West Gold

[LakeErieUmp]

Well Steve, it started as a "hey guys, check out these great prices!" post!

[bossman72]

Originally Posted by JeBa

I got WV Platinum during the recent Gerry Davis sale.
I previously used the Wilson Gray MLU for over 5 seasons.

I like the Platinum alot , it is much lighter than the Wilson Gray.
However, it seems to push up & float over my shoulders when I go into my stance.
The 1 piece molded upper chest-collar bone plate isn't really shaped to my body yet. I've only worn it for about 10 games, so far.


Jeff

This is why i'm hesitant to buy a gold or platinum because it seems as though it wouldn't sit on your shoulders as nicely as the MLU since the MLU has 2 separate plates for the shoulder and chest.

[johnnyg08]

I will stick by my Pro-Nine CP...I got blasted twice this weekend and no bumps or bruises...Price is right and it's pretty lightweight...and this was with pitchers hitting 86 - 88 consistently on the gun and hitters w/ some pretty decent bat speed...took two shots right to the collarbone area

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Another chest protector thread?

Se(a)ms appropriate to me.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by msavakinas

high school umpire, who is getting a little bit of college next year and this fall... I'm looking to upgrade chest protectors and was wondering what I should go with. I'm 6'0 210 if that helps at all... I'm leaning towards the West Vest but I'm not sure which one? There's like the regular, the gold, the platinum... I don't know which one to go with. Any help at all is much appreciated.

My experience is that the Plat rides higher on my neck, the Gold works out fine. Put them on and set into your various PU positions.

[johnnyV]

Thanks for the info on these chest protectors. I received the Platinum last week and it is most definitely better than my previous one.

[Tim C]

The pro nine is a good chest protector for small diamond umpires.

The basic rule for umpire equipment:

"You get what you pay for."

Regards,

[TussAgee11]

Originally Posted by JeBa

Maybe it's due to the fact that I'm only 5'8" (160 lbs), and almost out of harness adjustment.

I'm about 5' 10'' and 150 (160 while at college ) and have similar problems. The shoulder straps on my Platinum are tight as can be, yet I still feel as though when I lock in my collar bone is a bit exposed. I put everything on and stood in front of the mirror locked in and had someone with a baseball attempt to, while holding it, find a hole under my mask but above my platinum. Indeed, there was a hole, so I thought that my chin must be too high in my stance. I lowered my chin, and my collar bone on each side was still exposed.

Try tightening the straps that go around the sides of your body. You can get those pretty tight which then can hold the protector in place where you want it height wise.

[JR12]

i just got my plat last week. Same problem you had by finally after tinkering with the straps I got it high enough. I think I had to actually let out the shoulder straps, and tighten the back and side straps.
A huge improvement over the +pos armour.

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by Tim C

The pro nine is a good chest protector for small diamond umpires.

The basic rule for umpire equipment:

"You get what you pay for."

Regards,

I try telling that to umpires all the time, Tee, and many just don't get it. Then they wonder why they keep getting hurt.

I can understand some teenage umpire unable to afford the better gear, but those kids aren't doing college ball anyway.

[newump]

Originally Posted by Tim C

The pro nine is a good chest protector for small diamond umpires.

The basic rule for umpire equipment:

"You get what you pay for."

Regards,

tim
i understand that you don't think the pro-nine can hold up to high level ball - i'm considering it for college ball - all levels. pro-nine's website claims it can take 95mph + and the guy who runs purchase officials in PA (a former minor league ump, recommends it as well) i'm not worried about price - i just want something smaller than my WV-Gold. have you used pro-nine and been disappointed with its performance?? if so, do you have anything else to recommend.

thanks.

[LomUmp]

Originally Posted by newump

tim
i understand that you don't think the pro-nine can hold up to high level ball - i'm considering it for college ball - all levels. pro-nine's website claims it can take 95mph + and the guy who runs purchase officials in PA (a former minor league ump, recommends it as well) i'm not worried about price - i just want something smaller than my WV-Gold. have you used pro-nine and been disappointed with its performance?? if so, do you have anything else to recommend.

thanks.

Hey all,

You will be MUCH better off sticking with the Gold vs going to the Pro-Nine. I have used the Pro-Nine and will not go back to it unless it is an emergency. (such as my V-Sport breaks AND I can't fix it AND I can't keep it held together under my shirt AND my partner refuses to switch with me!)

LomUmp

[johnnyg08]

40 games later and a couple of collarbone and center mass blasts on a big diamond (pitchers throwing low 80's)...still loving the Pro Nine

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

40 games later and a couple of collarbone and center mass blasts on a big diamond (pitchers throwing low 80's)...still loving the Pro Nine

The Pro Nine is made by a manufacturer whose name eludes me, you can buy direct and it is also renamed by others, then distributed by them with very mnor modifications.

[bellsjc]

Originally Posted by JR12

i just got my plat last week. Same problem you had by finally after tinkering with the straps I got it high enough. I think I had to actually let out the shoulder straps, and tighten the back and side straps.
A huge improvement over the +pos armour.

I have the +pos armour and am thinking of getting the w vest plat. Why do you say it is a huge improvement?