equipment help
 

I am 17 years old and will be starting my 2nd season of umpiring. I did 70 games last year and will do upwards of 100 this year. I am buying new equipment as the only thing I owned as my clothing and chest protector. I sold my Diamond DCP-U protector on ebay because I didn't like "feeling" the foul tips even when they came from 9 year olds.

I am about 5'10 and 150 poundsand wanted some suggestions for a chest protector, plate shoes, and leg guards.

I listed my height because I wanted to know what size protector I should get.

I will do 8 year old rec games all the way up to 12 year old travel games. I also have a budget in which I can afford some pretty good equipment.

What chest protector and size would you recommend. I was currently looking at the West Vest Original, which I could get for $65. I was also looking at the Wilson Hard Shell Protector. Would these be good buys or should I look for something else? These appeared to me because they look like they are very protective compared to my old one.

For leg guards I have no clue. I want the kind of guards that prevent the ends of the strap connectors from scratching my legs. I had to wear long socks so I wouldn't feel the metal if that helps describe it. Any suggestions?

And finally for plate shoes. I was looking at +POS shoes, but I don't want to spend $130 for a pair of shoes. I want them to look good and feel comfortable obviously, but I need them to have the protection. I would also like them to be light aso I could use them as base shoes.

Like I said, I can spend money if the need be. But if any one has any websites that mark down equipment I would also like to know. Thanks for any help I receive.

Equipment....
 

For equipment, I would recommend the Honig's elite equipment package (http://www.honigs.com/detail.asp?Cat=1&Sub=97&Item=786)

$240 may seem like a ton, but it really isnt considering you will get a lot of use out of these pieces of gear, and are capable of standing up to a college Division I fastball. I have a Honig's mask and the K30 leg guards (almost identical to the K20's in the package), and I can honestly say they are excellent. The K1 chest protector usually gets fab reviews, but I dont have any experience with it personally.

Normally, you are not going to want to wear plate shoes on the bases. Along with your chest protector, this is one area you do not want to skimp on. You want a good steel toed shoe with good Metatarsal (the big plate covering the laces) protection (make sure its Steel Toed, the Spot-Bilt plate shoes, for example, are not steel toed. Many umpires have had toe injuries while wearing this shoe). I personally wear the New Balance 450 plate shoes, and they are excellent and very comfortable. However, personal style & choice are important as well. I can tell you the Plus Pos plate shoes are quite heavy. The Protector plate shoe, offered by Gerry Davis Sports, is a more economical option while still retaining those key features. Personally I dislike the patent leather, and this shoe can be ordered in the traditional leather.

Many veterans will tell you that it pays to buy the best the first time around. Then if and when you move up the ladder, you wont be forced to upgrade inferior equipment. A few dollars saved on a chest protector is useless when you need a new one due to an injury suffered or the fact it cannot stand up to the level of ball you will be calling. Besides, the Honig's, Wilson, ect. gear will give you many many years of life and protection.

Best of luck and welcome to the board.

I have a Honig's K1 Protector. I love it. It's lightweight, breathes well, and can take a high impact shot.

Shins, and mask I have the Wilson Triple Knee Shins, and a Wilson Dynalite Face Mask.

I wear the GD Hightop Patent Leather Plate Shoes.

www.lestersupstatesports.com sold me my shins and mask, great service and prices.

It all depends on what level of ball you aspire to call. If you get highquality gear you'll save yourself money later on as you move up.

Combo Packs are probably the most economical way to go. GerryDavis has a good Wilson Combo Pack, www.gerrydavis.com also the Honigs gear package is great too.

Hope this helps. Welcome.

I recommend Gerry Davis protective equipment
 

Take a look at Gerry Davis Sports. They have three starter packages to choose from that offer excellent deals. You did not mention how much of the accessories and clothing you have but they have a full starter set up:
http://www.gerrydavis.com/Merchant2/...ory_Code=start

A Gerry Davis branded protective gear set up:
http://www.gerrydavis.com/Merchant2/...ory_Code=start

and a Wilson branded hard shell protective set:
http://www.gerrydavis.com/Merchant2/...ory_Code=start

I have the Wilson Chrome Moliben mask, also called the Davis-Wilson "New View" that Gerry Davis endorses. I love it. I especially like the Davis shinguards. I use the Gerry Davis stance and my fingers and thumbs slide under the knee cap to protect them from foul balls. There is no worrisome strap behind your knee to irritate you either. These shinguards have only two straps on the calf. I also have the Gerry Davis patent leather high top plate shoes as the top rated umpires and a AAA umpire I know all recommended them. They are heavy but they are easy to clean, look great and are very comfortable and supportive when standing all afternoon. They are hot in hot weather but great in cool weather. I use the original west vest chest protector because I call high school in the region that has produced four of the last five state champions and the one year this region did not win state they were runners up. Five different teams, by the way. Most teams have at least one pitcher hitting in the 90's on the gun. I had the Davis chest protector and I sold it to a friend who used it in a less competitive high school region. He had no complaints and said it was cooler than his previous +POS BB200 hard shell/armor plated CP. Good luck in your decision. I recommend you follow the other sage advice and get the best you can afford regardless of level you call. You only have one chance to make a good first impression. I was a coach for 18 years and I always gave the benefit of the doubt to the umpires who showed up looking like they knew what they were doing. Keep your stuff and uniform clean and in top shape and you will go far. Due to your age, you might have a future well above the level you work now if you play your cards right. I got into this too late to have any chance of calling above small college and I know I will regret it.

