Tights for work behind the plate

[MajorDave]

Long gray tights for both bases and plate. McDavid hexpad shorts over those when behind the plate. Took a pitch and a foul ball directly to each leg/inner thigh last year in same game then again the next day. Bought these on advice of a college catcher I know/used to coach that is known for his ability to block everything in the dirt using any part of his body.

I highly recommend both.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by MajorDave

Long gray tights for both bases and plate. McDavid hexpad shorts over those when behind the plate. Took a pitch and a foul ball directly to each leg/inner thigh last year in same game then again the next day. Bought these on advice of a college catcher I know/used to coach that is known for his ability to block everything in the dirt using any part of his body.

I highly recommend both.

I have the hexpad tights, and I wear them too--especially at any varsity and above. The padding is seemingly thick, but once they're on, they're less detectable than any other gear. Very light. But I never tried the two-layer deal. Maybe it works in cooler weather?

[Durham]

I wear them too, but in black with the floating cup pocket. Lester's is the only place I can find em in black. And no hex for me.

[Kevin Finnerty]

MSBL Nationals game: Righty batter, catcher moves way inside. Now I'm working a little higher and right over the top of his head, instead of being in the true slot. Slender catcher, and a big right-hander throwing high-80s/low-90s. He throws this sweeping sailing fastball and the catcher does a Russ Martin, and I catch a straight shot in the inside of my right thigh, right behind where I have my thumb.

I went right home, and as my football-shaped thigh bruise was forming, I went to Lester's, PayPal'ed him $53 bucks plus shipping--a mere portion of that day's game fee--and the next time and every time since, I have worn them behind the plate. The compression is not as great as with the unpadded tights, but they are very comfortable and the protection is outstanding.

[Blue37]

Originally Posted by MajorDave

Long gray tights for both bases and plate. McDavid hexpad shorts over those when behind the plate. Took a pitch and a foul ball directly to each leg/inner thigh last year in same game then again the next day. Bought these on advice of a college catcher I know/used to coach that is known for his ability to block everything in the dirt using any part of his body.

I highly recommend both.

The hex pads are extremely hot in the summer. I still wear them for the protection regardless of the temperature, but they are almost unbearable when it gets in the high 90s or low 100s.

[Hock9]

I wear black long underarmor tights on both plate and bases...."cold gear" in the spring; lighter-weight ones if it's warmer

[johnnyg08]

I've always used black, but just bought the gray ones...they're underneath...I guess I don't care what color they are...I've had my current pair for over 10 years now, always air dryed them, but they don't have the cup pocket so I was adding another layer over them for my cup stuff...I'm excited to cut a layer. I don't think I'll ever go HexPad...if I were doing Kiddie ball where there are some weak catchers I'd consider it.

[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.

[Kevin Finnerty]

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.

Shock Doctor is moving into the territory very rapidly.

I have black UnderArmour compression shorts with a cup pocket that I wear when I am coaching with shorts on, and they are extraordinary. Their tights--I would assume--are the best, if they're like these. (Only problem: UA cup pocket doesn't float.) But I understand that Shock Doctor is more similar to UAs than the McDavids.

[kylejt]

One caveat with the hockey tights is that you should remove the velcro tabs on the legs that are there to hold up the long socks. They'll snag on your pants otherwise. Five minutes with a seam picker deleted them.

[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.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

I've always used black, but just about the gray ones...they're underneath...I guess I don't care what color they are...I've had my current pair for over 10 years now, always air dryed them, but they don't have the cup pocket so I was adding another layer over them for my cup stuff...I'm excited to cut a layer. I don't think I'll ever go HexPad...if I were doing Kiddie ball where there are some weak catchers I'd consider it.

Buddy, even the shots that you take from high school freshmen don't hurt. The youth ball shots are like mosquitos.

The hexpads are for the high-80s straight shots.

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

Buddy, even the shots that you take from high school freshmen don't hurt. The youth ball shots are like mosquitos.

The hexpads are for the high-80s straight shots.

yeah, i guess you're right. i'll shed the extra layer and take my chances. i remember one shot in the last 10 years...a lot of luck...yes...could get hit 20 times this year...maybe I'll change my mind and upgrade by mid-May.

[jdmara]

Get information gentleman! I know I can always count on everyone in the forum to give it to me straight. I just cannot imagine that on a hot, steamy day it would be any cooler to wear tights but I'm willing to give it a shot.

-Josh