its going to keep you safe. it is also going to make you some money in return, so try not to completely skimp out. buy mask pads that are comfortable, buy a chest protector that fits you correctly. you dont have to go out there and buy the #1 best pieces of equipment right away, but buy decent equipment that will let you do your job safely and comfortably behind the plate.
[Edited by briancurtin on Dec 19th, 2005 at 10:25 PM]