In fact it was bent, and then the replacement that was sent to me got bent in its 2nd game, the first time it got hit by a foul ball straight back off the bat. Both have been sent back for full refund and I went back to the original West Vest with the doe skin for $90 with 2 day shipping. Ordered it Saturday and got it yesterday afternoon from Joe West's Site.

If a $90 mask bends after the 1st time it gets hit, that is 1 thing, but if a $270 mask, after tax and doe skin pads, bends after the first hit on 2 different masks, well then I have a problem with that.

I love the feel, look and vision of the titanium, but I usually get hit about 10 times a season in the mask, and if each one absorbes instaed of deflects the blow, then my mask will look like rolling plaines by the end of the season.

When wilson fixxes the design issues that I feel they have with their product I will gladly buy a new one regardless of the cost.

That says it all.

I can't say I'm thinking about it when the game's going, but I have a much different feeling about its indestructibility in general. It's still the lightest, most comfortable, highest visibility mask there is. And that is the benefit you gain the 99 percent of the time you're not getting a mask shot. But if it can dent, it can eventually crack, I suppose. And I wear very expensive glasses and I can ill-afford to damage them ... or my face.

I have a little-used WV doeskin mask that I retired when the titanium came out. I always bring it along to the games just in case. Now I have a solid reason.

I use the Wilson Dyna-Lite single bar mask with the doe skin wrap around pads. I absolutely love it. Light, sturdy protection and looks good. I like the look of the titanium, but am just not willing to shell out the big bucks for it based on looks alone while my Dyna-Lite is still in good condition.

It isn't for the looks alone. It is the ultimate in comfort. I have the other mask you just described. It is comfortable. It is not even close to the comfort level of the titanium. Not close. And that doesn't even address the increased visibility of the titanium.

One thing I like very much about the new light Diamond mask is the bar design. Instead of round they use a flat, deep bar that so far appears much more resistant to bending.

Have two partners with this mask and have seen both take 90+ shots with zero damage (other than a chin bruise for one as he was too cheap to order wrap around pads at 1st, now fixed).

Will one dent not reduce the visibility and safety of the mask, basically rendering it garbage? The mask might be safe before it takes a hit, but if it only lasts one dent then you'd be going through a lot of masks.

Not necessarily. There are too many variables for a yes or no answer.


If you need to wear a mask that will never dent, you won't be umpiring. It doesn't exist.

Be thankful those little tykes you work can't throw very hard yet.

About that Dent
 

Reason lighter masks gained popularity was that they were as hard as steel.
All new mask brands may dent. That's one crazy statement.
It may tie for the dumbest one this month.
CC6 is on the money here.
Time for a new mask.

Correct
 

Use sound judgment when making your next $200 purchase.
There are a number of defective masks on the market.
Avoid SUL's, New View's, or HSM's with injury record.
The verdict is still pending on the Titanium mask.

I use a Wilson Dynal-Lite mask (blk) with tan doe-skin wrap around pads (very protective). For $89 its a great buy for what I truly feel is excellent protection. I would love to purchase a titanium mask and probably will. I would love to see and try one on. But even though its pricey, as a uniform/equipment fanatic, i fell compelled to give it a look. It may just become my one and only, as so many have said before me. Balls and strikes baby!!!! :)

The only time I would use an HSM is if there was some sort of overhang that jutted out from the backstop, and I needed to avoid getting hit on the head. Other than that, the HSM seems like a waste of money.

I get why some like the HSM. It does offer better visibility, no doubt. Others like its comfort, and some dig it because they don't have to wear a hat. Still others like the Monroe-matics attached to the cage, that absorb the shock. It may seem like a waste of $ to you, but I don't begrudge others for making the investment.

I wouldn't begrude others for buying one. Just saying it's not for me.