Gold vs. Platinum

[zm1283]

Okay, I'm seeking opinions from people who have used both the Wilson Gold and Platinum CPs. I have a Platinum right now (The bigger size of the two). It has worked very well, but it is hard to keep up around my neck. I'm a fairly thin guy (About 6'1", 175), and it seems like the Gold's M/L size (38-44) would fit me better.

So if you've actually put both of them on, which is your favorite and why? I'm considering selling my Platinum and getting the Gold.

P.S. - If you're interested in a good deal on my Platinum let me know before I put it on eBay.

[JR12]

I took my a LONG time of adjusting straps to finally get my Platinum up high where it should be. Keep playing and tighning. I am 6'2" 210 lbs.

[jdmara]

The key to the platinum is tightening the straps, as JR12 said. I'm more tiny than both of you by a long shot (5'7", 132 lbs) and after awhile of adjusting, It stays put now. I was afraid by tightening the straps it would become uncomfortable but it actually, for me anyways, become MORE comfortable. I can't speak about the gold as I have never wore it. Good luck in your search.

-Josh

[Ump29]

I am also interested in comments. Looking at both. I am 5' 10" and about 185.

[mbyron]

IMO, the choice between the Gold and the Platinum has less to do with fit and more to do with your stance.

The Gold has its protection in front of the shoulders:

So it's better for those with a more upright stance.

The Platinum has its protection on top:

So it's better for those who lean more.

You will notice that the neck is very different, and issues of fit do arise there.

[Kevin Finnerty]

That might be the most concise and helpful gear comparison I've ever seen.

Naw, that is the most concise and helpful gear comparison I've ever seen.

[mrm21711]

Originally Posted by Ump29

I am also interested in comments. Looking at both. I am 5' 10" and about 185.

I agree the Platinum appears better designed to accomodate umpires working a scissors stance or a stance that exposes their shoulders while the Gold appears to be designed to better protect umpires working a more traditional "box" or "heel to toe" stance as they are more squared off and their shoulders are not really exposed. The neck area on the Gold is also smaller and a bit more snug. However, I dont think there is a significant issue with an umpire working the scissors wearing the Gold and somebody wearing a Platinum who works a box stance. A MLB guys who come to mind who wears the Gold is Paul Emmel.

I am approximately the same size as Ump29 and wore a Platinum for about 2 seasons and jumped at an opportunity to pick up a Gold when it was on sale for $100 at Ump-Attire. I am glad I switched and cannot imagine wearing anything else. It is more form fitting and more comfortable. I found the Platinum riding up a bit and felt a little too bulky for my liking. I have worn the Gold for about 3 seasons and absolutely love it. I wear the M-L size and it fits great.

I also know guys in our association who are much larger who wear the Platinum. I was watching a game the other day and noticed Tim McClelland wearing a Platinum as well. When I had mine, Wilson only made the 13 1/2 inch size. In my opinion, there is no way the same protector at 13 1/2 inches would fit me & Tim McClelland (and other larger guys in my associaton who I work with) equally as well.

Youre not going to go wrong with the protection of either protector. However, the Gold is by far more comfortable for me.

[Kevin Finnerty]

I always feel well protected by the Platinum, but I am in search of added comfort, and a little smaller profile. And the Gold has thicker padding. It seems like there would be enhanced protection.

[LDUB]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

That might be the most concise and helpful gear comparison I've ever seen.

Naw, that is the most concise and helpful gear comparison I've ever seen.

A whole 6 sentences comparing 2 products...no way there is a more helpful product comparison anywhere in the world.

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by LDUB

A whole 6 sentences comparing 2 products...no way there is a more helpful product comparison anywhere in the world.

Depends on what you consider helpful, Luke. Some like short, sweet, and to the point over a verbose, rambling comparative analysis.


Tim.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by LDUB

A whole 6 sentences comparing 2 products...no way there is a more helpful product comparison anywhere in the world.

Was there some other information you needed? Mbyron seemed to sum it all up just fine.

[Ump153]

Originally Posted by mbyron

IMO, the choice between the Gold and the Platinum has less to do with fit and more to do with your stance.

The Gold has its protection in front of the shoulders:
So it's better for those with a more upright stance.

The Platinum has its protection on top:
So it's better for those who lean more.

You will notice that the neck is very different, and issues of fit do arise there.

Excellent, albeit wordy, re-iteration of Joe's own words of several years ago:

"The platinum is for the scissors guys, the gold is for the box guys."

[SAump]

Originally Posted by jdmara

The key to the platinum is tightening the straps, as JR12 said. I'm more tiny than both of you by a long shot (5'7", 132 lbs) and after awhile of adjusting, It stays put now. I was afraid by tightening the straps it would become uncomfortable but it actually, for me anyways, become MORE comfortable. I can't speak about the gold as I have never wore it. Good luck in your search.

-Josh

Went through the same "feeling out" process with the gold chest protector.
Concur that tightening the straps is more comfortable, safe and secure.
Can't speak for anyone else but willing to say I speak for the majority.

Info for new umpires: the opposite is true for the traditional mask.
To feel more comfortable, safe and secure, loosen those harness straps on the mask!

[biggravy]

I had alot of problems at first with the Gold wanting to ride up and not sit against my shoulders but actually stick up above them. It didn't matter how I adjusted the straps. I finally wrapped athletic tape on the straps in two places for each side. I wrapped it pretty thick, probably tripling the thickness of the straps and 2" wide. The texture of the athletic tape (non-sticky side) still holds tight against my t-shirt and the vest doesn't move at all. YMMV.