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

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.