more equipment questions

[BretMan]

I've had a few guys tell me they were really happy with the lightweight Diamond mask- once they got rid of the wimpy pads and replaced them with heavier Wilson leather pads!

But those were baseball umpires who may very well see ball speeds 20+ miles per hour faster than you see in fastpitch.

The other issue I've seen discussed with some of the lightweight masks is that they have a "lower" profile- that is, a less curved front so that the mask is slightly flatter and less rounded. This is done to kep the bars closer to your face, thus opening up a wider field of vision. The concern is that the "flatter" profile is less able to deflect forces from the ball away from your face. instead of taking a "glancing" blow and deflecting it, more of the force from the hit is directed into the mask- and, in turn, your head.

Still, I'm intrigued by these new models that are so light they feel like a feather. I have used a lightweight Wilson for several years that, while lighter than the standard masks, is still heavier than these new lightweight models.

I didn't know that Under Armor was making umpire gear (I just saw my first UA catcher gear in an indoor game last weekend). I would imagine that many of these masks may be manufactured by the same supplier, then branded with the logos of the different companies (Champro, Champion, Pro Nine, UA, Diamond, etc.).

I didn't know that 3N2 now offered plate shoes. Those don't look too bad and I'd like to try a pair. Especially like the "all black" look! Last year I picked up a pair of the new Reebok plate shoes. While these are by far the most comfortable plate shoes I've ever worn, their "all black" version features a big white "REEBOK" on the back and a 1" square white MLB logo on the metatarsal procetector. I love the shoes...but hate the white!

[JefferMC]

Originally Posted by BretMan

But those were baseball umpires who may very well see ball speeds 20+ miles per hour faster than you see in fastpitch.

Yes, but the increased mass of the softball increases the force delivered on impact, so I would think that you wouldn't want wimpy pads for either game.

[BretMan]

The relatively small difference in mass wouldn't be as significant as the much larger difference in velocity, with respect to the forces generated. But I do agree with you. I don't want my bell getting rung in either sport! Better to be a little over-protected than a little under-protected.

I've had a few guys I work softball with rag on me about the "overkill" of using a Wilson Platinum chest protector. But it's lightweight, comfortable and could damn near stop a bullet. I'll take the little bit of extra padding and bulk over a busted collarbone anyday!

[Crabby_Bob]

The numbers: 5 oz baseball vs 6.75 oz softball. This is the energy (joules) that must be dissipated when bringing the ball to a complete stop. Some will be dissipated in the ball, the rest in whatever is struck. How much energy is expended in the ball depends on its constuction. I've highlighted roughly equal energies for the baseball and softball.

V(mph)	Ebb(J)	Esb(J)
0	0.0	0.0
5	0.4	0.5
10	1.4	1.9
15	3.2	4.3
20	5.7	7.7
25	8.9	12.0
30	12.8	17.2
35	17.4	23.5
40	22.7	30.7
45	28.7	38.8
50	35.5	47.9
55	42.9	58.0
60	51.1	69.0
65	60.0	81.0
70	69.6	93.9
75	79.8	107.8
80	90.8	122.6
85	102.6	138.5
90	115.0	155.2
95	128.1	173.0
100	142.0	191.6
105	156.5	211.3
110	171.8	231.9
115	187.7	253.4
120	204.4	276.0
125	221.8	299.4
130	239.9	323.9

[Stu Clary]

Originally Posted by Crabby_Bob

The numbers: 5 oz baseball vs 6.75 oz softball. This is the energy (joules) that must be dissipated when bringing the ball to a complete stop. Some will be dissipated in the ball, the rest in whatever is struck. How much energy is expended in the ball depends on its constuction. I've highlighted roughly equal energies for the baseball and softball.

What I got out of this: Get hit with either ball in the nose and you'll regret it.

[alcrisp]

I use the west vest gold, shin guards and mask with traditional black padding...id rather sweat and sacrifice a little bulk than sacrifice games from an injury.

[MichaelVA2000]

Originally Posted by Crabby_Bob

The numbers: 5 oz baseball vs 6.75 oz softball. This is the energy (joules) that must be dissipated when bringing the ball to a complete stop. Some will be dissipated in the ball, the rest in whatever is struck. How much energy is expended in the ball depends on its constuction. I've highlighted roughly equal energies for the baseball and softball.

I see the difference as: ouch and OOOOOUUUUUCCCCHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Pain is envolved either way.