I'm a second year ump, looking to replace my mask. Does anyone know of one with a larger opening? I don't do any of those smallball games.

I have been using the one straight out of the ASA equipment catalog, & it is fine.

Wilson here
 

I use the very light weight Wilson and love it. One of our umpires just ordered a different one from Honig's...don't remember the brand but it has an even wider opening and is very lightweight.

I swear by my Wilson...wonderful visibility and very light weight. No sore neck/shoulders after doing that third or even fourth plate game on a Saturday...

Is your mask a double bar mask?

If so, you might try one of the lightweight single bar models. Much better visibility.

I bought the Wilson A3077 a couple of years ago. It is a single bar mask that is extremely lightweight. Also it is a low profile mask so it sit closer to the face giving more visibility. Will need to use a 4 stitch hat under it as the 6 stitch is a tight fit. I lent this mask to my partner at a game last year and he like it so much he went out and bought one. Do not remember where it came from as it was on my list to Santa.

http://store1.yimg.com/I/hitrunscore_1843_2691386

[Edited by Duke on May 17th, 2005 at 04:00 PM]

A3077
 

Mine is the A3077 and I wear nothing but combos and eight-stitch hats. Haven't worn a 4-stitch since, well, a while ago. Might consider loosening your mask a little...it certainly helps when you gets those fouls into the mask. If you have it on their like vice grips it HURTS. Wear it loose and it's wonderful.

But...I love my mask.

I use the single bar mask from Honigs. Great visibility and light weight - I love it. No more sore neck for me!

Re: A3077
 

Yeah, you guys should have seen the lead weight he USED to use... :D

I wear my straps as loose as they go. I let the mask rest on the bill for support. Still do not think I could wear an eight stitch underneath it. I could wear a six stitch but it is a tight fit an prefer not to.

This is my 2nd season with the A3077 and I absolutely love it. I use a 4 stitch also and it's fine for me.

I have been using the Schutt single bar ultra lightweight and love it. Best mask I have ever worn, the new single bar gives great visibility and it will take a shot. I know it was used by several olympic umps and at leaset 2 of this years college world series umps are using it. I also see it periodically when they televise an NCAA game on TV.

I agree with DNTXUM. I bought one this year. Great mask, very lightweight
and outstanding visibility.

Do you buy a new mask every year, Glen? Those USFA games must pay pretty good! (They'd have to for me!)

Tom,

I let my DD handle that for me. I bought the SUL100, then she bought the Low Profile for
me and then while at a clinic, I bought the Schutt. Like it best so far. Hey, I have
done quite well so far with the USFA tournaments. Am doing two more qualifiders,
the State, then the World Series. [I know Mike, really not a WS, but it is their
game and they call it that.]

I bought the Schutt with the double bar and love it, but have just in the last few weeks gotten the single bar one.
Man oh man is it light weight and offers a better view too.

I recommend this mask over all others.
Lightweight, great vision and the price in far better than what I get with any other.
Now I guess the guys at Honigs won't like me anymore.