Equipment Trouble

[NewNCref]

I got a new mask and hat, and am having some problems with them.

When I try to take the mask off using only one hand, one of two things happens. 1.) The pad over my chin grabs the bill, and pulls the hat off, or 2.) if I try to pull it out enough to pull it over the bill, the back strap pulls the back of the hat off my head.

Is my mask just adjusted wrong (if so, any suggestions on getting it adjusted properly), or is my hat too big?

[Steve M]

You might want to try a couple of adjustments.
I wear an 8-stitch on the plate, but it is a size smaller than the 8-stitch I wear on the bases.
My mask is worn very loose. If I lean over so that I am looking straight down, my mask will fall off.
So, loosen your harness and wear a tighter hat.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Also, pull the mask out, then off.

[NewNCref]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Also, pull the mask out, then off.

That's what I'm doing, but if I pull it out far enough so that #1 doesn't happen, then #2 happens.

[AtlUmpSteve]

I consider my mask properly adjusted when it sits on the bill of my cap even without the back strap behind my head. In fact, I set the back strap up about 45 degrees, which helps it slide off without any incident when you pull the bottom of the mask out, istead of up. The motion is similar to a hinge on (or above) the bill, then pull up.

But, it is important that the plate hat fit somewhat snugly.

[Indiana_Umpire]

I personally like a 4 stich cap, and I like to wear it pretty tight. I sweat a lot, and after a little while the cap loosens a bit...but still snug enough to stay on.

Just play around with the adjustments a bit, and you'll get it. I actually practiced a lot when I started....and it's really natural now.

[Mountaineer]

I have adjusted mine to the point now that I don't have to do the up and out move. I can simply take it and "lift" it off the hat. I always wanted to do that like they do on TV. It took me about an hour one night to get my masks perfect - just keep working at it. When i was just starting out I also moved my strap to the farthest bar out on the side to give it more room.

[JEL]

Once you get it adjusted loose enough that you can put it on with one hand, it will come off easily as well.

[bkbjones]

While sitting here at 126 a.m., watching the replay of the OU-Boise State bowl game...

I wear same size hat on both bases and plate. Haven't had my hat come off on the plate five times in five years. Maybe I'm just lucky...

But I wear my mask very loose, and suggest to all the newbies they do the same. Nothing like getting your bell rung with a too tight mask...

Nothing like the ooooohs and aaaaaahs when you take a potential bell-ringing foul right in the mask, and the mask does about a 540 or 720 on the way off your head and onto the ground. But...that mask has taken the shock, not me.

[Skahtboi]

Guess I will chime in on this thread as well.

I agree that the OP probably has his mask way too tight. It shouldn't be a problem to remove the mask if it is adjusted properly.

Also, I wear the same size hat in the field and behind the plate, and don't have any problems with losing my hat since the mask is properly adjusted. And for the record, since we all seem to be sharing the style hat we use, I wear the six stitch both in the field and behind the plate.

[NewNCref]

After messing with it for about 20 minute tonight, i've got it all fixed.

Thanks for the suggestions, they helped a lot.