[LakeErieUmp]

Just an observation, I don't intend to change anyone's mind.
An assignor out this way caught one in the throat as PU in a high school game. A former college pitcher, knows the game, and tough as nails.
Could have died. Couple days in the hospital and will not set foot behind the plate without some throat protection (and the extenders DO protect against a ball off the ground because it slows the darn thing down!)
I learned my lesson on "more is better" as a younger buck, thinking that because it's only 9 year olds I didn't have to go back to the parking lot for my cup. I did. And on the SECOND PITCH of the game the darn batter hits the ball, starts to first, throws his bat backward. OVER the catcher. And his yours truly square across where thank God I was wearing a cup.