Tights for work behind the plate

[tballump]

Originally Posted by Strike3UROUT

I umpire quite a bit in the summer and fall and the long tights would burn me up in the warmer weather.

Listen to MIB and KF. If there were nothing to it, the MLBU would not have been doing this for the last 4 decades at least, and maybe longer. They play some hot afternoon games in hot states. The MiLB do this also and them games in Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida, and Mississippi are brutal at times in both heat and humidity.

[dash_riprock]

FTP is a new manufacturer of compression gear. I think the founder used to work at UnderArmour or McDavid (I forget which). Same quality, for a lot less. I found them here:

The Sports Loft / Officiating Uniforms / Chuck DeCarbo

[dash_riprock]

I did some research. There were 2 that left Under Armour. One started FTP and the other started Power-Tek. Both compete with UA, both are comparable in quality, and both are much less expensive.

[jdmara]

Originally Posted by kylejt

I've used the gray McDavids for several years, and like them a lot. The real bonus is no rub from the shin guard straps. I've got a pair of Shock Doctor hockey tights, that have a cup pocket, that I'll be trying on the field next week. They're really well built, and cheaper.

I'm sold on Shock Doctor hockey tights. I ordered a pair and worn them for the first time yesterday. It was a little chilly when we started and heated up quickly starting the 4th inning for the first game. They are comfortable and well built from what I can tell thus far. I'm currently removing the velcro off the thighs (which it easy enough). I would recommend them

-Josh

[SAump]

New Balance has very "thin" under-tights that breath well and look or feel as smooth as white panty hose while providing leg compression support. The heat and chaffing support they provide from jock/cup and shin guard straps is unbeaten. It took a couple of games to get use to wearing them because of their breathability {evaporative cooling} in high temperatures can be felt immediately in the groin area. These tights can be washed and hung to dry overnight and also eliminate the need for more expensive compression shorts and knee high socks. One can find some cheap black Nike tights for use on cooler evenings. Considering the NBA recently banned the use of under-tights like these during league play, I would say {ala Alan Iverson et al.}, they provide the medical support and a coolness factor professional athletes require.

[bisonpitcher]

Originally Posted by cc6

Why not just get the long tights? They would prevent chaffing from shinguards as well as offering protection.

I used to take old pairs of socks that were wearing out and cut the top 4-6 inches off, then put those above the tops of my socks to keep the shinnys from rubbing me raw. Worked great.

[kylejt]

I did the long sock thing before I got tights.

Get the tights, trust me on this.

p.s. leave the pantyhose to Broadway Joe.

[tballump]

Just saw a pair of "Duofold mid weight", not heavy weight, long john thermals 60% cotton 40% polyester for $12.99 at Model's that should do the trick. You could buy another pair and cut them off for the thigh length or you could just get some thigh length Hanes for the bases. Just put your Bike banana cup jock over both and you should be OK. This is for guys on a budget. You could also go to Kohl's and get their Croft & Barrow light blue, black or navy pullovers if you are not forced to get the official brands from the major dealers. Once again, just trying to help some of the guys who do not need to have official brands to work their games, and should not make them look like a smitty. I would sink wash and hang out unless you know for sure how they might shrink, and also get a size larger for a plate shirt. You can get a good black leather belt at Army/Navy store for $10. As many will suggest, you can go big time for everything and then sell on ebay if you decide to quit later.

[tjones1]

Is McDavid still making the tights with the floating cup pocket?

The last pair I ordered (about a year ago) had a fixed pocket. I just assumed they stopped making the floating pocket.

Thanks.

[mbyron]

Is this the item you're looking for?

[JR12]

Today I thing I'll skip the thin McDavid's and wear the UA shorts with Under Armour cold gear tights over top. Brrrrrrrrr!!!!

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Is this the item you're looking for?

It most certainly is... I must not have stated the floating cup pocket.

Thanks.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Is this the item you're looking for?

As far as I can tell, this just says "cup pocket". I think it's the "sewn in / fixed" cup pocket. I never found that to be too useful. I wear a jock / cup under the tights.

[jkumpire]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

As far as I can tell, this just says "cup pocket". I think it's the "sewn in / fixed" cup pocket. I never found that to be too useful. I wear a jock / cup under the tights.

Thanks for the thought Bob, but I am exactly the opposite, I prefer the sewn in "fixed" pocket. The other ones shift the cup around too much.

All my McDavid tights are starting to wear out, I have used them for 8-10 years now. Are the McDavids still of comparable quality to all these other brands, or has the newer manufacturers passed them by?

[johnnyg08]

I have a pair of entry level tight w/o the cup pocket that I've used for 11 years now and they're still in great condition...I just wore an extra layer for the cup...this year I'm trying the McDavids w/ the cup pocket to get rid of a layer. I'm excited to try it...

if you want tights w/o the cup pocket, $30 will get you the best you'll need IMO