What mask to buy

[tip184]

How about all the posts lambasting the OP for his punctuation? Delete those as well.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by tip184

How about all the posts lambasting the OP for his punctuation? Delete those as well.

I think those are the ones that got deleted. At least mine did. Punctuation is important in writing. And, it's just common courtesy to mix in commas and periods occasionally.

[beachbum]

Is there any masks that any of you used, and had trouble with? Seems as though most newer styles are well built.

I guess another question is, ...what makes an expensive mask better, besides the weight?

[MajorDave]

"Q: Is there any masks that any of you used, and had trouble with? Seems as though most newer styles are well built."


The SUL carbon/plastic frame is a no-no. I have seen a cracked one and heard and read of many stories of injuries due to this mask. There is a thread on that very problem and how it was a big factor in the demise of +POS as a company/supplier by Don Parsons of +POS ownership/family here on another forum back in December.

Another +POS mask made of coated aluminum/metal with hollow tubing. Also called a Super Ultra-light with a number (I think SUL300). I had a partner with a big dent in that model mask over his right eye area. I asked him why he was still wearing the mask? His reply: "I paid $80 for it. I'm going to wear it until it doesn't protect me anymore." I certainly hope he does not find out the hard way.

Since +POS is now out of business you don't have to worry too much. I would not buy a used +POS mask of any model though.

I don't know of any of the newer model Wilson's like dyna-lite, Chrome Moliben/New-view denting. Of course, Titanium is your best be so far for lightweight and strength combination.

The Schutt/Diamond that is now selling in silver and black rubber coating have weld spots where the horizontal and vertical bars meet and are made of what appears to be a light aircraft grade cast aluminum. I have seen a black one with the rubber coating cracking off but have heard of no problems with these masks.

Hope this helps.

[kylejt]

I'm pretty sure my Schutt is hollow tube steel. +POS had the aluminium mask, but the tubes were a bit thick.

So far, so good with the Schutt. I've got standar size WV Amara pads in it, as the original pads are junk, and I got clocked pretty good on the chin. It's a bit lower profile than my Honigs and Dynalite, but not as flat as the New View. I like this current rig a lot.

[JR12]

I looked your mask up. I see it has the bar at the top, like the Diamond mask.
I'm thinking of getting one with that bar. I have had the top of my head skimmed (only twice in 17 years) it smarts a little. I like the diamond in the silver/grey, since some posters say the light color seems easier to see thru.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Any blow that glances doesn't really hurt, including the dome scrapers. No need for extra bar.

[briancurtin]

Originally Posted by MajorDave

Another +POS mask made of coated aluminum/metal with hollow tubing. Also called a Super Ultra-light with a number (I think SUL300). I had a partner with a big dent in that model mask over his right eye area. I asked him why he was still wearing the mask? His reply: "I paid $80 for it. I'm going to wear it until it doesn't protect me anymore." I certainly hope he does not find out the hard way.

I dumped my SUL either within the same season I bought it, or very early the season after...can't remember which. A few other posters had the same problem, where any moderately hard shot dented one or more bars. the two vertical bars that run up in front of your mouth were the ones that dented pretty harshly for me.

i loved the weight of that mask, but it had the structural integrity of a wet noodle

[greymule]

+POS advertised the frame of that SUL300 as "extremely strong." Mine was dented beyond use after one season of fast pitch softball. It really was just plain (expensive) junk.

I've since gone to an All-Star UMP2000 helmet and love it.