I need a new chest protector, but that helmet looks great and I'm not trying to dish out 300 bucks for both. Does anyone wear the helmet? Is it comfortable?

Helmet vs mask should have been the question!

Your thoughts please!

If you need a new chest protector, you'lve already answered your question. If there's one piece of equipment NOT to skimp on, it's that.

I went with the Gerry Davis Diamond Chest Protector 2 years ago mainly because of the cost difference.

What are your thoughts on this chest protector? Did I waste my money?

I had the older version of the GD Diamond Protector for many years. About 2 years ago I was doing a Legion game. I took a foul ball straight to the chest and the plastic ribs gave way and I ended up on the ground and the EMS had to rush me to the hospital. Doctors told me I was lucky to survive the arythmia (I have a heart condition to start with). When I got out of the hospital I ordered my WV Platinum. I would never do another game with any other chest protector!

I, too, got nailed with the same protector. I didn't go to the hospital, but I felt goofier than ususal for several day. In retrospect I should have been checked out.

I've got a standard WV, and a platinum I rotate with now. A hard shell it the only way to go, IMO.

Helmets are different. Better vision, hotter, louder when you take a shot and you can't hear as well. I only use mine with clam-shell type back stops, where balls can knonk you you on the top of your head. I've got the All Star that's made of fiberglass and Kevlar. It's ok, and like I said, different.

<b>I took a foul ball straight to the chest and the plastic ribs gave way and I ended up on the ground and the EMS had to rush me to the hospital.</b>

Ozzy: Please just lie still and don't move until an attorney acquaintance of mine arrives. Where are you exactly?

He thanks you in advance.

I have both the WV Platinum and the All-Star Helmet. The main selling points for me were safety. The WV Platinum is well constructed and fits me quite well (which is a good thing because I am on the thin side and most gear like this is too big). I much prefer the All-Star Helmets to the regular face mask, as the visibility (in my opinion anyway) is better, and I find that I can speak in a clearer fashion. There is plenty of venting in the helmet, so I don't find that it gets too hot, though I wouldn't want to wear a hat underneath it.

It's hard to say which one you should get first. Both are important; I would lean towards the chest protector first, and then the helmet soon thereafter, depending on the level of baseball you are working and the quality of your existing equipment.

I can't put a price on my own safety, but if you're working higher level baseball, you may want to seriously consider the cost as an investment in your own health.

Good luck.

Naw, the protector had seen its better days. I should have gotten rid of it long before that happened.

I agree. If you are worried about spending money, $300 will be a lot cheaper than your hospital bill.

What's the problem? I have both a West Vest and an All Star helmet. Chest protector is definitely a higher priority.

Ed H

<b>$300 will be a lot cheaper than your hospital bill.</b>

Are you sure?

I'm looking at a bill of mine from Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City:

4½ days semi-private care @ $10.50: $47.25
Laboratory services: $11.00
Drugs: $1.65
Penicillin: $2.20
X-Ray: $15.00

Total: $77.10

This figure represents the entire cost of the treatment. No co-pay, no insurance, no HMO. Four and a half days in a rather famous hospital, and for $77.10 I was paid in full.

Let's see. The date on the bill is . . . February 4, 1953.

grey
 

Hehehehe,

Nicely done.

When I started college baseball three years ago, I had to upgrade my equipment. I used the standard mask for a long time, but made the switch to the All-star mask. BOY..what a difference. The fit between the mask and the WV took some time to get familiar with, but now I move with greater ease and trust in my equipment.

Nice one grey!! :D

I wonder what that bill would run today, with no insurance. I'm guessing $1500/day for the room, maybe $2K for labwork, $800 for drugs, and $400 for "radiological services," assuming that you had an x-ray not MRI, CT, PET scan, etc.

What's that come to, about ten grand?

Experiencing that "hospital fresh" smell? Priceless.

Well, the elderly uncle of a friend of mine spent a week in the hospital back in the fall. The bill was $99,000.

The year that guy was born, you could have <i>built</i> a hospital for $99,000.

The price makes me wonder whether the hospital was having a special sale that week.

"That's right, folks, a full week for only $99,000! Don't wait! Call 1-800-LOW-COST right away."

In 1993, my daughter spent a week in the hospital with osteomyelitis. That bill was $24,000. Six more weeks on intravenous antibiotic at home cost another few thousand.

That's a lot of games to ump.

[Edited by greymule on Mar 3rd, 2005 at 12:30 PM]

I use the allstar helmet with the steel cage. Paid $110 and will never use a regular mask again. Yeah a little load when hit but nothing that bad and never been hurt. I took one shot that slightly bent the steel cage and was ready for the next pitch as if nothing ever happened.
I have the gray wilson chest protector and a cooper ump1000 that I flip flop. Have taken serious shots to all both and never felt a thing. I got the wilson for about $95 and the cooper I got on EBAY for $62 with shipping (they are usually around $100-110). So I spent about $270 for all 3 and am perfectly safe.

Thanks All for your advise!

I ended up spending my birthday and Christmas gift money in an hour.

I ended up getting the Gerry Davis High Top Patent Leather Plate Shoes, the West Vest Platinum, black and blue pro mesh fitted combo hats, black Major League shirt, another pair of Combo Pants because my other ones faded last year and an UMP T-shirt.

Now the only thing I have to get is the Black Major League Jacket and Blue Jacket. When does it all end?

My wife is gonna kill me! LOL

I hope you have a navy shirt.

long and short sleeve navy shirt
 

My WV just got here and I don't like the way it fits. Is very tight near the armpits because of that padding there. I tried to make an out call or strike call and the friction almost started a fire.

Anyone else have that problem? Will it loosen up with wear?

Any suggestions besides sending it back?

Thanks for your suggestions!

Mmmmm,
 

I suggest you read the following thread:

http://www.umpire.org/modules.php?na...ewtopic&t=1533

How ironic
 

Thanks Tim!