You don't "buy" a Carlucci CP. He makes it for you!

Cece Carlucci Chest Protection

pro nine chest protector
 

is the honig's K1 similar to the Pro-Nine listed below?

http://www.allaroundsportsllc.com/Pr..._CPU_p/cpu.htm

i've used the pro-nine for the past several years and it has offered plenty of protection for D1 pitching.
it is much cheaper (approx $60) than the K1 and looks and feels great.
i still have my WV Gold, but never use it.

just think about how thin and lightweight a catcher's chest protector is - they never seem to have complaints.

I know guys who've been umpiring for years and have never taken one to the cup. They still roll with one though. Umpires can go a long time without taking a nasty shot to the chest, and proclaim the virtues of their brand.

Years ago, during a 9/10 game, I took a foul ball straight to the heart. I was wearing a Diamond tuck 'n roll model, and the shot messed me up for days. I felt slow, out of sorts, and more stupid than ever. IT MESSED UP MY HEART RHYTHM! And this was in a little kids game.

My point is that there's lots of guys who will tell you that soft chest protectors are fine. They'll also tell you that they "feel" the shots in those same protectors. So if you feel safe getting socked in the chest now and then, fine. Me, I've dealt with the after effects of that. Never again. Platinum or Gold for me.

I use the Wilson Platinum. I wouldn’t use anything else whether it's a youth game or varsity. I don't believe in overkill for the younger games. Those are the ones I get hit the most in. I can just shake em off without flinching. I did take a really hard shot to the shoulder this year that hurt like heck. I suspect I would have been down for the count using anything other than the platinum.

No matter which CP you choose, without proper adjustment you will be vulnerable.

my$.02

The one I use, which I think is the best for the money, is the Wilson MLU. You can find it for around 80 bucks, it's a hard shell, and it's like a bullet-proof vest. You don't feel a thing.

My .02
 

The Pro Nine and the Champion are knockoffs of the K1.....they are , In appearance, almost identical......

In actual usage, I could not tell you, I have and use the K1 for anything sub HS-Varsity..........I would not trust a knockoff at a higher level.....again my .02

I've taken one straight to the heart, as well, with a soft chest protector years ago. Fortunately I've recovered but being 22ish (I think I was about 22) and being told by the ER doctor that I'm lucky to be alive is never something you want to hear. I was fortunate that the ball him my heart in rhythm or the doctor said I surely would have expired. It messed me up for weeks.

Moral of the story. Freak accidents do happen and I would never umpire without a hard-shelled chest protector again. WV Platinum is my personal choice.

-Josh

Just goes to prove (contrary to most players and coaches opinions) umpires do have hearts. ;)

glad you recovered.

another reason
 

Another reason why MLB umpire's cps do not look so bulky is becuase they wear a larger shirt then their usual size when doing bases. They will tend to wear a size or two bigger than their normal size shirt to make their chest protector look invisible almost and then there are MLB guys who like the bulkiness who wear their regular size shirts for both base and plate. It just depends on your preference.

Yes -

1) Buy a size larger for the plate

2) The way Honig's prices have increased, the K1 is no longer a "bargain" IMO. It is more expensive and less protective than the Gold and Platinum. There simply is no reason not to buy a Gold or Platinum - plus they arent very "hot" or uncomfortable during warm weather either. First time wearers will be surprised.

That's another good point. The platinum is very comfortable and cool in my opinion. I was impressed with the comfort level on steamy 95+ degree days this summer.

-Josh

To be honest, I've been using a WV Platinum for many years. It is no hotter than any other CP I've ever used. It all depends what you are wearing underneath the CP and if you were smart enough to hydrate properly.

WV Gold M-L available on Ebay
 

I just spotted it. Price looks reasonable. I love mine. Thought it would assist anyone looking for new CP and needing to save Money. Anything $100 or less or this CP is a good deal if used. It's not mine. Just providing information for those who may be interested. Owner is approachable with questions.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=230292137636

So, after he makes it for you, he gives it to you? You don't give him any money for it? If you do give him money, it sounds like you buy it from him.