Umpire mask

Thane Yennie · #1 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 06, 2001, 08:46pm

While I have you all on the line. I am looking to upgrade my mask, any recommendations??? Don't want to spend a fortune, (no $$).
I am a school teacher in Wyoming you know. : )

HOLDTHE · #2 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 06, 2001, 09:07pm

Get a West Vest.

Best on the market

rex · #3 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 06, 2001, 09:37pm

Stay away from the composits.Have heard some horror stories.

Honig's has got a nice ultra light single bar.

rex

Rich · #4 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 06, 2001, 10:17pm

I have to disagree, Rexie (grin). The +POS composite mask did have a voluntary recall a number of years ago, but I'm working my fifth year with the mask and still love it as much as I did the day I bought it. It is the lightest mask I've ever held, and I have yet to have my "bell rung" with it on.

Finally, I'm working my first Massachusetts game (high school varsity) tomorrow. I snuck onto the field and worked three man twice while visiting Seattle last week, but that doesn't really count.

Am I the last person to get my season started?

Rich
--------------------
Rich Fronheiser
Natick, MA

[Edited by Rich Fronheiser on Apr 7th, 2001 at 07:14 AM]

Rich · #5 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 06, 2001, 10:20pm

By composite (resin), we mean the masks that feel like they are made from plastic....

The WestVest mask is fairly inexpensive, lightweight, and affords outstanding vision. If I ever need a replacement, I will consider this one.

Rich
------------------
Rich Fronheiser
Natick, MA

[Edited by Rich Fronheiser on Apr 7th, 2001 at 07:15 AM]

rex · #6 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 06, 2001, 10:58pm

I'm gone. thanks Rich

Thane Yennie · #7 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 06, 2001, 11:11pm

No you're not the last to get season going. Heck man we haven't even started serious practice here. thinks for the tips guys.

Tim C · #8 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 06, 2001, 11:44pm

I have TWO West Vest Masks

Navy and Black for SALE

T

Rich · #9 (**permalink**) Sat Apr 07, 2001, 06:24am

I don't get it.

Was it the Rexie part? Did I or did I not put a grin at the end of it?

It certainly can't be that I disagreed with your choice of a mask....

Sheesh.

Rich

PAblue87 · #10 (**permalink**) Sat Apr 07, 2001, 09:10am

I have a wilson single bar mask with the amara padding. It is almost exactly like the west vest, but about 12 -15 dollars chaeper. I love it. If you took the logo off the WV and put it on this mask you would not be able to tell the difference.

pob14 · #11 (**permalink**) Sat Apr 07, 2001, 08:59pm

Tee: How much for the masks?

Bfair · #12 (**permalink**) Sun Apr 08, 2001, 12:48am

don't know what to say. I bought the first year they came out and wouldn't return when recalled. I loved it and have used it since.

However, last year I took a foul ball off the thin section of the ear wing-----cracking it. A little super glue and tape and back to new.

Now, this spring I take foul tip into mouth area. Cracks three (3) single bars (thin ones, check it out Rich). It didn't damage bigger bars up near eyes. Out with the super and tape. Still using------but also looking.

BTW, the West Vest pads fit the composite well..........................so , how much for the West Vest masks, Tee.

Maybe the new ones are better than those that were recalled. I sure know I have taken some heavy hits on that mask. I guess that's obvious.

Bfair

Rich · #13 (**permalink**) Sun Apr 08, 2001, 01:38am

I know which bars you mean, Steve.

I don't know if I would work with a broken mask. That is why I'm debating ordering one of the WV masks and breaking it in. I gave away my old Rawlings mask a few years ago and I'd like to have a spare.

I wouldn't work with a taped mask. The structural integrity may be damaged and you could get hurt if the thing gets hit in the right way.

WV masks sell for $69.90 at Gerry Davis Sports these days.

I'm going to order on Monday.

Rich

umpyre007 · #14 (**permalink**) Sun Apr 08, 2001, 09:19am

Quote:

Originally posted by Bfair
don't know what to say. I bought the first year they came out and wouldn't return when recalled. I loved it and have used it since.

Uh, there WAS a valid reason for the recall. The "second generation" composites don't crack and have been used successfully for the past few years by many umpires without any problems.

Quote:

However, last year I took a foul ball off the thin section of the ear wing-----cracking it. A little super glue and tape and back to new.

Now, this spring I take foul tip into mouth area. Cracks three (3) single bars (thin ones, check it out Rich). It didn't damage bigger bars up near eyes. Out with the super and tape. Still using------but also looking.

I'd be inclined to get rid of it and purchase a new one.

Rich · #15 (**permalink**) Sun Apr 08, 2001, 12:09pm

There was a bigger problem with the first generation +POS masks.

There were reports of foul balls getting through the bars, although +POS couldn't duplicate the problems in their labs. This is just a third party report of something I read, so if someone has a definitive report, I'd like to hear it.

I never replaced mine (the deadline passed and I'm guessing that +POS wouldn't honor the replacement now anyway), and I've never had any problems with it. One thing that does happen is that a good foul ball will push the mask off my head. Unlike the old heavy masks, though, you don't get your bell rung.

Rich