I use a WV Gold. When I first put a brand new one on, it was a little uncomfortable, felt "like a stiff board with pads." But after about 1/2 a season, it has conformed well to my body. I love it.

The important things are to be comfortable, and trust your equipment. Most umpires that flinch on pitches in the dirt do so because they don't trust their protection. I suppose you need to take a few shots to the chest, mask, and legs to have faith that you won't get hurt.

When I was looking for a top-o-the-line protector, I borrowed different styles and brands from others to use for a game, then based my decision on my own experience. I assured each owner that I would thoroughly clean the stuff with Lysol and such after use.

Thanks so much for your help guys. I need to try on some different types I guess, but the problem is I don't have stores near me that sell them. I'm in Deerfield, Illinois, by the way. ALso I'm 6'3'' 190 lbs. so it seems like the Platinum would probably fit better than the Gold from what I've heard. Anyway, I gotta figure out a way to try them on.

Thanks

Your HS association should be having multiple vendors come in to display / sell their products at their meetings at the beginning of the season. At least that is what ours does. Honig's has a special crew that does nothing but road shows at association meetings. It's a great way to avoid shipping charges. And if Honig's shows up without something you want, they ship it for free.

Many of the vendors attend the IACAO clinic each spring (it's been at Hinsdale South for a number of years). well worht the trip from Deerfield. You'll get information in your IHSA packet or it will be on the IHSA website.

well in that case, buy sheets of kevlar and carbon fiber, then custom fabricate a chest protector out of that. it will be very lightweight, and bullet resistant. hopefully the league has deep pockets.