Hockey Style masks or Traditional??

[PanamaCityBrian]

I figured I would ask my question first and make sure my punctuation is at the level required for this forum.

Ok I am trying to find out if there are any major differences in the two styles of masks? I understand the design but I am not sure if it is preference or what..??? Sorry if this seems like a dumb question but I have just been trying to make sure that there isn't something I am missing.

Thanx for the input

Brian

[UmpJM]

Brian,

For an unbelievably "in depth" discussion of the question you pose, check the thread at the following link: Helmet v Mask

JM

[JRutledge]

Or you can look at the very bottom of this page and you can see more conversations about this very subject.

Peace

[nickrego]

Here is an in-depth explanation of my experience with a Hockey Style Helmet.

http://www.reegind.com/helmet.htm

Mask vs. Helmet, gets about as heated as MAC vs. Windows.

Best thing is to try both.

When I say try both, I mean do an entire game with each. And, if it doesn't happen during the games, get someone to hit you square on the nose with a fastball wearing each. Mask: Ouch, what's that ringing in my ears ? What are those stars doing out in the middle of the day ? Helmet: Did a mosquito just land on me ?

BE YOUR OWN JUDGE !

[RPatrino]

I guess this boils down to the "increased protection" vs. "comfort" debate. To me it is just personal preference.

Bob P.

[JIGGY]

I have worn both. The hockey mask provides a greater field of vision and disperses impact better. The traditional mask, because of how it is worn, transfers the impact to the forehead and more so the chin (jaw). If you take a serious direct hit, this can leave you with problems with your jaw, ears, and sinuses.

[nickrego]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

I guess this boils down to the "increased protection" vs. "comfort" debate. To me it is just personal preference.

Bob P.

There is no debate here, at least not that I have read.

No one denies the increased protection.

As for comfort, helmet feels lighter on your head, no weight hanging off the front of your face, easier to remove, much cooler than a wool cap, able to speak clearly (no pressure on your chin), etc.

The big debate is usually Traditional Look vs. Robo Ump look. I think this debate is debunk at this point, because the "look" has been excepted at all upper levels from College to MLB.

And, I have never had a coach, player, or colleague, comment negatively about me or my umpiring with regard to my helmet. Either you suck, or you don't. (left myself open for you flamers) If you don't suck, nobody even sees, or cares, what equipment you use.

[Tim C]

You should slow down and READ what is written it might help.

No where have I said a traditional mask is better (or worse) than the old HSM.

I simply correctly commented that a mask worn correctly works like an F1 racer at crash time and disapates energy.

IF your mask is "hanging loosely" as design dictates EVEN A DIRECT SHOT will place less energy transferred to your noggin'. The mask "may" spin or "pop off" but you seldom feel the energy of the ball.

Nick you have been the strongest proponet of the HSM for a few years. I understand that and give you the credit (I believe you once said you'd be surprised if the NFHS did not demand umpires wear the HSM eventually -- and I won't go against that as within five years ALL DEFNSIVE players will required to wear helmet with face masks).

The bigger issue is will we be able to buy traditional masks as the general market decreases in use.

Regards,

[PanamaCityBrian]

WOW, I think the defensive face masks are a stretch but I get the point....

But anyways I purchased an HSM Yesterday after reading all the post and some study on my own. It took alittle time to get used to it and get it adjusted correctly, but in the end I really like the view and nice cool breeze it afforded. Also I took an untouched fastball to the mask in the top of the first ( couldn't happen any other way ) and I felt nothing, I just heard the impact instead of felt it.

Thank you everyone for your input it really did help with the decision.

Panama City Brian

[greymule]

I just heard the impact instead of felt it.

Well put, but man, do you hear it (at least with the All-Star 2000). It's almost like a firecracker going off near your head.

My +POS SUL zero gravity was all dented up after one season. The black resin mask they sold a few years ago is still mint after many games. I wonder why they discontinued that item.

[LMan]

Originally Posted by greymule

[B] The black resin mask they sold a few years ago is still mint after many games. I wonder why they discontinued that item.

I heard it was because it was found that in low temps it had a tendency to shatter/crack on impact. I have no direct evidence on this, however.

[briancurtin]

Originally Posted by LMan

I heard it was because it was found that in low temps it had a tendency to shatter/crack on impact. I have no direct evidence on this, however.

ive heard/read it was more from the effect heat plays on it, like sitting in your hot trunk all day. thats just what i remember though, could be both situations actually.

im also interested in what bob asked about.

[SAump]

HSM Facts:
1) More expensive, 2) More heat, 3) Less professional, 4) Less padding, 5) Less comfort, 7) Less buying INFO, 8) Harder to size, 9) Harder to take on/off, 10) Harder to handle or store in gym bag, 11) Safety record (NIL), 12) Must cut hair or wear silly stocking cap and 13) Must have small head to fit right.

Safety:
1) Catcher NO longer tosses it or trips over it because they no longer take it off durring the course of a PLAY.
2) More deflection,the impact is significantly reduced. However, the UMPIRE standing behind the catcher is now more likely to take the DING on the unprotected ARM. Ouch.

Challenge:
1) Name one umpire or catcher whose carreer ended from an injury caused by the impact of a foul ball to the mask. Then prove that this injury would have been prevented as a result of wearing a HSM over the traditional mask.
2) Name and discuss any fact or safety issue that may prove added value of wearing a HSM.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by SAump

HSM Facts:
1) More expensive, 2) More heat, 3) Less professional, 4) Less padding, 5) Less comfort, 7) Less buying INFO, 8) Harder to size, 9) Harder to take on/off, 10) Harder to handle or store in gym bag, 11) Safety record (NIL), 12) Must cut hair or wear silly stocking cap and 13) Must have small head to fit right.

My helmet was $85. I own a mask that cost more.

How is it "less professional?" Chuck Meriwether wore one at the A's game I attended last night. BTW, he didn't even bother taking it off when rotating up to third.

Anyone that says the helmet is cooler is on drugs. The heat is the one big drawback to the helmet.

[LMan]

I decided that, heat be damned, safety is paramount...so I just ordered one of these: