Chest Protector

Brandon S. · #1 (**permalink**) Mon Jan 05, 2004, 06:07pm

I umpire HS and everything below. I have been in search for a new chest protector for some time now. The problem I have is that I am 5'7" and around 150 lbs. I am trying to find something that fits my body and is not very bulky. I have a protector by UmpGear. It was given to me by the local league president. I have looked at a couple different brands and styles and I find the West Vest to be very good. (from what I hear from other umpires as well) but I do not want to purchase it and then have the same problem I do now. My protector is very good and in great condition and I do not want to sacrifice protection for anything.

Does anyone have suggestions to me? If you do feel free to email me or simply reply

Thank you
Brandon

Roger Greene · #2 (**permalink**) Mon Jan 05, 2004, 08:55pm

Brandon,
I'm 5' 7'' and approximatley 160 pounds. I hope to return to 150 again.

I find the West Vest Gold in the 13" model is the best fitting vest I've tried. I did remove the two smaller plates on the lower ouside edge of the protector, and adjusted the attachments of the shoulder plates to fit me better.

Roger Greene

[Edited by Roger Greene on Jan 5th, 2004 at 09:04 PM]

Brandon S. · #3 (**permalink**) Mon Jan 05, 2004, 09:13pm

Thank you so much for you input. I really like the look of the West Vest.

And from what I have seen as it being in action I think it works very well too

I have used this chest protector since I started umpiring nearly 8 years ago. Just want a change and something to better fit

Thank you

Brandon

mrm21711 · #4 (**permalink**) Tue Jan 06, 2004, 01:35pm

I would check out the Honig's K1, I recently bought the West Vest Platinum but understand you not wanting something too "bulky" or "heavy." Everybody I know who uses this one really likes its combination of lightness and coolness combined with great protection needed for HS varsity level baseball but can also be worn with little kids because its so light.

Brandon S. · #5 (**permalink**) Tue Jan 06, 2004, 05:45pm

What do you think about the Platinum?

i have seen one fellow umpire use a honig's protector. he almost preaches by everything honigs. so you believe the honig's k1 would give me excellent protection? that is my major concern. granted i do want a less bulky protector but without the sacrifice of the protection.

thank you for your reply and help

kylejt · #6 (**permalink**) Tue Jan 06, 2004, 06:29pm

I've got a Platinum and I love it. It does make you look like RoboCop though. The protection is unsurpassed. My son uses a Cooper UMP1000. Less bulky, flexable hard plates, washable and very cool. It's a nice rig, but hard to find.

Brandon S. · #7 (**permalink**) Tue Jan 06, 2004, 07:45pm

to be honest my protector makes me look like robo cop especially with my body size.

i think the platinum looks really great (meaning protection and fit)

mrm21711 · #8 (**permalink**) Wed Jan 07, 2004, 08:01pm

From the people i know (I have a WV Platinum), they love the Honig's K1 Protector. It offers the protection needed during a HS varsity game but with the size & weight of a softball protector (according to them). Personally, I love my West Vest, but I havent heard any knocks against the Honig's K1 myself

Brandon S. · #9 (**permalink**) Wed Jan 07, 2004, 09:25pm

to mrm

how is the fit of the WV Platinum protector?

i am looking into purchasing either this one or the K1

Rich · #10 (**permalink**) Thu Jan 08, 2004, 12:16am

My Platinum fits well. I like it -- it offers superior protection.

I work college, HS, and adult amateur baseball, and I wouldn't ever wear a lighter protector just because it's a "lesser" game. That baseball is dumb and it doesn't know it's not supposed to hurt you because it's a LL game.

I would work with a balloon, though, if they ever came back into vogue

Rich

mrm21711 · #11 (**permalink**) Thu Jan 08, 2004, 02:29pm

When I first tried it on (I ordered it from Honig's), I absolutely hated it and thought of taking it back. After messing around with it and sizing it (My body size isnt THAT much bigger than yours), i totally love it. Basically the back straps are pulled very tight so the protector sits up "high" around my neck and stuff, but its definitley the best out there for the money. Actually it is not that bulky when you look at when im in full uniform, its not as bad as you might think. Take care, hope this helps

NJumpire9 · #12 (**permalink**) Thu Jan 08, 2004, 04:52pm

I went from the West Vest to the K1 and was pleased.
Went from feeling like a turtle to free as a bird, and it's taken some shots at 90 mph, too!!

Brandon S. · #13 (**permalink**) Thu Jan 08, 2004, 05:49pm

Everyone has given me great info....there is only one prob...it is all good news about each...but that is great

i guess it is all up to me from here
torn between which to get...i guess order if i dont like send it back and get the other one...

thanks to all for your help input...if you have further info feel free to add it

and Good Luck for this upcoming season hope all is well on the diamond

goldsmi · #14 (**permalink**) Thu Jan 15, 2004, 11:07am

Don't forgot Cece - best protector I've ever used.

http://www.calsportsofficials.com/cece_carlucci.html

AL

greymule · #15 (**permalink**) Thu Jan 15, 2004, 02:27pm

When I started umpiring in 1965 (age 16, in a 13Â–15 league), I used the outside balloon protector and actually liked it. Even in the early 1970s (semipro league), the balloon was what they gave you. I know you don't have the mobility, but I always felt safer behind the balloon than wearing an inside chest protector. You could get your whole body, arms and all, behind it. I can't remember ever getting hurt with the balloon.

But the balloon is obsolete now. I don't see them in any catalogues. And I admit they didn't look very cool.