Chest protector/equipment

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by txtrooper

Put me down for the Honigs Fast Pitch Elite (K2). I had a Pro Nine, but it was just too hot and too heavy in this Texas heat. The Pro Nine is good if you are calling a couple games, but when you call 10 to 15 games (over the weekend) in 100+ degree weather, the K2 wins out for me. If you can wear a regular size, Honigs has the 2009 model on closeout for $40.

Whimp!

I do it all of the time. The only difference is that you have real humidity down there!

[derwil]

I second the Honigs K2 recomendation. I had the Pro Nine to begin with but once I figured out where to stand - where NOT to stand - I decided to go with the more comfortable Honigs FP CP. Minima protection and I have been hit a couple times in the gut but usually glancing blows from foul tips....nothing big. So for me, the comfort of the Honigs outweigs the protection of the Pro Nine. I also call in Alabama and it gets 100 degrees with 80% humidity here - hot and friggin sticky. The Pro Nine after a weekend tourney had an odor all to its own - had to wash/disinfect the thing a bunch. Honigs is less of a problem and it washes/dries MUCH easier.

As far as masks go - get a lightweight mask if you plan on doing tournaments at all. Your neck will thank you. I got the Diamond featherweight mask and purchased Wilson seud black replacement pads because I heard how crappy the Diamond's were. The brown ones may keep you a little cooler but most evaluators will tell you they like the look of the black pads.

Shin guards - I also picked up the Diamond Triple knee shin guards and wore them for about two games when I decided they were too big/bulky for me - I didn't like the straps on my thigh. I then cut the knees out and popped out the rivets. My geards go from just below the knee to my boots now - much more comfortable. I have been hit on the knees but only a couple times - nothing too bad. Only have to worry about the lead leg and my stance is so wide that it's probaly only a foot off the ground at the pitch. I have also learned a defensive techniqe called "get the hell outta the way", which works well.

Many of the guys I work with here wear nothing but a mask and a cup. We call one guy "the flamingo" 'cause when a low pitch comes in he raises the leg that it could hit and stands on one. Idiots...............

[shipwreck]

Originally Posted by derwil

I second the Honigs K2 recomendation. I had the Pro Nine to begin with but once I figured out where to stand - where NOT to stand - I decided to go with the more comfortable Honigs FP CP. Minima protection and I have been hit a couple times in the gut but usually glancing blows from foul tips....nothing big. So for me, the comfort of the Honigs outweigs the protection of the Pro Nine. I also call in Alabama and it gets 100 degrees with 80% humidity here - hot and friggin sticky. The Pro Nine after a weekend tourney had an odor all to its own - had to wash/disinfect the thing a bunch. Honigs is less of a problem and it washes/dries MUCH easier.

As far as masks go - get a lightweight mask if you plan on doing tournaments at all. Your neck will thank you. I got the Diamond featherweight mask and purchased Wilson seud black replacement pads because I heard how crappy the Diamond's were. The brown ones may keep you a little cooler but most evaluators will tell you they like the look of the black pads.

Shin guards - I also picked up the Diamond Triple knee shin guards and wore them for about two games when I decided they were too big/bulky for me - I didn't like the straps on my thigh. I then cut the knees out and popped out the rivets. My geards go from just below the knee to my boots now - much more comfortable. I have been hit on the knees but only a couple times - nothing too bad. Only have to worry about the lead leg and my stance is so wide that it's probaly only a foot off the ground at the pitch. I have also learned a defensive techniqe called "get the hell outta the way", which works well.

Many of the guys I work with here wear nothing but a mask and a cup. We call one guy "the flamingo" 'cause when a low pitch comes in he raises the leg that it could hit and stands on one. Idiots...............

We want the television announcers to not use the term foul tip on a ball hit backwards, and here we have an umpire using the term incorrectly. A foul tip cannot be a glancing blow since the catcher needs to secure the ball. Come on guys or gals, let's not use the term foul tip unless that is what it is. Dave

[Brad]

Guys ... keep it civil please.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by Andy

Agreed...I wore the K2 for several years and just got tired of being hit in the belly by foul balls and lousy catchers. Yes, it only stung for a few minutes and left a bruise, but why put up with that if you don't have to? Bought the Pro Nine two years ago and have loved it ever since.

