I'll be moving up from bases to plate this season (high-school age travel teams, and high school varsity next season) Should I look at the Honigs or ProNine protectors at all, or only the West Vests? Is the advantage to the West Vest the deflection plates or is there more to set them apart from the fabric-and-pads chest protectors?

Also, does anyone wear Itech protectors?

The mundane first: Get a hard shelled protector. Carlucci, West Vest Gold and Douglas are, in my opinion the best, in that order.

Now for the more interesting: Does your association actually make one work nothing but bases for a season or longer and then "move you up" to the plate?" Really? Where are you located that this happens?

No, they don't "make us". I was probably unclear. In Ohio new umpires start at Grade 2 where you can do any game EXCEPT high school varsity behind the plate. I'll be doing plates in the travel games (and girls fastpitch) then I'll be upgrading to Grade 1 next season and do varsity plates.
Sorry for the confusion.

The Pro-Nine et.al. version of the Honig's K-1 Elite Protector are thinner and less padded. Avoid those.

I own a K1 - Honig's Pro Elite protector. The protective part is made up of a very dense, lightweight foam something. It is not you run of the mill padding. It is definitely uniquely suited to it's purpose. The foam stuff have some sort of plastic plate over it. Now I'm not trying to tell you that the plate's are as thick as the West Vests/Carlucci/et.al. In terms of the shoulder areas, the Honigs will stop anything.

I feel very confident in the ability of the Honig K-1 to protect me from any shot I would take. You have to judge that for yourself. Others opinions may vary.

I will tell you though that the Honigs is VERY lightweight. I almost thought the box was empty when they shipped it. It also gives me good freedom of movement. Lastly, the XL model is 14" long with the ability to add two or four more inches to the bottom. That is great if you have a longer torso or don't like the extra exposed region that most protectors leave open.

I am happy with mine and would recommend it. Your mileage may vary.

Well,
 

Since I work the "Gerry Davis Stance" I get hit far less often than umpires in other stances. But I did research chest protectors for an article for another site so I do know a few things.

Chest protectors are engineered to handle certain levels of play. The engineering and product insurance costs drive the cost of protectors up as you need added protection for higher levels of baseball.

I agree that the Honig's K1 is a real good protector for now and the near future.

Heck, Jon Bible wears a K1 doing D1.

However, I am a "hardshell" guy. In fact my Carlucci has three separate systems of protection.

A chest protector purchased for $50 is not as good as one that sells for $100. A $100 protector is not quite as good that ones that sells for $150.

Just make sure that you have great collar bone coverage and that the protectors ends just below your sternum.

The state does not specify what you can work. Class 2 officials cannot work Varsity, no matter what their assignment is (plate/base on the field.)

If I were buying a protector today I would buy a Honigs K1. I don't know anybody who uses ProNine or Itech. The ones I looked at on the net don't look sufficient enough for HS ball.

If you want a good hard shell protector with 5/8 inch high density closed cell foam behind it try a V-Sport UPRO. It comes in 13, 15, and 17 inch and sells for about $60 on the net.

Well very said, I really like my K1 too. Very good protector. I bought the Elite package from Honig's and everything is great!

Question for DG or anybody else with experience with a VSport UPro 15. I'm thinking of buying one -- I can't afford plunking down $150 for a chest protector at this point or I'd get something better. The VSport UPro looks like a good mid-range hard-shell protector, but looks can often be deceiving. Anybody have any thoughts on this protector?

I mentioned this protector because I use it (UPRO15) and I am satisfied with it. IMO it is the best protector available, for $60, and I am in no hurry to upgrade.

[Edited by DG on Mar 27th, 2005 at 11:29 PM]

Sorry, but you are incorrect.

According to 2004-2005 OHSAA Handbook For Officials:

Section X. - 1. - 1.1 - 1.11 ( page 21 )

" High School Varsity - Minimum of one OHSAA Class 1 or Class 2 Baseball umpire required. Regardless of number, all must be Class 1 or Class 2. "



I should also add that you are partially correct. The Tournament Level Requirements ( Sectional, District, Regional, and State ) are -

" Must hold an OHSAA Class 1 Permit in Baseball. "

The post, however, did not relate to that area as it was presented.

[Edited by officialtony on Mar 28th, 2005 at 09:18 AM]

Honigs
 

I like my K1 - HONIG'S PRO ELITE PROTECTOR, however Friday I took a 90mph foul ball off of my collarbone and it hurt! The impact caused my necklace to cut my skin. I also broke the clasp on my necklace. I have to say that if I had my old protector on it would have broken my collarbone. You can check the K1 out at http://www.honigs.com/browse_products.asp?Cat=2&Sub=36

Re: Honigs
 

Do you accessorize your necklace with a hand bag or just your ball bag?

Wearing a necklace while umpiring? Good grief.

[Edited by GarthB on Mar 29th, 2005 at 10:58 AM]

Garth, Garth, Garth
 

IF the necklace matches the hand bag the BALL bags should be a "contrast color".

It would be the Manlo Bolonick 5" Heels that would also match up to the necklace.

"Necklace/Umpire" . . . not in my area.

WE WEAR PUKA SHELLS!

Re: Re: Honigs
 

Garth,

Don't be silly. I'm sure it matches his wristwatch.

--Rich