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Originally Posted by MikeStrybel
For transparency sake, I am not a fan of the HSM. I wore a Mizuno for the past few years while in Asia and just bought the Wilson Platinum a month ago.
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Here I thought it was me. I hate the Mizuno but when in Japan...
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I assume I will be comfortable and safe. I am sure Ed Hickox thought the same thing. As far as I can tell he is the only umpire I have ever seen who wears a hat under it. Does any of you do this? That has to defeat some of the fit of the HSM.
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In agreement, no cap and when Wilson redesigned their helmet to allow for a cap, it may have been the design flaw that created the failure.
Following on with that line of thinking, I wonder if Wilson tested the helmet when they refitted the facemask.
If they had generated the standard NOCSAE tests, this severe flaw should have reared it ugly "face".
Since the helmet was basically the same as the previous model, maybe not.
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Also, how should our masks be tested? According to Wilson court documents, the model he wore was tested extensively in house. Apparently the simulate destructive forces on the thing to see how well it holds up. That seems reasonable. While I expect to be safe, I still face a risk out there. Ed had already had a concussion in 2009 and this bell ringer was the perfect storm of foul balls. From what I saw in the video the mask did what it was supposed to do.
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Testing as the docs claim is done "in house" by the manufacturer using NOCSAE standards.
The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE)
Which I believe is utter (udder?) cow poop.
The helmet manufacturers have been steadfast against adequately funding an independent source for testing.
I can tell you their standards on motorcycle helmets often are not followed when some of those helmets hit the asphalt especially the less expensive ones. I don't know if this is because of faulty testing, manufacturing or what. Same with racing helmets. May be the same with umpire helmets.
Keep in mind, once a helmet has taken a hit, it can be deemed "out of warranty" and the manufacturer can waltz on the liability.
Btw, I was unaware that Hickox had a prior concussion. This changes the medical dynamics of his most recent injury.