In my recent past as a catcher, I used two different memory foam chest protectors from Rawlings. That material plus a hard plastic outer shell seems like it would be good to me.

Just curious as to where you picked up the shoulder caps ?

Lawrence

Some old used pads.

what would something like that cost? ie: average sized umpire 5'7" 180lbs

Honestly, I feel around $200-$250 would be about fair for anyone. $450 was too steep for me to swing when I talked to CeCe.

I assume you are from Louisiana?

I have added the finishing touches to the chest protector now. Several things I will do different on the next one, but for now this protector works very well and is pretty comfortable (which was my ultimate goal). I used it in a fall ball game about 1 week ago it it worked well. I was hoping for a nice pounding hit :eek:, but it didn't work out.

Anyways, I heated up the plastic on the chest protector and molded it with some curves around the shoulder so it fits even better now.

Also, (as suggested before here I believe) I added some extra chest "extensions" that give a little bit more protection and does not take away from the comfortableness of the protector. I may/may not add the armor to these extra pieces, because its just so comfortable to me right now. However, this would be an easy request to implement or add.

http://www.panhandleumpires.com/panh...s/dsc03095.jpg

http://www.panhandleumpires.com/panh...s/dsc03096.jpg

I have the WVP and like the shoulder protection. It seems to me that you may have a vulnerability at the strap attaching the shoulder cap. You might consider adding an overlapping piece of plastic over the shoulder cap attaching strap.

I've been following your progress and it looks quite good. I would be very careful about making any product for others until your prototype has been properly tested by a laboratory. That is for your protection, Pensaump, because you know that if your equipment should fail, you will get sued by the purchaser.

looks like you did a great job!