equipment

[mdezinno]

how about the gerry davis gear shins,cp mask

[DonInKansas]

Shins are shins. just find some that are comfortable for you. That's the easiest place to cheap out.

[briancurtin]

Try searching the forums to see what people think.

[kylejt]

Trust me on this, long after the bills are paid, you'll never regret buying the best.

Gold, Platinum or the original WV. I like the Platinum, but I may not be built like you. Hard shell, even for little people. Again, trust me.

The Davis package is okay, but you'll want something better in a year. Shins are shins, just make sure they mate to your plate shoes properly, and aren't too bulky under your pants.

[briancurtin]

Speaking of equipment, Honigs and Gerry Davis both appear to only sell one version of the grey titanium Wilson mask...but it isn't listed if that's the "new-view" or the standard view mask. Obviously I could email them and ask, but does anyone know off-hand what the deal is?

Edit: sort of nevermind this. The GD site says it's the "new view" style, but Honigs doesn't list anything.

[ozzy6900]

As one who already spent time in the hospital due to an inadequate CP, my advice is Hard Shell and nothing else. I use the WV Platinum. I don't care what level you are doing, if a ball catches your cheap CP in the wrong place, you get to meet new people. Paramedics, nurses, doctors - get it?

What flattened me was a 95+ MPH pitch that was fouled back and never touched by F2. Straight to the chest, right over the sternum. It's very interesting that you have enough time to realize that you are in serious trouble because your heart is pounding but not correctly. Then the batter's box hits you square in the face.

[ManInBlue]

Originally Posted by DonInKansas

Shins are shins. just find some that are comfortable for you. That's the easiest place to cheap out.

I have to respectfully disagree with this statement. I did cheap out on shins, and got hurt more than once. Once I got hit in the shin and had a bruise there by the time I was headed to the house (yes I was wearing my shin guards at the time). Time to upgrade!!

Get something with some padding behind it. The WV shins are nice but slightly pricey (you won't know you've been hit). There are some very similar that are less costly - GD carries some good ones.

For 12u you MIGHT be able to cheap out, but why risk it?

[zm1283]

I have the Diamond iX3 shin guards and I really like them. They can be had for around $50 new as well. They're triple knee like some of the Wilsons, and they have the removable toe protector flap thing. I've taken several pretty good shots off of them and haven't felt a thing.

[Klokard]

Lot's of good advice here based on sound experience. I have only owned 2 CP's in 30 years of umping. A Carlucci and a West Vest by Douglas. Still own both. I use the Carlucci for upper level ball and the WV for lower div. To me it's like insurance. Buy the best and hope you will never need it. Invest your money in quality equipment and maintain it. It will last you a long time.