For you equipment junkies

[cc6]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

I bet you'd find a few masks of any type that get dented at 90 mph

I hope none of these masks are models the professional umpires use.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by cc6

I hope none of these masks are models the professional umpires use.

Why would you say that? I'm "sure" that some of the masks are the models the professional umpires use, and I'm "sure" that professional umpires' masks get dented over the course of a season.

[cc6]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Why would you say that? I'm "sure" that some of the masks are the models the professional umpires use, and I'm "sure" that professional umpires' masks get dented over the course of a season.

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.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by cc6

Will one dent not reduce the visibility and safety of the mask, basically rendering it garbage?

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

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.

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.

[SAump]

Originally Posted by cc6

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.

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.

[cc6]

Originally Posted by SAump

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.

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.

[Kevin Finnerty]

What?

[kylejt]

Originally Posted by cc6

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.

[cc6]

Originally Posted by kylejt

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.

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by cc6

I hope none of these masks are models the professional umpires use.

Would you consider your car safe? Could a baseball dent your car? If so, it could dent a mask. A dent doesn't make a mask unsafe when it's purpose isn't not to dent, but to protect your face.

[SAump]

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.

[semperfiguy]

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!!!!