Baseball chest protector

[donj]

I'm in the market to get a new chest protector. What I now have doesn't give me enough protection around the top of the shoulders. Any good recommendations? Also, when I watch MLB games, I notice that the umpires protectors don't look bulky. Are their's custom made by chance? Looking for something similar that doesn't make me look like I'm suiting up for a football game. I've looked at the Wilson West Vest Platinum Protector, but they look like football shoulder pads. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[kylejt]

There's a few guys who may wear a custom made cp, but most are off the rack. The majority wear the West Vest gold or the Riddel Power (no longer availible). The platinum is a bit more bulky, but I'll take that tradeoff for it's protection. Remember, most new chest protectors will feel stiff and bulky until they loosen up and mold to your body. I know my platinum felt like a refridgerator box for the first couple of weeks. Now it's like a second layer of skin.

[UmpJM]

donj,

You might want to take a look at the Honig's K-1. I have used it up through HS Varsity and "college age" (not NCAA) games and find the protection more than adequate. I can't imagine a "less bulky" CP that would provide adequate protection.

JM

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

donj,

You might want to take a look at the Honig's K-1. I have used it up through HS Varsity and "college age" (not NCAA) games and find the protection more than adequate. I can't imagine a "less bulky" CP that would provide adequate protection.

JM

I have the K-1, which I use in very hot weather in lower-level games. Anecdotal evidence is that the protection is inferior (reports of busted ribs, etc.).

[BretMan]

I use a Platinum and love it. Wasn't to thrilled with the somewhat massive shoulder pads at first. After seeing this discussed on another forum, I took the suggestion of one poster and simply removed the pads.

The pads in the protector attach to a hard plastic up with a simple velcro strap. The hard cup is still there and covers the outer edge of your shoulder. The outer tip of your collar bone and the rotator cuff area are enclosed by the cup.

The protection, for me, still seems adequate. It definitely looks and feels more sleek, and is less restrictive to my arm movements. If you change your mind, it takes about two seconds to pop the pads back in.

[mbyron]

If your stance is more upright, use the West Vest Platinum. If you lean in a bit, you might prefer the West Vest Gold. I would not use anything less for HS varsity or above.

Some MLB guys have custom CP's, but many don't. Some are really big guys, so their CP's don't look very bulky. I think it has more to do with your size than the CP.

I have the Gold, and it looks bulky on me.

[Tim C]

Jon Bible wore the K-1 even umpiring the College World Series and had no complaints.

I will, however, stick by my Carlucci.

Regards,

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Tim C

Jon Bible wore the K-1 even umpiring the College World Series and had no complaints.

I will, however, stick by my Carlucci.

Regards,

Another K-1 user here. Yes, I will feel 1-2 shots a year. It's worth the tradeoff.

[bobbybanaduck]

i used the K-1 my entire professional career, and continue to use it today. i've been hit with the fastest of the fast and it has always done it's job.

[piaa_ump]

I have a K1 I wear for anything sub-varsity...and a WV platinum for everything above.......I have taken shots wearing them both,and it may just be a confidence factor, but I dont feel comfortable doing "big boy" ball without a hard shell....

[505 ump]

I also have taken out the shoulder pads under the hard shell. Have taken shots there with zero impact. I also love the collar bone protection if adjusted properly.
My 2 cents.

Good luck

[newump]

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.

[kylejt]

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.

[Forest Ump]

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

[bossman72]

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.