How do you know it's not a design flaw? You mean to say that they purposely chose the materials they did, welded with the techniques they used, so that they would purposely break when impacted? What?

I look at it like this. All masks bend if they are hit in the right place. I know guys that use a Nike titanium and they have bent. The ball that hit me was the worst I have ever taken. If I was wearing my Mizuno I am sure it would have bent the sh!t out of that too. That's just the nature of the business. I will say this. I will never use a low profile mask again. My Mizuno is a semi-low profile but nothing like a wilson.

Go light?
 

I am not disputing with those in charge of production. I am disputing the fact that new products come out as advertised. If I had the choice between a HSM and a titanium mask, I'd be leaning toward the HSM right now. I don't see those HSM guys admit they suffered a concussion wearing a brand new mask or that it bent after the 1st shot. You know what I'm saying.

Ask me if I care what the owners of a +POS SUL mask, hockey style mask or the new view mask say about them. I don't remember so many garbage stories when the original lightweight mask came into use. I don't remember so many injury reports years back. Do I need to increase my insurance coverage? Well, if concussions are hazards of the occupation, perhaps I'll walk away before NFHS require umpires to wear a HSM. Just something to think about.

I don't know what's up this year.

I have been hit hard in the mask five times and twice in the CP already this year. Most of my games have been NAIA or the higher classifications of high school.
I'm in the exact same position behind the plate as I've always used. I usually don't get hit this many times through college, high school and Legion season.

My Shock FX has been good in every hit. I still don't like carrying the bucket, but I feel good about the protection. I still carry the old mask, but it's getting deeper in the bag all the time.