Baseball chest protector
 

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

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.

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

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.

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.).

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.

Well,
 

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.

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.

my .02
 

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....

West Vest
 

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

Let's face it, everything is a compromise to usability, comfort and fashion. We'd all be using the raft if we wanted total protection.

I start rookies out using the raft, until they get used balls fly at them. Perhaps this might be the way to go. If you have a local "Play it again Sports" store near you, they might have one for cheap.

I too have used the K1 for a few years now. I generally had no complaints about it until i took a hard shot in a Varsity game in the sternum. It rocked me backwards and darn near knocked me off my feet. I was out of breath and in pain for several minutes.

I happened to see on this forum that there were some original WV's on sale for $39.99, and I said, 'what the hey', and I bought one. I have never used the K1 for Varsity or above since, and I have taken a few shots with the WV and they just bounce off.

Don't get me wrong, the K1 is a fine protector, and I still use it for youth up to Freshman HS ball. I just feel more comfortable and confident with the protection the WV gives me.

As far as the K1 being light, that is true. I find the WV is not that much more heavier, and the extra protection that I perceive it gives me is an adequate trade off, IMHO.

Carlucci
 

Where can you buy the Carlucci protector?

I don't buy chest protectors for "how they look" - I buy them for how they protect me. I wore a ribbed REACH from the time I got out of umpire school in 1985 until about 1992, when I started working a lot of D1 games. Then I went to the Wilson knock-off West Vest. I've been wearing it ever since, taken many shots off of it and have never had ANY problems.
Now, ask me how my shoes look...;)

JJ

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.

Umm...please check the recent thread regarding him.

Are you really that much of a putz? :eek:

The chest protector pictured here is MINE. It is the best piece of equipment I own. Sad there will not be anymore.