another pro nine chest protector question

[Skahtboi]

I just reach up every so often and push it back into place!

[shipwreck]

U of M Sam. I put my Pro Nine on and did as you suggested. You are right, the flap stays in place and I can hardly tell it is there. I am going to try your idea and Steve's. They both seem like viable solutions to my problem. Dave

[Andy]

I've only had my Pro-Nine about a month and only used it in one tournament so far. I didn't notice the issue with the flap, but I will keep it in mind for future reference. Thanks

[shipwreck]

Andy, I used mine for the first time last night at a HS scrimmage. I noticed that if I raised my arm from the side to a "hammer" position the flap stayed where it should. If the arm was raised more to the front a little, (sometimes my "hammer" is a little to the front, or like signalling an "infield fly", or on a "punch out", the little flap would come out from under the shoulder cap and stick out. I didn't think it looked very professional adjusting it back under all the time. Dave

[U of M Sam]

Originally Posted by shipwreck

U of M Sam. I put my Pro Nine on and did as you suggested. You are right, the flap stays in place and I can hardly tell it is there. I am going to try your idea and Steve's. They both seem like viable solutions to my problem. Dave

Sweet! Glad it also works for you.

[Dakota]

I don't have a pro 9, or the seemingly similar Honigs K-1, so I have a couple of questions (since I'm considering getting something with better protection than the Honigs K-2 that I use now).

1) Are the Pro 9 and K-1 essentially the same under different names?

2) What is the function of the problematical side flap? (It seems from the picture to be of marginal use.)

3) Does anyone use the K-1, and do you have the same issue with the side flap poking out all the time?

I really don't want to have to wear two shirts under my umpire shirt, so if that is really required with the Pro 9, that one is out for me.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by Dakota

I don't have a pro 9, or the seemingly similar Honigs K-1, so I have a couple of questions (since I'm considering getting something with better protection than the Honigs K-2 that I use now).

1) Are the Pro 9 and K-1 essentially the same under different names?

Having never used a K-1, but having seen them, yes, they are pretty much the same. Of course, the Pro 9 is about a third of the price. Champion now makes one that is almost identical to the Pro 9, but even cheaper.

Originally Posted by Dakota

2) What is the function of the problematical side flap? (It seems from the picture to be of marginal use.)

It really is of marginal use. Though it does, when positioned properly, wrap around and protect the rib cage.

Originally Posted by Dakota

I really don't want to have to wear two shirts under my umpire shirt, so if that is really required with the Pro 9, that one is out for me.

I don't, nor do I find the "problematic" side pad to be all that "problematic." It is like almost any other gear we wear, occaissionally it needs a little adjusting.

[SethPDX]

Originally Posted by Dakota

1) Are the Pro 9 and K-1 essentially the same under different names?

They look the same, but I have not actually looked at a Pro 9 myself.

Originally Posted by Dakota

2) What is the function of the problematical side flap? (It seems from the picture to be of marginal use.)

I think it protects the top of the ribcage, around the armpit, though it seems redundant since the current K1 has a hard plastic plate that comes down from the bottom of the shoulder pad and seems to cover most of this area.

Originally Posted by Dakota

3) Does anyone use the K-1, and do you have the same issue with the side flap poking out all the time?

I have used the K1 for all my games, BB and SB, for the last 7 years or so. I have not had a problem with the flap. I think the K1 is a great CP. It might look like more protection than you need for softball, but I would rather have a too much. And like I said, I can use it for BB as well.

[shipwreck]

I finally got to use my Pro Nine chest protector this past weekend. It was varsity ball. (I know, I know, HS softball is supposed to be played in the Spring). As recommended, I folded the flap that wants to come out under the main part of the protector. It never popped out from there and I couldn't really even tell it was under there. I feel really protected even with it in this position. I didn't take a direct hit to the main body of the protector but did take a hard shot off the shoulder cap with no ill effects at all. Too bad I couldn't get as much protection down south since I took a direct, and I mean direct hit in the family making region. There weren't tears, just a little cold sweat when it happened. worst hit I have ever had. Dave

[Andy]

I worked the ASA Men's C National FP this past weekend. First game, three direct hits to the new Pro-Nine from foul balls...didn't feel a thing. I'm thinking..."what a great investment!" The K-2 is permanently retired now.

I didn't have any problem with the flap...but I think that is because I am a big (fat) guy and the protector fits pretty tight to my body.