Indicators: are the metal ones better?

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by RadioBlue

I have a dozen of them and I permanently keep at least one in each ball bag. It's come in handy, at times, if one breaks or my partner needs one.

So you're (1) giving your base umpire a spare one, and/or (2) wearing a ball bag on the bases.

[jchamp]

Originally Posted by Rita C

I have the wheels notched and flattened so that I can read the count with my fingers.

Rita

I am fascinated by your idea and would like to subscribe to your newsletter!

Now, where's my dremel tool?

[Rita C]

Originally Posted by jchamp

I am fascinated by your idea and would like to subscribe to your newsletter!

Now, where's my dremel tool?

Excuse me? What?

[LMan]

Funny thing and maybe its just me, but the heavier weight of the metal indicators causes me to drop them accidentally more often than the plastic kind. I like their feel much better, but I definitely have to keep a better grip on them.

[DG]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

I seem to be hard on indicators... I find that the clicking mechanism seems to wear out on me rapidly. I've gone through 2 of them this season so far, over the course of about 40 games.

Not a huge deal, since they only cost a $5-6 apiece, I can afford to replace them often, but I'm wondering if they metal ones will last longer then the plastic ones that I've been buying so far (I haven't yet found a local shop that sells the metal ones, but I can get plastic ones from any number of places).

So, what have your experiences been? Are the metal indicators worth the price?

Get a metal Markwert and never look back. You will pay more than $5-6 but it will be worth it. I ordered online.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by DG

Get a metal Markwert and never look back. You will pay more than $5-6 but it will be worth it. I ordered online.

It's Markwort. $17 at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Markwort-Stain.../dp/B0002U3VQI

The 3 dial is just $6.71

http://www.amazon.com/Markwort-Metal...9199870&sr=1-3

[jicecone]

Oh by the way I still have an old electronic one I used. It would light up as you pushed the button and then it would clear with one push of another button. It was cool and great for night games. Especially when you get around 40 and the eyes start going squiggly-do on you. Hard to see the lights in the daytime though.

[kylejt]

My lovely wife bought me a metal indicator, and had it nicely engraved.

My first game with it was an afternoon affair, and my first glance at it nearly blinded me with the glare. It was completely unusable. It stayed in my bag for a few years, and was "lost" somewhere along the line.

Please don't tell her.

Oh yeah, and it was really heavy.

I try not to work with one, if I have decent scoreboard worker as a backup.

I still use the electronic Honig's, even though the battery drowned in the washing machine years ago. It's got to be ten years old, with hundreds of games on it. Still smooth as glass.

[Trout78]

I use the 4 wheel all metal case all metal gear indicator. All Star brand. It's nice and heavy.

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by Trout78

I use the 4 wheel all metal case all metal gear indicator. All Star brand. It's nice and heavy.

Always great to know what inning your in, and that 4 ball, 3 strike wheel lets you know when it's a strikeout or walk. Hell, they even have a 3 out wheel to let you know that's all a team gets an inning.

[biggravy]

If you are going to shell out for a metal one, dont settle for metal case plastic wheels. Get the stainless one with stainless notched wheels. I think I got my from Between the Lines. I agree with all comments about it not being a crutch but since I work many games with lackadaisical scoreboard operators and even poor bookeepers... Lets just say we would have played the sixth inning twice in a game this year if I had not noticed and yes even I had to look. The notches let me confirm the count by feel. To me its just another tool.

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by biggravy

If you are going to shell out for a metal one, dont settle for metal case plastic wheels. Get the stainless one with stainless notched wheels. I think I got my from Between the Lines. I agree with all comments about it not being a crutch but since I work many games with lackadaisical scoreboard operators and even poor bookeepers... Lets just say we would have played the sixth inning twice in a game this year if I had not noticed and yes even I had to look. The notches let me confirm the count by feel. To me its just another tool.

I've never used notches. I can work it just fine without them. I'd rather take a quick glance down, than feel for the count.

Love the big 3-2-2. I can see it at night without having to hold the old four hole at arms length, and maybe be able to read it. I have on occasion had to have the coach read some names off the line-up, my reading eyesight has gotten so bad recently.

[DG]

Originally Posted by mbyron

It's Markwort. $17 at Amazon.

Amazon.com: Markwort Stainless Steel 4-Dial Umpire Indicator: Sports & Outdoors

The 3 dial is just $6.71

Amazon.com: Markwort Metal 3-Dial Umpire Indicator: Sports & Outdoors

You can get one for $11 or $12 if you surf some. Honigs has one for $9, but it is not as smooth as Markort.

I prefer 4 dial. I don't use on bases but always on plate. Each to his own.

[Rita C]

Originally Posted by DG

You can get one for $11 or $12 if you surf some. Honigs has one for $9, but it is not as smooth as Markort.

I prefer 4 dial. I don't use on bases but always on plate. Each to his own.

It smooths out after a bit. It's as smooth as my Markwort now.

Rita