Review Wilson Chrome Moliben Mask

[GarthB]

I purchased the mask from Hit, Run, Score for $64.99

The service was excellent and delivery prompt. I had the mask in four days (UPS Ground) and the shipping fees were less than half of what was being charged by someone selling the mask on EBay.

I have used the mask in four plate games so far.

The pros:

While not as light as the Plus POS Zero Gravity Mask, the Wilson is still a light mask.

The flatter profile brings the bars in closer and completely out of eyesight. The result is a larger unobstructed field of vision. I never see the bars while tracking the pitch.

The "full face" pads looked a bit strange at first, but are quite comfortable and are supposed to help spread and soften the impact of a hard hit.

As usual, I cut off the "T" portions of the straps. The mask is easily removable even while wearing my 8 stitch hat behind the plate.

The cons"

The throat guard is angled forward so severely that a dangling throat guard is a must, My old Plus POS throad guard extended straight down from the mask, but the Wilson has such an exteme angle that it would be easy to visualize a foul off the dirt coming up under the chin.

Also, I've learned that the PBUC evaluators have told this year's candidates that umpires wearing the Wilson and other flatter profile masks have experienced more concussions that would be expected. They believe the lack of the more domed shape of standard masks contributes to this by not spreading the force of impact evenly. They also report that MiLB umpires are reporting worse than average dings and dents from all composite, alloy and low profile masks.

So far, I haven't taken a hit to the mask. I'll be sure to report the result when I do.

Overall, the mask feels good and the view is excellent. I'll continue to use it despite the report from the MiLB umps for high school, but I'm looking for an alternative for college and semi-pro games.