I am going to start calling some FP and need some gear recommendations. I'm checking the ASA web site and perhaps others. Thanks in advance!

I think there was a similar topic a couple of weeks ago. Try looking for it. Otherwise, try 2 or 3 vendors for different styles and pricing. Many prefer the ultralight masks, maximum protection chest protector, shin guards without foot flaps if you have good plate shoes, etc.

Tap,
What level of fastpitch are you going to be working? That will dictate an awful lot about the gear that you need.

Steve M

I know a lot of guys don't wear chest protector, or shin guards when working HS games. Just mask, cup, and plate shoes as far as gear is concerned.

NJump,

Are any of those guys named Happy Gilmore. Man, they're crazy.

SamC

gear
 

Steve M.,

Probably high school/travel ball. I'm looking at mask, chest protector, shin guards, plate shoes, and perhaps plate pants (though I've heard of some people wearing base pants at the plate, with smaller shin guards -- not sure how common that is). Thanks for the input.

Tap

Tap,

Go to the below site.

http://www.honigs.com.

They have a good selection and from high dollar to medium
range.

glen

Tap,
OK, you will want good gear.

Get a good, lightweight mask - mine is a metal one and has taken some good shots. Chest protector and shin guards, I'd recommend the product called The UMP (softball version). Those shin guards will comfortably fit under Fech Base pants, but not under Honig or Cliff Keen. I'd also go with high top plate shoes, don't get the patent leather. Honig, Gerry Davis, Plus POS are all pretty much the same, so go for the one with the best price when you buy. I wear all the gear, all the time. I know some others don't. Most of the time that will be OK. I wear the gear for the times during the year I get hit, maybe 4-5 times a year. There is nothing soft about a softball. At the high school and ASA travel ball levels, the ball is nearly as hard as a baseball. At the college level, the softball is harder than a baseball.

Steve M

Get good steel toe plate shoes..
 

I learned the hard way last year after 19 years of wearing non-steel toes. Missed 2 monthes of the season with big toe fractured in two places from an errant pitch. Got the Honigs high tops the very next day.

Tap,

I would also recommend a good lightweight mask. I have never bought plate pants. I use the UMP SHINS and they fit fine under my regular pants, althought I am not really thrilled with them. The velcro on the knee caps is comming off, and the left one keeps splipping around to the side. Steel toe shoes. I also have the UMP chest protector. I like it alot, but don't believe it when they say it doesn't absorb sweat. If you don't wash it, it WILL get rank.

Good luck, and welcome to the FP ranks.

thanks
 

Thanks to all for the great suggestions. Will be ordering soon.
Steve

Dang...I can't believe I have been so busy that I haven't checked in here in two weeks. Tap, if you haven't already ordered the chest protector, I would add that if you are going to be calling in a hot climate, (such as the climate I call in, Texas) you may want to order a Cooper or an All-Star softball chest protector. They breathe much better than the Ump and several others!


Scott

Wondered where you had been Scott. Busier that a
cat covering, welllll you know.. All the early rain
out being made up has really kept us hopping here in
East Texas. Three double headers a week...Would not
have it any other way.....LOL..The DbleHdrs being brought
about because even the JV's making up games.

glen

That's the way it has been up here in North Texas as well Glen. I have been out calling ball, strictly high school V and JV, 5 days a week for four weeks now, with as many as 4 games (not talking tourneys here) a day! I am one tired puppy!

Scott