equipment

[mdezinno]

looking to by equipment. Diamond CP vs Pro 9 CP
Placing order today wilson 10" Dyna lite, Wilson charcoal grey cp,Diamond shins and 450 plate shoe. Thia should be a good set up from what I have read thanks for the help.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Neither.

West Vest or Wilson hardshell, All-Star Professional Model, All-American hardshell, V-Sport hardshell, or Champion Hardshell.

Don't skimp on protection, cut costs somewhere else. Look around for the best deals on the best gear.

[Welpe]

What Steve said. I have the Wilson Platinum and love it.

[Ump Rube]

While I agree with SDS on higher level CPs. I understand if you are just starting and are not going to be doing higher level games, then I would recommend the Pro-9. I used it for a couple of seasons it fits well, and is easy to adjust. It does have a downside the chest clip (that goes around the back from one side to the other) is made of plastic and is near the front. I don't remember taking a shot there, but if you do it might break. In the end, it is your choice on what fits best and protects what you want protected.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Ump Rube

While I agree with SDS on higher level CPs. I understand if you are just starting and are not going to be doing higher level games, then I would recommend the Pro-9. I used it for a couple of seasons it fits well, and is easy to adjust. It does have a downside the chest clip (that goes around the back from one side to the other) is made of plastic and is near the front. I don't remember taking a shot there, but if you do it might break. In the end, it is your choice on what fits best and protects what you want protected.

You can pick up a new V-Sport or Champion hardshell for just about the same price as a Pro-9. I would opt to have the baseball ricochet off my chest rather that have it actually get felt by me. YMMV.

[rookieblue]

I've used a Pro-9 for several years now - started out with LL and now call high school, Babe Ruth, travel ball, men's league (hell, wherever and whenever they send me!).

I have felt exactly one pitch with this protector, a fastball the catcher clean missed that hit me in the solar plexus and winded me briefly.

That's it.

If you plan on calling higher levels of ball, I would follow Steve's (and others') advice and invest in the Wilson Platinum or like product. My next vest will certainly be of that class.

For 12 and under LL, however, the Pro-9 provides ample protection. Bear in mind, you may start out at LL and then find you have an aptitude for this work, and want to move up.

[mdezinno]

how about the gerry davis gear shins,cp mask

[mdezinno]

I am doing 12 and under LL. Does that change your advice

[Bishopcolle]

Originally Posted by mdezinno

I am doing 12 and under LL. Does that change your advice

Somewhat seriously, somewhat joking: "You might consider the "raft."

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by mdezinno

looking to by equipment. Diamond CP vs Pro 9 CP

Add Honig's K1 to the list.

[mbyron]

A good rule with respect to buying equipment: Decide the highest level of ball you expect to be working in the next 10 years. Buy the kind of equipment used by the guys in your association who do that level.

If you expect to be working HS varsity or up in that time frame, then I would by a West Vest (gold or platinum), a mask or helmet that costs more than $100, and Davis or Honigs shins.

And: don't forget plate shoes. I picked up a pair of New Balance 450s last offseason for under $100.

It's a lot of money up front for officiating, but (a) it's tax deductible, and (b) it's cheaper than a new head.

[zm1283]

Originally Posted by mbyron

A good rule with respect to buying equipment: Decide the highest level of ball you expect to be working in the next 10 years. Buy the kind of equipment used by the guys in your association who do that level.

If you expect to be working HS varsity or up in that time frame, then I would by a West Vest (gold or platinum), a mask or helmet that costs more than $100, and Davis or Honigs shins.

And: don't forget plate shoes. I picked up a pair of New Balance 450s last offseason for under $100.

It's a lot of money up front for officiating, but (a) it's tax deductible, and (b) it's cheaper than a new head.

You can get good masks for well under $100. The West Vest Wilson models and the lightweight Diamond come to mind.

You don't need Davis or Honigs shin guards. Diamond and All-Star make good shin guards as well, not to mention Wilson's multiple models.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by zm1283

You can get good masks for well under $100. The West Vest Wilson models and the lightweight Diamond come to mind.

You don't need Davis or Honigs shin guards. Diamond and All-Star make good shin guards as well, not to mention Wilson's multiple models.

Your opinion. I was posting what I would do.

[zm1283]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Your opinion. I was posting what I would do.

Just pointing out that you don't NEED a mask over $100, even if you're doing high level high school or even college ball. In fact, there are very few traditional masks over $100. (Wilson Titanium, All-Star...anything else?)

I've seen MLB guys wearing this Wilson Tan Umpire Mask: Ump Attire before. If it's good enough for them, I think it's good enough for any of us.

This one too: Wilson Chrome Moliben Umpire Mask - New View: Ump Attire

[DonInKansas]

Originally Posted by mbyron

And: don't forget plate shoes. I picked up a pair of New Balance 450s last offseason for under $100.

If you decide on the 450s (I LOVE mine) get them at shoebuy.com. Use the coupon code "DAD" to get them for around 80 bucks shipped. The site runs 20% off coupon codes fairly regularly and that's the time to score them.