Wilson West Vest Platinum

[njdevs00cup]

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.

[MichaelVA2000]

Originally Posted by njdevs00cup

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.

[jdmara]

Originally Posted by njdevs00cup

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.

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

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by njdevs00cup

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.

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.

[jdmara]

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.

1+

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

-Josh

[kylejt]

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.

[johnnyg08]

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

[kylejt]

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

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by kylejt

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

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

[Welpe]

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

[kylejt]

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

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

[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.