also, does anyone know where I can find a sun visor for inside my mask. I look at +POs and they wanted to charge me $18. thanks

Sunvisors can be picked up at a local sporting goods store for around $8.00.


Tim.

Your hat should do what you want a sun visor to do, at no extra cost.

does anyone know where I can find the Wilson West Vest Platinum or Gold for a good price. Under $150. and don't say $149.99

Brand new for under $80.00

West Vest


Tim.

is this suggested or would the platinum or gold do better.

I would like to have a Wilson chest protector that would last me 2-5 years with good protection. can a wilson pro platinum or gold hold up that long? If so I woudlnt mind spending $150

The key to making a CP last is care. I've had my WV Gold for 4 or 5 seasons now and it's still in great shape.
After every plate job, I spray it with Lysol and wipe it down. And about once every two weeks, I clean it with mild soapy (Dawn) water. Be sure to let it air dry after each use. It will last you a very long time.

The best you'll do for a new Platinum is probably around $130, but it will still cost about $140 with shipping. I've purchased from this outfit before and their service is pretty good.

http://www.bplowestprices.com/ItemVi...32&ItemId=2528

When starting out, good used equipment is probably the way to go if you can find it. I have a WV Gold and Gerry Davis shin guards I plan to sell at our first Association meeting the end of January. If you think you may be interested in those, I can send you some pictures and we can discuss price. I went back to the Platinum so the Gold is just taking up space. Just send me a private message and I'll get back to you.

Don't scrimp on your plate shoes or mask. Both are worth the extra money. I use Tanel360s and they are very comfortable. Also, a good light weight mask will pay for itself if you end up working some long games or more than one game in a day. A heavy mask really works on your back and neck and makes you feel tired very quickly. Comfort is very important when umpiring.

I sent you a PM

That's never been a problem in ANY league with which I've ever been associated. :D

Tanel 360 plate shoes for $99.99 @

http://www.directsports.com/catalog/browse/8/82.html

I bought mine from this outfit 2 years ago for about the same price--I highly recommend the shoe for comfort and its light weight.

If you are concerned about "feeling" the ball when it hits your CP, then the Gerry Davis protector is not for you. I use one, and love it, but I only do LL/12U, and I have "felt" a number of shots off the chest/breastplate part of the CP (the shoulder protection is quite good, however). None hurt, but I did feel them. If I ever decide to move on to levels with faster pitching, the Gerry Davis protector will stay behind.

West Vest Gold XL size on sale at Gerry Davis Sports
 

http://www.gerrydavis.com/Merchant2/...egory_Code=501


Size L-XL for coat sizes 46 to 54
Select size L-XL for only $120.00 and save $34.90!

If you are a big guy here is the best savings on the WV Gold.

Just trying to help
 

Sorry, I though you were looking for good deals. I am a size 42. I thought the WV Platinum fit me tight in the smaller or regular size. We are on the third page of this thread here and I did not remember your dimensions. I did remember you are taller than me. I just got a +POS BB3000 in the XL size and it fits nicely even though it says for guys over 200 lbs. I am not over 200 lbs, yet. You never know until you try. So, do what you want. I am not advertising for Gerry Davis. I would not mind doing so but I don't have time to become a rep. I have only purchased my shoes from his company anyway. These are just opinions, nothing else. I advised him of a great price on a great product.

You said you had a good budget, but that don't mean you have to spend it all, and at your age you should be looking for bargains, and for the level of ball you will call there are plenty.

Go to Honigs and order K46H harness, K47D doeskins, and HPMPLX frame. The frame is a closeout so all three parts will cost you $54.85 and you have a good mask.

If you can get an original WV for $65 get it. If you had been surfing here around Christmas you could have gotten one mail order for $29.95, but that deal is gone. $65 is still a good deal.

The 2 strap Davis Shin Guard will serve you well, if that is what you are leaning to. Otherwise you can get a decent K10 shin guard from Honigs for $44.95, or K20 for $58.95 when you order the mask.

For plate shoes take a look at The Protector from Gerry Davis for $69.90. And for base shoes you can order the Riddell Linesman from Honigs for $29.90, another closeout price.

All of this stuff I have used, or personally seen, except The Protector plate shoe, and for the level of ball you are doing should serve you well. In fact, the mask, WV, and 2 strap Davis, or K20 from Honigs will take you up through varsity high school easily and into college ball.

I am currently using Honigs high top plate shoes but the next pair I buy will be Tanel 360. There are no sales I have seen, they are $120 so if you have a good budget go with everything else listed and spend your extra money on a pair of Tanels.

I always use that go up to the knee with McDavid shorts with cup pocket or McDavid longs with cup pocket, so straps on the shin guard are not a problem. The McDavid wicks away moisture and helps cool in hot weather. Invest some of your extra equipment money on some undergarments that wick away moisture, including tights and shirts.