[greymule]

I have used the "ump" in FP softball for the past 8 years. It is very light, slips on and off easily, dries out quickly after a rinse, and has not begun to show any deterioration. It would be suitable also for youth baseball, but not for older levels.

For baseball, one ump told me "umpire armor" is great, while another said he got bruised everywhere he was hit and would never wear it again. I guess you have to find the one that works for you.

I'm probably alone in this opinion, but I liked the old outside balloon protector just as much as any of the inside ones I've worn (I use the BB204 from POS+).