OK, call me a minority of one, probably, but I sure miss the LONGER chest protectors. I'm 6'1" and have always hated the fact that the lower part of the CP's have vanished, to be replaced only by my gut. With my going to the Gerry Davis stance this year, I find my lower gut more vulnerable (it could just be my own paranoia, who knows?). I've taken a D-II and D-III pitches in the dirt that have ricocheted right back into my lower gut, and that doesn't tickle, I can tell you that much. Sure, the catchers were apologetic--schit happens--but my old, original black West Vest (I use the WV Platinum now) had a lower part that would have taken that blow.

You need to eat more, exercise less ;)

Trust me, THAT hasn't been a problem of mine! :D

I just got my new 17 inch V-Sport, and it covers a bit more gut, but not the whole thing. I am working more small ball now, and that is where the uncaught fouls hit you generally, right in the solar plexus. Not to mention the uncaught pitches!!!

I too need to eat more and exercise less. Is that even possible?

At one of our recent recertification camps, more than a few umps showed up with the same new chest protector- our Regional association has an 'official supplier', so we often get 'flavor of the month fads'.
They were all wearing this thing-

http://www.anacondasports.com/wcssto...mp3000_lge.jpg

You talk about long...it looked like these things needed to be tucked into their pants!
The majority said they liked it, but complained that the throat area needed more padding to prevent plastic on skin scrapes.
The rest of us spent the weekend thinking of Robocop references to make fun of them with.

"What is the prime directive?"
"The accurate calling of balls and strikes."


Bainer.

"Exhibit A" :(

Funny :D

"Go back to the dugout, coach, or there will be................ trouble" :p


RE: CP: I went the other way....from a long CP to a shorter one (13"). Fits better, my shirt stays in my pants, and when Im in the GD my gut is pretty well out of the way anyhow.

Plus, Ive got enough natural protection there already :p