Wilson West Vest Platinum
 

I purchased a Wilson West Vest Platinum and wore it throughout the high school and most of the legion season without a problem. I took quite a few foul balls and didn't feel a thing. Last week after I took a foul ball off of the collar bone I realized how much the chest protector slides down from my neck during a game. Any feedback to keep this chest protector tight to my neck. Thanks.

Adjust the CP for your most comfortable fit. Tape the buckles with electrical tape. Taping will prevent the straps from slipping.

Tighten up the straps, it's as easy as that. I've always found the tighter the better and it stays where I like it to be.

-Josh

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.

Gentlemen,

Thank you for the feedback and suggestions. I adjusted and taped all of the straps. It feels much more secure and doesn't move. I'll get the chance to try it out tonight.

Matt

took me half an hour of adjusting to get it to sit high enough.

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Good description Bob. You said what I was thinking but I obviously didn't achieve what I meant well.

-Josh

You'll have to readjust it once it gets broken in, and fitted to your "curves".

Electrical tape will work, but try to find some black cloth tape. It's less sticky, and looks better.

The metal rivits will wear after time, and will get rusty, if you let them. I paint mine in the off season, front and back.

Interesting, what kind of paint do you use? Do you sand the metal at all or just paint?

Flat black Rustoleum, strayed into a paper cup, and brushed directly on the buttons. It's seemed to work okay.

would a Q-tip work, or is a brush the way to go? If brush, what type of brush?

This is a great idea, mine already has paint scraped away after just one game and putting it on and off fitting it. Good preventative measure since I plan on using this for possibly the next 10 years or so.

Like Gaffer's tape ... a bit pricey, but leaves little or no adhesive residue.

I would think a clear lacquer would preserve in the same manner. It may be more resilient than the paint too.

Gaffer's tape is what I use. Good stuff.

I use either a small brush (model airplane type) or Q-tip for the paint.

Love the Gaffer's tape idea. I used athletic tape and I think once I get it broken in and have to retape, I'll use the gaffer's tape.

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.

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....:confused:

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

Well,
 

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

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-Josh

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."

Children!
 

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

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