Wilson West Vest Platinum

[Forest Ump]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

The tops of the Y strap should be tight enough so your head barely fits through. (gratuitous insult about any posters here with a big head neither implied nor stated). The bottom of the Y strap should be almost as short as it goes so the side-to-side strap helps pull the Y down, and thus pull / keep the protector up in the front.

I second this also. I didn't realize how bad mine was adjusted until it was pointed out to me during some cage work I was doing. You have to adjust it so that you really have to force your head through. That will bring up the front and provide better protection up top. It won't help if you get hit in the belly button. I know this personally.

[njdevs00cup]

Originally Posted by Forest Ump

I second this also. I didn't realize how bad mine was adjusted until it was pointed out to me during some cage work I was doing. You have to adjust it so that you really have to force your head through. That will bring up the front and provide better protection up top. It won't help if you get hit in the belly button. I know this personally.

I agree Forest. Now that I have the chest protector properly adjusted and taped, I'm amazed at how little coverage it provides below the bottom of my sternum.

[Steven Tyler]

Frankly, I'm a little amazed an umpire that must be working a higher level of ball than 12U, and go to the expense of purchasing a West Vest Gold, would seriously not know the straps would have to be adjusted to make the chest protector fit properly.

I even more amazed that you weren't ripped a new one by the "Good Ole' Boys" club for asking the question. Go figure....

[njdevs00cup]

Originally Posted by Steven Tyler

Frankly, I'm a little amazed an umpire that must be working a higher level of ball than 12U, and go to the expense of purchasing a West Vest Gold, would seriously not know the straps would have to be adjusted to make the chest protector fit properly.

I even more amazed that you weren't ripped a new one by the "Good Ole' Boys" club for asking the question. Go figure....

Could care less about being ripped a new one. If I have a question I ask it.

[Tim C]

"I'm amazed at how little coverage it provides below the bottom of my sternum."

Modern designed chest protectors are made to end just below your sternum.

That is why they are called "chest protectors" NOT "belly protectors."

The chest protector "engineers" of the world decided that the ease of talking a correct stance eliminated the need for padding lower than the sternum.

I am surprised you were surprised (if that makes sense).

T

[jdmara]

Originally Posted by Tim C

Modern designed chest protectors are made to end just below your sternum.

That is why they are called "chest protectors" NOT "belly protectors."

The chest protector "engineers" of the world decided that the ease of talking a correct stance eliminated the need for padding lower than the sternum.

I am surprised you were surprised (if that makes sense).

T

1+

-Josh

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by njdevs00cup

Could care less about being ripped a new one. If I have a question I ask it.

That's couldn't care less. My post was only being prevalent in what has seemed to be the tone on this board in recent days.

Since you don't mind being ripped a new one, my answer to your question should have been, "Buy one with directions next time."

[kylejt]

Don't make me pull this car over!

[njdevs00cup]

Originally Posted by Tim C

Modern designed chest protectors are made to end just below your sternum.

That is why they are called "chest protectors" NOT "belly protectors."

The chest protector "engineers" of the world decided that the ease of talking a correct stance eliminated the need for padding lower than the sternum.

I am surprised you were surprised (if that makes sense).

T

Tim,

Interesting point about the "engineers." My old protector was a +POS protector I bought in 2004. In the world of chest protectors, I don't know if this qualifies as modern. It measures 16" from the top of the neck cut out to the bottom of the protector. The WV Platnum is about 12". Having taking a quite a few shots, the WV absorbs the shock better, but does not offer nearly as much coverage below the sternum.

Matt

[johnnyg08]

How many times have you been hit below the sternum? I know my answer. YMMV.