Wilson Titanium mask
 

It's been a month or so that Wilson made their titanium mask available to us common folk and was wondering how many bought it? Give me some pros and cons on it. I will be purchasing a new mask during the short off season we have here in SoCal and since it doesn't appear the Nike titanium is going to be available soon I would like some insight. Thanks in advance.

A user has posted a review of it at Umpire-Empire. They seem to like it.

I see 2 styles. standard and low profile. Whats the difference? Wich is better?

I believe the "low profile" is just a titanium version of the New View masks and "standard" is similar to the "Dyna Lite" series.

There are various rumors about the low profile masks and concussions...

It's a fantastic mask. I took another full speed shot yesterday and it really is a softened blow. The mask is featherlight and the pads are extremely soft and comfortable. The Nike's not worth the price or the wait with this thing out there.

I have the new-view, but if you're of the belief that the view is not worth the flatness, then go with the standard profile. You will go nuts over how light and comfortable it is.

According to the ump-attire website, the "standard" is a catcher's mask.

It can be found for $10 less here: Wilson Dyna-Lite 9 1/2" Face Mask w/ETP WTA3007 BLTI

I'll post my experince with mask so far. I bought it in August, know that I'd have maybe a hand full of fall ball plates to wear it for. So far I've worn it in 6 plates and have loved every second of it so far. I will admit that I haven't taken a between the eyes shot yet so I don't know how it going to be in that situation. Truthfully, I've been lucky in that I haven't taken a frontal shot in the past two years.

The one shot that I took of of it, hit off the side of my face near the ear flaps. The mask flew off my face and landed a couple of feet away feet away. Other than adjusting my hat and dusting of the mask, I was fine. The main reson for this might have happened is becuase of the way it is suggested that we should wear our mask, nice and loose with the bottom swinging away when we look down.

With the dynalights, I always had it tight to my face. It felt more secure and actually in my mind, lighter. With the titanium you can wear it loose and not even have it bother you, like the dyna-lights seemed to with me. I just seems to float on the brim of the hat and you won't have to work your forhead to keep it in place.

I like the leather on the pads, don't like the wrap-arounds, and the padding seem a little thin. I've never had a pair of the wrap-arounds so I don't know if that is true thickness, but I can deal with them, as I can't find my old style Amara's and the old style tan looks bad IMO (grey frame/tan pads, to light in color.)

Cons: I thought that I'd have to get rid of the metal indicator, but it doesnt hit all that much, but when it does, it makes my teeth hurt. I did have to remove my wedding band as that is also titanium and make a nice metal on metal sound that is bothersome to me. But its probably a good thing to not wear the band behind the plate in case your hand gets hit.

Let me start out by saying...
 

that I am an equipment junkie. I owned two Wilson Chrome Moliben low profile masks, one black and one gray. I also own a navy blue traditional shape Honig's lightweight mask. I used Amara Suede new wrap-around style pads, traditional style Wilson Doeskin pads, the original black (Pigskin, I think) leather wrap-around pads and I now own the Wilson low profile titanium mask with the doeskin wrap-around pads that it comes with.

I looked at the Ump Attire weight listings. I find it hard to believe that the Titanium is only .4 lbs lighter than the Chrome Moliben and .5 lighter than the traditional view lightweight mask. That near-half/half a pound really makes a difference. It is absolutely unbelievable the difference in weight and feel. I feel completely safe with the mask and would recommend it to anyone. It is that lightweight and comfortable.

My two cents, your mileage may vary.

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

It is not a catcher's mask. It is the same style as all traditional masks ever except for "new view" ones.

1. Wilson says the only titanium umpire mask they are producing is in the "new view" profile.

2. Ump Attire states they are selling a Wilson titanium in the "standard" profile.

3. Wilson and Ump Attire say that Wilson makes a titanium catcher's mask with the traditional profile. Ump Attire identifies this as the one they are selling as the "standard" mask.

4. Brian Curtain says it is not a catcher's mask.

I got to pick one up at the NCUS camp that someone has and that thinkg is freakin light..I want one.

