Wilson titanium mask

[L.A. Umpire Guy]

I would only switch if it's to the doeskins. You'll love how soft these pads are that the mask comes with.

I got an 85 m.p.h. straight shot between the eyes in this thing, and the pads absorbed a hell of a lot of the shock. But the blow did seem less severe because of the lighter weight of the mask. Titanium and doeskin is a very light combination, compared to the chrome molly with the black leather.

Man, I love this mask. It really is worth an extra buck to protect the face, but there are other benefits. It's less stressful on the neck for the thousands of times you are simply wearing it and not taking any shots; and it causes less wear and tear on your elbow and shoulder taking it off during the action.

Once you get past the pewter-colored bars, it's also a great-looking mask.