chest protector
 

i'd like to get a new chest protector. something with good protection, but small, lightweight and NOT bulky. i call HS and college ball. i'm using a wilson west vest currently. it offers great protection, but looks too bulky - especially the shoulders. i'm thin - 6'1" 175, and the extra bulk looks kind of out of place.
any suggestions.
thx.

Honig's K1

I'm about the same size as you, and switch off between the Platinum and the original. The original WV is a bit thinner, but the Platinum takes shots better. I'll deal with looking like Superman over disrupting my heart beats.

The WV Gold size M-L shouldnt "look" that bulky on you. We are close in proportions, and Ive tried one on.

Cece Carlucci vest hands down one of the best if not the best.
http://www.amateurumpire.com/reviews/mr_ump1.htm

Honigs K1.

I have a hard time picturing this. My son is equally slim...5'10" 145 pounds...and it's hard to tell he has a CP on when he's wearing his West Vest Gold.

Combining protection and fit, in order:

1. Carlucci
2. WV Gold
3. Honigs K1

I'm going to go out on a limb here, and say that ggk is probably talking about a WV Platinum. The part about the bulky shoulders helped formulate this hypothesis.

I'm not sure I would spend money to get a protector that looks less bulky if I was using a WV. But if you have money burning a hole in your pocket try this one.

http://www.lestersupstatesports.com/...tegory_Code=CH

I own this protector, and would say that it is every bit as bulky as a West Vest Gold, but not nearly as bulky in the shoulders as a West Vest Platinum.

How about it ggk, is it a Platinum you're talking about here?

i have currently have a WV gold. i actually picked up a WV platinum last week, b/c I initially thought the shoulders were smaller, but I just didn't like the way it fit and i returned it.
thx for all of the advice.
the honigs k-1 looks like it might be a great choice. has anyone tried the new mesh vest-style harness on the black K1?
i used to have a light weight gerry davis CP with the mesh vest style harness and it fit great - just not enough protection.

i'm sure the carlucci would also be great. how much $$?

Honig's K1

I have worn the Honig's K1 for years, but just picked up that really decently priced West Vest, so I'm going to try that one for a while.

Is A/C one of the options? (Wink)

For 300 clams, the bad boy better have A/C, a six disc changer and automatic massage!;)

I use this one, and with a bit of sniping/good fortune it can be had on eBay for ~$35-40.

Dear Don:
 

I freely admit that $300 for a protector is not for everyone.

Cece spends a huge amount of time with you (in person or on the phone) taking measurments, having you select materials, getting the details down to crossed t's and dotted i's.

I also admit freely that you are buying a part of Americana when you buy from Cece. He is in his 80's, runs whenever he goes more than 20', and does the manufacturing in his garage. It is a true cottage industry.

I also admit that you pay, somewhat, for the conversations with Cece about umpiring over the decades.

When you are all well-and-done you have a story, a piece that will live far beyond the life of the artist, a living piece of artistry and a very fine protector.

Is it worth $300? . . . that is a personal value judgement.

Regards,

Tee---

I looked at his site and will give you the fact that the service and the personalization makes the 3 bill price tag easier to agree with.
That said, I'm not sure if it's worth the flak when I tell my wife that I spent said 3 bills on a CP. Then again, I live in an area where that 300 bucks is a rent payment on our nice 3 br house. (Yeah, I know you Cali guys are jealous.)

Yes, when $800 to $1000 gets you a nice one-bedroom apartment out here, I'd say we would tend to be jealous.:cool:

Lord
 

I agree with Tee.

We're both Carlucci men.

Yes. It was three bills. I don't know this, but I suspect that I will never buy another protector. Consider that in the cost.

Out of the box, put it on, it's perfect. Perfect protection of the clavicle, shoulders and arms. No sliding, adjustment or "break in".

The exterior is all leather, which is an upside for durability and overall comfort and a downside for heat and cleaning. If you don't mind sweating and can invest in some cleaning time, there is no better product on the market.

The proof is in the pudding. I took three hard shots off of it last season, including one foul from a 90+ mile an hour college pitcher. Thud. I felt it but it didn't hurt.

Cece is old. I personally know of no one else doing what he does. If you want one- get it now.

Strikes. Outs. Beer.

CC recently turned 88, umpired well over 8,000 pro ball games from Canada to Venezuala and is in the Pacific Coast League Hall of Fame. A finer person and a better story teller you will not fine. I would not trade my Carlucci Shin guards, chest protector, mask or ball bags for anything. Not only do I have fine equipment custom made and fit to me, I have a piece of history and a fine friend.
PS: It is said that no one has ever been hurt wearing his equipment.