I too have one of the wilson masks. I also think that $200 is crazy. However, when I paid $65 for my leather two tone wilson dynalite I felt it was a fair price. But after one solid foul ball to the face, the bars got bent shortly after I bought the mask. Now, assuming that the titanium really is indestructible and last for quit a while (hence doesn't bend). Over time I will not buy another frame and just replace the pads.

Besides the price argument (which I agree with). The comfort and lightness of the mask is ridiculous. You don't even feel it. I personally can't really tell that much difference at all with the "new view" but if its smaller and if I can see the pitch "better" well then as an umpire I would hope for features like this.

I am thinking of going with all black leather pads at least when it is cold weather.

The only gripe I have about this mask is the throat guard does not appear to extend down very far like the nike or diamond featherweight frames do. The bars are thinner than the dynalite so I think it gives a pseudo impression that you lose a little bit of protection to the throat.

I think I may add a throat guard to my mask, something I have never used before as an umpire.

But I love the mask, function wise its a 10/10. Price wise as mentioned earlier the initial cost is great and hopefully in the long run if it last for 5 years I will be happy.

my $0.02

I agree...but once you go light you'll never go back...I've been stuck to my +POS SUL for probably 5 or 6 years now and dread having to retire that mask for something "heavier" I think I will probably spend the money on a Wilson Titanium...I can pay for it in roughly three games...so soften the first blast I get when wearing it, I consider it paid in full.

Exactly we all know the price is crazy and ludicrous. Look how much the titanium hockey mask has dropped in price since it was unveiled..

But everything except the price is awesome about this mask. I honestly would say that buying the new silver diamond mask with some wilson pads would be just as light and have the same or better ascetics but less durability and more protection in the throat. I even like the frame design better on the diamond to be honest, but for now I doubt the durability of the lesser "alloy" as compared to titanium.

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

The Diamond, Schutt, Pro9, all have the same hollow steel tube frame. I have the Schutt, and it's really light. Maybe even lighter that my old SUL mask. (the SUL is junk, and you need to get rid of it)

I've taken a few shots in it, with no visible damage. I don't like the thin padding, and will be swapping it out soon.

The question is, is the titanium frame worth an extra $70 bucks? If the Diamond is $80, plus another $40 for decent pads, so the price differential narrows a bit. And don't forget the coolness factor. The Wilson is far cooler than a Pro9.

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.

I sold my chrome moliben with black pads for almost what I paid, kept my doeskin chrome molly for my backup and bought the titanium. So the hit didn't feel so bad, and I still have a good backup mask, as well as a good set of backup pads.

But it's hard to imagine needing a backup mask with the titanium.

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

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.

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."

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

Not a problem. Don't sweat it.

I've had mine since mid July. Great mask!

See...

Many may not like the SUL, but I'm going to keep using it until I have to buy something else. I've had good luck w/ it for plenty of years now...it has more than paid for itself.

Although this Wilson or the Diamond mask sound great...I don't think I will drop the coin on the Nike one though...isn't that one in the $350 - $400 range?

I worked with a guy that had a grey SUL
 

from +POS. It had a big dent in the upper cross bar above his left eye. He said he was going to wear it until it broke because he paid so much for it. I have not worked with him since or seen him so I hope he isn't dead. He only worked the lesser quality teams in our area as he did not like to travel and he lives just down the street from one of the furthest high schools from our central area of the region. Funny thing is, he probably gets hit more doing those lesser quality games than I do.

I have the Wilson Titanium new view style. I love it. I sold/am selling my three other masks as I do not plan on ever wearing them again. (Black Wilson Chrome Moly New View with Amara wraparounds and Navy Honigs single bar ultralite with traditional Wilson Doeskins still available if interested).

I worked a college scrimmage this past Saturday night and one of the three catchers I worked behind had the Nike titanium. He liked it but said it was so light he did not feel comfortable wearing it yet. I tried it on between innings and looked through it and I think the weight was very close to my Wilson. It had the cloth Nike pads in royal blue and a plain harness with no shade or dangler. I have added a sun shade and a 4 inch dangling throat guard on mine and it still does not weigh down the bill of my six stitch hat.


If you can afford it, I highly recommend 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.

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.

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.

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

I like mine.

