umpire equipment

[kylejt]

Buy professional gear. Even if you have to save up a little longer, it will pay off in the long run.

First priority: Chest protector. West Vest Gold or Platinum. You won't go wrong, nor lust for anything else with these. The Douglas isn't bad, and I use one now and then with my plate coat. (Don't buy a plate coat until your five years into it).

Mask: Most of the West Vest single bars work great. Honig's single bar. The Diamond/Schutt/Pro9 etc. light weight is good IF you swap out the pads. I'm not sold on the low profile masks. I'd like the ball to defected from, instead of absorbed into my brain. That's just me though.

Shoes: The New Balance 450s are great plate shoes. Not nearly as pretty as some others, but very comfortable. If you can find a pair of +POS plate shoes, they will last you a very long time. The NB 350 base shoes are not too shabby either. An all, or nearly all, black athletic shoe with a sole with good traction is what you're looking for. No need to go overboard here.

Cup and supporter: I like the McDavid ankle legth tights, but have switched to the Shock Doctor brand for this season. The cup is all yours, friend.

Pants: Find out what color is used in your area, charcoal or heather. Every one is built differently, so it's tough to make a recommendation.

Shirts and Jackets: Ditto above. Find out what the locals wear.

Accessories: Black ball bags. Black belt. A good gear bag with wheels. Garment bag for shirts/pants/jackets. Several indicators. Spare shoe laces. A damp cloth in a ZipLock bag for cleaning off shoes in between games. A small key ring with just your car key on it. Line up folder. Several pens. (Most guys will put the pen in their front shirt pocket. Good idea, until it gets cracked by a ball, and leaks on your shirt.) The tiny pencils are cute, but not for me.


eBay, Honig's, your local sporting goods store can order most of the Wilson stuff.