Tights for work behind the plate

[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

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by 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

As soon as the moisture wicks away from your skin, it provides a cooling layer that is cooler than just your slacks. Honest!

[JR12]

Originally Posted by 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

I was a non believer until last year. Not only do they make you more comfy from rubbing straps, they keep you cooler. I have McDavid navy blue with cup pocket. I may try a pair of hex pad this season.

[kylejt]

I just got back from teaching at a four hour clinic (even had Brian Runge show up), and the Shock Doctor tights are great. It was from 55-70 degrees, and they are far more comfortable than my Under Armour shirts, as far as being cooler. Thumbs up on the Shock Doctors.

[ManInBlue]

McDavid with floating cup pocket - plate and bases. Before I got the McDavid I used some form (UA, Starter...) of compression pants on both. It's cooler and more comfortable. Been wearing something on my legs for so long I can't stand to do a game without them - I can't tolerate my pants touching my legs - did it once and found out just how much cooler it really is with the compression pants on.

[Rcichon]

McDavid hex pads behind the plate, black compression type on bases.

[Strike3UROUT]

I just got my first pair of McDavid Hexpad shorts today from Honig's.

They fit great and are really thick for great protection in the thighs.

I should have bought a pair of these years ago.