I need some opinions.

What is the best small, light-weight chest protector on the market today?

I use and love: http://www.honigs.com/detail.asp?Cat=2&Sub=58&Item=363

I really have not tried anything else.

I couldn't agree more. I've used the K2 for 3 years and would never go back to anything else.

David

Try the new Schutt kool max chest protector with built in cool packs. Extremely light weight and cool. I can even feel the air circulating underneath it. This is the most comfortable chest protector i have ever used.

I've used the Davis proctector for about three years now and really like it.

http://www.gerrydavis.com/Merchant2/...egory_Code=GDS

Thanks for the replies.


How about the PRO NINE.

http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CPU-B&Category_Code=CHEST-PROTECTOR

What level do you typically work with this one? I have it, and got smacked too many times where it wasn't... finally went to one that covered more of my chest. Taking a 50mph softball in the lower ribcage hurts like a son-of-a-gun. I only wear my H2 now for 14U and lower.

I have used the Pro-9 for the last year and like it very much.

Paul B.

I have used the K2 for everything from the Men to 10U ball.
I find that the higher level of ball means I am less likely to get hit than at the lower levels. I can honestly say that at the 18U Gold, I could have worked the whole tournament without a protector, same goes for the Mens Masters that I worked a year or two ago.

I will say that in one game, I was doing some ISF stuff and the Canadian team was trying to work a new catcher, I got hit in the same exact place 4 times in a row.
It took over a month for that bruise to go away.
The pitcher was good, she was hitting her mark, the catcher just wasn't really a catcher.

The K2 is great but when you have catchers who don't know what they are doing, then you might get beat up.

I started fast pitch doing high school and did not use one, as was the norm with the group of guys I started with in Tampa. I figured a bruise is just a bruise

After doing a few college level tournaments, I found myself flintching (sp?) and also started worrying about my collar bone, so got this one for the higer level games. It was so comfortable that I begin wearing it in high school also. I will still get a few bruises in the stomach and lower ribs... but for whatever reason, I find bruises on my inner thighs are the most common. Perhaps my stance is slightly different than others.

For baseball, I have one designed more with the rib cage in mind.

I used to use "The Ump" and used it for all levels from high school through college through men's ball. I used this model for about 10 years or so. Then I caught a foul off of the top of my shoulder and it hurt some. I went to the Pro-9 2 seasons ago and have been very pleased with it. I went with it because I wanted the hard shell over the shoulders. I looked at the Honigs model and thought there was way too much exposure with that. I looked at the Gerry Davis model and was all set to get it until I saw the price on the Pro 9 that I got.

Paul B.
Where did you purchase your Pro 9 chest protector?
Please advise.
Thank you,
Sam

Steve M.
Where did you purchase your Pro 9 chest protector?
Please advise.
Thank you,
Sam

You can get the Pro Nine at:

http://www.ump-attire.com or
http://www.officialsupply.com

Sam,
I purchased my Pro-9 from a friend. His store is

http://www.pa.purchaseofficials.com/home.php

His name is Mike Shields, located in the Pittsburgh area.

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.

But sometimes I wish they could be. Some would certainly be worth the money ;) Personally, I use the UMP. It's really lightweight and offers good protection, although the tops of the shoulders don't have great coverage. Luckily I haven't taken a hard shot there yet.

Your friend seems to have a nice little business there...nice prices too!

I use the wilson a3209 when doing JV+
http://www.hitrunscore.com/hitrunsco...protector.html

but Im not overly fond of it as it is uncomfortable around the neck... but its definately a suit of armor protection wise.

That pro9 looks nice and comfy.

for the younger girls i wear something I bought off ebay (I cant recall the name) .. just a ump check protector with shoulder protection.

I do always wear one though and never really understood the umps who dont wear one at all. Theyre super duper tough I suppose.

[Edited by wadeintothem on Feb 1st, 2006 at 05:24 PM]

Even better is being BU. ;)

I have been visiting many web sites looking to purchase another CP and today ordered the Pro 9.
I found a local sports dealer that orders direct from Pro 9 and the price was $10 to $20 less than I have seen on any internet site.
Of course, I had to pay shipping ($8.95).
I hope I am happy with my choice.
Sam