Wilson Titanium mask

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by DG

$190 seems a bit much to pay for a mask, to me...

It protects your face, skull and brain! That's not worth it?

Originally Posted by Pensaump

I want to see a serious pounding administered to one of these titanium masks and see if the frame retains its structure.

Please say you're kidding.

You could not bend this cage if you tried with anything fired at any speed. You can drive a car over it and nothing would happen. It's titanium for crying out loud! There is a danger that its integrity would be compromised by excessive heat, however, so if you work one of those games at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, then you may have some problems.

[Pensaump]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

It protects your face, skull and brain! That's not worth it?



Please say you're kidding.

You could not bend this cage if you tried with anything fired at any speed. You can drive a car over it and nothing would happen. It's titanium for crying out loud! There is a danger that its integrity would be compromised by excessive heat, however, so if you work one of those games at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, then you may have some problems.

Hey that's what I'm hoping for. I just want to replace pads from here on out for a few years. 1200 degrees? I do live in Florida...

Glad for your vote of confidence in the mask, I think it is what we all expect from titanium

[Kevin Finnerty]

You'll love it. It's so comfortable you won't believe it. It almost feels too small, but it's not.

Another added benefit: you see through the thin silver/gray bars much better than the black coated bars of traditional masks.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

It protects your face, skull and brain! That's not worth it?



Please say you're kidding.

You could not bend this cage if you tried with anything fired at any speed. You can drive a car over it and nothing would happen. It's titanium for crying out loud! There is a danger that its integrity would be compromised by excessive heat, however, so if you work one of those games at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, then you may have some problems.

Okay, I know the mask is a good one. I've seen it and worn it. I've talked to professional umpires who obtained one from MLB catchers and used it most of the past season. I have no doubt that the catcher's model with the traditional profile is one of the best and most protective on the market.

But let's not oversell it.

First, the titanium mask is made of an alloy, not pure titanium. In most "titanium alloys" titanium is not the predomiant metal. Usually that would be aluminum or magnesium. Without access to a reliable and compete manufacturer's spec sheet, it would difficult to determine the alloy used in the mask. At any rate, one can be sure it is not "military" grade.

Second, titanium, like aluminum, is corrosion resistant, not corrosion "proof."

Third, according to a sporting goods manufacturer's rep, the titanium mask can be broken and even dented by a strong impact, however, it takes more than what they believe a baseball can deliver. In testing, it was damgaged by the equivalent of a blow by a sledge hammer.

Fourth, I have had a car run over my foot without breaking a bone. Tires help cushion the impact. The fact that a car can run over a mask with denting it, while good for advertising, is meaningless.

Fifth, as the rep pointed out, "Wilson is not in the habit of making products that never need to be replaced. Their titanium tennis rackets are testament to that."

[Kevin Finnerty]

I am sorry you spent so much time with that refutation.

[MrUmpire]

Not a problem. Don't sweat it.

[SethPDX]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

It protects your face, skull and brain! That's not worth it?

So does my Honig's double bar that I bought on sale. I'm completely satisfied with it and have had no problems. I certainly don't need a new mask, so no, $190 is not worth it to me. It looks nice, so maybe in a few years when the price goes down...

BUT, if you have the money and have to have that mask now, go for it. I'm not going to stop you.

[Kevin Finnerty]

And it looks nice... You're right, I didn't even mention that. The looks alone are worth 90 of that 190.

[LDUB]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

And it looks nice... You're right, I didn't even mention that. The looks alone are worth 90 of that 190.

From 5+ feet away it looks like any other gray mask I have ever seen.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Naw

The bars are real thin. It's very distinctive and worth every penny of the $190 price tag.

Really.

[LDUB]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

Naw

The bars are real thin. It's very distinctive and worth every penny of the $190 price tag.

Really.

Once one gets a few feet away bars which are slightly thinner are not noticeable.

[mbyron]

I think it's an expensive mask. Wilson charges a premium for state of the art, like any other innovator.

I like mine.