Hi fellow umpires.
I am looking to possibly purchase a "Pro 9" chest protector. It looks simular to Honigs "Pro Elite" at about half the cost. Choices are either a CPU (14") or CPUXL (16").
For those that have or are familiar with this chest protector, please provide opinions (good, bad or otherwise).
Thank you,
Sam

I used to use "The Ump" and was very satisfied with it until I took a foul off the top of my shoulder in a men's major game. I felt that shot a lot more than I wanted to. I went with the Pro-9 last year and have been very satisfied with it. I like the hard plastic cap/shell/whatever over the shoulders and collar bone areas. It is light, the vast majority is hard foam. I now wear this protector exclusively.

And as those who sweat like I do should do with their chest protectors, I use Fabreeze after every game. It eliminates the smell.

Great info-I also use Fabreeze.
Did you get the CPU (14") or the CPUXL (16")?
Thank you

A little soap and water goes a long way too...in fact, if you don't rinse real well, you get a bubble bath around the 3rd inning.

Sam,
I must have the 14-inch, but I don't remember which one I got. There is a place for a velcro attachment. My thought was that I have enough padding below the protector as it is.

I found these much cheaper than Honigs on this site. $68 for the pro 9 protector. $175 for an entire set of equipment, I might have to get new stuff myself!!!!

http://ohio.purchaseofficials.com/ma...nufacturerid=7

Hey Steve:
Thanks for the info.
(Intended humor below):
Are you implying that you have some human "padding" below your chest protector?-As in my case where I cannot usually see my belt buckle unless I am looking in the mirror or my belt has been removed from my pants.
Sam

Sam,
Gee whiz, I'm not implying that - I'm stating that outright - The belly has enough padding that I don't need extra. Though this season, I have dropped from a 40-inch waist to a 38 and am actually looking at the 36's that I wore a few years ago thinking, thinking, thinking, ...

Steve:
Fair enough.
The Pro 9 chest protector looks to be a good choice.
Thanks,
Sam

Steve M,

How would you compare the weight and comfort between the UMP and the PRO 9?

Strike4,
I'd have to say that the weight of these two protectors is similar. The Pro-9 is just a bit heavier, but that's due to the plastic caps on the shoulder. I don't think you'll notice the difference - even in the 2nd or 3rd game of the day.