Mask
 

I'm about ready to place an order for a Wilson mask. Are there any recommendations such as look at the Honigs or PlusPos before I do so? AND, I'm not ready to go HSM.

I'd go for it. I have a Wilson one, very nice. Are you ordering one with that "new" padding?

Hey LL - What chest are you wearing? It sounds like you've got yourself set up pretty well.

I use a Pronine-CPU, because:

1. its only $50

2. there are plates inside the front padding

3. its lightweight

4. breathable padding, very cool.

There is the option for bicep protectors, however i dont wear them
http://www.pronine.com/Newsite/2004s...PU-MED-BLK.jpg

Then I go back to my other post. Clip off the top pad of the catcher's protector if it has one and use the money to upgrade your chest protector. I have the Gerry Davis which is essentially yours although a little better and I would not want to catch anything over 70 mph in it.
Otherwise, find a nice pair of Diamonds or a used set from an umpire around you. The difference between you'll find is comfort over a long season in hot games, not nearly the difference in taking an uncaught fastball in the chest.
On that point, I know a lot of umpires who have old shins they use for fastpitch and top-ends for hardball.
If you have your heart set on a new set of top-line shins, you might want to stick with what your local supply houses have. Much like pants, you want to make sure they fit just right. Fit is much more important than brand.

i know this is a knock off of the honigs K1..and little different, but looks very similar.

Question
 

Do you have a regular baseball chest protector? I want to know if you have caught before.

no i dont, and i havent, why?

No Big Deal, Just Asking
 

I think you have a pretty good protector, up to the JV level. It looks rather nice and I don't see any need for you to upgrade it. I figure if you have caught before and have been hit wearing a catcher's protector, then you'll appreciate the extra protection that your protector offers. I see no need for you to test it now though.

Pro-Nine is a great deal, since it is an EXACT COPY of the the fabulous Honig's K1 which costs $150 !

Well, a copy of the previous version, from two years ago. Honig's has made more changes that makes it even better than it was.

I only got it really because of the price, and have realized it was a good investment. Its light, and is a good value. Also has comfortable inside padding which is very cool, not as hot as one i had before. I would truly say its a good CP for umpire starting out.

Anyway, back to his mask post, LakeErie, what type did you get? :)

Gosh Nick, you can't be serious saying that Honig's adds $100 to the price of the protector. I thought it was widely known that the knock off version of the K1 is not of the same quality as the real one.

of course its not the same quality, the K1 is of worse quality, lol :D

Dan -

I got a deal on the Plus+ Zero Gravity that if it's a poor choice I can still go to a Wilson. Worst case it'll be better on those 90 degree fastpitch days

this mask?

http://pluspos.com/images/products/aul300.gif

Looks kinda "cheesie" to me :D
http://www.novelgiftbaskets.com/images/cheese.jpg

Very light, may not get the pads you want. No support/warranty at all. Once the bars bend/break toss it.

That's the mask I use. I've taken some serious shots while wearing it and it's stood up just fine so far. I've heard other guys say that theirs dented, but I've not had that problem. It's the lightest mask I've had, that's for sure.


Tim.