Truthfully, the only reason that I turned to that company is that you can get a boatload of shirts for just a few bucks, and some backups for the ones that you use the most. But they have problems like you describe, and then there's this problem with the actual shirt color on the cream shirts. Theirs are this awful dull gold color, with extra wide collar trim piping. They're making the same mistake on the collar trim on their black shirts. They're making it thick, so now they don't match your partners who wear the standard black shirts. So you can't get black or cream shirts from them, which hurts. I got a few of the other blacks before they changed it, but now for black and cream, I have to go Honig's or CK at twice the price.

I like the larger buttons on the Honigs shirts too.

Until today, I never obsessed about the buttons on my uniform shirts. Now I'll never stop.

I own the Gold and have worn the Platinum. If worn correctly, the gold protects the clavicle just fine and there is no need to worry.

One of the major differences I've found is the Gold has much thicker padding behind the plastic.

Both are absolutely top quality and it ends up being a matter of personal preference.

You can get a complete review of the Platinum here.

And a complete review of the Gold here.

You really are a junkie although some of this I would not count. For example, I never go anywhere with pants on without chapstick in my pants pocket.

And where do you put the chapstick when you don't have pants on?

good one! :D

OK, OK, I'll go back and cut out some of the supplies.

For all the equipment junkies. New balance has the 450 for $87.99 and free shipping. I think it said till Dec. 12th but I'm not sure. Anyway, last month was the same price but shipping was not free. Good luck.

Damn! I already have two pairs, and can't justify a third. That's a great price, too. This is a gear junkie dilemma: should I buy something I already have tow of just because the price is terrific, or should I pass. Being a gear junkie is not fun at times.

Equipment Bags
 

Do any of your equipment bags hold your chest protector? Or do you have a separate bag for it or carry it separately?

kind of...i put it over the top of my shins. i have the diamond bag

Platinum lays down on the bottom with the shoulders folded up one side, and the leg guards go along the other edge with the plate shoes, mask and HSM in between.

It all fits in the bottom half of the Diamond bag, which I also swear by.

Wow, I wish I could get away with that.:D

I just ordered the West Vest Platinum and a pair of NB 350 base shoes from ump-attire, just over $200 shipped.