New Chest Protector

[bigsig]

I'm looking for a new light weight chest protector. Anyone have experience with the K2 - HONIG'S `FASTPITCH ELITE protector?

Thanks!

[DNTXUM P]

I have been using the Schutt kool max protector and love it. It offers excellent protection and is extremely lightweight and very cool. You might give it a look also.

[Steve M]

I have been using this same Schutt protector too.
It gives very good protection for youth ball and women's ball.
I no longer use this protector when working men's ball as there just wasn't enough protection when I got hit with a couple of fouls.
I don't think I'd touch the K-2 - there's not enough there.

[Mountaineer]

I use the Pro 9 chest protector and LOVE it. It's lightweight and offers great protection for the collar bone and shoulders. It is very, very similar to the expensive one at Honigs but less than half the price at Purchase Officials Supply.

[Steve M]

I have a Pro 9 and use it for men's ball.
Terrific protection, for any level. It's light, but not anywhere near as light as the Schutt.

[CelticNHBlue]

I have the K2 and have even removed the shoulder pads. Granted, I am not that big, but it works well for me. I would not recommend this for everyone or every level. As mentioned, you need more than this when the pitch comes in above 60/65 mph. I have taken some glances off the shoulder, but all firm contact hits the solid protection there. The belly is exposed (and according to my wife expanding) and I have taken a couple shots there, but it doesn't bother me. If you want the lightest, least bulky protection that covers the most important parts, this will work.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer

I use the Pro 9 chest protector and LOVE it. It's lightweight and offers great protection for the collar bone and shoulders. It is very, very similar to the expensive one at Honigs but less than half the price at Purchase Officials Supply.

I, too, use the Pro 9. It covers more area than the K2, is comfortable, and provides great protection.

[Dakota]

I use the K2, and have left the shoulder plates in place. I know of an umpire who removed them, like Wade did - he said they bothered him when he raised his arms for certain signals.

The belly is exposed, but that's OK for girls fastpitch.

I've used it up to 23U's. If I did more 23U's, I would get a protector with more coverage.

It is not the belly that concerns me; the protector is also a bit weak in the chest. Very good sternum and shoulder protection. Very light and cool. Some (but weak) left/right (non-sternum) chest protection. No belly protection.

It is popular around here - I know a half dozen or more umpires who use it.