Yes the combo pants work pretty well. I've only bought from Honig's and have no complaints what-so-ever. As for the shirts, the same, I buy from Honig's and I believe they are universal. I wear them both and haven't had a problem with them. By the way, my first game is tomorrow!!! <img src="http://www.illinoishighschoolsports.com/ubb/graemlins/headbang.gif">

As I mentioned earlier, I use combos when I am doing a double header, plate pants if I am only doing one game behind the plate, and combos if I am only doing one game on bases. I don't have any base pants. Combos work, they are just a little snugger around the shinguards than a real plate plant. It also depends on what shinguards you are using. If you are using double or triple knee shinguards the combos will be snug, but workable. If you are using a less expensive single knee shinguard the combos will be fine. Long story short, if you are starting out and want to save some money you are not likely using the best shingaurd available so combo pants should work just dandy.

I'm not sure what you mean by plate shirt, vs. base shirt, except that the plate shirt should be one size bigger. Again, if you are interested in saving money buy one size and use for plate and base. You could buy your normal size for bases and be snug when you are on plate, or buy one size larger for plate and be a little loose on bases. I prefer to have the right size for plate.

I buy most of my stuff at Honigs. Never had a problem with Honigs equipment, service, delivery, etc.

Also, I would buy a package, both for equipment and uniform. That's what I did, saved a few bucks.

Just in case anyone thinks this is a good idea, a little story...

I was at my son's winter ball LL game and the ump didn't show up. I had my gear in my truck, but no uniform, no jock, and no place to change. I figured that this was 9-11 year old ball, I'd just throw the gear on over my clothes and help out. Not having anywhere to change or a jock, I didn't wear a cup.

Between innings, I was explaining to a coach why the hands aren't part of the bat when the 10yo pitcher warming up lost his grip and the ball came sailing my way. Didn't even see it coming. Sometime next month I'm having my second surgery to correct the problems that this caused. (But I finished the game).

Wear a cup. No matter what.

Sounds like you didn't really have your gear in the truck. My cup is part of my gear. IF, I was going to do a winter league 9-11 year old LL game by myself without a cup, I would do it from behing the mound.

[Edited by DG on Mar 21st, 2005 at 08:52 AM]

My partner on Saturday told me an interesting story. He was checking the bats before a game once, and he set his mask on the ground next the dugout. Eventually the game gets started, and his mask is still on the ground by the dugout. Pitcher finishes his warmup pitches, he dusts of the plate and gets behind the catcher. He calls play, and the pitcher pitches. He calls the pitch a strike, and then one of the coaches asks him if he is seeing the pitches really good today, at which point he realizes that he is not wearing his mask. He was lucky he didn't get killed.

The GD feather weight mask is about the same as every other lightweight mask made by Honig's and +POS. There are new masks with a squared off front, which give you a better view. But I believe that these are only made by Wilson and +POS.

Personally, I think the hocky style mask does not look good.

[/B][/QUOTE]

My partner on Saturday told me an interesting story. He was checking the bats before a game once, and he set his mask on the ground next the dugout. Eventually the game gets started, and his mask is still on the ground by the dugout. Pitcher finishes his warmup pitches, he dusts of the plate and gets behind the catcher. He calls play, and the pitcher pitches. He calls the pitch a strike, and then one of the coaches asks him if he is seeing the pitches really good today, at which point he realizes that he is not wearing his mask. He was lucky he didn't get killed. [/B][/QUOTE]

I actually saw a partner of mine (I wasn't working the game, just stopped by to watch) work a 14-15 game for a 1/2 an inning with no mask. This guy was a stickler for starting the game on time and he forgot his mask. When he saw I was at the game, he motioned for me to come to the backstop. I got his mask for him. Absolutely insane.

Lawrence

I dittos the cup. Worked a 9/10 year old game and I learned my lesson real quick!

My partner on Saturday told me an interesting story. He was checking the bats before a game once, and he set his mask on the ground next the dugout. Eventually the game gets started, and his mask is still on the ground by the dugout. Pitcher finishes his warmup pitches, he dusts of the plate and gets behind the catcher. He calls play, and the pitcher pitches. He calls the pitch a strike, and then one of the coaches asks him if he is seeing the pitches really good today, at which point he realizes that he is not wearing his mask. He was lucky he didn't get killed. [/B][/QUOTE]

I actually saw a partner of mine (I wasn't working the game, just stopped by to watch) work a 14-15 game for a 1/2 an inning with no mask. This guy was a stickler for starting the game on time and he forgot his mask. When he saw I was at the game, he motioned for me to come to the backstop. I got his mask for him. Absolutely insane.

Lawrence
[/B][/QUOTE]

YIKES!!! That is insane. Why didn't he let the other umpire work the plate (if there was one)?

Check Out ProNine
 

I would suggest you look at the Pro9 gear at http://www.pronine.com. IMO it is a great value for the money (Chest protector is 1/3 cost of Honigs K-1 and is a slightly lighter knockoff version). Chest protector will work for the ages you are going to work (some say it is not good for high school age but I disagree). One of our association umpires uses the hockey style mask for college ball so it must be ok.

Prices are $45 chest protector, $60 shin guards, $60 Hockey Style mask. Prices are from Western Athletic Supply.

As others said - make sure you like the umpiring gig before spending a ton of money. ProNine is a good choice to accomplish this if you ask me.

I got a nice package from theofficialcall.com on umpire uniform.

$99.95 for:

Cliff Keen combo pants
Cliff Keen mesh shirt
Base hat
Tube Socks
Black leather belt

That is the cheapest I found, anyone found a similar package cheaper??

Where I am stuck is the equipment. Particularly the chest protector. I am looking at the West Vest Platinum, but it is only 13.5 inches and I am 6' 2". I don't know if that will work?? Also, I found the Original West Vest, new, for $80 and the Original Gold West Vest, new, for $100. Is that a good deal?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jason181988
[B]
Where I am stuck is the equipment. Particularly the chest protector. I am looking at the West Vest Platinum, but it is only 13.5 inches and I am 6' 2". I don't know if that will work??


Yes it will work

Equipment
 

Jason -

Remember that the chest protector does not protect your belly. You want the bottom to be about 2-3 fingers above your navel. Talk to whoever you buy from and they can help you with getting to correct size.

This is strictly my opinion but I would not get the West Vest protector. I have tried one on and they are heavy and very stiff and uncomfortable for me. I have read many a post saying they are hot and hard to fit correctly. But to be fair there are lots of people who love them.

I would consider the Honig's K-1 protector for about the same money and it comes in Large or X-Large. I own one and it is light, comfortable and from what I have read much cooler than the West Vest. You can check them out at http://www.honigs.com/detail.asp?Cat=2&Sub=36&Item=344

My Queen has a ProNine protector and as I said before I think it is a great value for the money and has almost as good of protection as the Hoing's. It is even lighter than the Honig's.

[Edited by doogus on Mar 21st, 2005 at 10:00 PM]

Has anyone tried the Gerry Davis equipment? They have a package for shin guards, chest prot., and mask.

The shin guards have only 2 straps. This eliminates the irritation of the strap behind the knee. But how do they stay up and not falling down your let????