Just what exactly is so magical about the Riddell Power?

Do they offer some unimaginable level of protection? Comfort? Durability?

If you put one on and click your heels are you granted three wishes?

Can they be appreciably better than any of the other hard-shells on the market?

Saw two in use today. The PU's in the Boston/LAA and Cleveland/CWS both had them poking out of their plate coats.

They make money disappear.

Try the All American Sports one they offer good protection but they do look a bit big.

Tim Timmons was the umpire in the Boston/Los Angeles game, and he looks sharp in his. They really do look good, especially with a plate coat.

I think it is a matter of confidence for one thing. When I would wear my Power I felt pretty invincible back there. Is it any better than other hard shell protectors on the market these days? Probably not, but besides the Douglas West Vest, it was the premier hard shell on the market when it first came out, and was THE sought-after chest protector. And despite Garth's little joke, they only cost $175 when they came out (at least that's what I paid for mine), and folks considered it a bargain.

It's no joke. They're going for $400 now.

When I worked for and ad agency I had a client who bragged he made the most expensive product of it's type in the world. I asked him who he thought his market was. He answered: "People with more money than brains."

Duh!...on me!

Tim rose through the ranks in my local association, and comes in to speak to our group every year right before he leaves for spring training. I had a chance to chat with him seven or eight weeks ago.

I only saw a few minutes of the game and didn't even realize that was him. But in all fairness...he was wearing a mask! I did see the the second digit on his sleeve- "5", Tim is number "95"- but in the few minutes I watched didn't see the whole number or his face.

And the Riddell did look pretty good under his plate coat!

But back to the main reason for checking back in on this thread...

A local gear supplier is running a special on the basic Wilson hard-shell, and will also throw in a Dyna-Lite mask with free shipping, to boot.

http://www.refandsport.com/

I don't think charging $55 means he will "throw in" the dyna mask.


"WILSON MLU CHEST PROTECTOR...$79.99
SAVE $20 ON THE WILSON MLU CHEST PROTECTOR NOW THRU MAY 1ST. ADD ON A WILSON DYNA-LITE MASK FOR ONLY $55 AND WE'LL PICK UP THE SHIPPING!!"

Right.

"Purchase both at the reduced price and shipping is free" would be a better way to put it!

When I wear my Platinum with my plate coat I remove the shoulder pads in the cp, and just leave the plastic in place. Things fit much better.

My Platinum fits perfectly under my Plate Coat.

YMMV, and everyone is built differently.

I agree with both of you. I have worn the K1, Power and the Westvest (douglas) and will say that it is slightly better than the Power.

I took a shot last year when I had a Canadian National Team pitcher on the hill the foul caught me right square in the chest as the catcher turned around to see if I was okay, I picked up the ball and tossed in back to the pitcher.

Hey all,

One thing that I do like about the All-American/V-Sport/Champion/ whatever other brand name it is sold under, when compared to the Platinum or Gold is that there are larger size options than 13.5". I am not saying that the platinum and gold are not good, but if you need something longer to adequately protect yourself...
BTW, I had tried on the platinum and found that it was comfortable, but short enough to leave ribs exposed ON ME. The V-Sport I ended up purchasing feels every bit as solid as the platinum, but covers all areas I need covered.
Bottom line, I would get a good hard shell that fits well. If it is not a hard shell, IMHO, it is not an option.

LomUmp:cool:

Hey Lou, do you mind if I ask how tall you are? No this isn't a pick up, just trying to figure out if height is a factor in the coverage. ;)

Who is Lou?