what size wv gold to buy

[tightstrikezone]

Originally Posted by umpduck11

Zebra Sports is no longer in business, as the Wingards grew tired of trying to run two businesses. They will be missed in this market.

that's funny, i just purchased a gold from them for $99 from their website and it is on its way, should arrive on wednesday. they also have a gold listed on ebay right now for $110. sounds like they are still in business to me.

[jl2207]

I ordered the s-m from Zebra sports sounds like a good deal to me now on to find me a good mask

thanks guys

[tightstrikezone]

okay, now masks are an entirely different animal ... do you want a standard mask or bucket style? double-bar or single? there are tons to choose from. west vest, honigs, all-star, diamond, schutt, etc. i use a west vest mask because that is what i am comfortable with and used to. but the possibilities with masks are endless. if you want a bucket then someone on here will be able to guide you in the right direction. good choice on the protector, let me know what you think of it.

[jl2207]

I definatley want a standard mask most I have seen are single bar but a question I did have is the weight on a long day how much difference is one that weighs half a pound more vs one that weighs half a pound less , does that half of a pound add up to equal 10 pounds at the end of the day lol and I heard that low profile masks get more of the impact than the others is there any truth to that

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by jl2207

I definatley want a standard mask most I have seen are single bar but a question I did have is the weight on a long day how much difference is one that weighs half a pound more vs one that weighs half a pound less , does that half of a pound add up to equal 10 pounds at the end of the day lol and I heard that low profile masks get more of the impact than the others is there any truth to that

Low profile tends to absorb a between-the-eyes shot more than the rounder traditional profile. A true between-the-eyes shot happens a few times a season, but for the thousands of other pitches, the low-profile definitely helps you track more pitches--especially in the low part of the zone. A slightly off-center shot and the low-profile spins off just like it's supposed to. So for a periodic straight shot, the standard profile gives you slightly better deflection, but takes away some of your view. It's a trade-off.

And if you do choose the silver diamond or a gray titanium, the lighter bars are less distracting than the black bars. Another thing about the weight: Every ounce counts. For the thousands of times that you are not getting hit, the lightweight is a wonderful relief to the neck. And the other benefit is that it's less of a strain on your arm if you peel it off a few hundred times. With the old mask, I used to have a sore arm the day after a game. Now, I don't. I never even thought of that benefit.

The $200 is a tough swallow when you start out, I know, but comfort and visibility should count for a lot.

Diamond silver= One game fee (H.S.)
All-Star titanium= Two game fees
Wilson titanium= Two and a half game fees

That's the way I justify gear purchases.

[jl2207]

thanks for the info I have been thinking about the diamond but you among others say the pads arent all that good I was curious if you replace them and if so with what or just use them

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by jl2207

thanks for the info I have been thinking about the diamond but you among others say the pads arent all that good I was curious if you replace them and if so with what or just use them

I love the calfskin wraparound pads that come with the Wilson titanium, and I was able to acquire two sets of backup pads from private parties.

The only ones I have seen available online that are similar are these:



The first time I upgraded my pads on my regular Wilson, I upgraded to these, which are all doeskin. The calfskin/vinyl two-tones above are slightly lighter.



You can order the Wilsons here:

http://www.btlofficialsgear.com/deta...&category=1471

Wilson leather wrap-arounds are the best I have tried at absorbing blows.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Go ultra-light no matter what you choose. Diamond's new one is a pretty good answer to the titanium at less than half the cost. And the Diamond cage design offers a tab on top for a little extra skull protection. Wilson pads are better, though.