Like I said earlier, 3 games pays for it.

I got my Titanium in late July and have been hit 3 times with good shots, no dents, no pain.

As far as throat coverage goes the mask covers about an inch more then my Honigs Single Bar that I had before.

Now that many of you on here have some games already under your belt for 2009...let's bring this thread back to life. What are your thoughts on this mask? The lower padding seems somewhat excessive. Please post some thoughts on here...I'm seriously considering this mask, but would like more reviews. Is the padding leather/doeskin/vinyl?

As the owner of the Wilson mask since July 2008....
 

I will respond as best I can to Johnny's Q's/comments. Mine is the "new view"/Lower profile style.

For me there is nothing better. It is so light.... The lighter color of the metal seems to allow for a better field of view. I used to wear a six or eight stitch hat on bases and four stitch on plate. Now I wear a six stitch for both. Saves about $100 per year as I had five different hats for all three of my associations I work (HS group has three different hats).

I looked up Titanium and it's properties and discussed it with a metallurgist/scientist and an aircraft design guy. The only "natural enemy" of Titanium is high heat above 600 degrees which is not really very natural is it. No rust, no dents, ever, according to these guys

As for the pads. They are leather two-tone doeskin. Very light. They take some getting used to due to the width and as you say "Seem excessive" but they don't interfere with anything. I tried some Honig's traditional doeskin pads in black and it looked fine but felt different and I have now gotten used to the newer Wilson pads. They do absorb a lot of energy.

I liked it so much the first day I wore it that I put all three of my other masks up for sale immediately. I had two new-views (black and gray frames) and a Honig's traditional in Navy. All of them had Wilson tan doeskin traditional style pads. I also had black Amara Suede Wilson Wraparound pads which I sold with the two new-views.

I highly recommend the Wilson Titanium mask. Get whatever shape you desire now that it comes in traditional and new view.

I don't think you will regret the purchase. I sure don't

Plus, it looks very cool. Almost everyone wants to look at it and touch it.

As an aside: I worked a scrimmage at Kentucky yesterday. One of UK's catchers, Nidiffer, wore a Nike Titanium mask with royal blue pads and a royal helmet without ear flaps. The cool thing about it was that he wore the bill of the helmet forward like a hat instead of backwards like a catcher usually does. I asked him it was due to the light weight of the mask. Of course he said yes. It looked pretty cool. His Nike Titanium was slightly lighter in weight than mine due to his Nike cloth pads and the fact that I wear a dangler and sun visor/shade in my Wilson.

Good luck with your decision. Hope this helps.

Worn mine for 3 plate jobs now, and I love it. I changed the pads out that came with it, and replaced it with doeskin, b/c I like em better. Great view, nice and open/bright, and great weight. It was a great buy.

where are you finding the replacement pads for that mask or will any doeskin replacement pads do the job?

The mask is made from a titanium alloy, which means that the titanium is mixed with other metals (probably aluminum and vanadium). Its corrosion resistance and rigidity will depend on the relative proportions of the different metals. I have no idea what those are.

I like mine very well and plan to use it all season.

I echo these sentiments.

The pads are actually calfskin/vinyl, and seem lighter and softer on the surface than even the doeskins. I also agree whole-heartedly that the silver bars are easier to see through.

Resiliency: I have been drilled as hard as with any mask, and it's so light, and the pads are so thick and soft, that it shakes it off better than any mask I have ever worn.

When you put this thing on, you actually have to look at it in the mirror to see that it is a full-size mask. It seems smaller than normal when you first wear it, because it just doesn't seem substantial enough at first. It just floats there. Absolutely remarkable piece of gear.

I now welcome LDUB and Mr. Umpire to chime in and automatically disagree as they do with everything certain people say.

Too much snow...
 

I haven't used mine yet (Wilson new view Titanium)....need a foot or so of snow to melt first.

I replaced the 2-tone pads with solid black - taken from an all star mask that I retired, since i don't like the wrap-around pads.

Added a dangler because the throat protection is 3/8 - 1/2 " less than on my black Wilson A3009 original single bar w/ amara.

I may put original doe skin pads in....although I'm torn between the cool look of black pads with the silver frame vs. tan w/silver...

