Charcoal gray v heather gray

[MikeStrybel]

I was given two pairs of Smittys for teaching a clinic this past Spring. They held up really well and I have no complaints about comfort or appearance. My GDs are just as comfortable and look to be the same color as the day I received them. All of my pants get ironed and hang from a bar in the back seat of my vehicle, along with my shirts and under gear (it was a cold Spring in Chicago, so that bar was full of UA). The windows are tinted pretty dark so that probably helps keep the gear from fading.

I wore the heather grey pants in the tropics of Asia for a few years. The color held up just fine - no brown or pink - and they wore well. The sun is really intense over there and the humidity made creases disappear. Still, they looked better than the Japanese versions I encountered on partners. The heather grey didn't seem to get as hot as the charcoal do now.

[kylejt]

The Honig's polywools are the benchmark for all pants. Unless you have "in" to get MLB pants, which are a tick better, there's nothing even close.

The GD are quiet servicable, and stout. They're a bit darker in color. I don't care for their base pants, as I find them a bit thin in the legs. I use combos on the bases. I use the plate pants when working from a knee, with the little guys. No need to ruin the expensive pants on those games. I used the two or three times this year.

I've still got a few pair of +POS heathers, just in case. None are faded or pink. But I'm careful what I wash them with, and where I store them. Cold water, gentle wash, with like colors.

[zm1283]

My oldest polywools are some plate pants in their third season and they're still going strong. They are a little worn in places but they are virtually the same color as the new ones I bought this year.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

MTD, Jr., and I have been wearing the Smitty Heather Grays since he started umpiring (this is his 4th year) and they have held their color very well. We do not wash our slacks we always have them drycleaned. Why, you ask? Because, permanent press really means that there will be no wrinkles when the slack come out of the dryer, but the creas will not hold up for too long. And ironing them at home still cannot hold a candle to a drycleaner steam pressing. I have always drycleaned my basketball officiating slacks too (40 years now).

MTD, Sr.

[ozzy6900]

My Fetchheimers are almost 18 years old and still look as good as ever. Fetcheimers never faded or went pink as the Honigs did. They hardly get work any more after HS season and as of next year, CT goes to the Charcoal Gray.