do the davis shinguards hold up real well. it seems that with only 2 straps it would be easy for it to slide down your knee if you were in the summer

Gerry Davis Shinguards
 

No slide whatsoever. I adjust them with the loose strap end that attaches with two "D" rings like most straps on shin guards, shoulder pads, chest protectors, etc. After attaching the end with the internal hook type connector to the hole and slot on the shinguard there are no problems whatsoever. They come with a velcro attachment metarsal foot "flap" that I removed as I have the high top plate shoes. If you wear low top shoes, leave it on. Again, they are very comfortable. Have a hard shell type extension on the inner ankle bone and wrap around pads on the calf. The knee cap plate extends above the knee and is loose so your hands can slip behind them when resting on the thigh above the knee cap in the Gerry Davis position. But, they are big enough to protect the knee cap. I am very confident behind the plate. Mainly due to this stance and I rarely hear much about my strike zone. Sometimes I get a little grumble or two on lower pitches but I give the whole knee with any part of the ball. I am a very loud, vocal ump as I was in the Army for a long time and spent a little time as a jumpmaster. Try yelling commands to 64 troopers in a C-130 with the doors or ramp open. You develop a "command voice" as they call it in grunt land. Very few guys challenge you if you take charge and make calls with authority early in the game.

This is interesting. I've never heard of an umpire using the socks as a referrence point for the lower limits of the zone. It would seem to me that if you're looking for the ball to flash across a colored sock you're not looking at the right thing.


Uxley, for the levels you're talking about working this package on ebay might be a good deal for you.

Ebay




Tim.

This is what I plan on working for the spring. I will be doing up to U-15 in the summer/ fall

I'll reccommend what i use:


Facemask-
http://mlb.imageg.net/graphics/produ...1131817reg.jpg

Lightweight and has been durable so far. No complaints



Chest Protector-
http://www.baumssportinggoods.com/it...lson_A3217.jpg

This thing is like armour. I love it. I would get this if you don't want to pay as much for a west vest.



Plate Shoe-
http://www.buysoftball360.com/Produc...rmor_plate.jpg

I love these shoes. Low tops, VERY light weight, and look good. I can barely tell the weight difference with my base shoes and they don't look like the frankenstein boots like spot built sells for example.



Shin guards- dime a dozen. Buy anything that fits. You don't need to break the bank on these.


Just make sure you buy quality equipment now so you won't have to replace them. You'll actually save money in the long run.

For plate shoes, check out www.inhousesports.com.

that wilson chest protector is actually more expensive then the original west vest. and I have been looking for tanel's but couldnt find them for under $120. anyone know where I can get a big discount on those?

Most on this board would agree not to use In House Sports. They have been a scam as of late.

Check out the new plate shoes offered from Gerry Davis, same shoes.

You can now get the exact same shoes as In House carries, for the exact same price, at gerrydavis.com, and get much better customer service. The model of plate shoes is called The Protector.

do they sell in low tops though? it didn't look like it to me.

ok I think I am sold on the original west vest from reading another post. I am purchasing that for $65.99. It also looks like i will be buying the Gerry Davis shin guards, unless anyone gives me good reason not to. I am still looking for plate shoes. Any help with those would be great.

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.

thanks major. I am just obviously way to small. The Gerry Davis look like they owuld do what I would want for my knees. I have about $300 to play around with right now. Or at least I hope I can get some pretty decent equipment for that. Thanks

does anyone else have any suggestions on a light weight mask. I have heard all of the Wilson's are pretty good and there are brand new ones going from $35-$65 on Ebay. Thanks.

Hey all,

For a light weight mask, I use the Honig's K-82. I have taken some pretty good shots with it and no ill effects.

I use Honig's K-30 shin guards. I started with the All Star LP11-L shins and got use to the protective cap over the knee.

I love my V-Sport UPRO-17 chest protector I got from Lester's. Hard shell and comfortable to wear once you get used to it. It is made in 13, 15, and 17" models.

As far as plate shoes go, keep two words in mind...STEEL TOE!!

LomUmp:cool:

My recomenndations,
BTW, im only two years younger than you are...

Anyhow.

I would recomend the Wilson Mask and Wilson CP as bossman72 said. BetterBaseball.com or Purchaseofficials.com . I have the exact same cp and mask and its nice. For leg guards is really doesnt matter, but i would recommend double or triple knee ones. if not your pants tend to get stuck in the top of them between your legs.