Two pieces of equipment I plan on discussing are the chest protector and the mask.

We'll start with the chest protector. From what I've heard and seen, one of the Wilson Hard-Shell protectors or the +POS BB2000 are the best commercial chest protectors (I'm excluding such pieces like the Carlucci protector).

The Wilson stuff is semi-self-explanatory. The original ones are not form fit. One has removable pads, one doesn't. The more expensive, the more advantages. However, what is the difference between the Gold and the Platinum Wilson protector? I had difficulty figuring it out. Plus, while it appears that the Gold is usually more expensive, I saw the Platinum more expensive than the Gold at one dealer (if you want to know the dealer, let me know, and I'll try to find it again).

Aside from that, comparing the BB2000 to the Wilson protectors, I have only heard one complaint for each. The complaint heard on Wilson is size issues, and the complaint heard for the BB2000 is heat issues. What are the real differences? What are the pros and cons for each?

Now to the masks.

The helmet is slowly gaining popularity, and I seem to missing the reason. I've heard claims that it is not as hot as a hat, and there is better vision. However, I feel that the vision could be implemented into any mask, and the heat is not that big of a deal to spend the extra money on a helmet.

But, I fail to see how it protects you better. I'm aware that it covers your whole head, but how do you go about getting hit in spots other than your face, considering you are facing foreward? Foul balls off of a backstop maybe? What am I missing.

The other problem I have with the mask is simply aethstetic. It may be simply because I have been used to seeing umpires with masks, but I think the helmet looks goofy. I was a catcher when I played, and I've used both styles. I think the hockey style looks fine on a catcher. But, for some reason, I just find the helmet on an umpire weird looking.

I want to say that I've gone overboard when it comes to wanting to know about gear. Then again, it is the only thing seperating me from a speeding projectile.

For what it's worth, I never tried the Umpire Armor (BB2000), but I know one experienced ump who got it and returned it for something else. He says he suffered several bruises under it the one time he used it.

As for the protection the helmet gives you for the entire head, I keep my (SUL) mask forward but have been hit on the top of the head by foul tips from high pitches. (Maybe I tuck my chin too much.) I have also had foul balls bounce and make it under the side of the mask. Feels like a punch in the jaw. These things are rare, but if you ump enough, they'll happen.

I'd like to have the Kevlar All-Star helmet, but it costs close to $400, and nobody around here has one you can try on.

I use the BB2000 and have used it for 3 seasons now. I work in a league with a number of former Major League and Minor League pitchers. I have taken some serious shots and never felt a thing. I feel like Superman taking bullets off my chest with that thing. I am puzzled by your story.

The only complaint I have with the Umpire Armor is it's hot. That only becomes a problem up here in New England during the heat of the Summer. In high school ball it actually keeps me nice and toasty on those early Spring days.

Living in the Chicagoland area, we get cold as well as hot for the baseball season(s). Some games can get as hot as 100 some degrees. Would you say that the protector is unbearably hot, or do you just notice a lot of sweat when you take it off?

I notice a lot of sweat. I wouldn't say it is unbearably hot. Of course, I once played the role of an Irish Catholic priest wearing full woolen robes at a Renaissance Faire for 9 hours a day during a hot south-central Pennsylvania summer. Now that was hot.

Re: "I wouldn't say it is unbearably hot. Of course, I once played the role of an Irish Catholic priest wearing full woolen robes at a Renaissance Faire for 9 hours a day during a hot south-central Pennsylvania summer."

Ever worked or visited this - - -
http://sterlingfestival.com/renfest/


Also, I have to second your remark about the BB2000 -
(I feel like Superman) I have taken too many shots when wearing mine, but none ever left a mark.....

Yes, I have visited the Sterling faire. Excellent job they do up there. They try to remain as authentic as possible. Well, they did when I visited which was about 1991. Very woodsy on the grounds, very nice. Right on the breakwaters of Lake Ontario. You can actually see the bog-like edges behind the faire grounds. Excellent food, too.

We stayed in Syracuse and that's when I learned to never order pizza late at night in Syracuse. We would've been better off eating the cardboard box it came in. Worst pizza I've ever had in my life, and I'm not generally picky about food. Actually, it was the worst food I've ever had in my life, not just pizza. It even beat out some bad shrimp I ate once. We each took one bite, spit it out, and threw the rest away. Of course, the one bite was obligatory. No one believed that pizza could ever be that bad. Well, I am not exaggerating. It was.

