Don't cheap out on plate shoes or CP. If you get a cheaper mask, its probably not more dangerous, just heavier, so you have to decide that based on comfort. No plate shoes/poor CP often = injury.
If you end up not likin' this umpin' stuff, you can always "re" Bay the equipment to another suck..errrrrr, umpire
Good equipment always holds its resale value, and the market is steady.