Has Fech lost it?

[Dakota]

I have both Fechheimer and Cliff Keen umpire pants. The CK pants appear to be of noticeably superior quality to the Fech's. They have a better waist band, better/stronger belt loops, and a stronger double clasp vs. the Fech's single clasp, and the fabric feels heavier.

I know Fechheimer was purchased by Berkshire Hathaway (Warren Buffett's huge conglomerate), so I wonder if cost cutting is showing up in reduced quality?

On a somewhat related note: does anyone know if the darker / charcoal gray used by (some) baseball umpires is less prone to fading? Quality umpire pants (even the Fech's I'm complaining about) last far longer than the heather gray lasts. I hate retiring pants in otherwise good condition because they have faded so badly.

[umpirebob71]

The quality of the Fecheimer is poor at best. I've found that the sizing is way off. I normally wear a 40 waist, and I had to order 44 for them to fit properly. And you're right, the weight of the fabric is much lighter than others. If it wasn't mandatory to wear them in ASA tournaments, I absolutely would be wearing something else.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by umpirebob71

The quality of the Fecheimer is poor at best. I've found that the sizing is way off. I normally wear a 40 waist, and I had to order 44 for them to fit properly. And you're right, the weight of the fabric is much lighter than others. If it wasn't mandatory to wear them in ASA tournaments, I absolutely would be wearing something else.

I've tried these and Honigs and I've not had a problem with any.

I do prefer the lighter fabric of Fechheimer's, but they could stand to loosen up the backside of the pants for more comfortable fit and movement.

[UMP 64]

I purchased 3 pairs of the heather pants 3 seasons ago. I have 4 - 5 other pairs to go with these, so it is not like they get worn every day. They are beginning to go PINK. I purchased the dark gray last year, Gerry Davis pants, and they show NO fading. The waist band is comfortable too. I like them and will continue to recommend them. I hope NFHS allows them next HS season.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by UMP 64

...They are beginning to go PINK....

Yeah; they fade to a brownish/pinkish color. They don't fade where the sun don't shine (if you know what I mean ), so you have two-tone pants.

No, that's NOT what I mean... I mean behind the ball bag, belt, etc.

[Big Slick]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Yeah; they fade to a brownish/pinkish color. They don't fade where the sun don't shine (if you know what I mean ), so you have two-tone pants.

No, that's NOT what I mean... I mean behind the ball bag, belt, etc.

I had my (heather grey) Flecks for over 7 years. My plate pants are over five years old and they are my only pair. Only sight fading, but no pink hues. No fading or pinkness in my four pairs of base pants.

I believe it is more the care of the pants than any other factor. I wash my pants in only detergent, no fabric softeners, cold wash and rinse. And only air dry, none of my pants have ever been in the dryer.

BTW, I've never seen a pair of navy pants fade.