Champion Chest Protector

[Klokard]

JPaco54,
Welcome to the board. I commend you for stepping up and advancing. As far as the CP you mention, I cannot offer personal info on it, but I would like to offer sound advice. In the age group you will be working, ANY of the better CP's on the market will offer adequate protection. If you do a search on this site you will find that CP's are alot like car manufacturers. Some like Chevys, some Fords. some Dodges. Same with CP's. I have umpired for about 28 years and have owned only 3 CP's. I started my career doing the same ball you are talking about with a Rawlings CP. Once I started doing HS ball, I spent the money and bought a Carlucci in 1987. That CP lasted me until 2 years ago. It was still acceptable protection but it was worn out. I had every intention of getting over the hill to see Cece and have him upgrade it. Never did. He has since passed on. (Moment of silence.) I now use a Douglas 1st generation and have modified it greatly. Point being. It's your body. Get something that fits and that you like. The West Vest Gold can be found on eBay for reasonable. The Douglas, Riddell, Pro Choice, Wilson Gerry Davis are all good protectors. It's what you like and what you feel comfortable with.

[JPaco54]

Klolard - thank you for your input. I have plans to shop a few this Saturday. We have three stores in my area that sell CP's and I think your advise is sound about fit. So, I will go out and try a few on and go from there. I did borrow one last year from a friend and the fit was horrible, it kept creeping up around my neck and bulking up my shoulders. Thanks again!

[Blue37]

Originally Posted by JPaco54

Klolard - thank you for your input. I have plans to shop a few this Saturday. We have three stores in my area that sell CP's and I think your advise is sound about fit. So, I will go out and try a few on and go from there. I did borrow one last year from a friend and the fit was horrible, it kept creeping up around my neck and bulking up my shoulders. Thanks again!

Creeping up around the neck is not a bad thing. Keep those collar-bones protected!