Anyhow, the PA Renaissaince Faire (http://www.parenaissancefaire.com/) where I worked for awhile was very much taking a turn for the worse. We knew we were in trouble when they built a booth called Nachos of Nottingham and put, "Pepsi, proud patron of the arts," signs all over the place. They do have excellent turkey legs and soup in a bread bowl that cannot be missed.

The guy who's pictured on the first page of web site - his name is Greg Ramsey. Real cool guy. Know him well. Unfortunately, I stole his girlfriend during my last summer there. A cute little number named Heidi. I hope he still doesn't hold a grudge.

They also had an Edgar Allen Poe halloween show that was enormously popular, as well as a Dickens Christmas show. It was year round work. I took it. Had a blast, too. I had 45 roommates all living together in this old sandstone former Baptist church. One whole wall of my room was stained glass. Good times, good times.

[Edited by Jim Porter on Sep 24th, 2003 at 09:11 PM]

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I got a bb2000 the second season offered by +POS(125.00$). At 5'8", I got the 12 inch version,tuck it right up to throat area and my Honigs single-bar fits right down on top of chest plate. Taken some hard shots(Iwork up to JUCO ball). As far as the heat, have worked in hundred degree stuff,I use McDavid intera-wear v neck tank under it....sure, you will sweat, but I see my buds with WV sweat also.......

Chest Protector
 

If you have not looked at or have heard about the Gerry Davis PR1266, it is the best fitting and coolest protector I have ever used. Had a West Vest for about 10 years and it protected me well but as noted it was hot and here in Texas it does get hot. The Gerry Davis is made by Itech the people who make Hockey equipment and it will take a shot I work HS, JUCO, Div II and some Div I, it does take some getting used to because it is so light weight and form fitting, but I will wear nothing else now. And the price can't be beat at $69.90 ordered from the website http://www.gerrydavis.com. Good collarbone and shoulder point protection as well. Steve

Anyone else?
 

Anybody else use or have any knowledge about the Gerry Davis protector by Itech? Not that I don't believe you Steve, but I've heard SO MANY good things about the others, that I'd like to get some more back-up on the GD one.

Re: Anyone else?
 

I own a GD Itech and agree it gives a good bang for the buck with respect to comfort vs. protection, but I'm not as confident as the other poster about its ability to handle hard shots at high levels of play. I personally wouldn't use it for anything beyond mid-level teenagers, say 15-16 yearold rec league.

I'm a confessed gear junkie; in the last several years, I have owned and used the following chest protectors:

Gerry Davis protector (the old version)
Wilson MLU Streamlined (the old West Vest knockoff)
Rawlings
Honig's K-1
West Vest Gold
West Vest Platinum
Riddell Power
Gerry Davis Itech
Pro-9

Of all those protectors, the best from a protection standpoint was and is, hands down, the West Vest Gold. If I had to get rid of all of them except one, the Gold would be the survivor.

I know Dave and Dave is a gear junkie.

The WV, in any flavor, provides great protection. I've only felt one or two shots to the hard shell in the seven years I've used one and they were on direct pitches (fastballs) untouched by the catcher (both times crossed-up expecting a breaking pitch). And on those I only felt a bit sore after the fact.

My original was a WV - I now use a Platinum.

Rich

I'll agree with Dave, too.

I own a Douglas "West Vest", the original model designed by Joe West before he moved to Wilson, the GD Itech, and a new West Vest Gold.

I use the GD for 13/14 year olds and the WV Gold for everything beyond.

From what I've seen of the Platinum, it would be a better fit for those using the scissors stance. The Gold, in my opinion gives better protection for those using any variation of a box stance.

I use the Honigs chest protector I love it great protection and not any hotter than any other one.

I also use the Honigs light weight single bar mask super vision and so light.

The helmet to me just dont look good a umpire isnt to be without his hat so when I see one with the helmet and he removes it between innings he doesnt have a hat to me it just dont look good maybe Im a little old school.

[Edited by theumpire17 on Sep 30th, 2003 at 07:54 PM]

Protector problems
 

For what I know of I have never had a problem with any of the WV protectors. As for the BB2000, an old partner of mine had bought the 2000 and had some problems with looks and a couple of problems with taking some shots he didnt think he should have. The look part was taken care of by taking off the extra kidney pads (they made him look like he had a pair of brests). I personally like the WV or if you are looking for something a little less expensive and is also used by pros is the Honigs K-1 (also Pro-nine makes a simular protector for 1/4 the price and the same amount of protection).

