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Looking to upgrade this off season. I'm interested to find out what guards you all are using. I'm especially interested to know if anyone is using the Honigs Umpshins or the Wilson A3417 but I want opinions on all manufacturers. I'm curious to know about weight, feel, comfort, heat absorption and anything else you care to mention.
Thanks Dtwsd |
First off, Honig's does not make the Ump line of products. They are made by a company called Bodyguard Products and run by a guy who is/was an umpire. Honig's is merely one of many retailers who sell this line.
That said, yes, I use the Umpshins and are very happy with them both on a protection and comfort basis. |
I've used the Davis single knee guards, but found them to be too wide for my preference. They require full-fledged plate pants (i.e. even combos are tight). I've only used them a couple of times. They're for sale if anyone is interested.
http://www.lestersupstatesports.com/...1/ba706_tn.JPG My current pair are the ITECH guards, which fit nicely under even base pants, yet have good air circulation and excellent protection. The hard plate floats above your leg on an inner lining. There is an air gap between the guard and the lining, and plenty of holes for air to circulate. http://www.lestersupstatesports.com/...1/ba702_tn.jpg My favorites were the earlier version of the ITECH guards, which had the Cooper name, and did not have the protective plate above the joint between the shin and kneecap. I liked them better because they were even a better fit under ordinary (base) pants. I could cut the extra plate off, but I haven't yet. I bequeathed my Coopers to my daughter. I can't find the original Coopers anymore. You can find links to various equipment dealers in the Links section of Softball Umpires. |
Tom,
email me and I might be interested in the davis' Thanks John |
Tom,
Are these the Coopers you are looking for? Cooper BLG7DK Leg Guards (11 inch Shin Piece) SKU: BLG7DK $17.95 Cooper ULG30 Adult Baseball Umpire Leg Guards SKU: ULG30 $27.90 Find them at http://www.anacondasports.com/webapp...=39&Submit.y=9 |
I've used the Umpshins for about 10-12 years, pretty much since they first came out. I did not have any problems or complaints with them until the 2003 season. I took a direct shot right in the middle of the shin in a men's game and it hurt, a lot. I've since gone to the Umpshins BB version and feel much better. The SB Umpshins are light and I found they fit very well under Base pants. I'm about 6'1 and go about 220. For the most part, I only use Fech pants and get away with only using their Base pants for SB. For BB, I'll use the Cliff Keen combo's and have been pretty happy with them. As for how hot they are - I sweat a lot, no matter what - I have not found them to be a problem.
Addition: I forgot to say - like everything else with protective equipment - think about what level of ball you are working and make sure that you get gear that will protect you at the next higher level. This way, you'll be sure to be well protected at the levels you normally work. [Edited by Steve M on Oct 13th, 2004 at 09:59 PM] |
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Just use the soccer type guards like I use. 17.95 Sure missed you a couple weeks ago at BBUSA/SBUSA |
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Glen,
Crap I already almost am, I'm using a pair of all star little leagues I got at academy that's a long story that I'll tell you over some libations the next time that we get together I missed being down there too You have no idea what I went through, my poor jeep and the Central truck on 290 didn't get along to good when he decided that he wanted to be in the same lane as I was, good luck at Spring Klein on Friday night John |
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