I got my standard view mask with the gray cage at ump-attire.com for $198.00. I relegated the new view to under 80 m.p.h. games. ;)

Wilson MLB Titanium Umpire Mask: Ump Attire

It sounds like people are having problems with this mask getting bent. I was considering picking one up next year, because I would like something lighter. I still have the same old spalding mask I purchased when I first starting umpiring in 2002, although I took about four years off and am just getting back into it again this season. Now I'm not so sure about spending that kind of money on a mask that will bend so easily.

I don't know; I have been drilled pretty good with both of them and there's been no dents at all. Plus, they seem pretty willing to swap out a bent frame.

All metal masks will bend. Titanium is about as strong as steel, but much lighter (the Wilson titanium is a very strong mask). Don't ever bend it back or you will weaken it considerably.

I took a straight foul ball to my mask and thought, "great, this one is done." When I looked at it, it was just flat spotted a bit, just as my dyna-lites have done in the past. Hard shot from a college game. Am still good to go. I own the new view style for what it is worth.

Don't bend it back, send it back. ;)

It's not any more likely to bend than any other mask. I've taken 3-4 really hard shots right in the middle of mine and it's been fine. If it does get bent, especially this season, I'm calling Wilson for a new frame.

Side note about Wilson, a guy I know has a Shock FX and took a shot that put a small crack in the helmet part just above the frame. Wilson sent him a brand new one and didn't even make him send the damaged one back. They just asked for pictures for documentation.

Maybe I can get a picture of a bent titanium and send it to Wilson. ;)

Wanted Picture
 

Would you mind posting the picture below? I would love to see it too. :D

Might look suspicious if all three of us send the same picture. Kevin, get several different angles - if you can find it.

Mask Review
 

I've used the mask the entire year. It's very comfortable! I took my first shot in the mask the last game I did. I looked where I got hit, but couldn't find anything which would lead me to believe I got hit in the mask to begin with!

To be honest, I couldn't tell a difference having the shocks, and not having them.

Shocks? You did know the thread concerned a titanium traditional mask, right?

Well guys...I think my titanium may have saved my life today. My old mask does not have the extended throat guard that is on the titanium and I got blasted today...the ball mark is on the very bottom of the throat guard and my mask basically flipped off of the front of my head. I can still feel it a bit and I coughed pretty much the rest of the game. I have to admit, I was a bit flinchy back there for a couple innings until I settled back in...My titanium paid for itself today.

Listen to this man!

He places a premium on the protection of his face and skull. Priorities.

Is the "extended throat guard" on the titanium any different from the "extended throat guard" on many other wilson (or other brand) masks?

I know there are differing opinions of this, but I would always also wear a dangler -- especially if the mask was just "rounded" at the bottom without an extended throat guard.