New gear this year?

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

CecilOne, in the ASA Jacket indicated he is 'pledging' not to buy any new gear/unis this year, so I thought I would start a new thread directly asking:

What new gear do you need/want to buy this year? that includes unis too!

Let me run down the state of my gear:

Mask: Only a couple of seasons old - nice and broke in now (yer basic two tone Wilson combo vinyl/doeskin)

Body protector: My Pro Nine protector is still solid after 5 seasons of use, I am good there.

Leg guards: DING DING DING My Davis guards are also five, and have taken more than their share of hits - They are pretty scratched up, and, more importantly, the inside liners are getting worn - time to replace! I'm definitely buying those again.

Base shoes: My NB field shoes are still in very good shape, and literally as comfortable as an old shoe At least another season before replacement!

Plate shoes: DING DING DING My old Spotbilt high tops still fit, but look worn, so time to replace! Any recommendations on a good, fairly reasonable plate shoe?

Uniforms: NYSSO finally voted for heather gray pants - but - made it 'optional' for the local groups. Seeing as how our local had voted to recommend the change, I can actually go out and buy new gray, and not buy navy blue (our ASA group went gray couple of years ago..)


so that is basically it for me - I always buy at least one new hat every year, and couple of other small things, but that is automatic for me!

Your turn!

[NCASAUmp]

Base shoes:
Since I'm primarily SP, I go through base shoes like Pez. I have to buy a new pair almost every year because either the soles get completely worn out, or the leather or stitching starts breaking. I tried 3N2, but their quality is pretty poor, in my not-so-humble opinion.

Plate shoes:
Honig's and ump-attire.com are both selling the New Balance 450s for $80 to make way for the 460s. They give great protection and support, and they're very comfortable.

Shin guards:
I'm definitely good there. My Pro-Nines are too new to be scuffed up that badly.

Chest Protector:
Still good. Pro-Nine CPU-B.

Mask:
I might want to consider something a little heavier than what I currently have: the Diamond ix3 mask. It's very light and extremely comfortable, but I think I'll need something a bit more solid if I plan on moving up. Plus, it never hurts to have a backup, as masks can still crack, especially if it's really cold out.

Uniforms:
I know people have their opinions on the style of Fechheimer, but I've got pants that are going on their 3rd year without a problem. Their quality and durability are really top-notch. My shirts are still holding up pretty well, but I plan on replacing some of them once ASA switches shirts (I hear a new option is probably coming next year - same style, different manufacturer/material).

Caps: I've got two 8-stitch caps and one 4-stitch. I'm all set.

I'm still working on getting the funds to purchase my new online home, and I plan on having a section there devoted entirely towards this subject. A few of you have already seen the basic plans, but I won't open house until I update the framework. I'll let you know. PM for details.

[NSABill]

The 3n2 Plate shoe is for sure the most comfotable plate shoe I have ever had.
Got them last year for the first time. Will never wear anything else again.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by NSABill

The 3n2 Plate shoe is for sure the most comfotable plate shoe I have ever had.
Got them last year for the first time. Will never wear anything else again.

My first pair of the base shoes started cracking at the toes after just a couple of months (less than 100 games). 3N2 showed good customer service by shipping another pair to me free of charge, but those started to wear out very unevenly and very quickly. I replaced those with another pair, but the soles started to separate from the shoe after about 100 games. I had a rep offer to replace them yet again, but I declined.

I'm done with 3N2 until they can get their act together.

[IRISHMAFIA]

For base shoes, I'll stick with a NB walking shoe. They provide a nice wide base. The ones I wear today are the same I word 3 years ago and because they are somewhat of a standard black shoe, I can wear them anytime/anywhere, not just for softball.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

For base shoes, I'll stick with a NB walking shoe. They provide a nice wide base. The ones I wear today are the same I word 3 years ago and because they are somewhat of a standard black shoe, I can wear them anytime/anywhere, not just for softball.

Got a particular model number that you like?

[Bill S]

Would not touch the base shoe. Do seem cheap.
I was given the 3n2 base shoe and just did not like them. Comfortable as heck but gave me blisters. Gave them away pretty quick.

Plate shoes so far are holding up pretty good. 100+ games.

[argodad]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

For base shoes, I'll stick with a NB walking shoe. They provide a nice wide base. The ones I wear today are the same I word 3 years ago and because they are somewhat of a standard black shoe, I can wear them anytime/anywhere, not just for softball.

But doesn't the spit-shine stand out with your blue jeans?

[7in60]

Plate shoes: I bought a new pair of NB450s last winter. I went up a half size and a width from my previous pair (on a tip I read here) and they were much more comfortable.

Base shoes: I have a pair of NB walking shoes that I like. I also have a pair of very light patent leather shoes that I can't keep rocks out of during games.

Mask: I bought an ultra-lightweight Rawlings mask last spring that I love. I also have a Wilson lightweight mask and a Diamond goalie-style mask.

Shin pads: I have a pair of basic Champion guards. If I was doing senior mens regularly I'd probably want to upgrade. but they are fine for the ball I do.

Caps: I have my original short peak (fitted, 7 years and counting) and a couple mesh long peaks. I have 2 stretchfit short peaks which have stretched to the point where I cannot wear them - even a S/M! I got them from Home Run Sports in Canada.

Uniforms: I have 3 Softball Canada powder blue shirts, and 3 of the new Slo Pitch Ontario shirts (powder / navy / red). I'm good there.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by ASA/NYSSOBLUE

Leg guards: DING DING DING My Davis guards are also five, and have taken more than their share of hits - They are pretty scratched up, and, more importantly, the inside liners are getting worn - time to replace! I'm definitely buying those again.

The is where I miss the old The Ump gear. My shin guards are 12 years old, still in very usable condition, though I would like to replace them soon. They have taken their share of abuse. I want a product that can stand up like this again.

[txtrooper]

I bought a new pair of the Reebok plate and base shoes this year; they are definately more comfortable than my New Balance!

[KJUmp]

Decided to give the long sleeve shirt a try this year for thise days that you have the plate and it's still too cool/breezy for a short sleeve shirt, but you just know you'll sweat in your jacket.

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

Ordered the 3n2 plate shoes from OfficialGear.com - should have them in time to show off at our new officials clinic next week! I sort of have to order a lot of things from ASA now, as our Past President and co-clinician Kathy Zifchock, is now NYS UIC.... Our little group has now produced TWO NYS UIC's.....

[NSABill]

You will love those 3n2 plate shoes.

I decided to not buy anything new untill "I am ready." (clothing wise)
Although all my equipment is rather new. Spoiled myself starting baseball again last year.

I did bring some pants to the alteration department as I believe the lights in my closet shrunk them over the winter.