Gold vs Platinum - questions on throat/neck protection
 

I have a platinum that's many years old and needs replacing. No complaints, although in the early days I cut the pad off the top (that didn't do much to protect my neck, but did a lot to get in the way of my mask).

Anyway, for anyone who has used both the gold and platinum....what is your preference and why?

Thanks - Hock9

I use the Platinum and have tried on the Gold, and I can throw better in the Platinum. I like throwing, because it keeps the game moving, and it keeps my arm from becoming petrified. The Gold was a little more restrictive on the shoulder movements.

But that's just me.

From what I can tell, they're the two best. But if the throat pad bugs you and you can move okay in the Gold, go with the Gold.

If you like the Platinum: Wilson Platinum Umpire Chest Protector - eBay (item 300284227725 end time Jan-08-09 12:20:52 PST)

I own the Gold and have tried the Platinum. I like the Gold better because the padding is thicker maybe 3/4", and with the Platinum I just didn't feel like my arms could rest comfortably at my side.

Both have excellent protection if worn correctly and both are similarly priced.

No I believe the platinum was a bit longer and if your too much taller than me (5'10") you may be leaving your bottom ribs exposed. My ribs are just at the very end making a perfect fit.

I forgot that part. Another reason I chose the Platinum is that it covered a little more.

Riddle me this?
 

I wonder why the Gold costs more than the Platinum at most places? Isn't Platinum considered to be more protective?

I have had both the WV Platinum and the WV Gold and the WV Original. I could not get my shirts over the Platinum and My arms were not comfortable so I sent it back without ever using it in a game.

I now have the Gold in the Small-Medium size. I absolutely love it and feel supremely protected in the areas it covers. It is nearly impossible to protect everything on your body but the Gold does a great job for me in all the places that matter. I never feel a thing. (when the ball hits the CP instead of my arms, hands, etc.)

When I had the Original WestVest with the adjustable plates, it worked fine but I had a problem with my stance being too high and I took a pitch directly to the gut that was 87mph. (the catcher sucked and the pitcher had a lot of movement on his pitches) The kid who threw it three years ago signed with the Rangers this past summer for 1.25 million. It was a hand-me-down and it had not been taken care of (i.e. washed) it stunk terribly and washing it and spraying Febreeze did not help. So, I began my quest for the perfect CP. I had Honig's K-1, Diamond iX3, PlusPOS BB 2000 and 2200. Then I tried the Platinum and finally settled on the Gold.

Each one has positive and negative aspects. For me the WV Gold is best at this point in time. In the future-who knows.

Try as many as you can before you buy.

Wow.

Exactly what the catcher is for. Protection and throwing the ball to the pitcher.

Hmmm,
 

I have not thrown a baseball as a plate umpire in 35 years.

I teach all umpires to hand the ball to F2.

Regards,

I gotcha. But there are many umpires who can still throw and do enjoy throwing, and I'm one of them. And our games go at a little better pace because of it. Here, it's not greatly encouraged, but it's quietly encouraged and definitely allowed. So if I'm not too sore, I throw. When a guy gives up a bomb, I walk halfway out and discreetly flip. And some catchers protect you better if you save them some work.

I pitched, I caught and I umpire, so I throw because I still can, I guess. I also run hard, instead of jogging, because I still can.

We have a list around here: "Umpires who throw like (rhymes with witches)." You don't want to be on it.

I like throwing a new ball in. It's not frowned upon, but the general teaching is to hand it off.

I agree, I do not throw the ball to the pitcher and I also teach new umpires to let F2 do the throwing.

Well,
 

After working for a week behind two major league catchers I found they were exactly opposite of this statement. BOTH catchers told me: "Tee, it is our job to throw the ball to the pitcher not yours."

Over the years I have NEVER had a catcher complain (or even seem distraught) when I say during the first warm-up tosses: " . . . and I don't throw the ball to the pitcher I will hand it to you."

I was working the bases one night when my plate umpire partner fired one back to the pitcher . . . pitcher wasn't looking and nailed him right between the eyes.

That umpire never tossed a ball back to a pitcher again.

Regards,

I'm one of them, too. But, I still hand the ball to the catcher 98% of the time (exceptions: F2 gets dinged; F2 chases a looping foul back to the screen and dives for the ball, F1 gives up a dinger -- I'll either toss to F1 or F2 depending on what F2 is doing, HBP -- if I need to get out between BR and F1 or I need to talk to F1, etc.)

I'm with Bob on this one...
 

I toss a ball to pitcher if catcher is having equipment issues, retreiving mask/helmet, etc. and if a HBP and I am already out front of the plate or after a HR unless catcher requests ball and time to go talk to pitcher then I hand it to him.

The pitcher has a new ball in his glove before the foul ball hits the ground. Even if you give the ball to F2, F1 is still watching the ball bounce in the parking lot.

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