west vest
 

I'm looking at buying a new chest protector for baseball this summer. What is the difference between the WestVest Original and the Wilson Grey? They look exactly the same.

JT,

Wilson make two different models. The gray version is a similar design, built to be low cost & intended for lower level games.

The WV is a top quality protector designed for any level. I have taken 90+ foul balls with no problem. It is a bit heavy & hot at times.

I have had both. The gray is OK up to U14 or so. HS level you will start feeling the hits.

If you do mainly HS Varsity or hogher by the West Vest, Wilson Gold or Wilson Platinum (Which ever fit's you best).

Look again...

They are made completely different.

I purchased all new equipment this year. I was ready to plunk down the dough for all WV equipment, until I tried them on. I immediately purchased the newer versions of my Honig's K-1 & K-30's.

I am not trying to put the WV equipment down, it's just that for me, the fit / feel did not sell me on the product. Just the opposite.

Try them on, then decide for yourself. And not just on the outside, put on a shirt and pants over them to really be sure how they fit / feel. But try them on before you buy !

I use the Wilson Platinum & Honig's K-1. IMHO I think the K-1 is lighter but the Wilson protects better.

Here's my choice, and get this, I own the honigs K-1, Wilson, not sure what model, has a cusion in the chest area, gray in color and the new GD. My wife is about to kill me but the K-1 is by far the best fitting to me. The only thing, I did not have the lower part that protected the navel (belly button) area.

Now, I just bought the GD this year and it feels good, light. The Wilson, it's bulky, I lost some weight and it maybe too big for me now. But I do like the cusion, I have taken two off of that and it just vibrates. The Wilson seems to create a more suspension or recoil after taking a ball off of it.

buy the All American and save yourself the money.

http://www.pro-ref.com/catalog/all_a...or_2130439.htm

I could not agree more about the All American. I bought one used from Sal Giaco and could not be happier. I had the West Vest Platinum and it never really fit me right.

Gettin I-TECH
 

Following Jiggy's link to find "Itech Softball Umpire Face Mask"

http://www.pro-ref.com/catalog/itech...sk_3124220.htm

An alternative design for a traditional face mask. It looks like the hybrid-offspring of a ITECH hockey style mask and traditional baseball mask. That is either some serious ARMOR or the next marketing campaign from those HOCKEY guys. Definitely a COOLER COMBO than HSM.

Don't Suppose
 

"... it never really fit me right."

Let me guess, one size too large.

Get a V-Sport and save more.

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

Yeah... there are a number of places to get the v-sport. Guys say (and the guy who owns All American swears) that the v-sport protectors are a defect run of the All-American. Who really knows?

Beyond the shadow of a doubt, the butt-ugliest mask of any form, style, or brand in the history of the world. You really had to have your tongue firmly planted in cheek when you wrote this! Ugly even for a softball mask. Yuccch!

I have some land in Florida I would like to sell also. If these are defect All Americans I would like to know where I can get some defect All American shin guards, mask, shirt, pants, belt, ball bag, indicator, brush, pencil, sunglasses, socks, jock, cup, cap, and bag to put it all in.

The All American is a favorite of MiLB umpires.

Are you saying Joe West designed the Platinum for his Over-Weight MLB buddies ? I have to agree with you, if you have a physique that is not shaped like a bowling pin, the Platinum may feel funny.