I'm deciding which chest protector to buy. Should I buy the Gerry Davis or the Wilson?

Thank you.

Here's a link to both:
http://www.gerrydavis.com/Merchant2/...ory_Code=start

Well....
 

Thats like asking what car should I buy. It depends what level of ball you are working or might aspire to work.

Wilson works great for me- especially if you're a big guy.

Honig K1

Bob

Douglas.

Tim.

http://www.douglaspads.com/pc/catalog/z0000339.jpg

Wilson West Vest Platinum Umpire Chest Protector

This is all you'll ever need.

I own the West Vest Gold, the Douglas and the Gerry Davis. I used to own the West Vest Platinum.

Of these, I find the West Vest Gold to give the best protection, superior to the Platinum, even. I use the Doulas as backup and I will be giving the Gerry Davis away this spring.

I use a V-Sport hard shell mostly. But I also have a Cooper lightweight that I cut the bottom off of that I use every now and then on very hot days. Never been hurt by either.

http://www.lestersupstatesports.com/...tegory_Code=CH

[Edited by DG on Jan 26th, 2006 at 12:07 AM]

West vest platinum. Love it

West Vest. Very pleased and have no plans on changing.

While the Gold gives the best protection, I like the K1 more. Fits better. More comfortable. Great collarbone protection.

As always, we'll never resolve this until some engineers put some sort of "impact sensor" behind the various chest protectors and fire a ball (maybe even a "rising fastball") at them. Too, it depends on what the individual umpire values (would you trade an occasional bruise for more comfort every day?)

For me, the K1's comfort is worth feeling an occassional shot. And, any bruises so far haven't been visible (just "sore to the touch" the next day).

I have the WV not sure the model, has the cushion for my sternum/heart area. I have the honigs (red) which I have on loan to my big brother. I do like it, it's light but small on my frame with out the ext. for mid section. Oh, what a bruise I got last year, my belly button was all kinds of colors.

Wilson's knock-off version of the West Vest. Bought it for the collarbone protection. Great fit, great protection, less $$ than the platinum.

JJ

I have been using the Honig's K1 for about 7 years now.

Tonight at an association meeting, I got the opportunity to try on a WV Platinum, under a shirt. I have been considering purchasing one this year.

Well let me tell you, it felt horrible ! Way too stiff. The side pads dig into your arm pits, and the thing slides around like crazy, even after tightening the straps. I was very disapointed. I have heard such great things about them. Several other members told me that they had purchased them in the past, and sold them not long afterwards. Many returning to their WV Gold.

Looks like my Honig's K1, which I am passing down to my son, is going to get replaced with another K1. They fit great, conform to your body, and take a hit like it was a mosqueto landing on you. I also like that I can add the stomach extension and bicep pads, when working a lower division.

I am sure the WV fits and works fine for many others, but it just didn't feel right on me. Too bad, I was looking forward to a new toy.

Just for reference, I am about 6', 48" chest, and very muscular.

So that's what they call the chunky in your area huh?? j/k

I also have the Wilson "West Vest knock-off", the model number A3217. It's comfortable, lightweight, durable and has taken some hard shots with no ill-effect. And, it can be found on-line for about half the cost of the WV Platinum.

No complaints and it has served me well. The only minor drawback is that the pads aren't removable for washing. Oh well- no biggie. The bicep pads that came with it have resided in the bottom of my equipment bag from day one.

There is something about this particular protector that I've wondered about. After searcing for it online, and having seen a few others in-person, I've seen quite a few of these.

Some retailers advertise these as "Wilson" chest protectors and they have a prominent "Wilson" logo on the chest.

Some retailers advertise these as "West Vest" models, even though they are clearly the same Wilson model, with the same "Wilson" logo.

And then again, I've seen this exact same model where the only difference is that the logo on the chest actually does say "West Vest" and then, in smaller letters, "Made for Wilson" or "Made by Wilson".

So, does anybody know the scoop on these? Is the indentical model sold by both Wilson and West Vest? A slightly different model? Strictly a marketing difference?

I agree...I like the protection but absolutely hate the fit. Any coincidence that the man who designed them all wears a Gold????