As for the difference between the WV Gold and WV Platinum, the Gold is make more for someone that uses the slot, knee or box. It is better protection up front. The Platinum is more for umpires that use the scissors as it has much better protection for the shoulders. Also an advantage of the WV over the BB2000 is that the WV has built in collar bone protection where the bb2000 needs an additional piece you need to purchase.

Arik

Re: Chest Protector
 

Ive actually decided to go with the Itech (now it is going to be made by wilson and I go that directly from Scott Ehret) for this upcoming season. Im going to check out the shin guards and the new patent leather shoes on Saturday. Its good to hear that the Itech gear is good though College.

Arik

A Plug For All-Star
 

All-Star CPU24
I just got this protector after trying the WV Platinum which fit me wrong, to rigid around the neck and collar bones. It stuck out funny in the back of my shirt.
My supplier, Sportsman's Corner of Storm Lake, recommended this one, and I love it.
I made the mistake of ordering on-line and getting it shipped to me and didn't like the WV. So I drove the 2 hours to try on what he had and was very happy that I made the trip. I tried on the All Star Ump-Armor, the +POS and some others.
The CPU-24 is cool and has plastic inserts in the collar bones covered by a "memory foam" that is semi rigid but soft at the same time. Thanks for listening. Win Twins.

Re: Protector problems
 

[ The look part was taken care of by taking off the extra kidney pads (they made him look like he had a pair of brests). Also an advantage of the WV over the BB2000 is that the WV has built in collar bone protection where the bb2000 needs an additional piece you need to purchase.

Arik

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The "kidney" pads are actually "pec" pads, but in actuality protect the bicep area when worn using the box stance, I look like the terminator in mine!!!

Now this extra pad for collar bone protection???? My hard shell shoulder area goes completely over my shoulders and I have been NAILED in that area, no bruises or soreness. Now I am not knocking WV, very good stuff....But being as though I won't deal with +POS anymore, they may have changed the BB2000 from the original design that I have???/

No additional protection is needed in the collarbone area of the BB2000. I don't know where he got that idea from. The BB2000 comes with a thermoplastic collarbone shield built right on there. I also have taken numerous shots in some pretty high level amateur baseball and not once have I even had a red spot under the BB2000.

In fact, I just checked the collarbone protector +POS sells. It says not required for use with the BB2000.

http://www.pluspos.com/product.asp?which=295

[Edited by Jim Porter on Oct 3rd, 2003 at 05:17 PM]

BB2000 I stand corrected
 

I stand corrected about the collar protector and the BB2000. However, the headache in dealing with +POS is not worth the hassle of this whole conversation which leaves WV, Pro-Nine ( http://www.pro-nine.com ) which I highly recommend and of course Honigs. (and if you have the money I recommend Cece Carlucci, especially if you live in S. Cal. so you could go to Cece's house and get measured BY Cece.)

Arik

Chest Protectors:

I currently use the original West Vest, but it has paid it dues for me and I am looking at replacing it this year with one of the upgraded West Vest protectors. Bar none, the West Vest protector is the best brand of protector I have ever used, hands down.

I have used the +POS BB2000 protector in the past before I went to the West Vest protector and I did not like it. It always stuck to me on the hot days, and some of the little plastic parts broke shortly after I used it, so I made decision to switch protectors.

Masks:

I currntly use the West Vest single bar mask and really like the way it fits, and the protection is great. I use the two tone kind(doeskin padding on the inside and vinyl paddding on the outside) and it is very comfortable and works really well.

However, my wife wants me to go to the umpire helmet with me moving up and working high level ball next season. She watched the Marty Foster(MLB Umpire) inicdent in Montreal on Sportscenter the next day, and advised me of her position of wanting me to switch mask styles.

Marty wears a regular single bar mask, and during a game in Montreal this year, when he was the PU for game, a high and hard fast ball got away from the catcher and hit Marty in the top of the mask(where that mask sits on your hat) and knocked him out. He was diagnosed with a concussion, so I am going to be switching to the umpire helmet.

I will always recommend the West Vest protector wise, and the West Vest single bar mask. I think there is no beating the West Vest line of protectors and masks.