Great view - can't wait to use it!

Hock9

p.s. As a total 180 degree opposite comment, I'd love to get my hands on an old Rawlings bar mask I used about 30 years ago. Rawlings model "AM" or "KM"....with no ear protection, no throat extention, and big (probably 3/4" thick) bars....something I'd love to get and hang in my basement. (Some of you may recognize the one I'm describing - used to be worn by Lee Weyer, Satch Davidson, probably others).

I actually acquired two sets of replacement pads from guys who switched them out like Durham. Otherwise, you can get the Wilson two-tones at BTL: (http://www.btlofficialsgear.com/deta...&category=1471)

They're not identical to the titanium's two-tones but they're pretty close:

http://www.btlofficialsgear.com/catI...C131_large.jpg

This is where I got em.

http://www.honigs.com/detail.asp?Cat=2&Sub=36&Item=907

Thanks Kevin...what material is the tan colored (inside)? it's not all (black & tan) vinyl is it?

how do they fit...have you used the mask w/ the new pads?

They fit exactly the same as the ones I pulled out, and I have only used the mask with the all tan doe skin. It fit and fwelt great. Will take a pic and post tonight.

Both kinds fit. The ones with the black on the outside are only vinyl on the outside, and are calfskin or doeskin on the inside (the original titanium ones are calfskin inside and the replacement ones pictured from BTL may be doeskin on the inside). The all light-colored ones are all doeskin.

My first Wilson, I changed out the pads and put in the ones that Durham referred to, and they were great. Very thick and light, but not quite as soft, or seemingly as light as the ones that come on the titanium. But it's a hard distinction to make; they're both fantastic, and I would use no other.

cool thanks

Whenever you buy a seemingly expensive piece of pro gear, you take a gulp. But from the time you touch this thing, the cost is no longer a factor. It's a dynamic change in your face protection, and it is truly fantastic.

Mask
 

I have worn mine for two scrimmages - I love it. Expensive, yes, but the view is terrific.

Most guys would snap it up if they knew how much better you can see through the lighter bars. Guys who haven't tried it think it's some imagined phenomenon, but the view is better.

okay, you guys pushed me off of the fence. I ordered one today, should have it by the end of the week. Hopefully it lives up to the hype!

Very good, Johnny!

Welcome to the Titanium club! (Or the Tit club for short.)

Tit Club
 

Pronounced Tight? Just want to be sure. I'm already in a club for the other pronunciation.

:d:d

I recently attended a local association clinic that had some light plate work. When a friend of mine, and one of my college assignors, saw my new titanium, he looked at it and said, "I don't know how anyone would take you seriously wearing that." He went on saying that it looks like a toy, etc. I just had to laugh. I'm looking forward to wearing it with live pitching.

Ignoramuses like your assignor are part of what makes umpiring so fascinating.

Interesting.

I've enjoyed my toy since last July!

MLB guys wear gear that looks like a toy. Right.

Not a good parallel. Remember, these are the same fellows that wear those short sleeved smocks.

My new "toy" should be here tomorrow! Can't wait. No games for at least 2 months yet though...maybe try to get some cage work in though...we'll see.

Buddy, you're going to love this thing. You'll put it on and you have to look in the mirror to make sure you're actually wearing a mask. You'll actually look forward to getting drilled.

I can't imagine a time I'll EVER look forward to it.

That line never worked for me back in my college days...maybe it's more in context now!

Get a titanium.

When you get older ...

opened up and tried on my new, shiny titanium mask. one initial disappointment...I was expecting to pull that bad boy out of a black "crown royal" type pouch. I know, I'm reaching, but now I'm going to have to use my SUL bag! Can't wait to start seeing some pitches!

Wait until you get drilled! You'll love it!

I think you've been drilled a few too many times. :D

These mask bags are very good. Padded; fluid drawstring; generous size--everything you want in a mask bag:

http://www.lestersupstatesports.com/...-Bag-p-67.html

I show no signs of ever having a concussion--at least, none that I can remember. :D

It's not bad! I think I have a few things around the house that will do the job

I got to break in my "toy" today. My first DI scrimmage of the year. 'Twas swonderful, smarvelous. Plus, it was nice seeing live pitching this early here in Nebraska. 50 degrees today, 8-10" of snow tomorrow. Gotta love it.

