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.