Originally Posted by Brad

Guys ... keep it civil please.

Uh...gee....I thought we were. Yeah, I know that Andy might could have substituted "unskilled" for "lousy," but otherwise........................

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Uh...gee....I thought we were. Yeah, I know that Andy might could have substituted "unskilled" for "lousy," but otherwise........................

You missed the exchange of vulgarity with Derwil and ???

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

You missed the exchange of vulgarity with Derwil and ???

No. I saw that. I was just making a lame attempt at humor!

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by derwil

I then cut the knees out and popped out the rivets. My geards go from just below the knee to my boots now - much more comfortable. I have been hit on the knees but only a couple times - nothing too bad. Only have to worry about the lead leg and my stance is so wide that it's probaly only a foot off the ground at the pitch. I have also learned a defensive techniqe called "get the hell outta the way", which works well.

Many of the guys I work with here wear nothing but a mask and a cup. We call one guy "the flamingo" 'cause when a low pitch comes in he raises the leg that it could hit and stands on one. Idiots...............

Is bailing out acceptable there?

[BretMan]

Originally Posted by derwil

Shin guards - I also picked up the Diamond Triple knee shin guards...then cut the knees out and popped out the rivets. My geards go from just below the knee to my boots now - much more comfortable.

Then you probably don't want to hear this story about one of the new umpires in my association...

Despite all the warnings, he decided to "save money" and skip buying shin guards. After all, as he told me later, these were only 12 year old girls- how hard could they possibly be throwing?

One direct hit pitch straight to the knee cap later, he regreted that decision. His knee cap was shattered into four pieces. Somehow they got it pushed back together without surgery, but he was done umpiring for the year and lost considerable time from his regular job. I didn't ask him how comfortable the thigh to ankle cast he had to wear for six weeks was.

[CecilOne]

Quote:
Originally Posted by derwil View Post
Shin guards - I also picked up the Diamond Triple knee shin guards...then cut the knees out and popped out the rivets. My geards go from just below the knee to my boots now - much more comfortable.

Originally Posted by BretMan

Then you probably don't want to hear this story about one of the new umpires in my association...

Despite all the warnings, he decided to "save money" and skip buying shin guards. After all, as he told me later, these were only 12 year old girls- how hard could they possibly be throwing?

One direct hit pitch straight to the knee cap later, he regreted that decision. His knee cap was shattered into four pieces. Somehow they got it pushed back together without surgery, but he was done umpiring for the year and lost considerable time from his regular job. I didn't ask him how comfortable the thigh to ankle cast he had to wear for six weeks was.

My left knee is very happy that it is covered by a guard (K-10).

[txtrooper]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Whimp!

I do it all of the time. The only difference is that you have real humidity down there!

The humidity is a major contributing factor. What do you think about the weight difference? The K2 is 18 ounces vs the pro nine at 32.2 ounces?

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by txtrooper

The humidity is a major contributing factor. What do you think about the weight difference? The K2 is 18 ounces vs the pro nine at 32.2 ounces?

Honestly, compared to the area the Pro 9 covers versus the coverage area of the K2, I will take the added weight. When I was looking for a new chest protector a few years ago, I borrowed a K2 from a buddy, and I never felt comfortable. I had also tried a few others, including the Pro 9, and that is what led me to my decision.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Honestly, compared to the area the Pro 9 covers versus the coverage area of the K2, I will take the added weight. When I was looking for a new chest protector a few years ago, I borrowed a K2 from a buddy, and I never felt comfortable. I had also tried a few others, including the Pro 9, and that is what led me to my decision.

Agreed...I wore the K2 for several years and just got tired of being hit in the belly by foul balls and lousy catchers. Yes, it only stung for a few minutes and left a bruise, but why put up with that if you don't have to? Bought the Pro Nine two years ago and have loved it ever since.