Rock Bottom

@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!

Somehow I've missed this all these years and have been using Lysol - just ordered some OdoBan now!

@Thunderheads Please lock this up. Thanks!

Re-posting for the new season - let me know if you're interested! Mike

Just bumping this to see if anyone has gotten the smooth matte finish version and can compare it to the sand. Thanks!

I'm surprised no one has responded. Even if you can't compare to the sand finish, can anyone comment on the new smooth matte version and how well it works with the Ump Life harness (or even the All-Star Deltaflex)? Thanks again!

Has anyone gotten the new smooth matte finish and can you compare it to the original sand finish? I'm particularly interested in which is "grippier" with the Ump Life harness. I have the sand version and I'm just wondering if it's worth getting the new version. THANKS https://www.ump-attire.com/Products/SC900UMP-REG/All-Star-Cobalt-Umpire-Skull-Cap-Regular-Matte

Just got the shoes back from my cobbler - he did an INCREDIBLE job (see pic). VERY comfortable too - I'm mad at myself that I didn't think to do this with my previous pair of shoes, the black duct tape pretty much has ruined them I fear - pulling the tape out destroyed the padding and the leather is a mess, but at least I think I saved at least another season with this other pair. Again, this cost me only $20 too!

I'll post them when I get them back. I tried the black duct tape thing on a different pair and it got me through about half a season, but now they are a mess - I'm hoping maybe to revive that pair too depending on how this better pair works out. I'll keep you posted.

On the bright side, the only one who will notice are other umpires as long as your shoes are clean. Hell, most of the fields I ump at are dirt, and my shoes are dusty or muddy by the time I get to the plate meeting no matter how perfect they were when I put them on at the car.

Update - the only real problem with my current shoes is the padding along the heel/sides, so I took it to an old-fashioned cobbler to see what he could do and he said he can't fix the padding but could cover it with leather, so I'm waiting to get them back. Only $20! If this works it will be well worth the investment - I'll update with comments and pics later if warranted.

They felt like boots also also didn't fit well with my shin guards which sit higher with the mids.

Yeah, I need shoes that can handle up to solid 18U pitching.

I loved the low cut New Balance plate shoes but hate the mid-cut. It seems like everything is mid-cut now, except the 3N2 which get poor reviews. Does anyone have any suggestions for low-cut plate shoes that I hopefully am missing?

Thanks @MadMax !!! I'm assuming you are using the Shear3 more than the Cloud4 (or maybe I'm wrong) but can you comment on the Cloud4 vs. the All-Star Mag pads - any preference with the Mirage12 - I'm just debating with myself whether to add the Cloud4 pads in addition to the Shear3 (I have two Mirage12 masks so I can put one set of pads on each). I'm going to use the Shear for HS games (kids around here are throwing in the high 80s low 90s), but for the 14U and below games I was debating between the Cloud4 and ASMags. Thanks again for your always helpful posts!

Has anyone worn the Shear3 in a game yet and can comment on it? How is the weight? How well does it absorb hits? Any other comments? Also, and comments on experience with the two different sock choices? I have the mesh sock - what does the microfiber suede feel like? Is it like the All-Star mag pads or something different? THANKS!

Has anyone received the Cloud4 pads with sock? If so could you share the weight of the mask w/pads and socks, NOT including the harness. I have the Shear3, and haven't used them yet - they seem to be really high quality, but I think the sock/core innovation adds a fair amount of weight, so I'd like to know how much lighter the Cloud4/sock combo is. For comparison, NOT including the mask harness, these are my findings: All-Star FM4000 Steel/AS mag pads: 15.80 ounces Mirage 12/AS mag pads: 15.94 ounces Mirage 12/M12 Shear 3 pads/mesh sock: 21.45 ounces That's a significant difference, and I'm debating sticking w/the AS pads instead and I'm still in the return period, but I do like the fact the Mirage pads are custom made for Mirage 12, plus the ABS liner in the top pad which AS doesn't have. The Cloud4 might be a more apples to apples comparison. Other thoughts?

Well, the Cloud is out of stock, but I texted Gerry Davis and they said they'd give the sale price when it comes back in 1Q26; I did end up getting the Shear with the mesh cover while I wait. The only thing I'm wondering is how the Shear will feel weight-wise - one of the great things about the Mirage is how light it is - especially since I have it paired up with the All-Star mag pads right now; the Shear w/cover will be at least a few ounces heavier (the weight of the cover isn't listed).

@DerekGDS Assuming games are over 70° do you have a recommendation on which core to get? I'm torn between the Cloud and Shear (I'm not worried about the price difference). It's the extra 1.1 ounces on the Shear noticeable? Anything else to consider?

So, are you saying the mesh isn't good under 70?

If you are looking at the System 7 (CP4000) it's awesome. Very protective and while not airy I've used it on 95° days and haven't found it much worse than my old Schutt.