[MajorDave]

I am a newly certified Umpire in Kentucky after bootleg umpiring for several years. I have invested a large amount of cash this winter in gear from almost all of the big suppliers. I originally bought the +POS MLC2 in navy with red stripes. It was delivered in less than two weeks from web order date. I wore it for the first time last Saturday in 40 degree weather with strong wind in the face. Worked and looked very nice. Has a pocket in the left chest for notebook and no side pockets. I just took delivery today of a Honig's K-17 in navy with sky blue stripes. The fabric is very soft and no pockets whatsoever. They are both size large and the +Pos is a little larger fit but not too noticeable. The Honig's seems to attract lint a little bit which means dust will also stick and collect. The +Pos wiped off cleanly after six innings of scrimmage behind the plate. No need to wash or anything but hang it back up. Obviously no sweat on the jacket due to weather and temperature.

I like them both but at this point the +Pos gets the nod as my favorite due to 1)chest pocket and 2) fabric used seems more durable.

I will say that I bought the Honig's due to +POS not having a navy MLC2 with light blue striping (they use black) and other umpires in my association have the Honig's and rave on and on about them. Some guys I expect to call with wear the light blue and wanted me to make sure I had one so we would match up on the cold Kentucky April nights.

Hope this helps anyone wanting a comparison. You really won't go wrong with either choice. Price is comparable and so far, +POS did not seem to be unusually slow or hard to deal with to me. Honig's is definitely faster on shipping though. Ordered Sunday 2/26/06. Delivered Thursday, 3/2/06