I need a new one and I was wondering what you guys recommend. I want a light weight one, but still have good protection. Any help would be appreciated

For softball the Schutt Comfort Lite has been great. I use an All Star hard shell for baseball HS and up. The Schutt has moveable shoulder pads, I cut the upper arm pads off. After a hot sweaty game, a tip from some of our guys is spray don equipment with Febreze, or the ALL equal, works nice.

K5C - STANDARD `ELITE' PROTECTOR
"Traditional style" inside protector
Our Price: $71.95
http://www.honigs.com/browse_products.asp?Cat=2&Sub=36

I use the Honig's K2. I bought it last spring.

It offers excellent sternum, collarbone, and shoulder protection; OK upper chest protection; no belly protection.

Good for hot climates, or for umpires who are "girth challenged" (because it doesn't add to the girth), or for umpires with a short torso (since it won't protrude below the belt).

The compromise is in the lack of belly protection.

I'm still not 100% sold on it for that reason, but I had no problems during the first season of use. It took a couple of pretty good shots off the upper chest and worked OK.

For most softball levels, I've found "The Ump" does well as a chest protector. And I've been spraying mine with Fabreeze for several years - that works well even when you sweat as much as I do.

Like Tom, I use the K2. However, I had a belly pad put in
by a guy that makes the circuit around here selling and
repairing gloves, etc. I did not like the added "heat",
so sold it to a friend.

I have found, down here in the hot climes of Texas, that the All-Star CPU23 offers the best protection while allowing me to remain as cool as is possible with all that gear on. I have been using it for ten years now, and refuse to change.

But, that may say more about YOU than it does about the equipment! ;)

Did you buy another K2?

True enough!!!

No, I had two.....

I have the original K1...the big version. It is slightly bulky, but I don't have a problem with it. I'd rather have the protection it provides for "my girth." K2 is a good one, especially if you are a smaller torso umpire. I'm a big guy (6'2", 300lbs) so I feel a little exposed in the belly with the K2. K1 isn't that hot either...it breathes prety well.

RE: Chest Protectors
 

BTW, I still have a ballon style protector I used after
my heart surgery. Talk about feeling safe as a baby in
Mommies arms.

I have been wearing a Cooper since 1990 and have been very pleases. this model Cooper UMP30AIR Umpire Inside Chest Protector is light weight and vented, do not let the price fool you, it is that good.

Purchase online at http://www.anacondasports.com/webapp...oductId=111711

Re: RE: Chest Protectors
 

Man!
You do love the game!
mick