So did I, but ordering a mask bag from an umpire gear web site made the titanium experience somehow feel more complete.

(I loved your I-expected-it-to-come-with-a-Crown Royal-kind-of-bag reference ... GREAT stuff :D )

I can't believe it ....
 

Ok, 3 plate jobs this year with the new mask. Got hit for the 1st time with an 88 mph fastball, I know b/c I asked the guy charting after the game. It was a right handed pitcher that uses a drop down, side arm delivery and the ball sailed on the catcher. I got hit in what would have been my left nose/cheek area. And I tell you all this, because the freaking mask bent and bent good. I was so pissed. I mean, if I buy a $80 mask and it bends, that is one thing, but when you spend top dolar, you don't expect the damn thing to bend like that the first time you get hit. I am sending it back on tuesday and getting a new one sent to me, but the point is wow, didn't expect it to cave in like it did. Anyone else been hit hard durring a live game with the mask yet?

Durham...are you referring to the Titanium mask?? good to hear you're okay...88 mph is indeed a bell ringer.

and to that which new mask the Wilson one....

I got to wear my new Wilson Titanium mask at a scrimmage at Mizzou and it was frickin awesome I couldn't even tell it was one. i did feel like I could see better through it to.

Hey Durham,
 

Take some pictures if you can and post here or somewhere so we can see the damage. Inquiring minds want to know (see).

Thanks.

Some places will guarantee the frame for a year, try and find out if where you bought it does.

I feel like a 1yr "appropriate use" warranty is fair.

Dangler on the Titanium?
 

For those who have the Wilson Titanium, did you add a dangler? Looks like the cowcatcher on it is about 1/2 shorter (or, perhaps due to it sticking out more toward the front) than the previous single bar Wilsons.

What have you done with pad color? Are you using the 2-tones that came with it, all black, doeskin, other combinations?

Hock9

I will not be adding a dangler. I will start w/ the two-tone. I'm getting used to taking it off...the wrap-around pad seems to require a bit wider grip.

Dangler.

I had a gnarly experience where this kid took a foul ball in the throat even though he had an extension (but no dangler). The kid looked pretty scared before he started coughing and breathing after a few seconds. On the way home, I got the only dangler they offered at the local sporting goods giant (the one with the garish Wilson logo, which I blacked out with model airplane paint). I wasn't going to do another game without it. I obey the gods.

The dangler's not a hassle, once you get used to it.

(Thank you, departed dangler inventor Bill Buhler, the legendary Dodger trainer.)

Wait until you take your first good drilling with the wrap-arounds ... you'll love it.

I'm not sure I'll ever love being drilled. Maybe the Titanium will change my mind!!

My question is has anybody ever had a problem with the regular "squared off" pads?

Personally, no. I'm sure you'll find guys on here who have a problem w/ nearly everything.

I've been clocked three times in the dangler (the plastic one, not the cup protected one). I can't imagine what would have happened without it on. Yow.

Is the titanium frame larger than a "normal" mask? It sure looks bigger. Perhaps it's just those diaper looking pads. They're huge.

(I mock them now, just like I did the NB450s, so that means I'll be swearing by them before May)

The pads look a little larger partly because they're "wrap-around" and partly because they're lighter in color. I replaced the tan pads with black "wrap-around" pads and they look great.

Thanks for your responses
 

...I'm going with black wrap-arounds, black Wilson dangler (logo blacked out)....thanks for your replies.

;)

Please post pics

Will this evening. Been busy playing with daughters :).

What do they say? something like..."there are many like it, but this one is mine"

Ok, got a pic to upload on umpire.org, for some reason it wouldn't load here. It is under the mechanics section under the timing thread.

http://umpire.org/vb/attachment.php?...7&d=1234933045

Here ya go:

http://i41.tinypic.com/29vc3o3.jpg

[QUOTE=Welpe;580586]Here ya go:


Did you change the pads out?... I have that mask it's nice huh?