Rock Bottom

Plenty of MLB umpires are now wearing the All Star S7 over the FM4000 magnesium so for starting out you're in great company. (MLB catchers are using it too.) I wore the S7 for 6 years and it was very good, only thing is I'd recommend upgrading the pads to the magnesium version. Stick with the skullcap too, I find it's much more comfortable than using a regular cap. I do like the Mirage 12 better but you're just starting and it's not like the S7 is some mediocre starter mask.

Nice review! My two cents: For the All-Star if you find it slipping I recommend getting another set of pads and mixing two sizes. I'm a 7-3/8 and in theory the large should fit me, but the large slips, but the medium is too tight. M/L mixture is PERFECT for me. As for the looks, no, it doesn't look great, but I think the padding is the best of any other option, so I'll take (perceived anyway) improved protection and comfort (again, my perception) over looks. I don't notice the weight or have venting problems with the UmpLife harness (I did have them with the DeltaFlex, because that harness is designed for catchers, so when you wear the mask forwards the DF covers the vent holes - that's not an issue with the UL, but overall I do like the DF harness better because I think it slips less.) I'm pretty certain the shell of the AS is the same size no matter what padding you get. Mentioning that only because this issue was mentioned on the Rawlings. I'd REALLY love if Gerry Davis and/or @MadMax come out with a true UMPIRE skull cap - with great padding made for umps, but until I can consider that option I'm sticking with the All-Star and recommending it to all my partners. Overall what I love to see, no matter which one, is so many of us using skull caps now!

I got the extra padding and made my Large All Star skull call into a M/L by using one medium and one large pad. Works great! The helmets are the same size, it's the padding that's different. Smaller sizes are lucky, they have thicker padding.

They had that one when the ump version came out, it's the catchers model.

The All Star doesn't look great but the padding is excellent.

Better padding than the All Star or the Rawlings? The All Star padding is excellent and removable and washable.

Very cool seeing him wearing the new smooth matte finish All-Star too; did someone say Gerry Davis is going to be making a skull cap? I like the Delta Flex harness, but I think for an ump the all black one looks better.

More proof that no one cares except other umpires (as long as you look professional and clean).

Any estimate on when yours is coming? Working with Gerry Davis maybe?

After switching to one I don't know how people ump with a traditional mask without one. Even safety aside (which is a huge thing to put aside) I find wearing the mask is much more comfortable with the skully (I use the All Star Cobalt - looks-wise I know it's not the best, but the padding and comfort if far superior from the other models I've tried) and you don't need to but a ton of hats.

@DerekGDS What is the difference between DX Mk2 and the DX Kuta? They look identical to me (not including the color of course). Thanks!

I haven't used this, but it's what Gemini suggested: https://supercrease.com/dry-cleaners-tailors/

I have to say, that was what probably sealed the deal for me in getting the Mirage over the All-Star FM4000Mag.

I'm seeing more umps and a lot of catchers in the MLB who have switched to the FM4000 steel this year.

The LUC magnesium version are $70!