West Vest

[Dave Hensley]

Originally Posted by LakeErieUmp

Darn - I wanted to add this to the last reply. Is there anyone who thinks West Vest is maybe not the best way to go? Besides HS var I also do a wood bat league of mostly former D1 players but I've not been behind the plate there ye There's no college baseball in my future (not in baseball, although I have an NCAA soccer cert) so mainly I'm looking more to not get that spinner-back shot that'll rattle my ribs and disrupt the game.

I have owned a West Vest Gold for several years now. I have tried other chest protectors to experiment with lighter and cooler for lower levels of play, and "collector-item-itis" with my Riddell Power vest, but the bottom line, proven over and over and over again, is that there simply is not a more protective chest protector than the WV Gold. Baseballs bounce off it like bullets off Superman.

[rpumpire]

I am considering replacing my worn Honig's K1. Would someone please explain what the differences are between the West Vest Gold and Platinum models? Is it one's body type/size that is a major factor in determining which WV model is best?

[Dave Hensley]

Originally Posted by rpumpire

I am considering replacing my worn Honig's K1. Would someone please explain what the differences are between the West Vest Gold and Platinum models? Is it one's body type/size that is a major factor in determining which WV model is best?

The designs are slightly different - the Gold's shoulder pads are more "front-mounted" while the Platinum's are more "top-mounted." The Gold's design would tend to be more appropriate for someone who uses a more upright plate stance, say a Gerry Davis or heel-toe stance. The Platinum is better suited for a stance in which you tend to lean forward, such as a scissors stance.

That's the main functional/design different I've observed, based on owning both (and I stuck with the Gold and ditched the Platinum.)

[LLPA13UmpDan]

oh, if it hasnt already been mentioned, http://purchaseofficials.com/
even cheaper still. I did see the WV's on there

on a side note they sell this for $169