ksump55

Update...I did get my bag as purchased in 3 working days. Shipped nicely packed and without any scratches, etc. I would recommend doing business with Joe's Bats. And for the price, it's hard to beat saving around $30 on the bag.

I actually did purchase a bag from Joes Bats on Wednesday, $121.65 with free shipping! I spoke with them over the phone to make sure they had the bags in stock just in case. They had shipping confirmation to me the next morning and the bag is scheduled to arrive in 3 days! Nice to talk to but we'll see when the bag gets here if it's all correct! I'll keep everyone updated.

Boyinr would you share where you are getting the deals on the bags? I am looking to purchase one and could use a discount.

I agree that pictures would help. I would like to know how to possibly keep them down before I just go and cut them off.

I got my new West Vest Gold this year and love the protection that it offers. My only concern with the fit is the upper rib pads that are like wings under my arms. I am not sure of exactly how these should feel. For those that use the Gold, do you tuck the pads under your arms, leave them out or any other ideas or suggestions to make it just that much more comfortable of a fit.

I have also had both. At first I liked the Wilson a lot. Then after I took a hard shot right in the middle of the cage that bent the cage considerably, I started looking around. I tried on the All-Star System 7 at baseballsavings.com's store in Wichita and loved the fit! They even let me return the Wilson on warranty and get the All-Star for no extra cost! After half a high school season and all of summer ball I couldn't be happier. In my opinion the All-Star is hands down better in every way!

Just wanting to give everyone a heads up on some deals I found. HitRunScore is currently offering 10% off on your order with free shipping as well on orders over $69. I used this to finally make the move I have been hesitant to make and picked up my new West Vest Gold for $143.99 total. I felt that was a great deal! Also for those that like +Pos jackets, +pos.com has a certain number of jackets available for $39.99 with $5.95 shipping. Quantities are limited, so if you're interested better hurry. I have had smooth transactions with both in the past so I wanted to pass along the info.

Just an update. I went to purchase a new Wilson Shock FX 2.0 umpire helmet and ended up with the catcher's version of the helmet. I got it for a steal at BaseballSavings.com which is actually located in Wichita, KS. I did try on both models and for the added expense, I didn't think that it was quite worth it. Can't wait for spring ball to start in about 2 months so that I can try it out. I'll give a review later.

Do they have umpire models, or did you just get one of their "catcher's" models?

So what model did you get then? The normal umpire A5590 or A5591 or another?

I had posted some questions regarding HSM. One company that I forgot to consider was All-Star. Does anyone have any preference between the Wilson HSM and the All-Star HSM? I would take any opinions and reasons. Thanks.

I'm sure I'll get crap for this being a newbie question, but what is the difference between the HSM for umpires and the HSM for catchers? The price difference is quite a bit between some of them and I was just wondering if buying the catchers version is just the same as the umpires version.

Just found another one....the Wilson A3191 on umpirejoewest.com. It looks like it's missing the Shock FX, but is made with titanium. Any advice on this one?

I am looking into getting a HSM for the upcoming season and am looking at a couple options. Does anyone have any knowledge of the Diamond EDGE Ump Helmet? I can find reviews on the Wilson FX (my other interest), but none for the Diamond. Any help on this or other HSM that I should also consider, please let me know.