Jump to content

Majordave

Moderators
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    2,596

  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    53

 Content Type 

Review Reviews posted by Majordave

  1. Mizuno Pro plate shoes

    in Plate Shoes

    Posted

    So, I am definitely in a new umpire shoe buying mood lately. My buddy Mike told me about the new(ish) Samurai Gears website and I took a look.  The site owner, So (that’s his first name) is very helpful, will answer any question and has very good English. (Way better than my Japanese). He worked extended spring training here in the US with a young local pro school graduate I work college games and high school games with here in KC area. Even sent me a photo of himself and Josh together

    I bought the Mizuno Pro plate shoes. I placed my order on 12/21/17. They were shipped on 12/26/17 and they arrived on 12/29/17. I think that was pretty quickly so the shipping charge ($54) was pricy but it was worth it in my opinion.

    The shoes are incredibly light.  Synthetic leather with a shiny finish so I don’t think they will need any Leather Lustering in year one. Well padded inside. Large metatarsal plate.  Grippy looking sole. AND.....the toe feels like it’s steel. I have the old NB 450’s made out of real leather with a steel toe so I know how steel toes are supposed to feel. I asked him by email and So confirmed that they are steel toes. The list price was $185 and So sent me a coupon code that saved me $27.75. Yep. $200+ for a pair of shoes. But, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I never cheat my feet. The weight, comfort, and the steel toes make it worth the price as far as I’m concerned. So also sent me a pair of new SSK brand “toe socks” to try. They are comfortable but feel really weird on my feet. Will take some getting used to I think. So told me in an email that MLB umpire Dan Bellino loves them.

    Anyway, for me this site and its owner are a winner. I would love to try one of the Belgard and one of the Mizuno chest protectors one day. Maybe, if I win the lottery?

  2. Ultimate Pro Style Umpire Ball Bag

    in Ball Bags

    Posted

    I had the original and I have seen and touched the new...

    I believe the new bag is the real deal. It is of excellent workmanship and answers all the needs without any details left out. No elastic top, material is a polyester/nylon that will not fade. The zipper is hidden from view when worn properly. The stitching is made to last and the inside material makes the bag waterproof from moisture such as sweat sneaking in from your legs.

    There can be no legitimate complaint or criticism of this new ball bag.

    Buy it, you'll like it.

    I am awaiting my first pair right now.
    *** 
    The new ball bags are here...the new ball bags are here!
    I just checked my mailbox and got a package from Ump-Attire.com and Jim Kirk. The new Ultimate Pro Style Ball Bag(s), in black, are here! I had seen these in Chicago at the NCAA Clinic so no surprises with what I just received from Jim Kirk.

    The sewing workmanship is very good. I tugged firmly at the corners where the bag opens (that's the test for me) and the seams are very strong. No pulling or stretching. I have had the original Ultimate Ball Bag(s) in Navy. I liked the bag but quit using them when they faded. My son wears them now and will not switch. I have also used Gerry Davis nylon twill ball bags and they have torn at the seam corner twice. Repairable but still annoying.

    The nylon twill material will not fade in the wash like the originals did. The inside pocket material is a waterproof cordura style nylon that seems very durable and thick enough to protect the baseballs from sweaty legs. The lining is only on the inside that touches the legs. The outer edge of the inside of the bag is a single layer of the nylon twill. Nothing else would be necessary there. Any lining on the outside half would be overkill, in my opinion.

    Last but not least (at least to me) is the zippered pocket on the inside rear of the bag that touches the leg; a suitable place to put a car key/electronic opener, a coin for flipping at summer tourneys, an extra pen/pencil or a watch if needed for timed games, a wallet, all of the above. No, not necessary but definitely handy.

    As I stated earlier. There can be no legitimate criticism of this ball bag other than someone with an axe to grind or an unrequited need to put-down anything other than what they have as equipment.

    The price is also very competitive with any other ball bag out there.

    I don't think anyone will be disappointed in this ball bag. I know I am not.

    Edit: They do not look the least bit "smittyish" for those of you who care. They look just like my Gerry Davis and Honig's traditional pro-style ball bags.
    ***
    Game Use Review 2-21-09
    Put the new Ultimate Pro-Style Ball Bags (black) to use today. Actually my partner did. I wore my plate coat for game one. He wore them in game two in the rain. He had the original Ultimate Ball bags and said he liked them but also thought the material looked a little faded on his older ones and that the waterproof lining was a good idea along with losing the elastic top. He said he was ordering them next week or he would get over to Ump-Attire's business site personally and buy them. We live in KY near the HQ for Ump-Attire. My partner, Cedric, gave them a full endorsement and said they worked great!

  3. Honig's Poly-Wool Slacks

    in Umpire Pants

    Posted

    My opinion, for what its worth, is that there is no finer umpire uniform (as distinguished from equipment) item that I know of.

    These pants keep their shape, color, drape, fit, etc. They make you look like a professional more than any other uniform item.

    I have had some very good suits, some excellent custom tailored Army dress uniforms and trousers (Ralph Lauren-Polo, Claiborne, etc.).

    The Honig's Poly-Wools are every bit as good as those.

    I dry clean mine. I wear them to all of my games regardless of level (Little 9-10 all-stars to D-1). No one has ever said a word about the color being darker.

    No pink fading, etc.

    I just scored a pair of each on E-bay (less than 1 year old per the seller) for a total of $39 shipped.

    I am selling all of my heather gray Honig's polyesters and Fechheimers. Already sold my Gerry Davis dark gray. I will not wear any other pants to umpire in if I can help it.

  4. Wilson Titanium Mask

    in Traditional Masks

    Posted

    Lightest mask with real leather pads I have touched. It does not weigh down your hat bill. Barely feels like you have it on. New View style profile so view is good but very different from traditional mask style. I like it so much I am selling my other three masks and using only this one. I looked up properties of Titanium and it is the real deal. Will not rust. It's only enemy as far as frame goes is high heat. (not baseballs but fire!) (grin) I have two new view style masks. No dents, headaches or problems with either. Black new view is three seasons old and has taken more than a dozen direct hits with no dents or ill effects. Gray new view is one season old with same results. Titanium is remarkably lighter and experts say it is stronger than steel/aluminum alloys/Chrome Moliben. If you can afford it and like masks instead of buckets try this one.

×
×
  • Create New...