Thinking about transitioning...

[Welpe]

One thing I'd recommend getting is a set of full length UnderArmour heat gear tights (or an equivalent manufacturer) to wear while working the plate. They keep the shin guards from chafing your legs and they help keep you cool(er) by wicking the sweat away from your legs.

Not sure if you wear a cup while working slow pitch but one of those are essential as well.

I've been eying up the Honig's Zero Gravity CP as well. It is on sale right now also.

Now is actually a good time to pick up gear as Honig's has a lot of it on sale.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Welpe

One thing I'd recommend getting is a set of full length UnderArmour heat gear tights (or an equivalent manufacturer) to wear while working the plate. They keep the shin guards from chafing your legs and they help keep you cool(er) by wicking the sweat away from your legs.

Not sure if you wear a cup while working slow pitch but one of those are essential as well.

I've been eying up the Honig's Zero Gravity CP as well. It is on sale right now also.

Now is actually a good time to pick up gear as Honig's has a lot of it on sale.

I'm good on the cup. Shock Doctor carbon fiber. Definitely solid protection.

Good call on the Under Armour. I wear their ASA shirt under my powder blues, and wouldn't go on the field without it.

[shagpal]

nothing like a nutty buddy.

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I'm good on the cup. Shock Doctor carbon fiber. Definitely solid protection.

Good call on the Under Armour. I wear their ASA shirt under my powder blues, and wouldn't go on the field without it.

[txump81]

I use the K98 with microfiber pads from Honigs and their ZG chest protector. The K98 is super light the microfiber pads are awesome against my face. The only thing I have had problems with is getting the ZG to stay put. I finally used some electrical tape to keep the straps where they needed to be and now it fits well and stays where it needs to be.

[BretMan]

Those K2 chest protectors kind of freak me out. It just doesn't seem like there's enough there to give me peace of mind. I go to the opposite end of the scale and wear the Wilson Platinum. I'd rather be over-protected that not protected enough. It's very comfortable to me and as far as being "hotter", if it's hot out you're going to be hot no matter what you have on.

[robbie]

Definately LOVE my Tanel plate shoes. I bought an extra pair to save until needed just in case they change them in the future. I believe they are as light weight as any plate shoe and as to comfort - one absolutely could wear them on the bases or ever to church. Actually, I should say around the house because they fit like slippers. I also wear the Tanel base shoe.

This weekend I was thinking about posting this as FYI, but this thread seemed appropriate...

[JEL]

I use the same mask and shingaurds for fastpitch as I do in @#%%ball. Both are Diamond the mask being the light weight model.

Fit and comfort are tops for my choice. I use the Schutt Comfort chest protector for that reason. Some don't use a CP (one guy frequents here). Those aren't being macho, just their decision and trade off of need vs comfort.

Another item that has not been addressed (and where I trade comfort for need) is the plate shoes. I wear the same shoes behind the plate that I do on base. Just haven't found a comfortable pair. I have been hit in the foot and it does sting, but because of the size of the softball vs a baseball the force is spread over a larger area. You may not want to chance it, so look into plate shoes.

My wife found and uses a pair of steel toed Skechers (sp?) and loves them. I have yet to find them in my size.

If you can find an equipment store and try stuff on, or try on some of your friends stuff you may be better able to choose.

You will want new kees after your first couple of games! Can't help you there! Hope you enjoy the fastpitch side. It can be fun.

[robbie]

Originally Posted by JEL

Another item that has not been addressed (and where I trade comfort for need) is the plate shoes. I wear the same shoes behind the plate that I do on base. Just haven't found a comfortable pair.

See above post. Tanel, hands down..

[JEL]

Originally Posted by robbie

See above post. Tanel, hands down..

Yeah, I've tried them but my feet would work well for a duck!

It's hard to find shoes that fit over swim fins.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by robbie

See above post. Tanel, hands down..

