West Vest again
 

It seems like this topic has been asked to death but I still can't quite get a handle on it.

For primarily high school varsity, JV, and summer ball which is the way to go between the Platinum and the Gold? Does it depend on body type (6', 200) or is there a difference in the protection offered?

thanks

Depends more on your stance. The platinum provides better shoulder protection for the scissors stance. The gold provides better shoulder protection for all other stances.

So the platinum is useless?

The West Vest Platinum hands down the best protector out there, regardless of your stance (imo). I have taken shots at 90+ and my first thought has always been "whewww I'm glad I spent the few extra dollars". Collar bone, shoulder area, this piece of equipment provides top notch protection. 5 years and still going strong, it's showing no sign of wear or tear.

If you check the design of the platinum you'll see that the shoulder protection is best at the very top of the shoulder. Perfect for the angle of the upper body when in the scissor stance.

http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/...0001/a3215_lg2

On the gold, the shoulder protection is more pronounced on the forward portion of the shoulder, providing far better protection when in an upright heel/toe or box stance.

http://www.ump-attire.com/images/a3210_sm.jpg

Despite the fact that some who use the heel/toe or box may wear the platinum, it is not designed to provide them with as good protection as the gold.

It should be noted that these two vests are the only vests endorsed by MLB, and the Gold is worn by more MLB umpires than any other vest.

Also, fit should be taken into account. I'm tall, and slim. The Platinum fits me better than the Gold. I don't know why, but it just does. My old Douglas fit even better, but like like the extra beef of the Platinum.

Here's another tip. Don't try on a new one and make a judgment about it. New ones are quite stiff, and need to be worn a while to form to the owner. Try to find a used one to make a decision.

Thanks for the input. I'm a heel/toe guy so it looks like Gold for me.

Also good for the GD stance.