Looking for 'short' inside protector...
 

Hey all-
Looking for a little insight on this one.
I live in an area devoid of any sporting goods stores carrying umpire equipment- so I only get to 'browse' through what other umps have. Any purchases I make are via the internet or road trip- so I try my best to be sure of what I'm getting.

I'm looking for a new chest protector. I'm currently in a +POS BB2000, but find it too 'long'. I want something that is 'shorter' from throat to bottom. If possible, I'd also like to go with something a little less bulky.

I've looked around and am considering the West Vest Gold. Nothing else really seems as short or shorter than my current equipment.

Does anyone have any product recommendations for a shorter chest protector?
All replies to this question will be apprectated.


Bainer.

Here you go. I use the 13" model and it works well.


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

If you're looking for something much lighter than the BB2000, I suggest the Honigs K-1 Elite. It's available in a 14" model and it's very light and cool.


Tim.


http://www.honigs.com/img_item_full/K1ALL.jpg

In what level of play do you use that vest from Lester's? Just wondering if it offers good protection and fits well?

HS varsity.

I bought a K-1 last year and now use it for everything, including my D3 college games. A few balls off the protector, but it's done its job well.

I have the 13 inch model and I use it up to college level (DIII and JC) and Adults. It fits well and offers good protection. It's a best buy for the money. If you want to spend more get a K1 or a WV.

order a smaller BB2000 then...

+POS only has 13" and 16" right now, but im pretty sure they have had more sizes in the past. i cant remember what size mine is either, but its the perfect length for me.

I wouldn't ordinarily pimp for eBay, but wanted to let anyone know in search of a CP that I got mine from this guy and got a great price and incredible service - he charges very reasonable shipping and the CP was literally at my door in one day (GA to AL). I think he has all three lengths of the BB2000 knockoff. I like mine so far.

http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAP...=STRK:MEWA:SID

Im not affiliated with him whatsoever (no kickbacks here, darn it :p ), just a very satisfied customer and wanted to pass on a good source for gear.

Wow, two days too late. I just bought the V-Sport from Lester's for $75 + shipping. I could have saved $25! :(

It really is an All-American knockoff, more than a BB2000, as it doesn't have the same armor plating that the +POS does.

Thank for all the suggestions...
 

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.
After looking into all the options prodided by you and by other umpires, I went with the Douglas Vest.

It's considerably lighter and leaner than the BB2000, and although it is also 12" in length, the bottom is less 'plated' and more flexible.

I'm looking forward to a lighter, cooler, more flexible summer!

Thanks again-


Bainer.

Glad you got a good CP. Let us know how you like it! :)

Some suggestions, albeit late
 

Umpire Equipment
Gerry Davis
Honig's
+POS
Lester's Upstate Sports
Fleming's Referee And Sport
CAT Sports

See links on bottom right side of page, http://www.umpnews.com/

Do you actually read the other posts in the thread before posting?:)

Thanks for the birthday wishes, BTW!!!

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