Wilson West Chest Protectors

[TussAgee11]

Originally Posted by mr.ump

Hey guys. I'm 17, and I ump Little League and Travel ball. That being said, I plan to start umping high school soon (maybe even varsity eventually) but will probably never go higher than that. It has come time to purchase a chest protector, and I'm trying to decide between a few different Wilson brands. The price is irrelavent since the league will be paying it for me, and I probably won't have to pay a penny. I was hoping some other, more experienced umps could give me their input as to which they think is best AND what the differences are between the three. Here are the choices:

Wilson Gold
Wilson Platinum
Wilson Major League Hard Shell

Thanks!

The West Vest platinum is a good vest that I enjoy wearing, along with several people in my area (it seems every week I am working with somebody who uses it). The Gold is very similar. Not to start a debate on soft/hard, but IMO, if you are going to be working HS games, you should be getting an armor type protector.

[ref49873]

I changed from the soft protector to the Wilson Gold 2 seasons ago and could not be happier.

I you plan on working HS ball I would recommend the hard shell protector and you can't go wrong with either Gold or Platinium

[Hock9]

I have a west vest original and a platinum. The platinum is more comfortable and has slightly more protection in the pectoral area. It also is structured better (it's held together with firm straps and permanent fasteners, as compared to velcro). But both are excellent.

[mrm21711]

Originally Posted by Hock9

I have a west vest original and a platinum. The platinum is more comfortable and has slightly more protection in the pectoral area. It also is structured better (it's held together with firm straps and permanent fasteners, as compared to velcro). But both are excellent.

My personal feelings:

If you are bigger (over 6'0 200 lbs) the Platinum will fit well. I am smaller than this, and there are some minor sizing issues with the Platinum. If I could do it all over again, I would purchase the Gold because of the fit. However, the Platinum is an excellent protector.

[waltjp]

As others have stated, go with a hard-shelled protector. I use the Wilson Platinum and I'm happy with it but I'm sure the others will offer similar levels of protection. Try them on and go with what feels best. Just a word of advice, if you want to ask someone if they'll let you try on their chest protector to see how if fits do so before the game, not after!

[johnSandlin]

I use the Wilson WV Platinum protector, the wilson WV pro leg guards, and bounce between Wilson WV dyna-lite mask and a All Star helmet, and absolutely love the Wilson WV line of umpiring gear.

It protects you well and it is well worth the cost of the equipment and shipping to use this equipment.

[GarthB]

The placement of the "shoulder pads" make the WV gold a better protector if you use a heel-toe, GD, or squared off stance. The shoulder pads on the platinum are positioned better for the scissors stance.