Which mask, Gents?

[Leecedar]

OK... it's time to replace the old mask (and assorted other things), and all I've gotten is confused when shopping... so time to go to the experts... What's the lightest weight we can find in a mask that will hold up? There's Dynalite, Ultralight, Featherlite... heck... I'm surprised they don't measure these things in watts instead of ounces.

Anyway, recommendations? I have NO desire to go to the hockey mask... 6 games per day in Florida's August with my head surrounded during half of them? No thanks...


Lee

[Steve M]

I know there are lighter ones, but I have stayed with the metal ones. I have a Wilson and a Schutt. Both are nice & light - and they are metal, not a composite.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by Steve M

I know there are lighter ones, but I have stayed with the metal ones. I have a Wilson and a Schutt. Both are nice & light - and they are metal, not a composite.

Both of the masks that Steve has mentioned are the ones I would recommend as well. I have the Wilson Dynalite, and am extremely happy with it.

[debeau]

I have had my Schutt Dyna light for a season .
Its like a feather compared with others even the Wilson .
Last week I took 2 real hard hits on my mask that sent me back a couple off feet and gave me a headache but no damage to the mask.
This is one good mask and single bar means vision is exellent .
I lent it to a couple of colleagues and now the have each got one .
Bad point .
The schutt symbol on the chin area looks like a bulls eye and is white .
I blacked it out .

[outathm]

The Schutt and the Gerry Davis are the same frame on a different pad set. The schutt is the best and lightest mask on the market today.

[JEL]

My vote goes to the Diamond "DFM UMP".

Has to be the lightest I ever held!

I retired my +POS for a "Pro-Nine" which I later gave to the Mrs to retire her +POS. Those were light, but the visibility in the +POS is not real good (not that I can see anyway, just ask the fans!). When I picked up the DFM-UMP in the store, I knew I had to have it.

There are a couple of masks reported to be the lightest available, not sure which one really is, but the Diamond feels lighter than the Wilson, and the All-Star.

EDIT....

Per this site,

http://www.theofficialcall.com/Diamond%20Ump%20Mask.htm

this mask is 18.1 oz. I'm not endorsing the site, don't know 'em, but the price sure ain't bad!

[Tex]

I also recommend the DFM-UMP mask. I have used this mask for a year and am well pleased. The mask is lighter, wider, and has wider field vision then others I have used.

[Mountaineer]

I have the Diamond and love it! It's much better than the WV I used to use. It comes in some really cool colors too - but cannot figure out when you'd use a green one??? From what I've heard, these are made from recycled airplane parts. My question was crashed or out of commission planes? Some people may not like the pads - they aren't leather but rather made from that moister wicking material.

Unfortunately, I have also taken some direct shots with this mask and had NO problems. Overall - great mask - buy one today.

[wadeintothem]

This may be strange, but I've stuck with my "heavier" Wilson than these super duper light masks for 1 reason, that extended throat gaurd.

I like to use the plastic guard guard on my mask and that extended thing makes the plastic throat guard hang to low... but the extended throat guard on the mask isnt enough for me.. and that was affirmed when I saw an umpire taken off the field who took a "tweener" shot because he didnt use the plastic throat guard, believing that 1 inch extra length of the light mask was enough - it's not.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

...believing that 1 inch extra length of the light mask was enough - it's not.

I agree with you on the extended throat protector. But why can you use one on the extra light ones??? I do. As a matter of fact, my throat protector is the heaviest part of my mask.

[DaveASA/FED]

I agree, I have put a smaller extension (I think it is 4" instead of the 6") throat protector onto my extended frame wilson (older model) it works great and protects at least as much as the standard frame with a 6" protector!

[wadeintothem]

I tried to put my throat protector on the skinny extension of a light mask and it didnt fit correctly and seemed weird.. and Maybe I'll work something out when this mask's day is done. Mines plenty good enough, I can wear it for a 10+ game weekend without trouble.