Wilson West Chest Protectors

[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!

[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!

[mr.ump]

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

[nickrego]

Originally Posted by mr.ump

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.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by mr.ump

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

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.

[briancurtin]

Originally Posted by mr.ump

The price is irrelavent since the league will be paying it for me, and I probably won't have to pay a penny.

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.