Thanks Duke (Ken) and Steve M.
Sam

I have used a lacrosse chest protector for about 3 years now with great success. It has the same coverage as the Honig's Protector at roughly half the cost. I know we are not in it for the money, but it doesn't make sense to spend more than neccesarry when the same thing for less money odes the job.

I work NSA fastpitch tournament ball from 12-u to 18-U and also wear my K2 for high school ball. In all the years I've been wearing it, I've never been hit anywhere other than the shoulders or collarbone. It provides great protection for those areas as well as the miidle part of the upper chest. It is much cooler to wear the K2 during those hot summer tournaments than most of the others I've tried.
You mentioned getting hit in the lower ribcage (ouch!) Perhaps you need to re-think what stance you are using when you're behind the plate. It sounds as though you may be setting up a little to high. Many of the other umpires in my association don't wear any protection at all. I think they're crazy but I guess they're adults and they can make those decisions.
Here in So Md we have a pitcher who will be a HS senior this year who has already signed with Arizona (I think). She pitches for the VA Shamrocks who won the 18U Gold ASA National championship. This girl can really put some heat on the ball and I feel completely at ease when I work one of her games. (That might be because I am too busy admiring how this girl can pitch!)

Maybe you should be admiring how good the catcher handles the hard ones. :)

Mike,
Trust me when I tell you this. I REALLY appreciate the catchers in front of me. I know the catcher from this girls HS team and she takes her responsibility of protecting the umpires very seriously. She knows how hard those pitches are coming! (she wears a palm guard glove AND a specially made hand pad to help her get through the season!)

I was thinking the same thing Irishmafia. The best chest protector is a good catcher, unfortunatly, those cannot be purchesed and carried with you.

Sam,

Sorry about replying late. I'm on Christmas vacation out of state at the in-laws. I got my Pro-9 at ump-attire along with a couple of their great ball bags with the elastic on the top. The Pro-9 will handle boy's H.S. baseball and any level of girls softball. It is also cool on our 115+ degree summer days.

Paul B.

Thanks Paul,
Sam

Which HS, just in case they come north for a game or playoff?

This is a fast pitch topic. :D

[Edited by CecilOne on Dec 29th, 2005 at 05:11 PM]

Okay and you're involved because? :D

I agree with DNTXUM, working here in the Texas heat, this
protector really is great.

She plays at Calvert High School in Southern Maryland.

I've used the K-2 for 2-3 years and have only taken a few shots in the unprotected areas, and then only with inexperienced or lower age level catchers. I like the look of the K-2 in use (no big belly bulge, which I can certainly do without any enhancement in that area). I don't like the meager protection in the non-sternum upper chest (i.e. heart area).

I can't stand full chest protectors that extend below the belt line; I cut off the bottom of my old-old cheap ribbed protector (I'm only 5-8). So, I am reluctant to buy a full chest protector that I can't try on first.

So, those of you with the Pro-9, it is listed as being available in M - 12 inches; L - 14 inches; and XL - 16 inches. My question: what is the "inches" measurement measuring, exactly?

M=12"
L=14"
XL=16"

I am 5'10" 190 pounds and use a large. It is well above the waist. Measurement is from neck to bottom.

http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/...roduct_Count=2

Paul B.