Darn! They are out of stock on the large. That is real similar to the All Star that I use. Heck, for a 30 dollar bill, I thought I might just give it a try. If I didn't like it, I could pass it along to a junior umpire!

Gotta admit, on some of those hot & humid days - I have thought about going out & getting another balloon.

On another note - Sara, you have gotten a lot of replies - did we answer your question? We each got one or more that we're happy with.

Yes, you answered my question. I had it narrowed down to a couple, but wanted to make sure other softball umps liked 'em. Thanks to all for the help.

Which one did you finally choose?
Jim

Try them on
 

If possible, try before you buy. Not everyone is built the same. Last winter/spring I decided it was time to buy a new protector. I tried on the Honig's UMP, K5, & K2, all on recommendations here & from fellow umps, as well as some offerings from Wilson and others. The UMP just didn't fit me well, and the K5 wasn't comfortable on my arms. A couple others were just too big or too little. Not because they aren't good products, they just didn't fit me the same as some others with different builds. I liked one from Nike, but hated another. I eventually settled on a Mizuno Vintage that happened to be on the rack at a local store. Couldn't be happier with it. (Took a couple of baseball shots that would have dented any hard shell, felt them, but was just fine.) Bottom line is you have to find what fits your build and style. Then you will be comfortable and confident.

I used the Allstar model for about 14 years for FP & MP and liked it a lot. Then we got a basset hound puppy who thought it tasted good (along with my Allstar Shin Guards) so I bought an UMP. I liked it pretty well, but I wish I'd bought the Cooper that BagMan bought! I paid $80.00 for the UMP and he paid $30.00 and the shoulder guards look like they work better than the UMP's.
Oh well, I may or may not start back umpiring. Surely not in Atlanta ASA (remember the story), they don't want me. Maybe I'll try USSSA! Nope! I guess I'll wait until I move to Florida in late 2005 or so.
Hope everyone is doing well this fall; it's starting to get a little nippy here in the Northern Burbs of Atlanta.
The HS sectionals have started, and soon the state.