Umpire pants

[ctblue]

I'm having difficulty finding a good fitting pair of umpire pants. The Fechheimer flat front pants are too high waisted for me and tight across the groin area. This is the only brand carried by officialgear.com.

(1) Is there another brand and source that you can recommend?

(2) I've come across Smitty umpire pants which are pleated. Thoughts on these?

(3) Is there a brand of combo pants that look good when worn as base umpire pants as well as plate umpire pants?

Thanks!

[umpirebob71]

I've been wearing the Smitty combo pants for about 2 years, and I like them just fine. I absolutely do not like the Fecheimer pants. They fit terribly.

[Andy]

If you work an ASA National level tournament, the Fechheimer pants are required. I don't like the way they fit or look either, but that is the requirement.

In my part of the world, pleats are discouraged....pleats are for baseball umpires, not softball umpires.

As they say on the basketball board...YMMV

(your mileage may vary)

[Skahtboi]

There are several styles of Fechheimer pants, not just the ones manufactured for ASA. Personally, I prefer the non-ASA Fechs to just about any other umpire pant out there. (Dalco, Keen, Smitty...etc.) And I have tried most of them. Fechs tend to last longer and keep their color longer. You can find the Fechs in pleated front, flat front with normal pockets, combos, both pleated and flat front, and of course the ASA style with the western cut pockets.

One purveyor of the non-ASA style pants is Lester's Upstate Sports.

I do recommend with both Fechheimer and Cliff Keen pants that you purchase a size larger than what you normally wear. If you wear a size 34 daily, for example, purchase size 36 for your umpire pants. Other companies, such as Dalco, you purchase the size you wear.

[Dutch Alex]

I also have a problem with pants: Only Honig's delivers in Europe and their pants are for men with a beer-barrel in front We have no problems with pleated or flat front but most won't deliver outside the USA.
So I contacted Larry White from LAS, Legends Athletic Supply: Softball and Umpires Equipment, : Home . He wrote me not to do much in pants (yet). He sells the pleated pants...

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Dutch Alex

I also have a problem with pants: Only Honig's delivers in Europe and their pants are for men with a beer-barrel in front We have no problems with pleated or flat front but most won't deliver outside the USA.
So I contacted Larry White from LAS, Legends Athletic Supply: Softball and Umpires Equipment, : Home . He wrote me not to do much in pants (yet). He sells the pleated pants...

So are you saying that having a beer belly is a problem? And you call yourself Dutch?

I love my beer.

[shagpal]

if you opt to go with the flex-waist base pants @ lester's, you can stay w/ your normal waist size.

here's a place for cheap plates, but the clearance sizes are limited now:
Stripes & Strikes

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

There are several styles of Fechheimer pants, not just the ones manufactured for ASA. Personally, I prefer the non-ASA Fechs to just about any other umpire pant out there. (Dalco, Keen, Smitty...etc.) And I have tried most of them. Fechs tend to last longer and keep their color longer. You can find the Fechs in pleated front, flat front with normal pockets, combos, both pleated and flat front, and of course the ASA style with the western cut pockets.

One purveyor of the non-ASA style pants is Lester's Upstate Sports.

I do recommend with both Fechheimer and Cliff Keen pants that you purchase a size larger than what you normally wear. If you wear a size 34 daily, for example, purchase size 36 for your umpire pants. Other companies, such as Dalco, you purchase the size you wear.

[Inthegame]

I gotta tell ya -
I needed pants because I thought my pants were "too pink." The local sporting goods store only had Smitty expando waist pants. I bought them - my waist size. I am SOOOO disappointed for the following reasons -
1. The the little rubber stripes to keep your shirt in don't work - had to buy the extra inside belt thing
2. The waist folds over the top of my belt - so I look sloppy - had to buy a new belt
3. The position of the belt loops do not keep my bag close to my side so it bunches open - new ball bag I dont think so
4. I am not comfortable with expando yet - pants just "feel" droopy
5. No heather gray just the "darker" shade of gray

Maybe I'm just picky

I have always used Cliff Kleen pants and have had no issues.

Just FYI

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by ctblue

I'm having difficulty finding a good fitting pair of umpire pants. The Fechheimer flat front pants are too high waisted for me and tight across the groin area. This is the only brand carried by officialgear.com.

(1) Is there another brand and source that you can recommend?

(2) I've come across Smitty umpire pants which are pleated. Thoughts on these?

(3) Is there a brand of combo pants that look good when worn as base umpire pants as well as plate umpire pants?

Thanks!

I've got a big *** and wide hips and I have no problem with Fechheimers to the point they are my casual wear for work and other activities. But, that's me.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

But, that's me.