Schutt Ultra Lite Vs. Diamond Ultra Lite
 

OK fellas, after 14 games this weekend including 8 plate games, I've decided my heavy Wilson mask has got to go. Any opinions on these two masks? I actually purchased the Diamond but I'm not sure if I like the low profile because my cap bill keeps getting hit on the back side of the mask. I've also heard very mixed reviews of the Diamond's pads while the Schutt pads are leather w/ Coolmax. Please let me know what you think!

Also, does anyone know anything about the +POS mask (Tungstun mask, not the plastic one). The website says it only weighs 17oz and it's full profile.

Love my Diamond.

I took the hardest direct shot to the face IN MY LIFE this weekend, ended up on my a$$, literally. Never felt a thing.
I know "that's what they're supposed to do". But, like having a lucky pocketwatch that took a bullet for you, I'll swear by my Diamond.

Since you asked...

I have no experience with either of those, but I use the Wilson low profile mask with no issues with my cap; I've even used it with a 8-stitch cap successfully. You just have to be more deliberate about pulling it out then up until you get used to it.

Just be sure you have the right color. Some organizations require a black mask and some of the newer lightweights come in other colors.

I have the Diamond, since it was given to me. I've used it for a few weeks now and taken a few glancing fouls and 1 in a men's game. I'm sold that it will take a shot. I use an 8-stitch hat all the time and have not had any problems.

Yep, that mask is really lightweight and doesn't seem as strong as it is, just don't bring it to an ASA game......oh, nevermind. Forgot to whom I was speaking. ;)

I think I remember a couple of them in use at an ASA tournament recently.
There is a black one available and I'll assume that meets ASA's requirement.

I think the UIC told him about it last weekend. I believe the UIC had the same issue with another umpire who traveled from a neighboring state.

I guess, when umpires turn "pro" they do whatever the heck they so please. :p

He's only in it for the freebies!

Too bad someone didn't work out a deal on undershirts. That guy goes through them like he goes through Molsons.

I see Big Brother is working hard today.

Actually, I think it's the results of the Molson's that goes thru the t-shirts. I wrung one out Sunday afternoon & filled a cup.:D

I'll give you my vote after next weekend. Have been using the Schutt for a few years and absolutely love it. But, I decided I needed a new one. So I just purchased the Diamond one. Will try it out for the first time next weekend.

Serg

I have the diamond. I didnt like the pads that much so I got new ones. before that I had the gerry davis feather weight. its pretty much the lightest mask that Ive owned and it does well with taking shots. the only mask thats as light that I would buy is the wilson titanium but if you do work a lot of ASA thats probably not a good idea. btw the titanium is NCAA and PONY approved.

Isn't that made by Wilson?

yes it is but it has the davis logos all over it. Its a great mask and I wouldve purchased a new one if I hadnt seen the diamond in a play it again sports brand new for $29 :D

http://www.gerrydavis.com/Merchant2/...001/PR126T.jpg

This mask is far superior to all others. I know some of you asa guys are going to get all pissy about the frame but let me tell you that asa is the only governing body that hasnt approved it! :eek:

schutt
 

I like the schutt for vision reasons. Try them both on and you will see what I mean. I didn't like the pads and use the honig black all leather pads instead. Leather is always nicer.:rolleyes:

Are you talking about not bringing the Diamond to an ASA game? If so I am confused....I bought my Diamond from my ASA state commish.

BTW I love the mask, a certain female umpire recommended it to me, she had the Shutt but got a Diamond given to her and said they felt about the same.

Only if it is not black.

I've had a Schutt mask for a number of years - the vision was very good. It was time to replace the pads when I was given the Diamond. Having used it in men's majors and now in some 18&U's, I'm confident in it's ability to handle being hit. The vision on this Diamond is every bit as good as the Schutt.

I have the Diamond and really like it.

Titanium! Titanium! Titanium! that mask is the best ever

Are you in a spelling bee or just happy you have finally discovered something that has been around for over 200 years?:D

ASA should discover it... or stop being stubborn... oh wait that will NEVER happen. but it sure is nice to think about it. I really do love this mask though...

I can't imagine spending so much for a small incremental improvement. I guess if you have money to burn, why not, but otherwise... :cool:

here are a few reasons why this mask is worth it. The coating doesnt chip: the shutt the diamond and the gerry davis feather weight all do have coating and all do chip. the frame is stronger than the hollow tube or solid frames ( except maybe wilson chro-molly). the mask is as light as or lighter than the light weight masks that are on the market.. the only thing you have to replace on this mask is the pads and those particular pads take a LONG time to wear out. this means less money to put in the mask thus the mask is worth it

To each his own, worrying about chips and all, but how many of us have masks that fail because they are not strong enough? The Wilson Titanium is a nice looking mask, but at $200 a pop, until the price becomes more reasonable, fuggedaboutit... 3x the cost of a Diamond ultra light.

But, if you want to GIVE me one, I could be convinced! ;)

WTF are you talking about?

I suppose he is talking about it not being black.

I guess. He talked about ASA approving the mask when ASA does not approve umpire's mask. Then talks about ASA discovering titanium, but I think they are already aware of the properties of titanium :D

Then in a post notes how good the coating is. Well, if they are applying a coating, don't know why "black"couldn't be an option. :confused:

Something about bats, I seem to recall .... :D

Im talking about ASA not being up to date with certain things such as the mask. I know that my ASA UIC and to the state bordering my north and south and their UIC's will gig you for wearing that mask. the time has come for ASA to get with it update their mechanics and stop being so rediculously stubborn.

And, Sergio, I think you made a great choice:D

The new Diamond black mask that was released in June is now powder coated rather than rubber coating. Though the black powder coating is shiny similar to the rubber coating, it will not chip or peel.

I like my four-year-old Wilson just fine. It hasn't chipped at all, even when I got reallllllly pi$$ed off at a partner about three weeks ago and slammed it against a wall, it was just fine. Unfortunately, it doesn't fly as far when I throw it in a rage as did my old two-pound mask, but still is very, very good. It has taken other ringing hits and as long as it will still helicopter I am happy.

Now this is something I want to hear!! The main reason I dont like the diamond or shutt as much is bc of the pealing coating then it looks like hell .... Thanks for the info!!!

I have been wearing it around the house, getting used to it. (Yes, I wear it indoors only, don't want to scare the neighbors). I can tell it's just as light as my Schutt. But, KCG, what sold me the mask was the "no chipping/peeling" idea. That was the only negative I had with my Schutt.

I agree and thats the same problem I have with my ,what I guess is the 1st generation, diamond lightweight. The no cracking or peeling is an awsome Idea and I dont know why somebody didnt thing about it sooner for this mask

Well, doesn't ASA still require a black mask? If so, then it seems they would be right to mention it on an evaluation. I don't like blacking out logos on my shoes for NFHS games but I wear what I'm told to wear.

SRW, why do you push his buttons like that? :p

I use a Honig's mask that was being closed out. Not "lightweight," but light enough for me. And that's what matters here.

I still use the same full weight mask I bought years ago. :cool: The mask is fine although the vinyl is showing some peeling. The problem is getting accurately sized caps (like shirts, pants,etc.). :rolleyes: When slightly larger than spec, the mask pulls them down too far. :( Might go to a lighter one next year.