Pro 9 chest protector

[U of M Sam]

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

[Steve M]

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.

[U of M Sam]

Originally posted by Steve M
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

[tcannizzo]

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.

[Steve M]

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.

[DaveASA/FED]

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

[U of M Sam]

Originally posted by Steve M
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.

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

[Steve M]

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, ...

[U of M Sam]

Originally posted by Steve M
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

[strike4]

Steve M,

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

[Steve M]

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.