The Tanel plate shoe's toe box is too cramped for my foot. The steel cuts into the top of my foot when I bend my foot at the toes to walk. I even went to the Tanel HQ and tried on several different sizes from their warehouse... no dice. IMO, they tried to make it look too much like a sneaker, keeping the toe box too short (top to bottom) so the shoe doesn't "look" big.

[BretMan]

I bought a pair of Tanel plate shoes about five years ago and really liked them. After about four seasons (I would estimate somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 plate games), despite taking good care of them they really began to show their age. The surface finish began peeling and cracking in spots, the metatarsal guards started to rip loose at the seam where they are sewn on, they have heavy wear and cracking at the "hinge" where your foot bends right next to the steel toe box and a couple of the eyelets where you lace them up ripped out.

Normal wear and tear? I don't know. Maybe 200 games is just the life expectancy for these shoes. They look good and feel great when they're newer. Even my well-worn Tanels look pretty decent with a good polishing and I keep them in my bag in case I wind up on a muddy field.

Last year I bought a pair of the new Rebok plate shoes and love them. I guessing about 50-60 games on them so far and no apparent wear issues. To me, these feel like a pair of tennis shoes, really comfortable and excellent protection. One issue "ASA-wise"...they do have white lettering on the heel and a while logo (about 1" square) on the tongue. I may try to black those out if I find a good way to do it. The old magic marker routine can look pretty cheesy if the white still bleeds through.

[robbie]

Originally Posted by BretMan

I bought a pair of Tanel plate shoes about five years ago and really liked them. After about four seasons (I would estimate somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 plate games), despite taking good care of them they really began to show their age. The surface finish began peeling and cracking in spots, the metatarsal guards started to rip loose at the seam where they are sewn on, they have heavy wear and cracking at the "hinge" where your foot bends right next to the steel toe box and a couple of the eyelets where you lace them up ripped out.

Normal wear and tear? I don't know. Maybe 200 games is just the life expectancy for these shoes. They look good and feel great when they're newer. Even my well-worn Tanels look pretty decent with a good polishing and I keep them in my bag in case I wind up on a muddy field.

Last year I bought a pair of the new Rebok plate shoes and love them. I guessing about 50-60 games on them so far and no apparent wear issues. To me, these feel like a pair of tennis shoes, really comfortable and excellent protection. One issue "ASA-wise"...they do have white lettering on the heel and a while logo (about 1" square) on the tongue. I may try to black those out if I find a good way to do it. The old magic marker routine can look pretty cheesy if the white still bleeds through.

A possible tip for prolonged life. I do not use the liquid "polish" with the foam applicator brush like many do. I keep them polished with "real" Kiwi polish in the tin and only when really needed. I always keep them clean, but they may not have a super glossy "shine." I think the liquid stuff contributes to drying out.

Also, weight was important to me. My Tanels weigh 2 lbs 14 oz for the pair of size 11s.

ps - Not in any way knocking your choice of Reboks. Its most important for the individual to be happy with his/her choice. Thats why there are choices out there. My son loves his HEAVY New Balances....

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by JEL

You will want new kees after your first couple of games! Can't help you there! Hope you enjoy the fastpitch side. It can be fun.

I always do squats before the season, sets of 10 3 times a day, up to sets of 25-30 for about 2 weeks.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by JEL

You will want new kees after your first couple of games! Can't help you there! Hope you enjoy the fastpitch side. It can be fun.

Actually, I do get into the slot and get into the set position, even in SP. Granted, it's not NEARLY as low as, say, on a 10U batter, but for a 6' guy like myself, I can take it. The knees are just fine, and I've already got a pretty wide stance that I feel very comfortable with.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by JEL

Some don't use a CP (one guy frequents here). Those aren't being macho, just their decision and trade off of need vs comfort.

Maybe not macho, but stupid. Wonder how much comfort they will get from a solid shot in the sternum. I've seen that stop a heart (in a player). On-site EMT on another team/another field is the only reason that guy lived.