If you have someone other than the catcher fetching balls at the backstop, that's fine. If the catcher is back there, I'll toss one to keep the game moving.

Back on topic (imagine that), I like the protection of my Platinum after it was broken in, and molded to my body. Remember, a new one is stiff and won't fit properly.

Me...
 

If it's foul into the backstop, I may toss one to F1 while F2 retrieves.

That umpire wasn't a player.

Getting back to which is preferred... I have worn the Gold, Platinum, Standard, Douglas, Carlucci, et,al...I would go with the Gold over the other CP's that are available. Had Cece not passed away this last fall, I would still be using his protector. It was by far and away the best protector I have ever worn. It just wore out. Cece made it for me in 1986 and other than a few minor repairs, I wore it up till the 2007 season. I had every intention of having him add the hard shell plate on the front but never got around to it. I prefer the Gold because it is a bit more streamlined. Granted I have removed all the excess padding. I wish I had never got rid of my Douglas CP Now I can't find one. Damn it!!! Anyone have one for sale?

Further on the protection of the available CP's...No CP will protect you in every sit all the time. As I stated in my previous post I used the Carlucci for many years in all levels of baseball. I only switched when it pretty much fell apart due to the straps and buckles rotting away from years of use. I first tried the Platinum and found it to bulky. Went to the Douglas and liked it but never got used to the firmness of the shell. I then tried the Gold and still use it. I have removed the arm pit plates, the kidney padding, and the arm pads. I now have a comfortable CP that should last me a few years until Douglas re-introduces a new CP. Don't be afraid to make changes to fit your needs. As long as my rib cage is protected and I can move, I am content (for now.)

I found a Douglas at a local Goodwill a couple of years ago. It was okay, but I liked the way my platinum fit better. So, I put the Douglas on eBay and got over 3 bills for it. Who'd a' thunk? It paid for my NB AND plate coat.

Isn't that what on-deck batters are for?

I recently order a WV gold and new WV shins, will let ya know how they work out. My last set, WV original and WV shins, was purchased in 1997, and my question is will Wilson recondition them. Anyone had any luck getting theirs cleaned up and if so, what is the process?

Thanks

My experience: The cost of reconditioning plus the cost of shipping two ways nearly equals the cost of new shinguards.

Thanks for that info.

Well, JR, I owe you some thanks.

I went to that ebay sale, and checked the seller's other items. ... Well, I am now the proud owner of both the new Jaksa/Roder manual and the new Carl Childress BRD for a little over $30.00 shipped.

Your welcome. That JR manual was a great deal for $18. I just got one for christmas.

Gold Costs More Wholesale
 

Dave, this is not a great answer but the Gold costs $5 to $10 more wholesale from Wilson. So, obviously, retailers will mark them up accordingly. I see this question from time to time and the answer is the same (e.g. why is there such a difference between the steel and titanium Wilson helmet?).

Regardless, the major difference, I think besides the obvious color difference is Gold's padding is slightly thicker, but as everyone has alluded to and what you always preach is that what's better is often dictated by personal preference, not what anyone else says. For me, the platinum feels better around my neck. The gold feels tight around my big 18 1/2 neck.

I enjoyed reading some of the posts about throwing the ball back to the pitcher. When I umpired years ago, I initially chose to throw the ball back to the pitcher. I had just completed playing college ball and was something I just wanted to do. I certainly felt capable. However, one day, I suppose from not being "warmed up" I threw the ball over the pitcher's head where it eventually rolled to rest in shallow CF. From then on I never threw a baseball to the pitcher again.

Jim Kirk
Owner
www.ump-attire.com

You suck.

I was the one driving up the price on both of those trying to get them.:D